Air cleaner and controlling method thereof

Abstract

An air cleaner according to one embodiment may comprises: a dust collector for collecting dust in the air; a blowing fan for generating a flow of air to pass from the indoor space to the dust collector; a user interface; a communication interface for performing communication with a server and / or a user device; and a processor for identifying the cleanliness level of the air inside the indoor space, controlling a user interface and / or the communication interface such that a user feedback request for the cleanliness level is displayed on the basis of a predefined interval or a predefined frequency, receiving the user feedback through the user interface and / or the communication interface, and adjusting the predefined interval and / or the predefined frequency on the basis of the received user feedback and / or the cleanliness level.

Description

Air purifier and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air purifier and a control method thereof that provides a customized air purification mode according to the user's perceived cleanliness.

[0002] An air purifier is a device used to remove pollutants from the air. Air purifiers can remove foreign substances, bacteria, viruses, mold, fine dust, and chemicals that cause odors from the inhaled air.

[0003] The air purifier may include an intake port for drawing in polluted air and may include a blower fan for creating a flow of air.

[0004] In the past, the airflow of the blower fan was controlled based on the cleanliness of the internal space measured by the dust concentration of the internal space by a sensor installed inside the air purifier (hereinafter referred to as the "dust sensor") or based on the cleanliness of the internal space received from the server. However,

[0005] There are cases where the cleanliness level based on the dust concentration measured by the sensor and the cleanliness level perceived by the user are different due to various factors related to the space where the air purifier is installed (e.g., living room, room, kitchen) (e.g., installation location of the air purifier, distance between the air purifier and the user), and thus, there is a problem of lowering user satisfaction.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a purifier that calculates a user-perceived level of cleanliness based on user feedback and provides a customized air cleaning mode based on the user-perceived level of cleanliness.

[0007] According to one embodiment, an air purifier may include a dust collector for collecting dust in the air; a blower fan for generating a flow of air so as to pass from an indoor space to the dust collector; a user interface; a communication interface for communicating with at least one of a server or a user device; and a processor configured to control at least one of the user interface or the communication interface to identify a cleanliness grade of air in the indoor space and display a user feedback request for the cleanliness grade on the user interface or transmit the request through the communication interface to at least one of the server or the user device based on a predefined interval or a predefined number of times, receive the user feedback through at least one of the user interface or the communication interface, identify a user-perceived cleanliness grade of air in the indoor space based on the received user feedback, control an operation of the blower fan based on the user-perceived cleanliness level, and adjust at least one of the predefined interval or the predefined number of times based on at least one of the received user feedback or the cleanliness level.

[0008] A method for controlling an air purifier according to one embodiment may include: identifying a cleanliness grade of air in an indoor space; displaying or transmitting a request for user feedback on the cleanliness grade based on a predefined interval or a predefined number of times; receiving the user feedback; identifying a user-perceived cleanliness grade of air in the indoor space based on the received user feedback; controlling an operation of a blower fan based on the user-perceived cleanliness; and adjusting at least one of the predefined interval or the predefined number of times based on at least one of the received user feedback or the cleanliness grade.

[0009] The air purifier and its control method according to the present disclosure can improve the functionality of the product and enhance user satisfaction by providing a user-customized experience-based cleaning mode based on user feedback.

[0010] The air purifier and its control method according to the present disclosure can improve user satisfaction with air quality by determining the user's perceived cleanliness by adjusting a preset user feedback request cycle or number of times based on user feedback.

[0011] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates multiple devices within an IoT environment according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an air purifier according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing part A of Figure 2.

[0015] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Figure 2.

[0016] Figure 5 is a control block diagram of an air purifier according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 shows an example of a cleanliness grade classification table according to dust concentration.

[0018] Figure 7 is a control flowchart of an air purifier according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating examples of at least one question included in a user feedback request and a corresponding user response according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIGS. 10 to 12 are diagrams illustrating examples of a process in which an air purifier requests feedback from a user and receives a response thereto, according to one embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 13 is a control flowchart of an air purifier for adjusting a dust concentration boundary value of a cleanliness grade classification table or outputting a notification for performance verification according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 14 is an example of a control flowchart of an air purifier for adjusting the user feedback request cycle or number of times.

[0023] Fig. 15 is another example of a control flowchart of an air purifier for adjusting the user feedback request cycle or number of times.

[0024] Fig. 16 is another example of a control flowchart of an air purifier for adjusting the user feedback request cycle or number of times.

[0025] Figure 17 is another example of a control flowchart of an air purifier for changing a question included in a user feedback request.

[0026] Figures 18 to 20 are drawings showing examples of a user interface of an air purifier (20) according to one embodiment.

[0027] The embodiments described in this disclosure and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosure, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure at the time of filing of this application.

[0028] Additionally, the same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing of the present disclosure represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0029] In addition, the terminology used in this disclosure is used to describe embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] Additionally, in the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “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 the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0031] Additionally, the term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0032] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as “first,” “second,” etc. used in the present disclosure may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any item among a plurality of related listed items.

[0033] Furthermore, the meaning of "identical" in this disclosure includes having similar properties or being similar within a certain range. Furthermore, "identical" means "substantially identical." "Substantially identical" should be understood to include values ​​that fall within the manufacturing error range or values ​​that differ from a reference value within a range that has no significance.

[0034] Additionally, terms such as "~part", "~device", "~block", "~absence", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one software stored in a memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0035] Meanwhile, the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” used in the description below are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0036] While the following illustrates an air purifier as an example, the present disclosure is not limited to air purifiers and can be applied to other air conditioners with airflow inside. For example, the present disclosure can also be applied to air conditioners, which are a type of air conditioner other than air purifiers.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates multiple devices within an IoT environment according to one embodiment.

[0039] An IoT environment according to one embodiment may include a user device (2), a server (3), at least one electronic device (10), and / or a network connecting the user device (2), the server (3), or at least one electronic device (10). In the present disclosure, the user device (2) or at least one electronic device (10) of the IoT environment may also be referred to as an IoT device (301).

[0040] The electronic device (10) may include a communication module capable of communicating with other home appliances, 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 electronic device (10), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the electronic device (10).

[0041] The electronic device (10) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the electronic device (10) may include, but is not limited to, 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), a microwave oven (19), and an air purifier (20) as illustrated, and may include, for example, various types of home appliances such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television, which are not illustrated in the drawing. In addition, the home appliances mentioned above are merely examples, and in addition to the home appliances mentioned above, a device that is connected to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) to perform the operations described below may be included in the electronic device (10) according to one embodiment.

[0042] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, an electronic device (10), or a user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, an electronic device (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 through communication between each server and process the transmitted and received data.

[0043] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering electronic devices (10) by linking them to user accounts, and managing or controlling registered electronic devices (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 an electronic device (10) to a user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can register, manage, and control the electronic device (10) by linking identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) of the electronic device (10) to the user account. The user device (2) can include a communication module capable of communicating with the electronic device (10) or the server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to the user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2).

[0044] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. 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, a wearable device, etc.

[0045] A program for controlling the electronic device (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.

[0046] A user can access a server (3) by executing an application installed on a user device (2), create a user account, and register an electronic device (10) by communicating with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account.

[0047] For example, when the electronic device (10) is operated so that the electronic device (10) can be connected to the server (3) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2), the electronic device (10) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the electronic device (10) in the corresponding user account on the server (3).

[0048] A user can control an electronic device (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), an electronic device (10) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the electronic device (10) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the electronic device (10) via the server (3).

[0049] 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.

[0050] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an access point (AP). Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth™ (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc.

[0051] An access point (AP) can connect an electronic device (10) or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The electronic device (10) or the user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0052] The access point (AP) can communicate with an electronic device (10) or a 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.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (10) may be directly connected to the user device (2) or the server (3) without going through an access point (AP).

[0054] The electronic device (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a long-range wireless network or a short-range wireless network.

[0055] For example, the electronic device (10) may be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0056] As another example, the electronic device (10) may be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-range wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0057] As another example, the electronic device (10) may 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).

[0058] If the electronic device (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it may also function as an access relay. Accordingly, the electronic device (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 electronic device (10) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0059] An electronic device (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 electronic device (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 a server (3), when a specific event occurs in the electronic device (10), or periodically or in real time.

[0060] When information about an operation or status is received from an electronic device (10), the server (3) can update the stored information about the operation or status of the electronic device (10) and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the electronic device (10) to the user device (2) via the network. Here, updating information can include various operations in which existing information is changed, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information and an operation of replacing existing information with new information.

[0061] The electronic device (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 electronic device (10) can obtain information related to the functions of the electronic device (10) (e.g., recipes, washing instructions, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3), and output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0062] The electronic device (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 electronic device (10) has obtained prior approval from the user to operate according to a control command from the server (3) even without user input, the electronic device (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.

[0063] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the electronic device (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, the user's schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) with the user's prior consent.

[0064] The electronic device (10), the user device (2), or the server (3) may determine a control command using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the electronic device (10) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process the information using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the electronic device (10) or the user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0065] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an air purifier (20) according to one embodiment, and Fig. 3 is an enlarged view showing part A of Fig. 1.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the air purifier (20) may include a housing (40). The housing (40) may form the exterior of the air purifier (20).

[0067] The housing (40) may include a blower panel (100) and an upper panel (41). The upper panel (41) may be provided on the upper part of the housing (40). The upper panel (41) may be placed on top of the blower panel (100).

[0068] A user interface (430) may be provided on the upper panel (41). The user interface (430) may be implemented as a display panel. The user interface (430) may receive user input or output operating information of the air purifier (20) to the user.

[0069] The blower panel (100) may include a first panel (101), a second panel (102), a third panel (103), and a fourth panel (104). The first panel (101) may form the front of the housing (40), the second panel (102) may form the rear of the housing (40), and the third panel (103) and the fourth panel (104) may form the sides of the housing (40). The third panel (103) and the fourth panel (104) may connect the first panel (101) and the second panel (102). The first panel (101) may be a front panel, the second panel (102) may be a rear panel, the third panel (103) may be a left panel, and the fourth panel (104) may be a right panel. The first panel (101), the second panel (102), the third panel (103) and the fourth panel (104) can be formed integrally.

[0070] The ventilation panel (100) may include a panel portion (110) and a ventilation opening (120).

[0071] The panel portion (110) may include a plurality of panel ribs (111). The plurality of panel ribs (111) may extend in one direction. For example, the plurality of panel ribs (111) may extend in an up-down direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The panel portion (110) may be formed over the entire area of ​​the ventilation panel (100).

[0072] The air vent (120) may be formed corresponding to the panel portion (110). For example, the air vent (120) may be an opening formed between a plurality of panel ribs (111) of the panel portion (110). Air outside the housing (40) may be sucked into the housing (40) through the air vent (120) or discharged from the housing (40). The air vent (120) may include a plurality of openings.

[0073] The air purifier (20) may include a vent (120). For example, the vent panel (100) may be formed with a vent (120) to allow outside air to flow into and exhaust from the interior of the air purifier (20). The vent (120) may extend in a vertical direction. The vent (120) may be formed in multiple numbers. The multiple vents (120) may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. For example, the multiple vents (120) may be arranged in a left-right direction or a front-back direction.

[0074] Air blown through the blower fan (30) can pass through the blower opening (120). The blower opening (120) can include a panel intake opening (121) and an exhaust opening (122). The panel intake opening (121) can be formed upstream of the exhaust opening (122). However, the positions of the panel intake opening (121) and the exhaust opening (122) are not limited to the above-described examples.

[0075] The panel intake (121) and exhaust (122) can be formed on the first panel (101), the second panel (102), the third panel (103), and the fourth panel (104), respectively. For example, the panel intake (121) and exhaust (122) can be formed on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the housing (40).

[0076] For example, air outside the housing (40) can be drawn into the interior of the housing (40) from all directions through the panel intake (121). Air outside the housing (40) can be drawn into the interior of the housing (40) from all directions through the panel intake (121). In addition, air inside the housing (40) can flow out of the housing (40) in all directions through the exhaust (122).

[0077] An air purifier (20) according to one embodiment may include a dust collecting device (80) accommodated in a housing (40) and provided to collect foreign substances in air sucked in by a blower fan (30). The dust collecting device (80) may include a dust collecting filter for removing dust mixed in air flowing in from the outside.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the dust collector (80) may be implemented as an electric dust collector comprising a charging unit and a dust collecting unit. The charging unit may charge an aerosol in the air. The dust collecting unit may capture the aerosol charged by the charging unit and remove it from the air. The charging unit may be positioned upstream of the dust collecting unit.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the air purifier (20) sucks in air from all sides, so that air circulation inside the housing (40) is smooth, and high dust collection efficiency can be achieved together with the dust collection device (80).

[0080] The housing (40) may include a support (42). The support (42) may be arranged on the lower side of the housing (40) to support components constituting the housing (40) and the air purifier (20). The support (42) may include a plurality of supports (42) to stably support components of the air purifier (20). Specifically, the support (42) may be included between the first panel (101) and the fourth panel (104), between the fourth panel (104) and the second panel (102), between the second panel (102) and the third panel (103), and between the third panel (103) and the first panel (101). However, this is merely an example, and the support (42) may be sufficiently formed to stably support the air purifier (20).

[0081] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Fig. 1. Specifically, Fig. 4 is a drawing illustrating the internal components and air flow of an air purifier (20).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4, air drawn in from the outside of the housing (40) may pass through the housing (40) along the air flow direction and be discharged to the outside of the housing (40). The air flow direction may be from the upstream to the downstream of the air passage (20). The air flow direction may be a direction in which the air flows into the inside of the housing (40) through the panel inlet (121) and the housing inlet (45), passes through the dust collector (80) and the blower fan (30), and then passes through the exhaust port (122). For example, the air flow direction may be a direction in which the air flows into the inside of the housing (40) through the panel inlet (121) and the housing inlet (45), and then moves at a predetermined angle and then passes through the dust collector (80) and the blower fan (30). For example, air sucked into the front, rear, left, and right sides of the housing (40) by the blower fan (30) may flow upward and then be discharged again into the front, rear, left, and right sides of the housing (40). However, the direction of air flow is not limited to the above-described example.

[0083] The housing (40) may include an air guide (44). Air flowing into the housing (40) through the intake port may be guided toward the blower fan (30) through the air guide (44). The air guide (44) may form a part of the flow path (20) therein. The air guide (44) may guide air inside the housing (40) and / or in the flow path (20) to the blower fan (30). Air passing through the interior of the air guide (44) may flow into the interior of the fan housing (43) and the blower fan (30).

[0084] A blower fan (30) may be placed within a fan housing (43). The fan housing (43) may form a portion of a passage (20) therein. The fan housing (43) may guide the flow of air flowing within the housing (40). The fan housing (43) may be in communication with an air guide (44).

[0085] A path (20) may be formed within the housing (40). A blower fan (30) may be placed on the path (20). The path (20) may include a panel intake port (121), a housing intake port (45), and an exhaust port (122). Air blown by the blower fan (30) may flow along the path (20). For example, air passing through the panel intake port (121) may flow to the housing intake port (45), and air drawn into the path (20) through the housing intake port (45) may flow to the exhaust port (122) after passing through the dust collector (80). Air flowing through the exhaust port (122) may be discharged outside the path (20).

[0086] Air outside the housing (40) can be introduced into the housing (40) from all directions through the housing intake port (45). For example, air outside the housing (40) can be introduced into the housing (40) from all directions through the housing intake port (45). Additionally, for example, air inside the housing (40) can flow out of the housing (40) in all directions through the exhaust port (122).

[0087] In one embodiment, the panel intake (121) and the housing intake (45) are described as being formed separately, but the panel intake (121) and the housing intake (45) may be formed as one component.

[0088] The air purifier (20) may include a dust collector (80). The dust collector (80) may be placed inside the housing (40). For example, the dust collector (80) may be fixed inside the housing (40) by a case (46). The dust collector (80) may capture dust in the air and filter the air.

[0089] In addition to the dust collector (80), the air purifier (20) may include various dust collecting filters. For example, a fine dust collecting filter in the form of a non-woven fabric made of polypropylene resin or polyethylene resin and / or a granular activated carbon filter may be optionally provided.

[0090] The blower panel (100) may be positioned upstream of the dust collector (80) in the air flow direction, thereby preventing the dust collector (80) from being exposed to the outside of the housing (40). The panel portion (110) of the blower panel (100) may cover the dust collector (80). The panel portion (110) may be positioned upstream of the dust collector (80) in the air flow direction.

[0091] Fig. 5 is a control block diagram of an air purifier (20) according to one embodiment.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 5, the air purifier (20) may include a blower fan (70), a dust collector (80), a user interface (430), a communication interface (440), and / or a control unit (500). In addition, according to various embodiments, the air purifier (20) may further include a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. The control unit (500) may be electrically connected to components of the air purifier (20) and may control each component. The components of the air purifier (20) are not limited to those exemplified. Some of the components of the air purifier (20) described above may be omitted, or other components may be added.

[0093] The blower fan (70) may include a motor and blades. In the present disclosure, controlling the blower fan (70) by the processor (510) may include controlling the operation of a motor that applies rotational force to the blower fan (70) by the processor (510). By the operation of the blower fan (70), air from outside the air purifier (20) may be introduced into the air purifier (20). In addition, the air introduced into the air purifier (20) may pass through the dust collector (100) and then be discharged outside the air purifier (20).

[0094] The dust collector (80) is mounted inside the air purifier (20) and can remove dust contained in the air flowing in through the intake port (121). In addition, the dust collector (80) may be implemented as an electric dust collector. The dust collector (100) generates an electric field, and the generated electric field can generate an electric attraction force on dust particles in the air and attract them. When the dust collector (80) is implemented as an electric dust collector, the control unit (500) can control a power supply unit (not shown) to supply power to the dust collector (80).

[0095] The dust collector (80) may further include a dust sensor (81) for detecting the dust concentration of air passing through the dust collecting filter. The dust sensor (81) may generate a detection signal corresponding to the detection of the dust concentration and transmit the detection signal to the control unit (500). That is, the dust sensor (81) may transmit information on the concentration of dust in the current indoor space to the control unit (500) for calculating the cleanliness of the air filtered through the dust collecting filter. At this time, the 'indoor space' means the space in which the air purifier (20) is installed, and may include the inside of a room or the inside of a house. The control unit (500) may calculate the measured cleanliness based on the sensor measurement value based on the dust concentration of the indoor space received from the dust sensor (81). The dust sensor (81) may start operating based on the power of the air purifier (20) being turned on.

[0096] The user interface (430) may include an input interface (431) and an output interface (432).

[0097] The input interface (431) may include various buttons, dials, and / or a touch display. The input interface (431) may acquire various user inputs regarding the operation or request of the air purifier (20). The input interface (431) may output an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to the user input to the control unit (500) of the air purifier (20). For example, the air volume may be selected in the air purification mode through the user interface (430). For example, the control unit (500) may execute the air purification operation based on the air volume selected. In addition, a response to a user feedback request regarding the cleanliness of an indoor space may be received through the user interface (431).

[0098] Additionally, the input interface (431) may include a microphone for acquiring user voice input. Accordingly, a voice signal in response to a user feedback request regarding the cleanliness of an indoor space may be received through the user interface (431).

[0099] The output interface (432) can display information regarding the status and / or operation of the air purifier (20). The output interface (432) can display information input by the user or provided to the user through the input interface (431) on various screens. The output interface (432) can output at least one question included in a user feedback request regarding the cleanliness of an indoor space through auditory or visual information.

[0100] The output interface (432) may include various types of display panels. For example, the output interface (432) may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD Panel), a light emitting diode panel (LED Panel), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED Panel), or a micro LED panel. The output interface (432) may also be implemented as a touch display. The touch display may include a display panel that displays an image and a touch panel that receives a touch input. The display panel may convert image data received from the control unit (500) into an optical signal that can be viewed by the user. The touch panel may identify a user's touch input and provide an electrical signal corresponding to the received touch input to the control unit (500). If the output interface (432) is provided as a touch display, the input interface (431) may not be provided.

[0101] Accordingly, the output interface (432) may display information regarding the status and / or operation of the air purifier (20) through a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables control of the air purifier (20). That is, the output interface (432) may display a user interface element (UI element) such as an icon.

[0102] The output interface (432) may further include a speaker for outputting sound. Accordingly, at least one question included in a user feedback request regarding the cleanliness of an indoor space may be output in the form of auditory information through the user interface (431).

[0103] The communication interface (440) can perform a communication connection with at least one of the user device (2) or the server (3) via a network. The control unit (500) can transmit and receive various information, various signals, and / or various data with an external device (e.g., a user device or a server) via the communication interface (440). For example, the communication interface (440) can transmit a control signal to the server to request user feedback on indoor air quality measurement. The control unit (500) can obtain firmware and / or software for the air purifier (20) from the server via the communication interface (440).

[0104] The communication interface (440) may include various communication circuits. The communication interface (440) may include wireless communication circuits and / or wired communication circuits. For example, a communication circuit that supports wireless communication methods such as wireless local area network (WLAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee may be provided.

[0105] The control unit (500) may include a processor (510) and a memory (520). The processor (510) may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the integrated air conditioning system (2) based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory (520). The processor (510) may be hardware and include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor (510) may process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory (520) and generate a control signal according to the processing results. The processor (510) and the memory (520) may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0106] The memory (520) can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the air purifier (20). The memory (520) can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air purifier (20). The memory (520) may include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory (520) may include nonvolatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.

[0107] The processor (520) is electrically connected to the blower fan (20), the dust collector (80), the user interface (430) and / or the communication interface (440), and can control the operation of the blower fan (20), the dust collector (80), the user interface (430) and / or the communication interface (440).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) may control at least one of the user interface (430) and the communication interface (440) so that a user feedback request regarding the measured cleanliness of an indoor space (hereinafter referred to as “measured cleanliness”) is displayed on the user interface (430) or the user device (2) according to a preset cycle or number of times. In this case, the user feedback request regarding the measured cleanliness may include at least one question.

[0109] Additionally, the processor (510) may receive a user response to the feedback request via at least one of the user interface (430) and the communication interface (440). In this case, the user response may include at least one response to at least one question included in the user feedback request regarding the measured cleanliness of the indoor space.

[0110] The processor (510) can calculate a user-perceived cleanliness corresponding to the measured cleanliness based on a user response, and control the operation of the blower fan (30) based on the user-perceived cleanliness.

[0111] Controlling the operation of the blower fan (30) may include adjusting at least one of the air volume or the air direction of the blower fan (30) based on the calculated user-perceived cleanliness. In addition, controlling the operation of the blower fan (30) may include controlling the blower fan (30) so that the blower fan (30) operates at a preset air volume or air direction according to an operation mode of the air purifier (20) that has been initiated based on the calculated user-perceived cleanliness. In addition, controlling the operation of the blower fan (30) may include controlling the blower fan (30) so that the blower fan (30) operates at a determined air volume or air direction according to a method that has been preset in an operation mode of the air purifier (20) that has been initiated based on the calculated user-perceived cleanliness. Controlling the blower fan (30) may include controlling a motor that applies rotational force to the blower fan (30).

[0112] The processor (510) may adjust at least one of the preset user feedback request cycles or number of times based on at least one of a user response or a measured cleanliness. In this case, adjusting the user feedback request cycle may include extending or shortening the user feedback request cycle.

[0113] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (510) may process a series of control operations of the processor (510) or acquire additional information using an artificial intelligence (AI) model. The artificial intelligence model may be stored in a memory (520) and installed on the air purifier (20) or on an external device. In this case, the external device may include a server device (3) or a user device (2). The processor (510) may utilize a plurality of artificial intelligence (AI) models, and each of the plurality of artificial intelligence models may be used to process a separate control operation or acquire separate additional information.

[0114] For example, the processor (510) may calculate a user-perceived cleanliness using an artificial intelligence model, and control various components (e.g., a blower fan (30)) of the air purifier (20) based on the calculated user-perceived cleanliness. As another example, the processor (510) may receive a user-perceived cleanliness obtained by an artificial intelligence model stored in an external device through a communication interface (440), and control various components (e.g., a blower fan (30)) of the air purifier (20) based on the received user-perceived cleanliness. An external device (e.g., a server device (3)) that stores an artificial intelligence model may obtain various information for determining a user-perceived cleanliness from another external device or the air purifier (20), and determine the user-perceived cleanliness using an artificial intelligence model based on the obtained information.

[0115] AI models can be implemented using various artificial neural networks (ANs) or deep neural networks (DNNs). Furthermore, AI models can be trained and generated using various machine learning algorithms or deep learning algorithms. For example, AI models can be implemented using models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), generative adversarial networks (GANs), and long short-term memory (LSTMs).

[0116] Figure 6 shows an example of a cleanliness grade classification table according to dust concentration.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the memory (520) may store data regarding a cleanliness grade classification table according to dust concentration. The cleanliness grade classification table is a table that assigns a certain grade according to a dust concentration range based on preset criteria. A lower grade may correspond to a lower dust concentration in the air, and a higher grade may correspond to a higher dust concentration in the air. In other words, the cleanliness grade may indicate the degree of air quality. That is, a lower grade may correspond to an improvement in air quality, and a higher grade may correspond to a deterioration in air quality. Therefore, as the grade increases or increases, it is necessary to increase the air volume of the blower fan (30) to filter dust in the air and improve air quality. At this time, the dust concentration range corresponding to each grade may be updated from the server device (3) or adjusted when it is determined that a preset event has occurred.

[0118] In the present disclosure, the 'measured cleanliness (SensorPM)' of an indoor space may correspond to the dust concentration of the indoor space measured by the sensor, and the cleanliness grade may correspond to a grade determined according to a cleanliness grade classification table based on the measured cleanliness.

[0119] For example, the processor (510) can compare information on the measured cleanliness obtained by the dust sensor (81) provided in the dust collector (80) with the grade classification table stored in the memory (520) to calculate the cleanliness grade of the indoor space.

[0120] As another example, the processor (510) may receive information on an integrated measured cleanliness of an indoor space calculated based on the measured cleanliness of the indoor space measured by at least one other electronic device (10) (specifically, a sensor of the other electronic device (10)) within an IoT environment from the server device (3) via the communication interface (440). Accordingly, the processor (510) may compare the information on the integrated measured cleanliness obtained from the server device (3) with a classification table stored in the memory (520) to calculate a cleanliness grade of the indoor space.

[0121] That is, the processor (510) can calculate a cleanliness grade based on the measured cleanliness of the indoor space obtained from the dust sensor (81) or the server (3). For example, if the measured cleanliness of the indoor space received from the server (3) is PM10=60 (μg / m3), the cleanliness grade of the indoor space can be calculated as grade 2.

[0122] The cleanliness grade classification table according to dust concentration stored in the memory (520) may include information about preset colors displayed on the user interface (430) or the user device (2) according to each grade to provide the user with information about the cleanliness (or air quality) of the current indoor space. For example, if the measured cleanliness of the indoor space received from the server (3) is PM10=60 (μg / m3), the processor (510) may display green in various forms on the user interface (430) or the user device (2) to provide the user with information about the cleanliness (or air quality) of the current indoor space.

[0123] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, a control flowchart of an air purifier (20) for performing an air purification operation in a user-customized manner by determining a user-customized perceived cleanliness level based on user feedback and adjusting at least one of a preset user feedback request cycle or number of times will be described.

[0124] Figure 7 is a control flowchart of an air purifier according to one embodiment.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) may initiate the perceived cleanliness mode by receiving a user input from the user interface (430) regarding the initiation of the perceived cleanliness mode, or by starting the perceived cleanliness mode based on the satisfaction of a preset condition (1000). For example, the processor (510) may initiate the perceived cleanliness mode based on receiving an input from the user interface (430) regarding the airflow control of the blower fan (30) a preset number of times within a preset time period (e.g., 5 or more times during 1 hour).

[0126] The processor (510) may request user feedback on the measured cleanliness of the indoor space (1100). In this case, requesting user feedback on the measured cleanliness of the indoor space may include controlling at least one of the user interface (430) and the communication interface (440) so that the user feedback request on the measured cleanliness of the indoor space is displayed on at least one of the user interface (430) and the user device (2).

[0127] At this time, the user feedback request for the measured cleanliness of the indoor space may be displayed as various sensory information. For example, the processor (510) may control the output interface (432) including a display device to display the user feedback request as visual information. As another example, the processor (510) may control the communication interface (440) to transmit a data packet regarding the user feedback request to the server (2) device so that the user feedback request is displayed in the form of a pop-up message on the user device (2). As another example, the processor (510) may control the output interface (432) including a speaker so that the user feedback request is displayed as auditory information, and at the same time, control the communication interface (440) to transmit a data packet regarding the user feedback request to the server (2) device so that the user feedback request is displayed in the form of a pop-up message on the user device (2).

[0128] Additionally, the display of a user feedback request for the measured cleanliness of an indoor space on the user interface (430) or the user device (2) may include displaying at least one question included in the user feedback request on the user interface (430) or the user device (2).

[0129] The processor (510) can receive a user response to a feedback request and calculate a user perceived cleanliness level based on the response received from the user (1200).

[0130] The processor (510) can receive a user response as sensory information through the input interface (531). In addition, the processor (510) can also receive a user response received by the user device (2) from the server device (3).

[0131] Receiving a user response to a feedback request may include receiving at least one response from the user to at least one question included in the user feedback request.

[0132] The processor (510) can determine a "User PM (User PM)" based on the received user response. The "User PM (User PM)" can be determined based on the measured cleanliness and the user response regarding the current air quality satisfaction. The method for determining the "User PM (User PM)" is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 8.

[0133] The processor (510) can determine a "user space reliability (SpaceOffset)" based on the received user response. The "user space reliability" is a factor for correcting the reliability of the user response regarding the current air quality satisfaction, and can be determined based on whether the user is present in the indoor space and the distance from the air purifier (20). The method for determining the "user space reliability" is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 9.

[0134] The processor (510) may calculate a 'user perceived cleanliness (AdvancedPM)' based on at least one of the user response-reflecting measured cleanliness or the user space reliability, if at least one of the user response-reflecting measured cleanliness or the user space reliability is determined. The user perceived cleanliness is determined by reflecting user feedback on the measured cleanliness, and may correspond to the cleanliness that the user actually feels.

[0135] According to one embodiment, a method for calculating user perceived cleanliness may be according to Equation 1 below.

[0136] [Formula 1]

[0137] User perceived cleanliness (AdvancedPM) = UserPM* (0.6 - SpaceOffset) + SensorPM*(0.3+SpaceOffset) + OutPM*0.1

[0138] At this time, the air quality (OutPM) is the concentration of air dust, which takes into account the deterioration of air quality caused by the inflow of air (i.e., outside air) into indoor spaces.

[0139] On days when the air quality is very poor (e.g., high concentration of yellow dust or ultra-fine dust), the amount of (ultra)fine dust flowing in from outside on days with clear air is large, so it is necessary to operate the air purifier (20) at a stronger wind speed than usual, and this is a reflected value. The processor (510) can obtain information on the air quality (OutPM) from the server device (3) through the communication interface (440).

[0140] However, the constant values ​​of the above equation are not fixed and can be changed in various ways as long as the sum does not exceed 1.

[0141] The processor (510) can calculate the user-perceived cleanliness level using an artificial intelligence model stored in the memory (520).

[0142] Specifically, the artificial intelligence model stored in the memory (520) may include a first artificial intelligence model configured with SensorPM, OutPM, or user response as input data and the user's perceived cleanliness level as output data. The first artificial intelligence model may perform learning based on input and output data. In this case, the activation function that processes and transforms the input data between the input data and the output data may include Equation 1.

[0143] Accordingly, the processor (510) can input SensorPM, OutPM, or user response into the learned first artificial intelligence model to calculate the user-perceived cleanliness.

[0144] The processor (510) can control the operation of the blower fan (30) based on the calculated user-perceived cleanliness (1300).

[0145] At this time, controlling the operation of the blower fan (30) may include adjusting at least one of the air volume or the air direction of the blower fan (30) based on the calculated user-perceived cleanliness. In addition, controlling the operation of the blower fan (30) may include controlling the blower fan (30) so that the blower fan (30) operates at a preset air volume or air direction according to the operation mode of the air purifier (20) that has been initiated based on the calculated user-perceived cleanliness. In addition, controlling the operation of the blower fan (30) may include controlling the blower fan (30) so that the blower fan (30) operates at a determined air volume or air direction according to a preset method in the operation mode of the air purifier (20) that has been initiated based on the calculated user-perceived cleanliness. Controlling the blower fan (30) may include controlling a motor that applies rotational force to the blower fan (30).

[0146] For example, the processor (510) can control the airflow of the blower fan (30) using an artificial intelligence model stored in the memory (520).

[0147] Specifically, the artificial intelligence model stored in the memory (520) may include a second artificial intelligence model configured with SensorPM, OutPM, or the calculated user-perceived cleanliness as input data and the wind volume of the blower fan (30) determined accordingly as output data. The second artificial intelligence model may perform learning based on the input / output data. Accordingly, the processor (510) may input SensorPM, OutPM, or the user-perceived cleanliness into the learned second artificial intelligence model to calculate wind volume information of the blower fan (30).

[0148] At this time, the first artificial intelligence model and the second artificial intelligence model can be implemented as a single artificial intelligence model. When the first artificial intelligence model and the second artificial intelligence model are implemented as a single artificial intelligence model, learning can be performed using SensorPM, OutPM, and user response as input data, and the air volume of the blower fan (30) as output data. In other words, the user-perceived cleanliness can be a value calculated within the model, and a value processed and converted in the hidden layer.

[0149] According to various embodiments, the first artificial intelligence model or the second artificial intelligence model may be provided on an external device (e.g., a server device (3) or a user device (2)).

[0150] The processor (510) can receive information on the user-perceived cleanliness obtained using the second artificial intelligence model from an external device through a communication interface (440), and adjust the airflow of the blower fan (30) based on the user-perceived cleanliness received from the external device. At this time, obtaining the user-perceived cleanliness from the external device can be done by a method of calculating the user-perceived cleanliness using the first artificial intelligence model stored in the memory (520) of the air purifier (20) described above.

[0151] In addition, the processor (510) may receive a control command for controlling the air volume of the blower fan (30) generated using a second artificial intelligence model from an external device, and may control the air volume of the blower fan (30) based on the control command. At this time, generating the control command for controlling the air volume of the blower fan (30) from the external device may be done by a method of calculating the air volume information of the blower fan (30) using the second artificial intelligence model stored in the memory (520) of the air purifier (20) described above. The processor (510) may determine whether the user feedback request cycle or number of times adjustment condition is satisfied (1400).

[0152] Satisfying the user feedback request cycle or number of times adjustment condition may include occurrence of a user feedback request cycle extension event, occurrence of a user feedback request cycle shortening event, or occurrence of a user feedback addition request event.

[0153] Additionally, satisfying the user feedback request cycle or number of times adjustment condition may include that a user feedback request cycle extension event, a user feedback request cycle shortening event, or a user feedback addition request event has occurred consecutively a preset number of times.

[0154] Additionally, satisfying the condition for adjusting the user feedback request cycle or number of times may include simultaneously receiving user consent for adjusting the user feedback request cycle or number of times along with at least one of an event for extending the user feedback request cycle, an event for shortening the user feedback request cycle, or an event for requesting additional user feedback.

[0155] If the processor (510) determines that the user feedback request cycle or frequency adjustment condition is not satisfied (No in 1400), the processor (510) may request user feedback according to a preset user feedback request cycle or frequency. For example, the processor (510) may control at least one of the user interface (430) and the communication interface (440) to request feedback from the user six times a day, twice each for breakfast / lunch / dinner, at two-hour cycles (i.e., 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00).

[0156] On the other hand, if the processor (510) determines that the user feedback request cycle or number of times adjustment condition is satisfied (example of 1400), the processor may adjust the user feedback request cycle or number of times and request user feedback according to the adjusted cycle or number of times (1500).

[0157] At this time, the processor (510) can adjust the cycle or number of user feedback requests using an artificial intelligence model.

[0158] Specifically, the artificial intelligence model may include a third artificial intelligence model configured with input data of user responses to SensorPM or current and past user feedback requests, and output data of the user feedback request cycle or number determined accordingly. The third artificial intelligence model may perform learning based on the input and output data. Accordingly, the processor (510) may input user responses to SensorPM or current and past user feedback requests into the learned third artificial intelligence model to produce information on the user feedback request cycle or number of times.

[0159] According to various embodiments, the third artificial intelligence model may be provided on an external device (e.g., a server device (3) or a user device (2)).

[0160] The processor (510) may receive user feedback request cycle or number of times information obtained by using the third artificial intelligence model from an external device through the communication interface (440), and adjust the user feedback request cycle or number of times based on the user feedback request cycle or number of times information from the external device. At this time, obtaining the user feedback request cycle or number of times information from the external device may be done by a method of calculating the user feedback request cycle or number of times information by the third artificial intelligence model stored in the memory (520) of the air purifier (20) described above. FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating examples of at least one question included in a user feedback request and a user response thereto according to one embodiment.

[0161] Hereinafter, the measured cleanliness is denoted as SensorPM, the measured cleanliness reflecting user response is denoted as UserPM, and the user space reliability is denoted as SpaceOffset.

[0162] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of at least one question included in a user feedback request for determining a 'User PM (User PM)' and the user response thereto.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) may control at least one of the user interface (430) and the communication interface (440) to display a question (Q1) regarding whether the user is satisfied with the air quality according to the current measured cleanliness level on at least one of the user interface (430) and the user device (2) (1101). At this time, the processor (510) may display information regarding the current measured cleanliness level and / or air quality together with the first question.

[0164] For example, the first question, “Current indoor dust level. N is driving with strong / light / breezy wind. Are you satisfied with the current indoor air quality?” can be displayed on at least one of the user interface (430) or the user device (2).

[0165] The processor (510) can determine whether one of the preset first responses has been received in response to the first question, and determine the user response reflection measurement cleanliness level according to the received first response.

[0166] Specifically, when the processor (510) receives a response (e.g., “Yes” (A11)) indicating that the user is satisfied with the first response, if the grade of SensorPM in the cleanliness grade classification table is 1, UserPM = SensorPM, and if the grade of SensorPM is 2 or higher, UserPM = the median value of a grade one level lower than SensorPM can be determined (1102).

[0167] If the processor (510) receives a response indicating that the user is dissatisfied as the first response (e.g., “No” (A12)), it may control at least one of the user interface (430) or the communication interface (440) to display a second question (Q2) regarding the degree of dissatisfaction with the air quality according to the current measured cleanliness level on at least one of the user interface (430) or the user device (2) (1103).

[0168] For example, a second question, “How bad is the indoor air?”, may be displayed on at least one of the user interface (430) or the user device (2).

[0169] The processor (510) can determine whether one of the preset second responses has been received in response to the second question, and determine the user response reflection measurement cleanliness level based on the received second response.

[0170] Specifically, when the processor (510) receives a response that the user's level of dissatisfaction is low as the second response (e.g., “a little disappointing” (A21)), if the level of SensorPM in the cleanliness grade classification table is 4, UserPM = SensorPM, if the level of SensorPM is 3, UserPM = the minimum value of level 4, and if the level of SensorPM is 2 or lower, UserPM = (the median value of a level one higher than SensorPM) can be determined (1104).

[0171] Specifically, when the processor (510) receives a response indicating that the user's level of dissatisfaction is high as the second response (e.g., “I don't like it very much” (A22)), when the level of SensorPM in the cleanliness level classification table is 4, UserPM = SensorPM, and when the level of SensorPM is 3 or lower, UserPM = the minimum value of level 4 can be determined (1105).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) may control at least one of the user interface (430) or the communication interface (440) to display a question regarding the positional relationship between the user and the air purifier (20) to determine a user space confidence level for correcting the confidence level of the user's response based on receiving a dissatisfied response to the first question about whether the user is satisfied with the current air quality.

[0173] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of at least one question included in a user feedback request for determining 'user space reliability (SpaceOffset)' and a corresponding user response.

[0174] In one embodiment, the processor (510) may control at least one of the user interface (430) or the communication interface (440) to display a third question (Q3) regarding whether the current user is present in the installation space of the air purifier (20) on at least one of the user interface (430) or the user device (2) (1101). For example, the installation space may correspond to a room (1106).

[0175] For example, a third question, “Are you currently in a space where an air purifier is installed?” may be displayed on at least one of the user interface (430) or the user device (2).

[0176] The processor (510) can determine whether one of the preset third responses has been received in response to the third question, and determine the user space reliability based on the received third response.

[0177] Specifically, if the processor (510) receives a response (e.g., “yes” (A31)) indicating that the user is present in the installation space of the air purifier (20) as the third response, the SpaceOffset can be determined to be 0 (1107).

[0178] If the processor (510) receives a response (e.g., “No” (A32)) as the first response indicating that the user is not present in the installation space of the air purifier (20), the processor may control at least one of the user interface (430) or the communication interface (440) to display a fourth question (Q4) indicating whether the current user is present in an indoor space including the installation space of the air purifier (20) on at least one of the user interface (430) or the user device (2) (1108). For example, the indoor space may be a house including a room.

[0179] For example, the fourth question “Are you home?” may be displayed on at least one of the user interface (430) or the user device (2).

[0180] The processor (510) can determine whether one of the preset fourth responses has been received in response to the fourth question, and determine the user space reliability based on the received fourth response.

[0181] Specifically, if the processor (510) receives a response (e.g., “yes” (A41)) indicating that the user is present in the indoor space as the fourth response, the SpaceOffset may be determined to be 0.3 (1108).

[0182] Specifically, if the processor (510) receives a response (e.g., “No” (A42)) indicating that the user is not present in the indoor space as the fourth response, the SpaceOffset may be determined to be 0.6 (1109).

[0183] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) may determine at least one of a user response reflection measurement cleanliness or a user space reliability, and may calculate (1200) a user perceived cleanliness based on at least one of the determined user response reflection measurement cleanliness or user space reliability.

[0184] FIGS. 10 to 12 are diagrams illustrating examples of a process in which an air purifier requests feedback from a user and receives a response thereto, according to one embodiment.

[0185] The processor (510) may directly or indirectly request a user for feedback including at least one question (e.g., the first to fourth questions of FIGS. 8 and 9 ) included in a user feedback request, and may directly or indirectly receive from the user at least one response (e.g., the first to fourth responses of FIGS. 8 and 9 ) to at least one question (e.g., the first to fourth questions of FIGS. 8 and 9 ) included in the user feedback request.

[0186] Figure 10 is an example of a process of directly requesting user feedback from a user and directly receiving a user response.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the air purifier (20) can receive data regarding indoor space cleanliness or atmospheric cleanliness transmitted by the server device (3) (2001). At this time, the data transmission and reception can be performed between the server device (3) and the communication interface (440) of the air purifier (20).

[0188] The air purifier (20) may receive a user input regarding the initiation of a perceived cleanliness mode, or may initiate the perceived cleanliness mode based on the satisfaction of a preset condition (2002). Accordingly, the air purifier (20) may display a user feedback request corresponding to the measured indoor space cleanliness on the output interface (432) (2003). Displaying the user feedback request on the output interface (432) may include displaying at least one question included in the user feedback request on the output interface (432). At this time, at least one question may be displayed on the output interface (432) in the form of visual or auditory information.

[0189] The air purifier (20) can receive a user response to a user feedback request (2004), wherein receiving the user response to the user feedback request may include receiving at least one response to at least one question included in the user feedback request. The user response to the user feedback request may be received in the form of sensory information from the input interface (431). For example, the user may touch a button implemented as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the input interface (431) including a touch display, and the user response may be received in the form of tactile information through the user touch.

[0190] The air purifier (20) can calculate the user-perceived cleanliness level based on the received user response (2005). Accordingly, the air purifier (20) can control the operation of the blower fan (30) based on the perceived cleanliness level (2006).

[0191] Figure 11 is an example of a process of indirectly requesting user feedback and indirectly receiving user response through a server device (3).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the air purifier (20) can receive data regarding indoor space measurement cleanliness or atmospheric cleanliness transmitted by the server device (3) (2101). At this time, the transmission and reception of data can be performed between the server device (3) and the communication interface (440) of the air purifier (20). The air purifier (20) can receive a user input regarding the initiation of the perceived cleanliness mode, or can initiate the perceived cleanliness mode based on the satisfaction of a preset condition (2102).

[0193] When the perceived cleanliness mode is initiated, the air purifier (2) can communicate with the user device (2) via the communication interface (440) to transmit a user feedback request corresponding to the indoor space measured cleanliness to the user device (2) (2103). Transmitting the user feedback request corresponding to the indoor space measured cleanliness to the user device (2) may include the air purifier (20) transmitting to the user device (2) a data packet for at least one question included in the user feedback request and a control command for causing the user feedback request to be displayed on the user device (2). At this time, the air purifier (20) can transmit the user feedback request to the user device (2) directly from the air purifier (20) to the user device (2) when the air purifier (20) and the user device (2) are directly connected via Bluetooth or the like, or via a relay device (Access Point) when the air purifier (20) and the user device (2) are connected via a relay device (Access Point).

[0194] Accordingly, the user device (2) can output at least one question included in the user feedback request based on the received data packet or control command (2104).

[0195] Thereafter, the user device (2) can receive a user response to the user feedback request (2105) and transmit the received user response to the air purifier (20) via connected communication (2106). Transmitting the user response to the air purifier (20) may include transmitting a data packet in which a response to each question is coupled to at least one question included in the user feedback request transmitted by the air purifier (20) to the user device (2). At this time, the user device (2) can transmit the user response to the air purifier (20) directly from the air purifier (20) to the user device (2) when the air purifier (20) and the user device (2) are directly connected via Bluetooth or the like, or can transmit the user response to the air purifier (20) via the access point when the air purifier (20) and the user device (2) are connected via the access point.

[0196] The air purifier (20) can calculate the user-perceived cleanliness level based on the received user response (2107). Accordingly, the air purifier (20) can control the operation of the blower fan (30) based on the perceived cleanliness level (2108).

[0197] Fig. 12 is an example of indirectly requesting user feedback through a server device (3), indirectly receiving a user response, and receiving information on perceived cleanliness calculated from the server device (3).

[0198] According to one embodiment, the air purifier (20) can receive data regarding indoor space measurement cleanliness or atmospheric cleanliness transmitted by the server device (3) (2201). At this time, the transmission and reception of data can be performed between the server device (3) and the communication interface (440) of the air purifier (20). The air purifier (20) can receive a user input regarding the initiation of the perceived cleanliness mode, or can initiate the perceived cleanliness mode based on the satisfaction of a preset condition (2202).

[0199] When the perceived cleanliness mode is initiated, the air purifier (20) can communicate with the server device (3) via the communication interface (440) to transmit data for a user feedback request corresponding to the indoor space measured cleanliness to the server device (3) (2203). Transmitting data for a user feedback request corresponding to the indoor space measured cleanliness to the server device (3) may include the air purifier (20) transmitting to the server device (3) a data packet for at least one question included in the user feedback request, a control command for causing the user feedback request to be displayed on the user device (2), and / or a control signal targeting the user device (2).

[0200] A server device (3) that receives data for a user feedback request corresponding to an indoor space measurement cleanliness level from an air purifier (20) can transmit a user feedback request corresponding to the indoor space measurement cleanliness level to a targeted user device (2) (2204). Transmitting the user feedback request corresponding to the indoor space measurement cleanliness level to the user device (2) may include the air purifier (20) transmitting to the user device (2) a data packet for at least one question included in the user feedback request and a control command for causing the user feedback request to be displayed on the user device (2).

[0201] Accordingly, the user device (2) can output at least one question included in the user feedback request based on the received data packet or control command (2205).

[0202] Thereafter, the user device (2) can receive a user response to the user feedback request (2206) and transmit the received user response to the server device (3) to which the user device (2) is connected (2207).

[0203] Accordingly, the server device (3) can calculate the user-perceived cleanliness based on the received user response (2208). At this time, the series of operations by which the server device (3) calculates the user-perceived cleanliness may include a series of operations by which the processor (510) of the air purifier (20) calculates the user-perceived cleanliness.

[0204] The server device (3) can transmit data regarding the user-perceived cleanliness level obtained or a blower fan (30) control command based thereon to the air purifier (20) (2209). Accordingly, the air purifier (20) can control the operation of the blower fan (30) based on the data regarding the user-perceived cleanliness level obtained from the server device (3) or the blower fan (30) control command based thereon (2210).

[0205] As described above, various methods for transmitting and receiving data / control commands between the air purifier (20), the server device (3), and the user device (2) have been described, but these are merely examples, and any method capable of transmitting and receiving data between the air purifier (20), the server device (3), and the user device (2) can be employed as a method for requesting user feedback and receiving a response thereto.

[0206] Fig. 13 is a control flowchart of an air purifier (20) for adjusting a dust concentration boundary value of a cleanliness grade classification table or outputting a notification for performance verification according to one embodiment.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) may determine whether a cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment event has occurred based on a received user response, a user-perceived cleanliness level according to the user response, and / or a measured cleanliness level. Thereafter, the processor (510) may control the output interface (431) to adjust the dust concentration boundary value of each level of the cleanliness grade classification table preset and stored in the memory (520) or to output a notification for performance verification based on whether a cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment condition or a notification output condition for performance verification has occurred.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 13, the processor (510) may control the user interface or the communication interface to display a question for checking whether the user is located in the installation space on the user interface or the user device based on receiving a user response (A12) indicating dissatisfaction with the question for checking whether the air quality is satisfactory based on the measured cleanliness. Accordingly, the processor (510) may determine whether a user response (hereinafter referred to as 'A12') indicating dissatisfaction with the question for checking whether the air quality is satisfactory based on the measured cleanliness and a response (e.g., 'A31') indicating that the user is currently located in the installation space are received in response to the question for checking whether the user is located in the installation space are received (3001).

[0209] The processor (510) can determine whether the difference between the calculated user-perceived cleanliness grade and the cleanliness grade is greater than or equal to a preset grade difference (m) based on the A12 and A31 responses received (example of 3001) (3002). The preset grade differences (m) for controlling the output interface (432) to adjust the dust concentration threshold of each grade of the cleanliness grade classification table or to output a notification for checking the performance of the air purifier (20) may be the same or different.

[0210] If the processor (510) determines that the determined grade difference is greater than or equal to the preset grade difference (example of 3002), it may determine that a cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment event has occurred.

[0211] The processor (510) can determine whether a cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment event has accumulated a preset number of times (n times) (the fifth number) while repeating the user feedback request and response reception according to a preset cycle or a changed cycle or number of times (3004).

[0212] When it is determined that the cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment event has accumulated a preset number of times (n times) (the fifth number) (example of 3004), the processor (510) can control the user interface (430) to adjust the boundary value of the grade to which the measured cleanliness is determined to belong, or output a notification for checking the performance of the air purifier (3005).

[0213] Specifically, the processor (510) can reduce the upper and lower limits of the boundary values ​​of the class to which the cleanliness class is determined to belong by a preset reduction amount based on the number of times (the fifth number) of accumulated occurrences of the cleanliness class boundary value adjustment event.

[0214] That is, when a cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment event has occurred cumulatively three times, the processor (510) can reduce the boundary value of the class to which the cleanliness grade is determined to belong by 6㎍ / ㎥ for PM10 and 3㎍ / ㎥ for PM2.5, and when a cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment event has occurred cumulatively six times, the boundary value of the class to which the cleanliness grade is determined to belong can be reduced by 12㎍ / ㎥ for PM10 and 6㎍ / ㎥ for PM2.5.

[0215] For example, if the measured cleanliness is 23㎍ / ㎥ (PM2.5), referring to the cleanliness grade classification table in Fig. 6, the cleanliness grade to which it is judged to belong can be determined to be Grade 2. At this time, if the cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment event has occurred cumulatively 3 times, the upper limit of the PM2.5 concentration range corresponding to Grade 2 can be adjusted by 3㎍ / ㎥ to 32㎍ / ㎥, and the lower limit can be adjusted by 3㎍ / ㎥ to 13㎍ / ㎥. In addition, if the cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment event has occurred cumulatively 6 times, the upper limit of the PM2.5 concentration range corresponding to Grade 2 can be adjusted by 6㎍ / ㎥ to 29㎍ / ㎥, and the lower limit can be adjusted by 3㎍ / ㎥ to 10㎍ / ㎥.

[0216] That is, the boundary value of a class to which the cleanliness class is judged to belong can be adjusted by a preset unit decrease amount based on the cumulative occurrence of cleanliness class boundary value adjustment events for a preset number of units.

[0217] As another example, the processor (510) may increase the amount of reduction in the upper and lower limits of the boundary values ​​of the class to which the cleanliness class is determined to belong as the cumulative number of occurrences of the cleanliness class boundary value adjustment event increases based on the number of times (the fifth number) of cumulative occurrences of the cleanliness class boundary value adjustment event.

[0218] That is, the processor (510) can reduce the boundary value of the class to which the cleanliness class is determined to belong by 6㎍ / ㎥ for PM10 and 3㎍ / ㎥ for PM2.5 when a cleanliness class boundary value adjustment event has occurred cumulatively three times, and can reduce the boundary value of the class to which the cleanliness class is determined to belong by 15㎍ / ㎥ for PM10 and 8㎍ / ㎥ for PM2.5 when a cleanliness class boundary value adjustment event has occurred cumulatively six times (i.e., the cumulative number of occurrences of the cleanliness class boundary value adjustment event has increased).

[0219] For example, if the measured cleanliness is 23㎍ / ㎥ (PM2.5), referring to the cleanliness grade classification table in Fig. 6, the cleanliness grade to which it is judged to belong can be determined to be Grade 2. At this time, if the cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment event has occurred cumulatively 3 times, the upper limit of the PM2.5 concentration range corresponding to Grade 2 can be adjusted by 3㎍ / ㎥ to 32㎍ / ㎥, and the lower limit can be adjusted by 3㎍ / ㎥ to 13㎍ / ㎥. In addition, if the cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment event has occurred cumulatively 6 times, the upper limit of the PM2.5 concentration range corresponding to Grade 2 can be adjusted by 8㎍ / ㎥ to 27㎍ / ㎥, and the lower limit can be adjusted by 8㎍ / ㎥ to 8㎍ / ㎥.

[0220] According to various embodiments, the processor (510) may increase or decrease the cleanliness grade boundary value so that the adjusted cleanliness grade boundary value can have a preset initial value based on the occurrence of a cleanliness grade boundary value initialization event.

[0221] For example, the processor (510) can determine whether a cleanliness grade boundary value initialization event has occurred based on user input received from the input interface (431) or the communication interface (440).

[0222] The air purifier (20) can receive a user input regarding an initialization command of the air purifier (20) or a user input regarding initialization of a cleanliness grade boundary value from the input interface (431). In addition, the air purifier (20) can also receive a user input regarding an initialization command of the air purifier (20) or a user input regarding initialization of a cleanliness grade boundary value received from an external device via the communication interface (440).

[0223] The processor (510) may determine that a cleanliness grade boundary value initialization event has occurred based on receiving a user input regarding an initialization command of the air purifier (20) or a user input regarding cleanliness grade boundary value initialization from the input interface (431) or the communication interface (440).

[0224] As another example, the processor (510) may determine whether a cleanliness grade boundary value initialization event has occurred based on whether a cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment has been performed for a preset period of time.

[0225] The fact that the cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment is not performed for a preset period of time may include that the cleanliness of the indoor space is improved by adjusting the air volume of the blower fan (30) and adjusting the cleanliness grade boundary value in response to continuous feedback requests, thereby reducing the gap between the user-perceived cleanliness and the measured cleanliness. Accordingly, the processor (510) may determine that a cleanliness grade boundary value initialization event has occurred based on the fact that the cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment is not performed for a preset period of time.

[0226] Accordingly, the processor (510) can increase or decrease the boundary value of the class to which the cleanliness class is determined to belong so as to have preset upper and lower limits.

[0227] As another example, the processor (510) may control the user interface (430) to output at least one of a replacement alarm for the dust collector (80) or a repair alarm for the air purifier (20) based on determining that the cumulative number of occurrences of the cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment event is greater than or equal to a threshold number.

[0228] The fact that the cumulative occurrence number of cleanliness grade boundary value adjustment events is greater than a critical number may include that the cleanliness of the indoor space is not improved or a gap occurs between the user-perceived cleanliness and the measured cleanliness despite the adjustment of the cleanliness grade boundary value and the adjustment of the wind volume of the blower fan (30) in response to continuous feedback requests. Accordingly, the processor (510) determines that there is a failure or performance degradation of the dust collector (80) (specifically, the dust collector filter) or other components included in the air purifier (20).

[0229] The user interface (430) can be controlled to output at least one of an alarm for replacement of the dust collector (80) or repair of the air purifier (20).

[0230] According to various embodiments, the processor (510) may control the output interface (440) to cause at least one of a replacement alarm for the dust collector (80) or a repair alarm for the air purifier (20) to be displayed on the user device.

[0231] Accordingly, the air purifier (20) according to one embodiment can improve the performance of the air purifier (20) and user satisfaction by continuously requesting user feedback on the performance of the air purifier (20) while narrowing the gap between the user-perceived cleanliness and the measured cleanliness.

[0232] Fig. 14 is an example of a control flowchart of an air purifier (20) for adjusting the user feedback request cycle or number of times.

[0233] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) may adjust the user feedback request cycle or number of times depending on the operating performance of the air purifier (20) determined based on the measured cleanliness.

[0234] According to one embodiment, a processor (510) can determine whether the measured cleanliness corresponds to the lowest grade (1401). The processor (510) can receive information on the measured cleanliness from the server device (3) via the communication interface (440) and determine whether the measured cleanliness corresponds to the lowest grade. In this case, the lowest grade may include a cleanliness grade corresponding to a grade in which air quality is determined to be the cleanest in the cleanliness grade classification table. For example, referring to FIG. 6, the processor (510) can determine whether the cleanliness grade corresponds to Grade 1.

[0235] If the measured cleanliness level is not the lowest level (e.g., example 1401), the processor (510) can determine whether the cleanliness level will decrease within a first reference time (1402). In this case, the first reference time may be a preset time shorter than a preset user feedback request cycle. For example, if the preset user feedback request cycle is 2 times a day, 6 times a day for breakfast / lunch / dinner, each 2 hours apart (8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00), the first reference time may be 1 hour.

[0236] The processor (510) may determine that an additional user feedback request event has occurred (1403) if the cleanliness level does not decrease within the first reference time (No in 1402). The occurrence of an additional user feedback request event may be one of the conditions for adjusting the user feedback request cycle or number of times.

[0237] Accordingly, the processor (510) may control the user interface (430) or the communication interface (440) to display an additional feedback request on the user interface (430) or the user device (2) based on the occurrence of the additional user feedback request event (1404). At this time, the processor (510) may determine whether a user feedback request according to a preset user feedback request cycle is scheduled within a second reference time from the time when the additional user feedback request event occurs based on the occurrence of the additional user feedback request event. Accordingly, if a user feedback request according to the preset user feedback request cycle is scheduled, the processor (510) may withdraw the user feedback request according to the preset user feedback request cycle.

[0238] On the other hand, the processor (510) may determine that a user feedback request period extension event has occurred (1405) when the measured cleanliness is at the lowest level (No in 1401), or when the measured cleanliness is not at the lowest level but the cleanliness level falls within the first reference time (Yes in 1402). The occurrence of the user feedback request period extension event may be one of the conditions for adjusting the user feedback request period or number of times.

[0239] The processor (510) can determine whether the user feedback request cycle extension event has accumulated a preset number of times (p) (second number of times) (1406).

[0240] The processor (510) may determine to extend the user feedback request cycle based on the fact that the user feedback request cycle extension event has accumulated a preset number of times (the second number) (example of 1406) (1407). Accordingly, the processor (510) may extend the user feedback request cycle based on the determined user feedback request cycle extension. For example, if the preset feedback request cycle is 2 times a day, 6 times a day, each in a 2-hour cycle (8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00), 2 times a day, each in a 4-hour cycle (8:00, 12:00, 16:00) based on the determined user feedback request cycle extension.

[0241] Fig. 15 is another example of a control flowchart of an air purifier (20) for adjusting the user feedback request cycle or number of times.

[0242] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) may adjust the frequency or number of user feedback requests based on the user response.

[0243] Referring to FIG. 15, the processor (510) can determine whether a response of satisfaction (hereinafter referred to as 'A11') has been continuously received a preset number of times (q) (the third number) in response to a question asking whether the user is satisfied with the air quality according to the measurement satisfaction among at least one question included in the user feedback request (1411).

[0244] If the processor (510) determines that the A11 response has been received consecutively a preset number of times (the third number of times) (example 1411), it may determine that a user feedback request cycle extension event has occurred (1412). The occurrence of the user feedback request cycle extension event may be due to one of the user feedback request cycle or frequency adjustment conditions.

[0245] The processor (510) may determine to extend the user feedback request cycle based on the occurrence of a user feedback request cycle extension event (1413). Accordingly, the processor (510) may extend the user feedback request cycle based on the determined user feedback request cycle extension. For example, if the preset feedback request cycle is 6 times a day, 2 times each for breakfast / lunch / dinner, each for 2 hours (8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00), the user feedback cycle may be extended to 3 times a day, 1 time each for breakfast / lunch / dinner, each for 4 hours (8:00, 12:00, 16:00) based on the determined user feedback request cycle extension.

[0246] If the processor (510) determines that the A11 response has not been received consecutively a preset number of times (the third number of times) (example of 1411), it can determine whether a response of dissatisfaction (hereinafter referred to as 'A12') to a question asking whether the air quality according to the measured cleanliness is satisfactory among at least one question included in the user feedback request has been received consecutively a preset number of times (r) (the fourth number of times) (1414).

[0247] If the processor (510) determines that the A12 response has not been continuously received a preset number of times (the fourth number of times) (No of 1414), it can determine whether a response indicating satisfaction (hereinafter referred to as 'A11') has been continuously received a preset number of times (q) (the third number) for a question confirming satisfaction with air quality according to measurement satisfaction among at least one question included in the user feedback request while continuously receiving a response to the feedback request (1411).

[0248] If the processor (510) determines that the A12 response has been received consecutively a preset number of times (the fourth number of times) (example of 1414), it may determine that a user feedback request cycle shortening event has occurred (1415).

[0249] The processor (510) may determine to shorten the user feedback request cycle based on the occurrence of a user feedback cycle shortening event (1416). Accordingly, the processor (510) may shorten the user feedback request cycle based on the determined shortening of the user feedback request cycle. For example, if the preset feedback request cycle is 6 times a day, 2 times each for breakfast / lunch / dinner, 2 hours each (8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00), the user feedback cycle may be shortened to 3 times each for breakfast / lunch / dinner, 1 hour and 30 minutes each (8:00, 9:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00, 18:30, 20:00) based on the determined shortening of the user feedback request cycle.

[0250] Fig. 16 is another example of a control flowchart of an air purifier (20) for adjusting the user feedback request cycle or number of times.

[0251] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) may adjust the user feedback request cycle based on determining the adjustment of the user feedback request cycle, and may also adjust the user feedback request cycle based on determining the adjustment of the user feedback request cycle and receiving user consent to the adjustment of the user feedback request cycle. That is, satisfying the condition for adjusting the user feedback request cycle or number of times may include simultaneously satisfying the occurrence of a user feedback request cycle adjustment event and receiving user consent to the adjustment of the user feedback request cycle. In this case, adjusting the user feedback request cycle may include extending the user feedback request cycle or shortening the user feedback request cycle.

[0252] Referring to FIG. 16, the processor (510) may control at least one of the user interface (430) or the communication interface (440) to display a user consent request for adjusting the user feedback request cycle on the user interface (440) or the user device (2) based on the occurrence of a user feedback request cycle adjustment event (1421). Displaying the user consent request on the user interface (440) or the user device (2) may include displaying a question to confirm whether the user consents to adjusting the user feedback request cycle. In this case, the question to confirm whether the user consents to adjusting the user feedback request cycle may be displayed in the form of sensory information including visual or auditory information.

[0253] The processor (510) may determine whether a response agreeing to adjust the user feedback request cycle has been received in response to a user consent request (1422). The processor (510) may receive a response agreeing to adjust the user feedback request cycle directly through the input interface (431) or indirectly through the communication interface (440).

[0254] The processor (510) may adjust the user feedback request cycle based on receiving a response agreeing to adjust the user feedback request cycle (e.g., 1422). Accordingly, the processor (510) may control at least one of the user interface (430) and the communication interface (440) so that a user feedback request for the measured cleanliness of the indoor space is displayed on the user interface (430) or the user device (2) according to the adjusted user feedback request cycle (1100).

[0255] On the other hand, based on not receiving a response agreeing to adjust the user feedback request cycle (No of 1422), the processor (510) may control at least one of the user interface (430) or the communication interface (440) to display a user feedback request for the measured cleanliness of the indoor space on the user interface (430) or the user device (2) according to the preset user feedback request cycle (1100).

[0256] That is, even if a user feedback request cycle adjustment event occurs, the processor (510) may request user feedback according to a preset cycle without adjusting the user feedback request cycle if there is no user consent.

[0257] Fig. 17 is another example of a control flowchart of an air purifier (20) for changing a question included in a user feedback request.

[0258] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can adjust the user feedback request cycle or number of times (1500) and determine whether the wind volume of the blower fan (30) is greater than or equal to a preset reference wind volume before requesting user feedback (1100) according to the adjusted cycle or number of times (4001).

[0259] Accordingly, if the processor (510) determines that the wind volume of the blower fan (30) is greater than or equal to a preset reference wind volume (example of 4001), the processor (510) may control at least one of the user interface (430) or the communication interface (440) to display a fifth question, asking whether the current wind volume is satisfactory, on the user interface (430) or the user device (2) (4002). For example, the fifth question, “Currently, we are operating at a strong wind speed to quickly improve air quality. Isn’t it noisy? / Isn’t the noise too strong?” may be displayed on at least one of the user interface (430) or the user device (2) (4002).

[0260] The processor (510) can determine whether one of the preset fifth responses has been received in response to the fourth question, and can control at least one of the user interface (430) and the communication interface (440) so that a different question for controlling the air volume of the blower fan (30) is displayed instead of the question (i.e., the first question) for checking whether the air quality is satisfactory according to the measured cleanliness level based on the received fifth response.

[0261] Specifically, if the processor (510) receives a response indicating that the user is dissatisfied with the fourth response (e.g., “Yes” (A51)), the first question may be changed to a sixth question and displayed (4003). For example, the sixth question may be a question for adjusting the airflow of the blower fan (30), and may include “Should I reduce the airflow?”

[0262] On the other hand, if the processor (510) receives a response indicating that the user is satisfied with the fourth response (e.g., “No” (A52)), it may determine whether another question is displayed instead of the first question based on the measured cleanliness. At least one of the user interface (430) or the communication interface (440) may be controlled so that another question for controlling the airflow of the blower fan (30) is displayed.

[0263] Specifically, the processor (510) can determine whether the cleanliness level is 1 or whether the cleanliness level decreases within a preset third reference time (4004).

[0264] If the cleanliness level is not 1 and the cleanliness level does not decrease within the preset third reference time (No in 4004), the processor (510) may change the first question to the seventh question and display it (4005). The seventh question is a question for adjusting the airflow of the blower fan (30), and may include “Do you think the current air cleanliness is slowly improving?”

[0265] The processor (510) may display the first question without changing the first question (4006) if the cleanliness level is 1 or the cleanliness level decreases within a preset third reference time (example of 4004).

[0266] That is, the processor (510) can control at least one of the user interface (430) or the communication interface (440) so that, when the next user feedback request is made based on at least one of the user response to the question for checking whether the air volume is satisfactory (i.e., the fifth question) or the measured cleanliness, a question for adjusting the air volume (i.e., the sixth or seventh question) is displayed on the user interface (430) or the user device (2) instead of the question for checking whether the air quality is satisfactory according to the measured cleanliness (i.e., the first question).

[0267] Figures 18 to 20 are drawings illustrating examples of a user interface (430) of an air purifier (20) according to one embodiment. Figures 18 to 20 are enlarged views of part B of Figure 2.

[0268] The user interface (430) of the air purifier (20) according to one embodiment can be implemented in various forms.

[0269] For example, referring to FIG. 18, the user interface (430) may include an output interface (432) that displays information regarding the status and / or operation of the air purifier (20), and an input interface (432) that includes at least one user input button for receiving input regarding the operation of the air purifier (20). In this case, the user input button may be implemented as a key pad, a mouse, a trackball, a jog switch, a knob, a touch pad, or a touch screen.

[0270] According to FIG. 18, the air purifier may further include an air volume button (431a) for adjusting the air volume of the air purifier (20), a menu button (431b) for determining various operation modes of the air purifier (20), or a power button (431c) for receiving user input regarding power on / off of the air purifier (20), as well as a separate button (431d) for receiving a user response regarding a user feedback request.

[0271] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19, if the air purifier (20) according to one embodiment does not include a separate input button for receiving a response to a user feedback request, a user response to the user feedback request may be received using a button that performs another function. In this case, the processor (510) may control the output interface (431) to output an instruction for receiving a user response using a button that performs another function.

[0272] For example, if the processor (510) determines that the air volume button (431a) and the menu button (431b) have been pressed simultaneously for 3 seconds, it can determine that a user response of satisfaction has been received in response to a question about whether the user is satisfied with the air quality according to the measured cleanliness. In addition, if the processor (510) determines that the air volume button (431a) and the menu button (431b) have been pressed simultaneously for 5 seconds, it can determine that a user response of dissatisfaction has been received in response to a question about whether the user is satisfied with the air quality according to the measured cleanliness (i.e., the first question). At this time, the processor (510) can control the speaker included in the output interface (431) to output an instruction such as “If you are satisfied with the air quality, press the air volume button (431a) and the menu button (431b) simultaneously for 3 seconds, and if you are dissatisfied, press the air volume button (431a) and the menu button (431b) simultaneously for 5 seconds” in response to a question (i.e., the first question) regarding satisfaction with the air quality according to the measured cleanliness.

[0273] According to various embodiments, the user interface (430) may be implemented as a touch display panel. Referring to FIG. 20, the user interface (430) implemented as a touch display panel may display at least one question included in a user feedback request through the display panel, and may receive a user response by the user touching the GUI displayed on the display panel. At this time, the processor (510) may control a speaker to output instructions as auditory information, or may also output instructions as visual information through the touch display panel.

[0274] However, FIGS. 18 to 20 only illustrate some examples of implementation forms of the user interface (430), and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto and various implementation forms may be adopted.

[0275] According to one embodiment, an air purifier may include a dust collector for collecting dust in the air; a blower fan for generating a flow of air so as to pass from an indoor space to the dust collector; a user interface; a communication interface for communicating with at least one of a server or a user device; and a processor configured to control at least one of the user interface or the communication interface to identify a cleanliness grade of air in the indoor space and display a user feedback request for the cleanliness grade on the user interface or transmit the request through the communication interface to at least one of the server or the user device based on a predefined interval or a predefined number of times, receive the user feedback through at least one of the user interface or the communication interface, identify a user-perceived cleanliness grade of air in the indoor space based on the received user feedback, control an operation of the blower fan based on the user-perceived cleanliness level, and adjust at least one of the predefined interval or the predefined number of times based on at least one of the received user feedback or the cleanliness level.

[0276] The processor receives information on the measured cleanliness from the server through the communication interface to identify the cleanliness grade, identifies whether the cleanliness grade corresponds to the lowest grade based on the received information, and determines that an event for extending the predefined interval has occurred based on the cleanliness grade corresponding to the lowest grade, wherein the lowest grade may correspond to a grade indicating the best air quality.

[0277] The processor determines that an event has occurred to extend the predefined interval based on whether the cleanliness grade changes within a first reference time period based on the cleanliness grade not being the lowest grade, and the cleanliness grade decreases by at least a defined number of grades within the first reference time period, wherein a decrease in the cleanliness grade may correspond to an improvement in air quality.

[0278] The processor may extend the predefined interval based on a determination that an event extending the predefined interval has cumulatively occurred a second defined number of times.

[0279] The processor may control at least one of the user interface or the communication interface to display a user consent request for extending the predefined interval on the user interface or to transmit the request to at least one of the server or the user device via the communication interface based on a determination that an event for extending the predefined interval has cumulatively occurred a second defined number of times, and may extend the predefined interval based on obtaining user consent for extending the predefined interval.

[0280] The processor can determine that an event requesting additional user feedback has occurred based on the cleanliness grade not decreasing by at least the defined number of grades within the first reference time period, and can control at least one of the user interface or the communication interface to display a request for additional user feedback on the user interface or on the user device based on the determination that an event requesting additional user feedback has occurred.

[0281] The processor can identify whether a user feedback request based on the predefined interval is scheduled within a second reference time, and can withdraw at least one of the request based on the predefined interval or the additional request based on whether the user feedback request based on the predefined interval is scheduled within the second reference time.

[0282] The user feedback request may include a question about whether the air quality of the air from the indoor space is satisfactory, and the processor may determine that an event of extending the predefined interval has occurred based on the user feedback that the air quality of the indoor space is satisfactory being received consecutively a third defined number of times.

[0283] The user feedback request may include a question about whether the air quality of the indoor space is satisfactory, and the processor may determine that an event for shortening the predefined interval has occurred based on the user feedback that the air quality of the air from the indoor space is unsatisfactory being received consecutively a fourth defined number of times.

[0284] The processor may extend the predefined interval based on a determination that an event extending the predefined interval has occurred.

[0285] The processor may control at least one of the user interface or the communication interface to display a question on the user interface or transmit a question to at least one of the server or the user device via the communication interface to identify whether the user agrees to adjust the predefined interval based on a determination that an event extending the predefined interval has occurred, and may extend the predefined interval based on receiving user feedback indicating user agreement to extend the predefined interval.

[0286] The user feedback request includes a question identifying whether the air quality of the air from the indoor space is satisfactory based on a cleanliness grade, and the indoor space includes at least one of an installation space in which the air purifier is installed or a space around the installation space, and the processor can control at least one of the user interface or the communication interface to display on the user interface or transmit to at least one of the server or the user device via the communication interface a question identifying whether the user is in the installation space based on a user feedback that the air quality of the air from the indoor space is unsatisfactory.

[0287] The processor may determine an event that determines a difference between the user-perceived cleanliness and the cleanliness grade based on receiving user feedback that the user is in the installation space through at least one of the user interface or the communication interface, and adjusts a boundary value of the cleanliness grade based on the determined difference being greater than or equal to a defined difference.

[0288] The processor may control the user interface to adjust the set cleanliness grade boundary value corresponding to the cleanliness grade or output a notification for identifying the performance or status of the air purifier based on a determination that an event for adjusting the boundary value of the cleanliness grade has cumulatively occurred a fifth defined number of times.

[0289] The processor may reduce the upper and lower limits of the boundary values ​​of the set cleanliness grade corresponding to the cleanliness grade by a defined value based on a determination that an event for adjusting the boundary value of the cleanliness grade has cumulatively occurred the fifth defined number of times.

[0290] However, the effects that can be achieved by the air purifier and the control method of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description. Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions can be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, can generate a program module to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0291] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0292] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0293] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0294] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A dust collecting device that collects dust in the air; A blower fan that generates a flow of air from an indoor space to pass through the dust collector; User interface; A communication interface for communicating with at least one of a server or a user device; and Identify the air cleanliness level within the above indoor space, Controlling at least one of the user interface or the communication interface to display a user feedback request for the cleanliness rating on the user interface or to transmit the request to at least one of the server or the user device via the communication interface based on a predefined interval or a predefined number of times; Receive the user feedback through at least one of the user interface or the communication interface, and identify the user-perceived cleanliness grade of the air in the indoor space based on the received user feedback, Control the operation of the blower fan based on the user-perceived cleanliness level, An air purifier comprising a processor configured to adjust at least one of the predefined interval or the predefined number of times based on at least one of the received user feedback or the cleanliness level.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, In order to identify the above cleanliness grade, information on the measured cleanliness is received from the server through the communication interface, and based on the received information, whether the cleanliness grade corresponds to the lowest grade is identified, and based on the fact that the cleanliness grade corresponds to the lowest grade, an event for extending the predefined interval is determined to have occurred. The above lowest rating is for air purifiers that provide the best air quality.

3. In paragraph 2, The above processor, Identifying whether the cleanliness grade changes within a first reference time based on the cleanliness grade not being the lowest grade, and determining that an event of extending the predefined interval has occurred based on the cleanliness grade decreasing by at least a defined number of grades within the first reference time, An air purifier in which a decrease in the above cleanliness rating corresponds to an improvement in air quality.

4. In paragraph 3, The above processor, An air purifier that extends the predefined interval based on a determination that an event extending the predefined interval has cumulatively occurred a second defined number of times.

5. In paragraph 3, The above processor, An air purifier that controls at least one of the user interface or the communication interface to display a user consent request for extending the predefined interval on the user interface or to transmit the request to at least one of the server or the user device via the communication interface based on a determination that an event for extending the predefined interval has cumulatively occurred a second defined number of times, and extends the predefined interval based on the user consent for extending the predefined interval being obtained.

6. In paragraph 3, The above processor, An air purifier that determines that an event requesting additional user feedback has occurred based on the cleanliness level not decreasing by at least the defined number of levels within the first reference time, and controls at least one of the user interface or the communication interface to display a request for additional user feedback on the user interface or on the user device based on the determination that an event requesting additional user feedback has occurred.

7. In paragraph 6, The above processor, Identifying whether a user feedback request based on the above predefined interval is scheduled within a second reference time, An air purifier that withdraws at least one of the request based on the predefined interval or the additional request based on whether a user feedback request based on the predefined interval is scheduled within the second reference time.

8. In paragraph 1, The above user feedback request includes a question about whether the air quality of the air from the indoor space is satisfactory, The above processor, An air purifier that determines that an event of extending the predefined interval has occurred based on the user feedback that the air quality of the indoor space is satisfactory being received consecutively a third defined number of times.

9. In paragraph 1, The above user feedback request includes a question about whether the air quality of the indoor space is satisfactory, The above processor, An air purifier that determines that an event for shortening the predefined interval has occurred based on the user feedback that the air quality of the air from the indoor space is unsatisfactory being received consecutively a fourth defined number of times.

10. In paragraph 8, The above processor, An air purifier that extends the predefined interval based on a determination that an event extending the predefined interval has occurred.

11. In paragraph 8, The above processor, An air purifier that controls at least one of the user interface or the communication interface to display a question on the user interface or transmit the question to at least one of the server or the user device via the communication interface to identify whether the user agrees to adjust the predefined interval based on a determination that an event for extending the predefined interval has occurred, and extends the predefined interval based on user feedback indicating user agreement to extend the predefined interval being received.

12. In paragraph 1, The above user feedback request includes a question identifying whether the air quality of the air from the indoor space is satisfactory based on a cleanliness rating, The above indoor space includes at least one of an installation space where the air purifier is installed or a space around the installation space, The above processor, An air purifier that controls at least one of the user interface or the communication interface to display a question on the user interface or to transmit a question to at least one of the server or the user device via the communication interface to identify whether the user is in the installation space based on user feedback received that the air quality of the air from the indoor space is unsatisfactory.

13. In paragraph 12, The above processor, An air purifier that determines an event that has occurred, wherein the event determines a difference between the user-perceived cleanliness and the cleanliness grade based on receiving user feedback that the user is present in the installation space through at least one of the user interface and the communication interface, and adjusts a boundary value of the cleanliness grade based on the determined difference being greater than or equal to a defined difference.

14. In paragraph 13, The above processor, An air purifier that controls the user interface to adjust the set cleanliness grade boundary value corresponding to the cleanliness grade or output a notification for identifying the performance or status of the air purifier based on a determination that an event for adjusting the boundary value of the cleanliness grade has cumulatively occurred a fifth defined number of times.

15. In paragraph 14, The above processor, An air purifier that reduces the upper and lower limits of the boundary values ​​of the set cleanliness grade corresponding to the cleanliness grade by a defined value based on a determination that an event for adjusting the boundary value of the cleanliness grade has cumulatively occurred the fifth defined number of times.

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