Home appliance and method for controlling same

Abstract

A method for controlling a home appliance according to embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise the operations of: setting a custom zone on a space map that provides information on the structure of an indoor space and information on the arrangement of at least one home appliance; identifying that a user enters the custom zone; and controlling the at least one home appliance in a preset custom mode. For example, an air conditioner may control at least one of a blowing direction, a blowing intensity, and a blowing temperature in a preset custom mode on the basis of identifying that a user enters the custom zone.

Description

Home appliances and their control methods

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a control technology for a home appliance, and more particularly, to a home appliance including at least one of an air conditioner and a refrigerator and a control method thereof.

[0002] Recently, with the development of smart home systems and the Internet of Things (IoT), home appliance control technology has been greatly developed.

[0003] For example, home appliance control technology can remotely control appliances through a user's smartphone or voice recognition device, or automatically adjust lighting, heating, and / or security systems. Furthermore, home appliance control technology can learn a user's lifestyle patterns and optimize energy use based on those patterns.

[0004] Because users' lifestyles, personal preferences, and indoor environments vary, home appliance settings need to be individually optimized to account for these factors. For example, while watching a movie in the living room, home appliance settings such as lighting, speakers, or air conditioning need to be adjusted to suit the user's preferences.

[0005] Meanwhile, existing smart home systems primarily view the entire home as a single environment and control appliances collectively. However, in reality, each space within the home has distinct functions, requiring precise control of appliances tailored to each space. Therefore, technology is needed that independently recognizes each space and provides control of appliances customized to its specific characteristics.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a method for controlling a home appliance by setting a custom zone on a spatial map and defining a custom mode for each custom zone, thereby controlling at least one home appliance to operate in a custom mode optimized for the location and behavior of a user.

[0007] In addition, various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a method for controlling a home appliance that identifies user characteristics, adjusts a custom mode to optimize the user's preference or health condition, and adjusts the custom mode according to priorities among multiple users when multiple users use a custom zone simultaneously.

[0008] An air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit. The at least one indoor unit may include a communication unit and at least one processor connected to the communication unit. The at least one processor sets a custom zone on a space map that provides information on the structure of an indoor space and information on the arrangement of at least one home appliance, and controls the communication unit to receive custom zone sensing data from an external server based on identification of a user entering the custom zone, and controls at least one of an airflow direction, an airflow intensity, and an airflow temperature in a preset custom mode based on the custom zone sensing data.

[0009] A refrigerator according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a memory, a display, a communication unit, and at least one processor connected to the communication unit. The at least one processor may set a custom zone on a space map that provides information on the structure of an indoor space and information on the arrangement of at least one home appliance, and control the communication unit to receive custom zone sensing data from an external server based on identification of a user entering the custom zone, and may control at least one of video quality, video brightness, and video volume of the display in a preset custom mode based on the custom zone sensing data.

[0010] A method for controlling a home appliance according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an operation of setting a custom zone on a space map that provides information on the structure of an indoor space and information on the arrangement of at least one home appliance, an operation of identifying a user entering the custom zone, and an operation of controlling the at least one home appliance in a preset custom mode.

[0011] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the home appliance control method of the present disclosure sets custom zones on a spatial map and defines custom modes for each custom zone, thereby controlling at least one home appliance to operate in a custom mode optimized for the user's location and behavior. Accordingly, the home appliance control method of the present disclosure can maximize the user's experience using the home appliance and improve the home appliance's energy efficiency.

[0012] Furthermore, the home appliance control method of the present disclosure can identify user characteristics and adjust a custom mode to optimize the user's preferences or health status. Furthermore, when multiple users simultaneously use a custom zone, the home appliance control method of the present disclosure can adjust the custom mode based on priorities among the multiple users. Therefore, the home appliance control method of the present disclosure can precisely reflect the user's preferred or required functions and provide a custom mode that is adaptively optimized to various environmental changes.

[0013] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing home appliances connected through a network in the same space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of a home appliance control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a spatial map according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing a custom zone set on a spatial map according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing an operation of a home appliance control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to sense an indoor space.

[0019] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a custom mode of a first home appliance when a user enters a first custom zone according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 7A and 7B are exemplary diagrams showing a custom mode of a second home appliance including a display when a user enters a first custom zone according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing a custom mode of a first home appliance when a user enters a second custom zone according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 9A and 9B are exemplary diagrams showing a custom mode of a second home appliance including a display when a user enters a second custom zone according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing an operation of a home appliance control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to adjust a custom mode by reflecting user characteristics or priorities between users.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to the function and control of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a refrigerator equipped with a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the interior of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] 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.

[0033] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0034] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] Terms such as "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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0042] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing home appliances connected through a network in the same space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, a home appliance (10) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the home appliance (10), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the home appliance (10) is stored.

[0045] The home appliance (10) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the home appliance (10) may include at least one of a refrigerator (11), a dishwasher (12), an electric range (13), an electric oven (14), an air conditioner (15), a clothes manager (16), a washing machine (17), a dryer (18), or a microwave oven (19), as illustrated. However, the type of the home appliance (10) of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the home appliance (10) may include various types of home appliances, such as a television, a lighting device, a smart speaker, a cleaning robot, or a vacuum cleaner, which are not illustrated in FIG. 1. In addition, the home appliances mentioned above are merely examples, and the home appliance (10) may include, in addition to the home appliances mentioned above, an electronic device that is connected to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) to perform the operations described below.

[0046] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. The server (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server (3) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0047] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering home appliances (10) by linking them to user accounts, and managing or controlling registered home appliances (10). For example, a user can access the server (3) through a user device (2) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register home appliances (10) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can link identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (10) to the user account, thereby registering, managing, and controlling the home appliance (10).

[0048] The user device (2) may include a communication module capable of communicating with a home appliance (10) or a server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2) is stored.

[0049] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, or a wearable device. In some embodiments, the user device (2) may be referred to as a tag device.

[0050] A program for controlling a home appliance (10), i.e., an application, may be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold installed in the user device (2) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0051] A user can access a server (3) by executing an application installed on a user device (2), create a user account, and communicate with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account to register a home appliance (10).

[0052] For example, when the home appliance (10) is operated so that the home appliance (10) can be connected to the server (3) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2), the home appliance (10) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (10) in the corresponding user account on the server (3).

[0053] A user can control a home appliance (10) using an application installed on the user device (2). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (2), a home appliance (10) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the home appliance (10) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the home appliance (10) via the server (3). In an embodiment, the user device (2) can set a custom zone based on the user input.

[0054] 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.

[0055] A network may include a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an Access Point (AP), or 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), or Z-Wave.

[0056] An access point (AP) can connect a home appliance (10) or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The home appliance (10) or the user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0057] The access point (AP) can communicate with a home appliance (10) or user device (2) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi™, IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (Bluetooth™, IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4) and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the home appliance (10) may be directly connected to the user device (2) or server (3) without going through an access point (AP).

[0059] The home appliance (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0060] For example, the home appliance (10) can be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0061] As another example, the home appliance (10) may be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0062] As another example, a home appliance (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0063] If the home appliance (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it can also function as an access relay. Accordingly, the home appliance (10) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. In addition, other home appliances can connect the home appliance (10) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0064] A home appliance (10) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) via a network. For example, the home appliance (10) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) when a request is received from the server (3), when a specific event occurs in the home appliance (10), or periodically or in real time. When information about its operation or status is received from the home appliance (10), the server (3) can update the information about the operation or status of the home appliance (10) that has been stored therein, and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the home appliance (10) to the user device (2) via a network. Here, updating information can include various operations that change existing information, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information, or an operation of replacing existing information with new information.

[0065] The home appliance (10) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3), and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the home appliance (10) can obtain information related to the function of the home appliance (10) (e.g., cooking methods, washing instructions), various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity) from the server (3), and output the obtained information through a user interface. According to an embodiment, the home appliance (10) can receive the user's location information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3). For example, the home appliance (10) can receive custom zone sensing data from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3).

[0066] The home appliance (10) can operate according to a control command received from another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3). For example, if the home appliance (10) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to a control command from the server (3) even without user input, the home appliance (10) can operate according to a control command received from the server (3). Here, the control command received from the server (3) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user device (2) or a control command based on preset conditions.

[0067] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the home appliance (10) or the server (3) via the communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, the user's health status, the user's preferences, and / or the user's schedule to the server (3). For example, the user device (2) can transmit custom zone sensing data to the home appliance (10) or the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) with the user's prior consent.

[0068] The home appliance (10), user device (2), or server (3) may determine a control command using artificial intelligence technology. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the home appliance (10) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process the information using artificial intelligence technology, and transmit the processing result or control command to the home appliance (10) or user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0069] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of a home appliance control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 2, the home appliance control system of the present disclosure can set a custom zone on a space map that provides information on the structure of an indoor space and information on the arrangement of at least one home appliance (operation 210), identify a user entering the custom zone (operation 220), and control at least one home appliance in a preset custom mode (operation 230).

[0071] For example, in operation 210, the appliance control system can set a custom zone on a space map that provides information about the structure of an indoor space and information about the placement of at least one appliance.

[0072] A spatial map can provide information about the structure of an indoor space and the arrangement of at least one home appliance. For example, the spatial map can include a three-dimensional (3D) image of an indoor space including at least one compartment. For example, the spatial map can include a three-dimensional (3D) image of a home appliance arranged in a predetermined compartment of the indoor space. As another example, the spatial map can include a two-dimensional (2D) image of an indoor space including at least one compartment.

[0073] In one example, at least one home appliance can obtain a spatial map of an indoor space and at least one home appliance can obtain a spatial map of the indoor space and the ...

[0074] For example, at least one home appliance can receive a spatial map in which an indoor space and at least one home appliance are mapped as a 2D or 3D image from an external server (e.g., server (3) of FIG. 1). The external server can store spatial information about the indoor space. The external server can store device information and user account information about the at least one home appliance. That is, at least one home appliance can receive a spatial map in which an indoor space and a home appliance are mapped in advance from the external server.

[0075] For example, at least one home appliance may obtain floor plan data for an indoor space and generate a spatial map of the indoor space. Furthermore, at least one home appliance may obtain location data of the home appliance and map the arrangement of the home appliance onto the spatial map of the indoor space. In other words, at least one home appliance may generate a spatial map based on the floor plan data for the indoor space and the arrangement data of the home appliance.

[0076] A custom zone can be a specific area on a spatial map defined based on a user's specific activities or needs. Unlike standardized or standardized spatial divisions, a custom zone can be a conceptual space customized to the user. For example, a custom zone can be configured differently based on a user's behavior, habits, routines, or preferences.

[0077] The location, size, and shape of a custom zone can be configured in various ways. For example, a home appliance control system can establish a custom zone by learning the user's repeated control of home appliances in a given area. For example, a home appliance control system can establish a custom zone based on user input. For example, a home appliance control system can automatically establish a custom zone by analyzing a spatial map.

[0078] For example, a custom zone could be a kitchen area where a user prepares food. A custom zone could be a bed area where a user actually sleeps. A custom zone could be a home office where a user works. A custom zone could be a fitness area where a user exercises.

[0079] In one example, in operation 220, the home appliance control system can identify that a user has entered the custom zone. For example, at least one home appliance around the custom zone can identify that the user has entered the custom zone by sensing a tag device carried by the user.

[0080] For example, at least one home appliance can identify that a user has entered the custom zone by sensing a tag device carried by the user based on UWB. For example, at least one home appliance can identify that a user has entered the custom zone by sensing a location of the user based on Bluetooth communication with the tag device. For example, at least one home appliance can identify that a user has entered the custom zone by sensing a tag device carried by the user based on GPS. For example, at least one home appliance can identify that a user has entered the custom zone based on location information of the tag device received from an external server.

[0081] The home appliance control system can generate custom zone sensing data based on the identification of a user entering the custom zone. For example, the custom zone sensing data may include at least one of whether the user entered the custom zone, the user's stay time in the custom zone, or whether the user exited the custom zone.

[0082] For example, in operation 230, the home appliance control system can control at least one home appliance in a preset custom mode.

[0083] The custom mode may be a control mode that performs a customized operation for the user based on at least one of the location, size, shape, or distance from the at least one surrounding home appliance of the custom zone. For example, at least one home appliance may activate the custom mode and operate in a preset custom mode based on the user entering the custom zone.

[0084] For example, the home appliance control system can control the air conditioner's blowing direction, blowing speed, or blowing temperature according to a preset custom mode when a user enters a custom zone.

[0085] For example, the home appliance control system may control the image quality, image brightness, or image volume of a display included in a refrigerator to a preset custom mode when a user enters a custom zone.

[0086] For example, a home appliance control system can control the brightness or color temperature of a lighting device to a preset custom mode when a user enters a custom zone.

[0087] For example, a home appliance control system can control the sound source, volume, or input method of a smart speaker in a preset custom mode when a user enters a custom zone.

[0088] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a spatial map (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 3, the space map (300) may provide information about the structure of an indoor space (310) and information about the arrangement of at least one home appliance. For example, the space map (300) may include a three-dimensional image (3D Image) of an indoor space (310) including at least one divided space. For example, the space map (300) may include a three-dimensional image (3D Image) of home appliances (320a to 320l) arranged in a predetermined divided space of the indoor space (310). As another example, the space map (300) may include a two-dimensional image (2D Image) of an indoor space (310) including at least one divided space.

[0090] For example, the indoor space (310) may be a predetermined indoor space (310) including at least one separate space, such as an apartment, an office, a restaurant, a cafe, a hospital, and a school. The indoor space (310) may include at least one home appliance.

[0091] For example, the home appliance may include at least one of a wall-mounted air conditioner (320a), an air purifier (320b), a standing air conditioner (320c), a robot vacuum cleaner (320d), a TV (320e), a clothes manager (320f), a washing machine (320g), a dryer (320h), an induction (320i), a hood (320j), a dishwasher (320k), or a refrigerator (320l). However, the types of home appliances of the present disclosure are not limited to the above examples, and may include various other home appliances in addition to the home appliances mentioned above.

[0092] According to one example, at least one home appliance can obtain an indoor space (310) and a space map (300) in which at least one home appliance is mapped as a 2D or 3D image.

[0093] For example, at least one home appliance can receive a spatial map (300) in which an indoor space (310) and at least one home appliance are mapped as 2D or 3D images from an external server (e.g., server (3) of FIG. 1). The external server can store spatial information about the indoor space (310). The external server can store device information and user account information about the at least one home appliance. That is, at least one home appliance can receive a spatial map (300) in which an indoor space (310) and a home appliance are mapped in advance from the external server.

[0094] For example, at least one home appliance can obtain floor plan data for an indoor space (310) and generate a space map (300) for the indoor space (310). In addition, at least one home appliance can obtain location data of the home appliance and map the arrangement of the home appliance on the space map (300) for the indoor space (310). That is, at least one home appliance can generate the space map (300) based on the floor plan data for the indoor space (310) and the arrangement data of the home appliance.

[0095] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing a custom zone set on a space map (410) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to Figure 4, a custom zone may be a predetermined area on a spatial map (410) defined according to a user's specific activities or needs. Unlike standardized or standardized spatial divisions, a custom zone may be a conceptual space customized to the user. For example, a custom zone may be configured differently based on the user's behavior, habits, routines, or preferences.

[0097] As shown in Figure 4, the location, size, and shape of a custom zone can be configured in various ways. For example, a custom zone could be a kitchen area (zone 1) where a user prepares food. For example, a custom zone could be a bed area (zone 2) where a user actually sleeps. For example, a custom zone could be a home office (zone 3) where a user works. For example, a custom zone could be a fitness area (zone 4) where a user exercises.

[0098] In one embodiment, the appliance control system can set a custom zone based on user input. For example, the appliance control system can receive user input using a user device (e.g., user device (2) of FIG. 1 ). The user input can include at least one of position setting, size setting, or shape setting of the custom zone. For example, the appliance control system can set a custom zone on a defined space map (410) based on the user input, according to the user's specific activity or needs.

[0099] In one embodiment, the home appliance control system can establish a custom zone by learning a user's repetitive control of the home appliance in a predetermined area. For example, at least one home appliance can learn the user's repetitive control characteristics of the at least one home appliance in a predetermined area on a spatial map (410) using an artificial intelligence model. For example, at least one home appliance can designate the predetermined area where the user repeatedly controls the home appliance as a custom zone based on the learning of the artificial intelligence model.

[0100] In one embodiment, the home appliance control system can automatically set a custom zone by analyzing the space map (410). For example, the home appliance control system can analyze the structure of the indoor space of the space map (410) and the arrangement of at least one home appliance using an artificial intelligence model. The home appliance control system can automatically set a custom zone based on the function of at least one home appliance, the distance between at least two home appliances, and the distance between at least one partition space and at least one home appliance.

[0101] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing an operation of a home appliance control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to sense an indoor space.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 5, the home appliance control system can identify when a user enters the custom zone (e.g., zone 1, zone 2). For example, at least one home appliance surrounding the custom zone can identify when the user enters the custom zone by sensing a tag device carried by the user.

[0103] A tag device is an electronic device that a user carries with him or her at all times and can provide information about the user's location to a home appliance control system. For example, the tag device may be a user device (e.g., user device (2) of FIG. 1) that includes at least one of a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, or a wearable device. In some embodiments, the tag device may include information about user characteristics.

[0104] At least one home appliance surrounding the custom zone can sense the user's location by sensing a tag device within a predetermined distance. For example, at least one home appliance surrounding the custom zone can identify the user's entry into the custom zone by sensing a tag device carried by the user.

[0105] In one embodiment, at least one home appliance can sense a tag device within a predetermined distance based on Ultra-Wideband (UWB). For example, if the tag device includes a UWB tag, the at least one home appliance can sense the location of a user based on UWB. By sensing a tag device carried by the user based on UWB, the at least one home appliance can identify when the user enters the custom zone.

[0106] In one embodiment, at least one home appliance can sense a tag device within a predetermined distance based on Bluetooth communication. For example, at least one home appliance can be connected to a tag device via Bluetooth communication. By sensing the user's location based on Bluetooth communication with the tag device, at least one home appliance can identify when the user enters the custom zone.

[0107] In one embodiment, at least one home appliance can sense the user's location based on GPS. For example, if the tag device includes GPS, at least one home appliance can sense the user's location based on GPS. At least one home appliance can identify the user's entry into the custom zone by sensing the tag device carried by the user based on GPS.

[0108] In one embodiment, at least one home appliance may sense the user's location based on communication with an external server. For example, if a tag device is connected to an external server via a network, the location information of the tag device may be stored in the server in real time. The at least one home appliance may receive real-time location information of the tag device from the external server. The at least one home appliance may identify the user's entry into the custom zone based on the location information of the tag device received from the external server.

[0109] A home appliance control system can generate custom zone sensing data based on identification of a user entering the custom zone. At least one home appliance can transmit sensing information to an external server. The external server can synthesize sensing information of at least one home appliance to generate custom zone sensing data. For example, the custom zone sensing data can include at least one of whether the user entered the custom zone, the user's stay time in the custom zone, or whether the user exited the custom zone. At least one home appliance can receive the custom zone sensing data from the external server.

[0110] In one embodiment, the appliance control system can determine whether a user's entry into a custom zone is temporary or long-term based on the user's duration of stay in the custom zone. For example, the appliance control system can measure the user's duration of stay in the custom zone after the user enters the custom zone.

[0111] The home appliance control system may determine that the user's entry into the custom zone is temporary if the user's stay time in the custom zone is less than or equal to a first reference time. For example, the first reference time may be between one and three minutes. If the user's entry into the custom zone is temporary, the home appliance control system may deactivate the custom mode of at least one home appliance.

[0112] The home appliance control system can activate the custom mode of at least one home appliance when the user's custom zone stay time exceeds a first reference time.

[0113] The home appliance control system may determine that the user's entry into the custom zone is a prolonged stay if the user's stay in the custom zone exceeds a second reference time. For example, the second reference time may be 15 to 20 minutes. If the user's entry into the custom zone is a prolonged stay, the home appliance control system may provide a notification to at least one home appliance to determine whether to maintain the custom mode.

[0114] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a custom mode of a first home appliance (600) when a user enters a first custom zone according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 7a and 7b are exemplary diagrams showing a custom mode of a second home appliance (700a, 700b) including a display when a user enters a first custom zone according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] In addition, FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing a custom mode of a first home appliance (800) when a user enters a second custom zone according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 9a and 9b are exemplary diagrams showing a custom mode of a second home appliance (900a, 900b) including a display when a user enters a second custom zone according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the home appliance control system may control at least one home appliance in a preset custom mode. The custom mode may be a control mode that performs a customized operation for the user based on at least one of the location, size, shape, or distance from the at least one home appliance in the custom zone. For example, at least one home appliance may activate the custom mode and operate in the preset custom mode based on the user entering the custom zone.

[0117] In one embodiment, the custom zone may be a kitchen area (zone1). For example, at least one appliance may operate in a preset custom mode based on the user entering the kitchen area (zone1).

[0118] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the air conditioner (600) can control the blowing direction upward, increase the blowing strength, and lower the blowing temperature based on the user entering the kitchen area (zone 1) to effectively manage the heat and moisture generated during cooking.

[0119] For example, as shown in Fig. 7a, the TV (700a) can lower the image quality, control the image brightness to darken, and increase the image volume based on the user entering the kitchen area (zone1) and taking into account the characteristics of watching TV while cooking.

[0120] For example, as shown in FIG. 7b, a refrigerator (700b) including a display (710) can display cooking-related content based on a user's entry into the kitchen area (zone 1). For example, the refrigerator (700b) can enhance the image quality of the display (710), increase the image brightness, and decrease the image volume.

[0121] For example, a lighting device may provide a bright and clear color temperature optimized for cooking based on the user entering the kitchen area (zone 1).

[0122] For example, a smart speaker could increase the volume to account for cooking noise or play an audio source explaining a recipe based on the user entering the kitchen area (zone 1).

[0123] In one embodiment, the custom zone may be a bed zone (zone2). For example, at least one appliance may operate in a preset custom mode based on the user entering the bed zone (zone2).

[0124] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the air conditioner (800) can control the blowing direction downward, reduce the blowing strength, set the blowing temperature to a temperature optimized for sleep, and operate in a low-noise mode based on the user entering the bed area (zone 2) to prevent sleep disturbance.

[0125] For example, as shown in FIG. 9a, the TV (900a) may lower the image quality, minimize the image brightness, and lower the image volume based on the user entering the bed area (zone 2). Furthermore, the TV may display sleep-inducing content based on the user entering the bed area (zone 2). Furthermore, the TV may enter power-saving mode based on the user entering the bed area (zone 2).

[0126] For example, as shown in FIG. 9b, a refrigerator (900b) including a display (910) may lower the image quality, minimize the image brightness, and lower the image volume based on the user entering the bed area (zone 2). Furthermore, the refrigerator (900b) may display sleep-inducing content on the display (910) based on the user entering the bed area (zone 2). Furthermore, the refrigerator (900b) may turn off the display (910) based on the user entering the bed area (zone 2).

[0127] For example, a lighting device may turn off the light based on the user entering the bed area. For example, a lighting device may gradually decrease the brightness of the light over time based on the user entering the bed area.

[0128] For example, a smart speaker could minimize the volume and play sleep music based on the user's entry into the bedroom. For example, a smart speaker could provide a voice prompt to set an alarm based on the user's entry into the bedroom.

[0129] In one embodiment, the custom zone may be a home office (e.g., home office (zone 3) of FIG. 4). For example, at least one home appliance may operate in a preset custom mode based on the user entering the home office.

[0130] For example, an air conditioner can maintain an appropriate air temperature to increase work efficiency based on the user's entry into the home office.

[0131] For example, the TV could turn off when the user enters the home office, allowing the user to focus on work.

[0132] For example, a lighting device may adjust the lighting color temperature to reduce eye strain based on the user entering the home office.

[0133] For example, a smart speaker could provide important notifications and emergency contacts based on your entry into the home office.

[0134] In one embodiment, the custom zone may be a fitness zone (e.g., fitness zone (zone4) of FIG. 4). For example, at least one home appliance may operate in a preset custom mode based on the user entering the fitness zone.

[0135] For example, an air conditioner may set the fan temperature to strong cooling to regulate body temperature during exercise and set the fan speed to maximum to promote air circulation based on the user's entry into a fitness zone.

[0136] For example, the TV could display workout-assistive content based on the user's entry into a fitness zone.

[0137] For example, a lighting device could be set to bright lighting that promotes energy and vitality based on the user entering the fitness zone.

[0138] For example, a smart speaker could play upbeat music to motivate a user to exercise based on the user's entry into a fitness zone.

[0139] In one embodiment, the appliance control system can switch from the custom mode to the normal mode and control at least one appliance in the normal mode based on the user's departure from the custom zone. For example, at least one appliance can identify that the user has departed from the custom zone based on custom zone sensing data and operate in the normal mode.

[0140] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing an operation of a home appliance control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to adjust a custom mode by reflecting user characteristics or priorities between users.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 10, the home appliance control system can identify user characteristics or user priorities upon entering a custom zone. For example, the home appliance control system can extract information about user characteristics or user priorities based on user information contained in the user's tag device.

[0142] The home appliance control system of the present disclosure can identify user characteristics included in a tag device carried by a user and adjust the settings of the custom mode based on the user characteristics.

[0143] User characteristics are unique information about an individual user, and can refer to personal characteristics that serve as criteria for distinguishing one user from another. For example, user characteristics may include at least one of the following: age, physical information, health status, lifestyle habits, technology affinity, or preferences.

[0144] In one embodiment, the custom zone may be a kitchen area (zone 1). The appliance control system may identify user characteristics contained in a tag device carried by the user upon entering the kitchen area (zone 1) and adjust the settings of the custom mode based on the user characteristics.

[0145] In one embodiment, the user characteristic may be a senior user. For example, an air conditioner (1010) may control the airflow direction to windless, reduce the airflow intensity, and increase the airflow temperature, considering the tendency of senior users to feel relatively cold. For example, a TV (1020) may improve image quality, control image brightness to brighten, and increase image volume, considering the elderly user's impaired eyesight or hearing. For example, a refrigerator (1030) including a display (1031) may improve image quality, control image brightness to brighten, and increase image volume, considering the elderly user's impaired eyesight or hearing. For example, a lighting device may provide sufficiently bright lighting to enable senior users to use the kitchen safely. For example, a smart speaker may provide voice recognition and voice command functions, allowing senior users to easily use other home appliances through voice commands.

[0146] In one embodiment, the user characteristic may be a child user. For example, an air conditioner may control the airflow direction to windless, reduce the airflow speed, and increase the airflow temperature based on the health of the child user. For example, a TV may display age-appropriate or educational content based on the age of the child user. For example, a refrigerator with a display may display food items suitable for the child user. For example, a lighting device may provide soft, warm lighting to ensure the safety of the child user. For example, a smart speaker may provide children's music suitable for the child user.

[0147] The home appliance control system of the present disclosure can adjust the settings of the custom mode according to the priority between the at least two users based on identification of at least two users entering the custom zone.

[0148] Priority among users can be a criterion for judging the importance of each user's activities and preferences when multiple users simultaneously use the same custom zone. For example, priority among users can be determined based on at least one of the following: the user's age, health status, the importance of the activity, or relevance to the custom zone.

[0149] In one embodiment, the custom zone may be a kitchen area, and at least two users may include an adult user and a child user. The appliance control system may adjust the settings of the custom mode based on the priority of the adult user and the child user based on the entry of the adult user and the child user into the kitchen area. For example, since the adult user is primarily responsible for cooking in the kitchen area, the priority of the adult user may be higher than that of the child user in the kitchen area. For example, the appliance control system may control at least one of an air conditioner, a TV, a refrigerator, a lighting device, or a smart speaker in a custom mode required for cooking based on the adult user.

[0150] In one embodiment, the custom zone may be a bed area, and at least two users may include an adult user and a child user. The appliance control system may adjust the settings of the custom mode based on the priority of the adult user and the child user based on the adult user and the child user entering the bed area. For example, since the sleep of the child user is generally prioritized over the sleep of the adult user in the bed area, the priority of the child user may be higher than that of the adult user in the bed area. For example, the appliance control system may control at least one of an air conditioner, a TV, a refrigerator, a lighting device, or a smart speaker to a custom mode required for sleep based on the child user.

[0151] In this way, the home appliance control system of the present disclosure can control at least one home appliance so that it operates in a custom mode optimized for the user's location and behavior by setting custom zones on a spatial map and defining custom modes for each custom zone. Therefore, the home appliance control system of the present disclosure can maximize the user's experience using the home appliance and improve the home appliance's energy efficiency.

[0152] Furthermore, the home appliance control system of the present disclosure can identify user characteristics and adjust custom modes to optimize the user's preferences or health conditions. Furthermore, when multiple users simultaneously use a custom zone, the home appliance control system of the present disclosure can adjust custom modes based on priorities among the multiple users. Therefore, the home appliance control system of the present disclosure can precisely reflect the user's preferred or required functions and provide a custom mode that is adaptively optimized to various environmental changes.

[0153] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an air conditioner (1100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner (1200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to a function and control of an air conditioner (1200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of an air conditioner (1200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, at least one home appliance of the present disclosure may be an air conditioner (1100, 1200).

[0155] In one example, an air conditioner (1200) may include a compressor (1201) that compresses a refrigerant to change it into a high-temperature, high-pressure state, an outdoor heat exchanger (1202) that allows heat exchange between outdoor air and the refrigerant, an expansion device (1203) that expands the refrigerant to change it into a low-temperature, low-pressure state, and an indoor heat exchanger (1204) that allows heat exchange between indoor air and the refrigerant. The air conditioner (1200) may include a refrigerant pipe (1205) that connects the compressor (1201), the outdoor heat exchanger (1202), the expansion device (1203), and the indoor heat exchanger (1204). In one example, the refrigerant may circulate in the order of the compressor (1201), the outdoor heat exchanger (1202), the expansion device (1203), and the indoor heat exchanger (1204) through the refrigerant pipe (1205). In one example, the refrigerant may circulate in the following order: compressor (1201), indoor heat exchanger (1204), expansion device (103), and outdoor heat exchanger (1202).

[0156] The air conditioner (1200) may include a flow switching valve (1206) that switches the circulation path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe (1205). The flow switching valve (1206) may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve (1206) may be connected to the suction side (1201a) of the compressor (1201). The flow switching valve (1206) may be connected to the discharge side (1201b) of the compressor (1201). The flow switching valve (1206) may be connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (1202). The flow switching valve (1206) may be connected to the indoor heat exchanger (1204). The flow switching valve (1206) may switch the circulation path of the refrigerant depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (1200) (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation mode). The refrigerant diverter valve (1206) can cause the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (1201) through the discharge port (1201b) to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (1202) or the indoor heat exchanger (1204) depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (1200). The refrigerant diverter valve (1206) can cause the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger (1204) or the outdoor heat exchanger (1202) to flow to the suction port (1201a) of the compressor (1201) depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (1200).

[0157] In one example, the air conditioner (1200) may include an accumulator (1207). One end of the accumulator (1207) may be connected to a suction port (1201a) of a compressor (1201). The other end of the accumulator (1207) may be connected to a flow switching valve (1206). Through the flow switching valve (1206), low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant from an indoor heat exchanger (1204) or an outdoor heat exchanger (1202) may be introduced into the accumulator (1207). When a refrigerant mixed with refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, the accumulator (1207) may separate the refrigerant gas and the refrigerant liquid, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid is separated to the suction port (1201a) of the compressor (1201).

[0158] The compressor (1201) can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction portion (1201a) and compress the sucked refrigerant gas to change it into a high temperature and high pressure state. The compressor (1201) can discharge the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge portion (1201b). The compressor (1201) is a variable capacity compressor, and can vary its capacity by changing the frequency according to a driving control command.

[0159] The outdoor heat exchanger (1202) can typically be placed outdoors. In the outdoor heat exchanger (1202), heat exchange can occur between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by a phase change (e.g., condensation or evaporation) of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (1202). For example, in cooling mode operation, the outdoor heat exchanger (1202) can condense the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant introduced from the compressor (1201). In cooling mode operation, while the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is condensed while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (1202), latent heat can be released to the outdoor air. In heating mode operation, in the outdoor heat exchanger (1202), the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant can evaporate, and while the refrigerant is evaporating, latent heat can be absorbed from the outdoor air. Although not shown in FIG. 12, in one example, one or more temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the outdoor air may be placed adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (1202).

[0160] The air conditioner (1200) may include an outdoor blower (1208) that generates forced circulation of outdoor air to facilitate heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger (1202). The outdoor blower (1208) may be positioned adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (1202). Although not specifically illustrated, the outdoor blower (1208) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the outdoor blower (1208) may provide driving force to the blower fan via a shaft.

[0161] The expansion device (1203) can lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (1202) when operating in cooling mode. The expansion device (1203) can lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant introduced from the indoor heat exchanger (1204) when operating in heating mode. In one example, the expansion device (1203) can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by using a throttling effect. The expansion device (1203) can include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The refrigerant passing through the orifice can have its temperature and pressure lowered. In one example, the expansion device (1203) can be implemented as an electronic expansion valve that can control the opening ratio (an electronic expansion valve that can control the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve in a partially opened state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve in a fully opened state). In such a case, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device (1203) can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve. In one example, the expansion device (1203) can be implemented as a capillary device.

[0162] An indoor heat exchanger (1204) may be placed indoors. In the indoor heat exchanger (1204), heat exchange may occur between the refrigerant and indoor air through a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger (1204). For example, during cooling mode operation, the refrigerant passing through the expansion device (1203) may flow into the indoor heat exchanger (1204) and evaporate in the indoor heat exchanger (1204). While the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (1204), latent heat may be absorbed from the surrounding air, thereby cooling the surrounding air. During heating mode operation, high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor (1201) may flow into the indoor heat exchanger (1204) and condense, releasing latent heat to the indoor air. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the indoor heat exchanger (1204) may include a refrigerant passage through which refrigerant flows and a plurality of heat exchange fins arranged to increase the heat exchange area.

[0163] During cooling mode operation, due to heat exchange between the surrounding indoor air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger (1204), water vapor contained in the air may condense and liquefy to form droplets on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (1204). The condensate formed on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (1204) may fall downward. Although not illustrated in FIG. 12, the air conditioner (1200) may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger (1204) to collect the condensate falling from the indoor heat exchanger (1204). The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger (1204) from below, but is not limited thereto.

[0164] The air conditioner (1200) may include an indoor blower (1209) that generates forced circulation of indoor air to ensure smooth heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger (1204). The indoor blower (1209) may be positioned adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (1204). Although not specifically illustrated, in one example, the indoor blower (1209) may be positioned downstream of the indoor heat exchanger (1204) based on the air flow direction in the space where the indoor blower (1209) is installed, but this document is not limited thereto. The indoor blower (1209) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the indoor blower (1209) may provide driving force to the blower fan through a shaft. In one example, the blower fan may include one of an axial fan that draws air in the direction of the rotation axis of the fan motor and discharges the air in the direction of the rotation axis, a diagonal fan that draws air in the direction of the rotation axis of the fan motor and discharges the air between the axial and radial directions, a centrifugal fan that draws air in the direction of the rotation axis of the fan motor and discharges the air in the circumferential direction, and a crossflow fan, but this document is not limited thereto.

[0165] This document focuses on the case where an air conditioner (1200) is equipped with refrigeration cycle-related components, but the scope of this document is not limited thereto. In one example, the air conditioner may be configured using a thermoelectric element. A thermoelectric element can cool or heat the surrounding air through heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0166] The air conditioner (1200) may include one or more outdoor units installed outdoors, one or more indoor units installed indoors, and one or more indoor units. In one example, the compressor (1201), the outdoor heat exchanger (1202), and the expansion device (1203) described above may be arranged in the outdoor unit. In one example, the indoor heat exchanger (1204) described above may be arranged in the indoor unit. However, the arrangement locations of each of the components described above are not limited. For example, the location of the expansion device (1203) is not limited to the outdoor unit, and may be arranged in the indoor unit as needed.

[0167] In this document, the air conditioner (1200) is described mainly as a separate type having an outdoor unit installed separately outdoors and an indoor unit installed indoors, but this document is not limited thereto. In one example, the air conditioner (1200) may be configured as an integrated type in which a compressor (1201), an outdoor heat exchanger (1202), an expansion device (1203), and an indoor heat exchanger (1204) are placed in a single case located indoors.

[0168] In the case of a separate type air conditioner (1200), the outdoor unit may be connected to the indoor unit through a refrigerant pipe so as to be in fluid communication with the indoor unit. The outdoor unit may be communicatively connected to the indoor unit. In one example, control information (or commands) of the air conditioner (1200) input by a user or received from the outside may be transmitted from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

[0169] For air conditioners with multiple indoor units, some of the indoor units can be operated simultaneously and individually in cooling mode, while others can be operated in heating mode. To effectively address the cooling or heating loads associated with the number of indoor units in operation, air conditioners can utilize multiple compressors or multiple outdoor units connected in parallel.

[0170] The air conditioner (1200) can be classified according to the installation type / location of the indoor unit. For example, the air conditioner can be classified into a stand-alone type in which the indoor unit is placed upright in an indoor space, a wall-mounted type in which the indoor unit is installed to be attached to a wall, and a ceiling-mounted type in which the indoor unit is installed on the ceiling. In one example, the air conditioner (1200) may include multiple indoor units, some of which may be stand-alone types, and some of which may be wall-mounted types. This document is not limited to a specific type.

[0171] Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an air conditioner according to an example from the viewpoint of function and control. In Fig. 13, the air conditioner (1200) is illustrated as including one indoor unit (2200) and one outdoor unit (3200), but the present document is not limited thereto. In Fig. 13, among the configurations related to the refrigerant cycle described above with reference to Fig. 12, the indoor heat exchanger (1204) and the indoor blower (1209) are illustrated as being included in the indoor unit (2200), and the compressor (1201), the outdoor heat exchanger (1202), the outdoor blower (1208), the expansion device (1203), and the flow path switching valve (1206) are illustrated as being included in the outdoor unit (3200), but this is merely an example and the present document is not limited thereto.

[0172] Although not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 13, the indoor unit (2200) may include a housing. The indoor unit (2200) may include one or more air intakes (2211) formed in the housing. Indoor air may be introduced into the interior of the housing through the air intakes (2211).

[0173] In one example, the indoor unit (2200) may include a filtration filter (2212) that filters foreign substances in air flowing into the interior of the housing through the air intake port (2211). Although not specifically illustrated, the filtration filter (2212) may include a plurality of filter modules, and the present document is not limited thereto. For example, various types of filters, including an electrostatic precipitator filter, a sea wave filter, an antibacterial filter, and a deodorizing filter, may be provided on the inside of the air intake port (2211) in the housing, and the type and number of specific filters are not limited thereto.

[0174] In one example, the indoor unit (2200) may include one or more air outlets (2213) formed in the housing. In one example, the air outlets (2213) may have an opening shape configured to open and close depending on the operating state of the air conditioner (1200). In one example, the air outlets (2213) may be configured to include a plurality of microscopic air penetration holes distributed over the entire or a portion of one surface of the housing, but the present document is not limited thereto. In one example, the air outlets (2213) of the indoor unit (2200) may be arranged in any area of ​​the front, side, top, and / or rear of the housing, and are not limited to a specific shape. Air that is introduced into the interior of the housing through the air intake (2211) and flows within the interior of the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the air outlets (2213). When the indoor unit (2200) includes a plurality of air outlets (2213), air can be selectively discharged to the outside of the housing through one or more of the plurality of air outlets (2213).

[0175] The indoor unit (2200) may include an airflow guide (2214) that controls whether air is discharged through the air outlet (2213) and guides the direction of the air discharge. For example, the airflow guide (2214) may include a door blade that is located near each air outlet (2213) to open and close the corresponding air outlet (2213) and guide the direction of air discharge through the corresponding air outlet (213). For example, the airflow guide (2214) may include one or more blower fans for controlling the discharge airflow, but is not limited thereto. In an example, the airflow guide may be omitted.

[0176] In one example, the indoor unit (2200) may include a communication unit (2215) that supports signal transmission and reception with the outside. The communication unit (2215) may include a communication circuit, and the communication circuit may include at least one hardware component (e.g., a modulator, a demodulator, an antenna, a transceiver) to support signal transmission and / or reception between the indoor unit (2200), the outdoor unit (3200), and / or an external electronic device (e.g., the server (3) of FIG. 1). In one example, the communication unit (2215) may receive and / or transmit wired / wireless signals between an external wired / wireless communication system, an external server, and / or other devices according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. In one example, the communication unit (2215) may include one or more modules that connect the air conditioner (1200) to one or more networks. In one example, the communication unit (2215) may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, and / or a location information module.

[0177] In one example, the mobile communication module may transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of an external base station, an external terminal, or an external server through a mobile communication network according to any of various communication protocols for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include various types of data signals. In one example, the wireless signals may include voice call signals, video call call signals, and text / multimedia message signals, but this document is not limited thereto.

[0178] In one example, the wired / wireless Internet module may support, for example, but not limited to, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced). In one example, the wired / wireless Internet module of the communication unit (215) may transmit and receive data according to at least one wired / wireless Internet technology among the Internet technologies not listed above.

[0179] The short-range communication module is for short-range communication, and may support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) technologies, for example. The short-range communication module may support wireless communication between the air conditioner (1200) and a wireless communication system, between the air conditioner (1200) and another device, or between the air conditioner (1200) and a network in which another device is located, for example, through a short-range wireless communication network.

[0180] The location information module is, for example, a module for obtaining the location of the air conditioner (1200), and may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a Wi-Fi module. If the air conditioner (1200) utilizes a GPS module, information regarding the location of the air conditioner (1200) can be received using signals transmitted from GPS satellites. If the air conditioner (1200) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, information regarding the location of the air conditioner (1200) can be received based on information from a wireless access point (AP) that transmits and receives wireless signals with the Wi-Fi module.

[0181] In one example, the communication unit (2215) may receive a setting data signal input by a user from the user's mobile terminal in the form of a wireless signal according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. In one example, the communication unit (2215) may receive information and / or commands for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (1200) from an external server in the form of signals according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. The communication unit (2215) may transmit various received signals to the first control unit (2220) described below. In one example, the communication unit (2215) may transmit various data generated or acquired on the air conditioner (1200) in the form of wired / wireless signals according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol, for example, to the user's mobile terminal or an external server.

[0182] In one example, the indoor unit (2200) may include an input unit (2216). The input unit (2216) may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, or touchpads. The user may directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or wind speed settings) through the input unit (2216). In one example, the input unit (2216) may include an infrared sensor. The user may input setting data remotely through a remote control, and the input setting data may be received by the input unit (2216) as an infrared signal. In one example, the input unit (2216) may include a microphone. Setting data based on the user's voice may be acquired through the microphone. Setting data from a user obtained through the input unit (2216) (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or wind speed settings) may be transmitted to the first control unit (2220) described below. In one example, setting data from a user obtained through the input unit (2216) may be transmitted externally through the communication unit (2215).

[0183] In one example, the indoor unit (2200) may include a camera (2217). The camera (2217) may acquire image information of the surrounding space surrounding the indoor unit (2200). The camera (2217) may be disposed, for example, on the upper front side of the housing of the indoor unit (2200), but is not limited thereto. The image information of the surrounding space acquired by the camera (2217) may be transmitted to the first control unit (2220) described below. In one example, the image information of the surrounding space acquired by the camera (2217) may be transmitted to the outside via the communication unit (2215).

[0184] In one example, the indoor unit (2200) may include one or more indoor unit environment detection sensors (2218) positioned in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit environment detection sensor (2218) may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors positioned in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit (2200) (for example, but not limited to, a location above the air intake (2211). In one example, the indoor unit environment detection sensor (2218) may include a refrigerant temperature detection sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit (2200) (for example, a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe (1205) passing through the indoor heat exchanger (1204). For example, the indoor unit environment detection sensor (2218) may include a respective refrigerant temperature detection sensor that detects the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe (1205) passing through the indoor heat exchanger (1204), and this document is not limited thereto. In one example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit environment detection sensor (2218) may be transmitted to the first control unit (2220) described below. In one example, the environmental information detected by the indoor unit environment detection sensor (2218) may be transmitted to the outside through the communication unit (2215).

[0185] The indoor unit (2200) may include a display unit (2219). In one example, the display unit (2219) may display various setting data obtained from a user or the outside through a communication unit (2215) and / or an input unit (2216). The display unit (2218) may display various sensing information obtained from an indoor unit environment detection sensor (2218) and / or an outdoor unit environment detection sensor (3211) described below (e.g., current indoor temperature measured by a temperature sensor, current indoor humidity measured by a humidity sensor), the current operating status of the air conditioner (1200), and / or various warning / error messages. The display unit (218) may be one of various visual display means capable of displaying images, characters, and / or numbers, including an LED panel, an LCD panel, an OLED panel, and a Micro LED panel, and is not limited to a specific type of display means. In one example, the display unit (2218) may include any form of audio display means, including a speaker, and may display each of the above-described information as an auditory signal through such audio display means.

[0186] The indoor unit (2200) may include a first control unit (2220). The first control unit (2220) may include a processor (2221) and a memory (2222). In one example, the memory (2222) may store a control algorithm and related data for operating the air conditioner (1200). In one example, the processor (2221) may generate an operation control command for one or more components of the air conditioner (1200) based on information stored in the memory (2222) and information acquired from other components.

[0187] In one example, the processor (2221) of the first control unit (2218) may receive various input / setting information from the aforementioned communication unit (2215) and / or input unit (2216). The processor (2221) may receive image information acquired from the camera (2217) and, from the received image information, may obtain information on the environmental conditions of the space in which the indoor unit (2200) is installed, such as the size of the indoor space, the number of occupants, or the location of occupants. The processor (2221) may receive various sensing information acquired from each environmental detection sensor provided in the air conditioner (1200), such as the indoor unit environmental detection sensor (2218) and / or the outdoor unit environmental detection sensor (3211) described below.

[0188] In one example, the processor (2221) of the first control unit (2220) may generate an operation control command for each component of the indoor unit (2200) based on various information received from the communication unit (2215), the input unit (2216), the camera (2217), and / or each environmental detection sensor. For example, the processor (2221) may generate a command to control whether to drive and the rotation speed of the indoor blower (1209). For example, the processor (2221) may generate a command to control the operation status of the airflow guide (2214). For example, the processor (2221) may generate a command to control whether and how information is displayed through the display unit (2219). For example, the processor (2221) may generate a command to control the operation status of each of the communication unit (2215), the input unit (2216), the camera (2217), and / or the indoor unit environmental detection sensor (2218) described above.

[0189] In one example, the processor (2221) of the first control unit (2220) can transmit data to be used for controlling the operation of each component of the outdoor unit (3200) to the second control unit (3220) of the outdoor unit (3200) described below. The data transmitted to the second control unit (3220) can include, for example, at least a portion of input / setting information or environmental detection information acquired by the first control unit (2220). In one example, the processor (2221) of the first control unit (2220) can generate a control command for each component of the outdoor unit (3200) and transmit the generated control command to the second control unit (3220).

[0190] The outdoor unit (3200) may include one or more outdoor unit environment detection sensors (3211). The outdoor unit environment detection sensors (3211) may be positioned at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit (3200). The outdoor unit environment detection sensors (3211) may include, but are not limited to, a temperature detection sensor for detecting air temperature around the outdoor unit (3200), a humidity detection sensor for detecting air humidity around the outdoor unit (3200), and / or a refrigerant temperature detection sensor for detecting refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe (1205) passing through the outdoor unit (3200). In one example, the outdoor unit environment detection sensor (3211) may include, but is not limited to, a refrigerant temperature detection sensor for detecting refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe (1205) at a discharge port (1201b) of the compressor (1201). In one example, each environmental information detected by the outdoor unit environmental detection sensor (3211) can be transmitted to the second control unit (3220).

[0191] The outdoor unit (3200) may include the second control unit (3220) described above. The second control unit (3220) may be communicatively coupled with the first control unit (2220) of the indoor unit (2200). Like the first control unit (2220), the second control unit (3220) may include a processor (3221) and a memory (3222). In one example, the memory (3222) may store a control algorithm and related data for operating the air conditioner (1200). In one example, the processor (3221) may generate an operation control command for one or more of the components of the outdoor unit (3200), such as the compressor (1201), the outdoor blower (1208), the expansion device (1203), and / or the plenum switching valve (1206), based on information stored in the memory (3222), information received from the first control unit (2220), and / or information received from the outdoor unit environment detection sensor (3211).

[0192] The outdoor unit (3200) may include a compressor (1201). The compressor (1201) may receive a driving control command from the second control unit (3220). The compressor (1201) may be operated or stopped based on the received driving control command. The compressor (1201) may be operated at a predetermined capacity based on the received driving control command. The compressor (1201) may suck in a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas through the suction unit (1201a) at a predetermined capacity based on the received driving control command, and may compress the sucked refrigerant gas. As described above, the compressor (1201) may discharge the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge unit (1201b).

[0193] The outdoor unit (3200) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (1202). In the outdoor heat exchanger (1202), heat exchange may occur between a refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (1202) and outdoor air. In one example, as described above, the outdoor unit (3200) may include an outdoor blower (1208) that generates forced air for heat exchange between the outdoor heat exchanger (1202) and the outdoor air. In one example, the outdoor blower (1208) may receive a driving control command from a second control unit (3220). The outdoor blower (1208) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the outdoor blower (1208) may rotate at a predetermined speed based on the driving control command received from the second control unit (3220) and may transmit a rotational driving force to the blower fan through a shaft. By the rotation of the blower fan of the outdoor blower (1208), air flow and heat exchange around the outdoor heat exchanger (1202) of the air conditioner (1200) can be smoothly achieved.

[0194] The outdoor unit (3200) may include an expansion device (1203). The expansion device (1203) may receive a control command from the second control unit (3220). As described above, the expansion device (1203) may reduce the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant introduced from the outdoor heat exchanger (1202) or the indoor heat exchanger (1204). In one example, the expansion device (1203) may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve. In one example, the electronic expansion valve constituting the expansion device (1203) may adjust the opening degree based on a control command from the second control unit (3220).

[0195] The outdoor unit (3200) may include a flow switching valve (1206). The flow switching valve (1206) may receive a control command from a second control unit (3220). The flow switching valve (1206) may switch the circulation path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe (1205) based on the received control command. For example, the flow switching valve (1206) may be controlled to open / close and the opening degree may be adjusted according to the control command from the second control unit (3220). In one example, the flow switching valve (1206) may allow the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor (1201) (e.g., during cooling mode operation) to be transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger (1202) according to the control command from the second control unit (3220). For example, the Euro switching valve (1206) can allow high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor (1201) (e.g., when operating in heating mode) to be transferred to the indoor heat exchanger (1204) according to a control command from the second control unit (3220).

[0196] In FIG. 13 and the related description, the air conditioner (1200) is illustrated and described as including a first control unit (2220) disposed separately in the indoor unit (2200) and a second control unit (3220) disposed separately in the outdoor unit (3200), but the present document is not limited thereto. In one example, the operation control units disposed in the indoor unit (2200) and / or the outdoor unit (3200) may collectively control the operation of each component of the air conditioner (1200).

[0197] Referring to FIG. 14, the air conditioner (1200) of the present disclosure sets a custom zone on a space map that provides information on the structure of an indoor space and information on the arrangement of at least one home appliance (operation 1410), and, based on identification that a user enters the custom zone, receives custom zone sensing data from an external server (operation 1420), and, based on the custom zone sensing data, controls at least one of an airflow direction, an airflow intensity, or an airflow temperature in a preset custom mode (operation 1430).

[0198] For example, in operation 1410, the air conditioner (1200) can set a custom zone on a space map that provides information about the structure of the indoor space and information about the placement of at least one home appliance.

[0199] A spatial map can provide information about the structure of an indoor space and the arrangement of at least one home appliance. For example, the spatial map can include a three-dimensional (3D) image of an indoor space including at least one compartment. For example, the spatial map can include a three-dimensional (3D) image of a home appliance arranged in a predetermined compartment of the indoor space. As another example, the spatial map can include a two-dimensional (2D) image of an indoor space including at least one compartment.

[0200] According to one example, the air conditioner (1200) can obtain a spatial map in which an indoor space and at least one home appliance are mapped as a 2D or 3D image.

[0201] For example, the air conditioner (1200) can receive a spatial map in which an indoor space and at least one home appliance are mapped as a 2D or 3D image from an external server (e.g., server (3) of FIG. 1). The external server can store spatial information about the indoor space. The external server can store device information and user account information about at least one home appliance. That is, the air conditioner (1200) can receive a spatial map in which an indoor space and a home appliance are mapped in advance from an external server.

[0202] For example, the air conditioner (1200) can obtain floor plan data for an indoor space and generate a spatial map for the indoor space. In addition, the air conditioner (1200) can obtain location data of home appliances and map the arrangement of the home appliances onto the spatial map for the indoor space. In other words, the air conditioner (1200) can generate a spatial map based on the floor plan data for the indoor space and the arrangement data of home appliances.

[0203] A custom zone can be a specific area on a spatial map defined based on a user's specific activities or needs. Unlike standardized or standardized spatial divisions, a custom zone can be a conceptual space customized to the user. For example, a custom zone can be configured differently based on a user's behavior, habits, routines, or preferences.

[0204] The location, size, and shape of a custom zone can be configured in various ways. For example, the air conditioner (1200) can set a custom zone by learning the user's repeated control of home appliances in a given area. For example, the air conditioner (1200) can set a custom zone based on user input. For example, the air conditioner (1200) can automatically set a custom zone by analyzing a spatial map.

[0205] For example, a custom zone could be a kitchen area where a user prepares food. A custom zone could be a bed area where a user actually sleeps. A custom zone could be a home office where a user works. A custom zone could be a fitness area where a user exercises.

[0206] For example, in operation 1420, the air conditioner (1200) may receive custom zone sensing data from an external server based on identification of a user entering the custom zone. For example, at least one home appliance surrounding the custom zone may identify the user entering the custom zone by sensing a tag device carried by the user.

[0207] For example, at least one home appliance can identify that a user has entered the custom zone by sensing a tag device carried by the user based on UWB. For example, at least one home appliance can identify that a user has entered the custom zone by sensing a location of the user based on Bluetooth communication with the tag device. For example, at least one home appliance can identify that a user has entered the custom zone by sensing a tag device carried by the user based on GPS. For example, at least one home appliance can identify that a user has entered the custom zone based on location information of the tag device received from an external server.

[0208] The air conditioner (1200) can receive custom zone sensing data from an external server based on identification that a user has entered the custom zone.

[0209] For example, at least one home appliance around a custom zone can transmit sensing information to an external server. For example, the external server can synthesize the sensing information of at least one home appliance to generate custom zone sensing data. For example, the external server can transmit the custom zone sensing data to the air conditioner (1200). For example, the custom zone sensing data can include at least one of whether the user has entered the custom zone, the user's stay time in the custom zone, or whether the user has left the custom zone.

[0210] According to an example, in operation 1430, the air conditioner (1200) can control at least one of the blowing direction, the blowing strength, or the blowing temperature in a preset custom mode based on the custom zone sensing data.

[0211] The custom mode may be a control mode that performs a customized operation for the user based on at least one of the location, size, shape, or distance from the at least one surrounding home appliance of the custom zone. For example, at least one home appliance may activate the custom mode and operate in a preset custom mode based on the user entering the custom zone.

[0212] For example, when a user enters a custom zone, the air conditioner (1200) can control the blowing direction, blowing speed, or blowing temperature in a preset custom mode.

[0213] In one embodiment, the custom zone may be a kitchen area. For example, based on a user's entry into the kitchen area, the air conditioner (1200) may control the airflow direction upward, increase the airflow strength, and lower the airflow temperature to effectively manage heat and moisture generated during cooking.

[0214] In one embodiment, the custom zone may be a bed area. For example, based on the user entering the bed area, the air conditioner (1200) may control the airflow direction downward, reduce the airflow speed, set the airflow temperature to a sleep-optimized temperature, and operate in a low-noise mode to prevent sleep disturbance.

[0215] In this way, the air conditioner (1200) of the present disclosure can operate in a custom mode optimized for the user's location and behavior by setting custom zones on a spatial map and defining custom modes for each custom zone. Accordingly, the air conditioner (1200) of the present disclosure can maximize the user experience and improve energy efficiency.

[0216] Additionally, the air conditioner (1200) of the present disclosure can identify user characteristics and adjust a custom mode to optimize the user's preferences or health conditions. Furthermore, when multiple users simultaneously use a custom zone, the air conditioner (1200) of the present disclosure can adjust the custom mode based on priorities among the multiple users. Accordingly, the air conditioner (1200) of the present disclosure can precisely reflect the user's preferred or required functions and provide a custom mode that is adaptively optimized for various environmental changes.

[0217] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a refrigerator (15) equipped with a display (2500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of a refrigerator (15) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0218] A refrigerator (15) may include a main body (150), a storage compartment provided inside the main body (150) so that the front is open, and a door (3500) rotatably coupled to the main body (150) so as to open and close the open front of the storage compartment.

[0219] The main body (150) may form the exterior of the refrigerator (15). The main body (150) may include an inner case (151) forming a storage compartment, and an outer case (152) coupled to the outer side of the inner case (151) to form the exterior. In addition, the main body (150) may further include a cold air supply device (not shown) that supplies cold air to the storage compartment.

[0220] The refrigeration supply device may be configured to include components such as a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a blower fan, and a refrigeration duct. An insulating material (not shown) may be filled between the inner case (151) and the outer case (152) of the main body (150) to prevent refrigeration from leaking from the storage room.

[0221] A machine room (not shown) in which a compressor for compressing refrigerant and a condenser for condensing the compressed refrigerant are installed may be provided at the lower rear side of the main body (150).

[0222] The storage room can be divided into multiple sections by horizontal partitions (251) and vertical partitions (252). In the present embodiment, the storage room can include an upper storage room (250a) and a lower storage room (250b). The storage room can be provided with a shelf (253) for placing food and a sealed container (254) for storing food in a sealed manner. The storage room is provided with an open front so that food can be taken in and out, and the open front can be opened and closed by a door (3500).

[0223] The upper storage chamber (250a) can be opened and closed by a plurality of doors (3500a, 3500b). The lower storage chamber (250b) can be opened and closed by a plurality of doors (3500c, 3500d).

[0224] The refrigerator (15) may further include a handle (1500) provided on the door (3500). A user can easily open and close the door (3500) by gripping the handle (1500). The handle (1500) may be formed to be long along the vertical direction (Z) of the door (3500).

[0225] The refrigerator (15) may further include a dispenser (not shown). The dispenser may be installed in the door (3500). For example, the dispenser may be installed in the upper left door (3500a). Through the dispenser, a user can directly dispense water or ice to the outside without opening the door (3500a). The dispenser may include a cavity formed recessed into the inside of the door (3500a) to form a dispensing space. The cavity may be provided with a dispensing port through which water or ice is dispensed, and a dispensing lever for dispensing the water or ice. When the dispensing lever is pressed, water or ice is dispensed from the dispensing port. The dispenser may further include a dispenser status display window that displays the operating status of the dispenser. The dispenser status display window may also have a touch function.

[0226] The refrigerator (15) may further include a display (2500).

[0227] The display (2500) may be installed on the door (3500) for the convenience of the user. Specifically, the display (2500) may be installed on the front (3501) of the door (3500).

[0228] The following illustrates a case where the display (2500) is installed in the upper right door (3500b). However, the location where the display (2500) can be installed is sufficient as long as it is the door (3500), and is not limited to the upper right door (3500b). However, the following description focuses on a case where the display (2500) is installed in the upper right door (3500b).

[0229] The upper part of the display (2500) can be placed at the same position as the upper part of the handle (1500) in the vertical direction (Z) of the door (3500).

[0230] The lower portion of the display (2500) may be positioned at the same position as the lower portion of the dispenser (450) in the vertical direction (Z) of the door (3500). One side end of the display (2500) adjacent to the handle (1500) may be spaced apart from the handle (1500) by a certain distance. The other side end facing the one side end of the display (2500) adjacent to the handle (1500) may be spaced apart from the edge of the door (3500) by a certain distance.

[0231] From another perspective, the display (2500) may have a rectangular shape with a long side in the vertical direction (Z) of the door (3500). The display (2500) may include a right long side facing the right side of the door (3500), a left long side facing the left side of the door (3500), an upper short side facing the upper side of the door (3500), and a lower short side facing the lower side of the door (3500).

[0232] The right long side may be spaced apart from the right edge of the door (3500) by a certain distance in the left direction of the door (3500). The left long side may be spaced apart from the handle (1500) by a certain distance in the right direction of the door (3500). The upper short side may be positioned at the same position as the upper end of the handle (1500) in the vertical direction (Z) of the door (3500). The lower short side may be positioned at the same position as the lower end of the dispenser (450) in the vertical direction (Z) of the door (3500).

[0233] Through the arrangement of the display (2500) in this way, it is possible to implement a neat and stable refrigerator (15) design.

[0234] The display (2500) may include a display panel (2520) and a touch panel (2521). However, the display (2500) may also include only the display panel (2520). The display (2500) may be equipped with a wake-up function that is automatically activated when a user approaches within a certain range. The wake-up function may be implemented through a proximity sensor (e.g., proximity sensor (1560) of FIG. 17).

[0235] Specifically, when the proximity sensor (1560) detects the approach of a user within a certain range, the display (2500) may be activated. That is, the display (2500) may be turned on. Conversely, when the proximity sensor (1560) does not detect the approach of a user within a certain range, the display (2500) may not be activated. That is, the display (2500) may be maintained in an off state. When the display (2500) is activated, various images or videos may be displayed on the display (2500).

[0236] For example, the display (2500) may be provided with a function to pause a video and turn off the display (2500) when a user opens a door equipped with the display (2500). In addition, the display (2500) may be provided with a function to resume playing a video and turn on the display (2500) when a user closes a door equipped with the display (2500). For example, the power off and on functions of the display (2500) may be implemented through a door open / close sensor (e.g., the open / close sensor (1595) of FIG. 17).

[0237] The display (2500) may include a display panel (2520). The display (2500) may include a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display panel (2520) may be positioned on the front of the display. A touch panel (2521) may be formed on the display panel (2520).

[0238] A user can play or pause a video by touching the touch panel (2521) as shown in FIG. 15. The touch panel (2521) may be implemented as a capacitive or pressure-sensitive type. However, the method of forming the touch panel (2521) is not limited to the above example.

[0239] The display panel (2520) may be provided with at least one input UI component (User Interface Component). The at least one input UI component may include, for example, a camera UI component that executes a camera (e.g., camera (1550) of FIG. 17), a list UI component that lists various lists related to the functions of the refrigerator (15), a home UI component that returns to the start screen, a revert UI component that returns to a previous execution step, and an information provision UI component that provides information on the overall functions of the refrigerator (15) or the overall functions of the display (2500).

[0240] At least one input UI component may be formed on the display panel (2520). Preferably, the at least one input UI component may be formed on an external area of ​​the display panel (2520) so as not to interfere with an image or video displayed on the display (2500).

[0241] The refrigerator (15) may further include a camera (1550) capable of taking pictures of people or objects. Images or videos taken by the camera (1550) are displayed on the display (2500).

[0242] The refrigerator (15) may further include at least one microphone for implementing a voice recognition function. A voice command input through at least one microphone is transmitted to a processor (e.g., processor (1591) of FIG. 17), and the processor (1591) controls the display (2500) to display the voice command result.

[0243] The refrigerator (15) may further include a light sensor. The light sensor can adjust the display's lighting to be brighter in bright places and to be darker in dark places, thereby reducing power loss of the refrigerator (15). The detection result of the light sensor is transmitted to the processor (1591), and the processor (1591) controls the display panel (2520) to adjust the lighting of the display (2500).

[0244] The refrigerator (15) may include a door open / close sensor (1595). The door open / close sensor (1595) may be provided on a hinge (not shown) that connects the door (3500) and the main body (150), or may be provided on a portion of the door (3500) or the main body (150) where the door (3500) and the main body (150) come into contact.

[0245] At least one of the proximity sensor (1560), the camera (1550), the at least one microphone, or the light sensor may be disposed on the rear of the display panel (2520). At least one of the proximity sensor (1560), the camera (1550), the at least one microphone, or the light sensor may be disposed on the front of the display case facing the display panel (2520).

[0246] Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator (15) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0247] Referring to FIG. 17, the refrigerator (15) may include a display (2500), a temperature sensor (1540), a camera (1550), a proximity sensor (1560), a door open / close sensor (1595), a cooling unit (1570), a communication unit (1580), and a control unit (1590).

[0248] The temperature sensor (1540) may be provided inside the storage room (250) and may include a plurality of temperature sensors that detect the temperature inside the storage room (250).

[0249] A plurality of temperature sensors may be installed in each of the plurality of storage rooms (250) to detect the temperature of each of the plurality of storage rooms (250) and output an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the control unit (1590). Each of the plurality of temperature sensors may include a thermistor whose electrical resistance changes depending on the temperature.

[0250] As described above, the door open / close sensor (1595) can output a preset judgment value indicating whether the door (3500) is open or closed. For example, the door open / close sensor (1595) can output 1 if the door (3500) is open, and output 0 if the door (3500) is closed.

[0251] The door open / close sensor (1595) can also be implemented as a distance sensor, and if the distance between the door (3500) and the main body is greater than or equal to a reference distance, the door (3500) can be determined to be open, and if the distance is less than the reference distance, the door (3500) can be determined to be closed.

[0252] However, the door open / close sensor (1595) is not limited to this, and there is no limitation on its configuration as long as it can determine whether the door (3500) is open and output a preset determination value.

[0253] The cooling unit (1570) can supply cooled air to the storage room. Specifically, the cooling unit (1570) can maintain the temperature of the storage room within a range specified by the user by utilizing the circulation of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

[0254] The cooling unit (1570) may include a compressor (1571) that compresses a gaseous refrigerant, a condenser (1572) that converts the compressed gaseous refrigerant into a liquid state, an expander (1573) that decompresses the liquid refrigerant, and an evaporator (1574) that converts the decompressed liquid refrigerant into a gaseous state. The cooling unit (1570) may cool the air in the storage chamber by utilizing a phenomenon in which the liquid refrigerant absorbs heat energy of the surrounding air while converting into a gaseous state.

[0255] However, the cooling unit (1570) is not limited to including a refrigerant circuit. For example, the cooling unit (1570) may include a Peltier element utilizing the Peltier effect or a magnetic cooling material utilizing the magneto-caloric effect.

[0256] The communication unit (1580) can exchange data with a server device (e.g., server (3) of FIG. 1) and / or a user device and / or a display (2500) and / or external devices such as a cooking device. The communication unit (1580) includes a communication circuit, and the communication circuit can include at least one hardware component (e.g., a modulator, a demodulator, an antenna, a transceiver) to support transmission and / or reception of signals between the refrigerator (15) and external devices.

[0257] The communication unit (1580) may include a wired communication module (1582) that exchanges data with external devices via wire, and a wireless communication module (1581) that exchanges data with external devices via wireless.

[0258] The wired communication module (1582) can connect to a wired communication network and communicate with external devices through the wired communication network. For example, the wired communication module (1582) can connect to a wired communication network through Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 technology standard) and receive data from external devices through the wired communication network.

[0259] The wireless communication module (1581) can communicate wirelessly with a base station or an access point (AP), and can connect to a wired communication network via the base station or the access point. The wireless communication module (1581) can also communicate with external devices connected to the wired communication network via the base station or the access point. For example, the wireless communication module (1581) can wirelessly communicate with the access point (AP) using WiFi (IEEE 802.11 technology standard), or can communicate with the base station using CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LET (Long Term Evolution), WiBro, etc. The wireless communication module (1581) can also receive data from external devices via the base station or the access point. In addition, the wireless communication module (1581) can directly communicate with external devices. For example, the wireless communication module (1581) can wirelessly receive data from external devices using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1 technology standard), ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4 technology standard), etc.

[0260] In this way, the communication unit (1580) can transmit or receive data with external devices, and in particular, can receive video data including video and / or audio from external devices, and output the received data to the control unit (1590).

[0261] The control unit (1590) processes user input and / or door opening / closing detection data and / or communication data, and can control the components included in the refrigerator (15) based on the data processing.

[0262] The control unit (1590) includes a memory (1592) that stores / memorizes programs and / or data, and a processor (1591) that processes user input and / or door opening / closing detection data and / or communication data according to the programs and / or data stored in the memory (1592).

[0263] The memory (1592) can store / remember programs and / or data. The program includes a plurality of instructions combined to perform a specific function, and data can be processed and / or manipulated by the plurality of instructions included in the program. In addition, the program and / or data can include a system program and / or system data directly related to the operation of the refrigerator (15), and an application program and / or application data that provide convenience to the user.

[0264] The memory (1592) may include a non-volatile memory that stores a program and / or data for controlling the components included in the refrigerator (15) and a volatile memory that stores temporary data generated while controlling the components included in the refrigerator (15).

[0265] Non-volatile memory can store programs and / or data electrically, magnetically, or optically, for example. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM) for long-term data storage and flash memory. Furthermore, non-volatile memory may include solid-state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), or optical disk drives (ODDs).

[0266] Volatile memory can load programs and / or data from non-volatile memory, for example, and electrically store programs and / or data. Volatile memory can include, for example, static random access memory (S-RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc., for temporarily storing data.

[0267] This memory (1592) can store / remember programs and data such as an operating system (OS), middleware, and applications, and can provide programs and data to the processor (1591) in response to a request from the processor (1591).

[0268] The processor (1591) can process user input of the display (2500) and / or detection data of the proximity sensor (1560) and / or communication data of the communication unit (1580) according to a program and / or data stored / stored in the memory (1592). In addition, the processor (1591) can generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the camera (1550), the display (2500) and / or the communication unit (1580) based on the data processing.

[0269] Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of a refrigerator (15) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0270] Referring to FIG. 18, the refrigerator (15) of the present disclosure sets a custom zone on a space map that provides information on the structure of an indoor space and information on the arrangement of at least one home appliance (operation 1810), and, based on identification that a user has entered the custom zone, receives custom zone sensing data from an external server (operation 1820), and, based on the custom zone sensing data, controls at least one of video quality, video brightness, or video volume of the display in a preset custom mode (operation 1830).

[0271] For example, in operation 1810, the refrigerator (15) can set a custom zone on a space map that provides information about the structure of the indoor space and information about the placement of at least one home appliance.

[0272] A spatial map can provide information about the structure of an indoor space and the arrangement of at least one home appliance. For example, the spatial map can include a three-dimensional (3D) image of an indoor space including at least one compartment. For example, the spatial map can include a three-dimensional (3D) image of a home appliance arranged in a predetermined compartment of the indoor space. As another example, the spatial map can include a two-dimensional (2D) image of an indoor space including at least one compartment.

[0273] According to one example, the refrigerator (15) can obtain a spatial map in which an indoor space and at least one home appliance are mapped as a 2D or 3D image.

[0274] For example, the refrigerator (15) can receive a spatial map in which an indoor space and at least one home appliance are mapped as a 2D or 3D image from an external server (e.g., server (3) of FIG. 1). The external server can store spatial information about the indoor space. The external server can store device information and user account information about at least one home appliance. That is, the refrigerator (15) can receive a spatial map in which an indoor space and a home appliance are mapped in advance from the external server.

[0275] For example, the refrigerator (15) can obtain floor plan data for an indoor space and generate a spatial map for the indoor space. Furthermore, the refrigerator (15) can obtain location data of home appliances and map the arrangement of the home appliances onto the spatial map for the indoor space. That is, the refrigerator (15) can generate a spatial map based on the floor plan data for the indoor space and the arrangement data of home appliances.

[0276] A custom zone can be a specific area on a spatial map defined based on a user's specific activities or needs. Unlike standardized or standardized spatial divisions, a custom zone can be a conceptual space customized to the user. For example, a custom zone can be configured differently based on a user's behavior, habits, routines, or preferences.

[0277] The location, size, and shape of a custom zone can be configured in various ways. For example, the refrigerator (15) can set a custom zone by learning the user's repeated control of home appliances in a given area. For example, the refrigerator (15) can set a custom zone based on user input. For example, the refrigerator (15) can automatically set a custom zone by analyzing a spatial map.

[0278] For example, a custom zone could be a kitchen area where a user prepares food. A custom zone could be a bed area where a user actually sleeps. A custom zone could be a home office where a user works. A custom zone could be a fitness area where a user exercises.

[0279] For example, in operation 1820, the refrigerator (15) may receive custom zone sensing data from an external server based on identification of a user entering the custom zone. For example, at least one home appliance surrounding the custom zone may identify the user entering the custom zone by sensing a tag device carried by the user.

[0280] For example, at least one home appliance can identify that a user has entered the custom zone by sensing a tag device carried by the user based on UWB. For example, at least one home appliance can identify that a user has entered the custom zone by sensing a location of the user based on Bluetooth communication with the tag device. For example, at least one home appliance can identify that a user has entered the custom zone by sensing a tag device carried by the user based on GPS. For example, at least one home appliance can identify that a user has entered the custom zone based on location information of the tag device received from an external server.

[0281] The refrigerator (15) can receive custom zone sensing data from an external server based on identification that a user has entered the custom zone.

[0282] For example, at least one home appliance around a custom zone can transmit sensing information to an external server. For example, the external server can synthesize the sensing information of at least one home appliance to generate custom zone sensing data. For example, the external server can transmit the custom zone sensing data to a refrigerator (15). For example, the custom zone sensing data can include at least one of whether the user entered the custom zone, the user's stay time in the custom zone, or whether the user left the custom zone.

[0283] For example, in operation 1830, the refrigerator (15) can control at least one of the image quality, image brightness, or image volume of the display (2500) in a preset custom mode based on the custom zone sensing data.

[0284] The custom mode may be a control mode that performs a customized operation for the user based on at least one of the location, size, shape, or distance from the at least one surrounding home appliance of the custom zone. For example, at least one home appliance may activate the custom mode and operate in a preset custom mode based on the user entering the custom zone.

[0285] For example, when a user enters a custom zone, the refrigerator (15) can control at least one of the image quality, image brightness, or image volume of the display (2500) in a preset custom mode.

[0286] In one embodiment, the custom zone may be a kitchen area. For example, the refrigerator (15) may display cooking-related content on the display (2500) based on the user's entry into the kitchen area. For example, the refrigerator may enhance the image quality of the display (2500), increase the image brightness, and decrease the image volume.

[0287] In one embodiment, the custom zone may be a bed area. For example, the refrigerator (15) may lower the image quality of the display (2500), minimize the image brightness, and lower the image volume based on the user entering the bed area. Furthermore, the refrigerator may display sleep-inducing content on the display (2500) based on the user entering the bed area (zone 2). Furthermore, the refrigerator (900b) may turn off the display (2500) based on the user entering the bed area (zone 2).

[0288] In this way, the refrigerator (15) of the present disclosure can operate in a custom mode optimized for the user's location and behavior by setting custom zones on a spatial map and defining custom modes for each custom zone. Accordingly, the refrigerator (15) of the present disclosure can maximize the user experience and improve energy efficiency.

[0289] Furthermore, the refrigerator (15) of the present disclosure can identify user characteristics and adjust a custom mode to optimize the user's preferences or health conditions. Furthermore, when multiple users simultaneously use a custom zone, the refrigerator (15) of the present disclosure can adjust the custom mode based on priorities among the multiple users. Therefore, the refrigerator (15) of the present disclosure can precisely reflect the user's preferred or required functions and provide a custom mode that is adaptively optimized to various environmental changes.

[0290] However, since this has been described above, a duplicate explanation will be omitted.

[0291] An air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit. The at least one indoor unit may include a communication unit and at least one processor connected to the communication unit. The at least one processor sets a custom zone on a space map that provides information on the structure of an indoor space and information on the arrangement of at least one home appliance, and controls the communication unit to receive custom zone sensing data from an external server based on identification of a user entering the custom zone, and controls at least one of an airflow direction, an airflow intensity, and an airflow temperature in a preset custom mode based on the custom zone sensing data.

[0292] In one embodiment, the custom mode may be a control mode that outputs the blowing direction, the blowing strength, and / or the blowing temperature customized to the user based on at least one of the location, size, shape of the custom zone, or the distance from the at least one home appliance in the vicinity.

[0293] In one embodiment, the at least one processor can set the custom zone based on user input including at least one of position setting, size setting, or shape setting on the spatial map.

[0294] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may learn the user's repetitive control characteristics for at least one of the blowing direction, the blowing strength, or the blowing temperature in a predetermined area on the spatial map using an artificial intelligence model, and set the custom zone including the predetermined area.

[0295] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may analyze the spatial map using an artificial intelligence model and automatically set the custom zone based on the structure of the indoor space and the arrangement of the at least one home appliance.

[0296] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may control the communication unit to receive, from the external server, the custom zone sensing data generated by the external server by synthesizing sensing information received from the at least one home appliance. The custom zone sensing data may include at least one of whether the user has entered the custom zone, the user's stay time in the custom zone, or whether the user has left the custom zone.

[0297] In one embodiment, the at least one processor can switch from the custom mode to a normal mode based on the user leaving the custom zone, and control at least one of the blowing direction, the blowing strength, or the blowing temperature in the normal mode.

[0298] In one embodiment, the at least one processor can identify a user characteristic included in a tag device carried by the user and adjust the settings of the custom mode based on the user characteristic.

[0299] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may adjust the settings of the custom mode based on a priority between the at least two users, based on the identification of at least two users entering the custom zone.

[0300] A refrigerator according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display, a communication unit, and at least one processor connected to the communication unit. The at least one processor may set a custom zone on a space map that provides information on the structure of an indoor space and information on the arrangement of at least one home appliance, and control the communication unit to receive custom zone sensing data from an external server based on identification of a user entering the custom zone, and control at least one of video quality, video brightness, and video volume of the display in a preset custom mode based on the custom zone sensing data.

[0301] In one embodiment, the custom mode may be a control mode that outputs the image quality, the image brightness, and / or the image volume customized to the user based on at least one of the location, size, shape of the custom zone, or the distance from the at least one home appliance in the vicinity.

[0302] In one embodiment, the at least one processor can set the custom zone based on user input including at least one of position setting, size setting, or shape setting on the spatial map.

[0303] In one embodiment, the at least one processor can learn the user's repetitive control characteristics for at least one of the image quality, the image brightness, or the image volume in a predetermined area on the spatial map using an artificial intelligence model, and set the custom zone including the predetermined area.

[0304] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may analyze the spatial map using an artificial intelligence model and automatically set the custom zone based on the structure of the indoor space and the arrangement of the at least one home appliance.

[0305] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may control the communication unit to receive, from the external server, the custom zone sensing data generated by the external server by synthesizing sensing information received from the at least one home appliance. The custom zone sensing data may include at least one of whether the user has entered the custom zone, the user's stay time in the custom zone, or whether the user has left the custom zone.

[0306] In one embodiment, the at least one processor can switch from the custom mode to a normal mode based on the user leaving the custom zone, and control at least one of the image quality, the image brightness, or the image volume of the display in the normal mode.

[0307] In one embodiment, the at least one processor can identify a user characteristic included in a tag device carried by the user and adjust the settings of the custom mode based on the user characteristic.

[0308] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may adjust the settings of the custom mode based on a priority between the at least two users, based on the identification of at least two users entering the custom zone.

[0309] A method for controlling a home appliance according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an operation of setting a custom zone on a space map that provides information on the structure of an indoor space and information on the arrangement of at least one home appliance, an operation of identifying a user entering the custom zone, and an operation of controlling the at least one home appliance in a preset custom mode.

[0310] In one embodiment, the custom mode may be a control mode that performs a customized action for the user based on at least one of the location, size, shape of the custom zone, or the distance from the at least one home appliance in the vicinity.

Claims

1. In an air conditioner including an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit, At least one indoor unit, Department of Communications; and At least one processor connected to the communication unit; At least one processor, Set up a custom zone on a space map that provides information about the structure of the indoor space and the placement of at least one appliance; Controlling the communication unit to receive custom zone sensing data from an external server based on identification that a user has entered the custom zone; Based on the above custom zone sensing data, at least one of airflow direction, airflow intensity, or airflow temperature is controlled in a preset custom mode. Air conditioner.

2. In paragraph 1, The above custom mode is, A control mode that outputs the blowing direction, the blowing strength, and / or the blowing temperature customized to the user based on at least one of the location, size, shape of the custom zone, or the distance from the at least one home appliance in the vicinity. Air conditioner.

3. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, Setting the custom zone based on user input including at least one of position setting, size setting, or shape setting on the spatial map; Air conditioner.

4. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, Using an artificial intelligence model, learning the user's repetitive control characteristics for at least one of the blowing direction, the blowing strength, or the blowing temperature in a predetermined area on the spatial map, Setting the custom zone including the above-mentioned predetermined area, Air conditioner.

5. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, Analyze the above spatial map using an artificial intelligence model, Automatically setting the custom zone based on the structure of the indoor space and the arrangement of at least one home appliance, Air conditioner.

6. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, Control the communication unit to receive the custom zone sensing data generated by the external server by synthesizing the sensing information received from the at least one home appliance from the external server, The above custom zone sensing data is, Including at least one of whether the user entered the custom zone, the user's stay time in the custom zone, or whether the user left the custom zone. Air conditioner.

7. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, Based on the user leaving the custom zone, switching from the custom mode to the general mode, Controlling at least one of the blowing direction, the blowing strength, or the blowing temperature in the above general mode, Air conditioner.

8. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, Identifying user characteristics contained in the tag device possessed by the user; Adjusting the settings of the custom mode based on the user characteristics; Air conditioner.

9. In paragraph 1, At least one processor, Adjusting the settings of the custom mode according to the priority between the at least two users based on the identification that at least two users have entered the custom zone. Air conditioner.

10. In the refrigerator, display; Department of Communications; and At least one processor connected to the communication unit; At least one processor, Set up a custom zone on a space map that provides information about the structure of the indoor space and the placement of at least one appliance; Controlling the communication unit to receive custom zone sensing data from an external server based on identification that a user has entered the custom zone; Based on the above custom zone sensing data, controlling at least one of the video quality, video brightness, or video volume of the display in a preset custom mode. refrigerator.

11. In paragraph 10, The above custom mode is, A control mode that outputs the image quality, the image brightness, and / or the image volume customized to the user based on at least one of the location, size, shape of the custom zone, or the distance from the at least one home appliance in the vicinity. refrigerator.

12. In paragraph 10, At least one processor, Setting the custom zone based on user input including at least one of position setting, size setting, or shape setting on the spatial map; refrigerator.

13. In paragraph 10, At least one processor, Using an artificial intelligence model, learning the user's repetitive control characteristics for at least one of the image quality, the image brightness, or the image volume in a predetermined area on the spatial map, Setting the custom zone including the above-mentioned predetermined area, refrigerator.

14. In a method for controlling a home appliance, An action of setting a custom zone on a space map that provides information about the structure of an indoor space and information about the placement of at least one home appliance; An action that identifies a user entering the custom zone; and An operation of controlling at least one of the above home appliances in a preset custom mode; Method of controlling home appliances.

15. In paragraph 14, The above custom mode is, A control mode that performs a customized action to the user based on at least one of the location, size, shape of the custom zone, or the distance from the at least one home appliance in the vicinity. Method of controlling home appliances.

Images