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

Abstract

An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner may comprise: a first indoor unit disposed in a first space; an air conditioning module; a first detection sensor arranged in the first indoor unit and detecting a moving object in the first space; a memory storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor including a circuit device. The air conditioner may detect a person in the first space on the basis of a sensor detection value of the first detection sensor, determine whether a person is detected in a second space in a house other than the first space if the first space is changed from a state in which a person is in the first space to a state in which there is no person in the first space, and control the first indoor unit (102) to perform a first power saving operation if the person is detected in the second space within a first reference time.

Description

Air conditioner performing energy-saving control and control method thereof

[0001] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an air conditioner that performs power saving control, a method for controlling the air conditioner, and a computer-readable recording medium having a program for performing the air conditioner control method on a computer.

[0002] Various types of air conditioners are widely used in indoor spaces. Since air conditioners have high power consumption, methods to reduce power consumption are required. Air conditioners can be equipped with various sensors, such as human presence sensors and temperature sensors. By utilizing these various sensors, air conditioners can control the environment of the air-conditioned space and control the operation of the unit. Air conditioners can perform energy-saving control using human presence sensors. However, it is difficult to ensure the accuracy of determining whether a person is absent from the target space. Furthermore, there is a problem involving a waiting time required from the moment it is determined that a person is absent until energy-saving operation is initiated.

[0003] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner may include a first indoor unit disposed in a first space, an air conditioning module, a first detection sensor disposed in the first indoor unit and detecting a moving object within the first space, a memory storing at least one instruction, and at least one processor including a circuit device. When at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the air conditioner may detect a person in the first space based on the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor, determine whether a person is detected from a second space within the home other than the first space when the first space changes from an occupied state where a person is present to an absent state where no person is present, and if a person is detected from the second space within a first reference time, control the first indoor unit (102) to perform a first energy-saving operation.

[0004] Additionally, according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner may include a first indoor unit placed in a first space, and a first detection sensor placed in the first indoor unit and detecting a moving object within the first space. The method for controlling the air conditioner may include the steps of: detecting a person in the first space based on a sensor detection value of the first detection sensor; determining whether a person is detected from a second space within the home other than the first space when the first space changes from an occupied state where a person is present to an absent state where no person is present; and controlling the first indoor unit to perform a first energy-saving operation when a person is detected from the second space within a first reference time.

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

[0006] The present invention can be easily understood from the combination of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, where reference numerals denote structural elements.

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

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

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

[0010] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of performing a power saving operation without a component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the process of a component power saving operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a plurality of intermediate power saving operations and a plurality of power saving learning levels according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the duration of a plurality of intermediate power saving operations and soft-off steps according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the change in power consumption when performing absent power saving operation at a basic level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change in power consumption when performing absent power saving operation at a third learning level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling the set temperature and wind speed at each operating stage according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the process of adjusting the set temperature and wind speed in each intermediate power saving operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the duration of a plurality of intermediate power saving operations and soft-off steps in each user-defined mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a process of adjusting a power saving learning level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

[0024] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the process of detecting a person from a second space and performing a first power-saving operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a process for determining an increase or decrease in the number of people according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining whether a person is detected in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating a process for determining whether a person is detected in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining whether a person is detected in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 23 is a drawing illustrating a process for determining whether a person is detected in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining whether a person is detected in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 25 is a drawing illustrating a process for determining whether a person is detected in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a process of detecting a person in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0034] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0035] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] In this document, 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, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0037] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0038] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another corresponding component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0039] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0040] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] When it is said that one component is “connected,” “combined,” “supported,” or “in contact” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0042] When it is said that a component is located “on” another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0043] It should be understood that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of flowcharts can be executed by one or more computer programs containing computer-executable instructions. One or more computer programs may be stored all in a single memory or may be partitioned and stored in multiple different memories.

[0044] All functions or operations described in this document may be processed by a single processor or a combination of processors. A single processor or a combination of processors is a circuitry that performs processing and may include circuitry such as an AP (Application Processor), CP (Communication Processor), GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), MPU (Microprocessor Unit), SoC (System on Chip), IC (Integrated Chip), etc.

[0045] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor"), and means a device having at least one of these functions.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling or heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing that forms the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. Alternatively, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings that form a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-alone air conditioner, or a system air conditioner.

[0047] An air conditioner comprising a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected via refrigerant pipes to two or more indoor units. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0048] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be entered through an input interface provided on the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0049] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0050] An outdoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0051] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be classified into ceiling-mounted, stand-type, and wall-mounted units depending on how they are placed. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be classified into 4-way, 1-way, and duct-type units depending on the method of air discharge.

[0052] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, it can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the room can be cooled by blowing the cooled indoor air as it passes through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Additionally, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, it can release heat to the indoor air, and the room can be heated by blowing the heated indoor air as it passes through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

[0053] In other words, an air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions through the phase change process of a refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger; to facilitate this refrigerant circulation, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can draw in refrigerant gas through a suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0054] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger.

[0055] For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant can be arranged to circulate between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0056] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant may flow to multiple indoor units through refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from multiple indoor units may be combined and circulated back to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units may each be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0057] Multiple indoor units can each operate independently according to an operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units can operate in cooling mode while others operate in heating mode simultaneously. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into each indoor unit in a selectively high-pressure or low-pressure state along a designated circulation path via a flow path switching valve to be described later, and to be discharged and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0058] For example, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from multiple outdoor units may be combined and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, and then branch out again at some point to flow into multiple indoor units.

[0059] Multiple outdoor units may all be driven or at least some may not be driven, depending on the operating load corresponding to the operating amount of multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into and circulate to the outdoor units that are selectively driven through a flow path switching valve. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be placed inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or it may be placed in both.

[0060] For example, an expansion device can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by utilizing a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice can be lowered.

[0061] The expansion device can be implemented, for example, as an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in the partially open state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in the fully open state). The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve.

[0062] The air conditioner may further include a flow switching valve positioned on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve can determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow switching valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0063] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated from an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.

[0064] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when the refrigerant mixed with the refrigerant gas is introduced, and supply the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0065] An outdoor fan may be provided near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan can blow outdoor air onto the outdoor heat exchanger to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0066] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environment sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be placed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include, for instance, a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0067] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive control signals from the control unit of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. Based on the control signals received through the outdoor unit communication unit, the outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, flow path switching valve, accumulator, or outdoor fan. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by the outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0068] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a housing, a blower that circulates air inside or outside the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air flowing into the housing.

[0069] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can be drawn into the interior of the housing through the intake port.

[0070] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter configured to filter foreign substances in the air entering the housing through the intake port.

[0071] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing can be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0072] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade located above the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the discharge airflow. The airflow guide may be omitted, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, positioned on the path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0074] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed-flow fan, a cross-flow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

[0075] The indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the outlet, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from the air entering through the intake or transfer heat to the air entering through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0076] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate contained in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0077] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, touch screens, and / or touch pads. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) through the input interface.

[0078] The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location within the indoor space (e.g., a part of a wall). The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Additionally, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner remotely using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0079] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control the components of the air conditioner to execute functions corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or airflow settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, namely to an outdoor unit or a server, through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0080] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module can be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0081] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environment sensor placed in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors placed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, intermediate, and / or outlet temperatures of a refrigerant pipe passing through an indoor heat exchanger.

[0082] For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later, or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0083] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0084] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a Near Field Communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0085] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0086] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby access points (APs). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls the indoor unit's components, such as a blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls the outdoor unit's components, such as a compressor. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0087] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to switch the direction of refrigerant circulation. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotational speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including a compressor, a flow path switching valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger.

[0088] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0089] The indoor unit control unit can acquire user input from a user device, including a mobile device, through the indoor unit communication unit, and can acquire user input directly or through a remote controller via an input interface. The indoor unit control unit can control the components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0090] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when the outdoor unit control unit receives a control signal from the indoor unit corresponding to user input selecting an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, fan operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, it can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

[0091] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0092] The memory can store / remember various information required for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and / or defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data. Additionally, the memory may include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for long-term data storage.

[0093] The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. As hardware, the processor may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate control signals according to the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0094] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as the operating mode, airflow direction, airflow volume, and temperature selected by user input may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0095] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker can output various sounds as an acoustic device. The display may display information entered by the user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Additionally, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include an LCD panel (Liquid Crystal Display Panel), an LED panel (Light Emitting Diode Panel), an OLED panel (Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0096] Hereinafter, air conditioners according to various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0097] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) performs an air conditioning operation for a target space. The air conditioning operation may include, for example, cooling, heating, air purification, dehumidification, or blowing. The air conditioner (100) may be implemented in the form of a cooling unit, a heating unit, a cooling and heating unit, an air purifier, or a dehumidifier. The present disclosure focuses on the case where the air conditioner (100) corresponds to a cooling unit. However, this is for convenience of explanation and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0099] The target space refers to an indoor space within a home where an air conditioner (100) can be installed. The target space may correspond to various types of indoor spaces, such as a house, office, shop, guest room, commercial space, or workspace. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the target space may include a first space (120) and a second space (122). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first space (120) and the second space (122) may correspond to a room, living room, or kitchen within a home.

[0100] In the present disclosure, an embodiment in which a first indoor unit (102) is installed in a first space (120) is described primarily. The first indoor unit (102) corresponds to at least one indoor unit of an air conditioner (100).

[0101] The air conditioner (100) may include a detection sensor. The detection sensor detects an object within the target space. The air conditioner (100) can determine whether a person (130) is present within the target space using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor. Based on whether a person (130) is present within the target space, the air conditioner (100) can control the on / off of the air conditioning operation or control the wind speed or target temperature.

[0102] In the present disclosure, a detection sensor placed in the first indoor unit (102) is referred to as the first detection sensor (110). When the air conditioner (100) includes a plurality of indoor units, each indoor unit may include a detection sensor. The present disclosure focuses on describing the operation of the first indoor unit (102) and the first detection sensor (110). The description and examples of the operation of the first indoor unit (102) and the first detection sensor (110) are applicable to other indoor units and detection sensors. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, some of the indoor units among the plurality of indoor units may not include a detection sensor.

[0103] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) performs a power saving control operation based on whether a person (130) is present in a target space. The power saving control is an operation to control the air conditioner (100) to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) when it is determined by the first detection sensor (110) that a user is absent from the first space (120). The air conditioner (100) can perform a power saving operation by the power saving control. The air conditioner (100) can reduce power consumption by performing a power saving operation and adjusting the target temperature or the wind speed. For example, if the air conditioner (100) is a cooling unit, power consumption can be reduced by raising the target temperature or lowering the wind speed while performing a power saving operation. If the air conditioner (100) is a heater, power consumption can be reduced by lowering the target temperature or lowering the wind speed while performing energy-saving operation. Additionally, for example, if the air conditioner (100) is operating in dehumidification mode, power consumption can be reduced by raising the set humidity or lowering the wind speed while performing energy-saving operation. Additionally, for example, if the air conditioner (100) is operating in air purification mode, power consumption can be reduced by lowering the wind speed while performing energy-saving operation.

[0104] The power-saving operation of the air conditioner (100) can be performed as one of the operations of the power-saving mode (or standby mode). The power-saving mode is a mode in which the air conditioner (100) operates at a lower power level than the normal mode in which it operates normally, and at least one of the multiple components included in the air conditioner (100) may be turned off (or deactivated) or the setting value of at least one component may be adjusted. At this time, the power-saving mode may be referred to as a low-power mode, a standby mode, etc.

[0105] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) can perform a first energy-saving operation when a person (130) is detected in a first space (120) in which a first indoor unit (102) is placed, and when a person (130) is detected in a second space (122). An occupancy state means a state in which one or more people are detected in the first space (120). An absence state means a state in which no people are detected in the first space (120). A first energy-saving operation means a state in which the target temperature of the air conditioner (100) is adjusted or the air conditioning operation is stopped.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when an air conditioner (100) performs a power-saving operation, it may sequentially perform at least one intermediate power-saving operation and a first power-saving operation. In the present disclosure, a power-saving operation in which at least one intermediate power-saving operation and a first power-saving operation are sequentially performed is referred to as an absent power-saving operation. The first power-saving operation refers to an operation with higher power saving power compared to the intermediate power-saving operation. However, when the first power-saving operation is performed, the target temperature is controlled or the air conditioning operation is stopped. Therefore, if a person (130) is present in the first space (120) but is mistakenly detected as absent, it causes inconvenience to the person (130). To prevent such inconvenience caused by a misdetection, the air conditioner (100) can reduce the possibility of performing the first power-saving operation due to a misdetection by passing through at least one intermediate power-saving operation to reach the first power-saving operation. However, if the first power saving operation is performed after at least one intermediate power saving operation as described above, the power saving efficiency may be reduced because it takes time to reach the first power saving operation.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if it is detected in step 152 that the first space (120) has changed from an occupied state to an absent state, it is determined whether a person (130) has been detected in a second space (122), which is a space different from the first space (120). An electronic device including a person detection sensor (140) placed in the second space (122) may perform a person detection operation in step 154 ​​and transmit the person detection result to the first indoor unit (102). If the first indoor unit (102) receives information from the electronic device including the person detection sensor (140) of the second space (122) that a person (130) has been additionally detected in the second space (122), it performs a first power-saving operation in step 156. The first indoor unit (102) can enter a first energy-saving operation without performing at least one intermediate energy-saving operation based on the additional detection of a person (130) in the second space (122). By entering the first energy-saving operation immediately without performing at least one intermediate energy-saving operation, the energy-saving efficiency of the first indoor unit (102) can be increased.

[0108] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) includes at least one indoor unit and an outdoor unit (104). The at least one indoor unit includes a first indoor unit (102).

[0110] The air conditioner (100) may include a first detection sensor (110), a processor (210), an air conditioning module (212), and a memory (214). An indoor heat exchanger of the first detection sensor (110), the processor (210), the memory (214), and the air conditioning module (212) may be included in the first indoor unit (102). The indoor heat exchanger may include an evaporator. If the air conditioner (100) includes a plurality of indoor units, other indoor units may also include an indoor heat exchanger of the processor (210), the memory (214), and the air conditioning module (212), as in the first indoor unit (102). The detection sensor may or may not be included depending on the configuration of the indoor unit.

[0111] The air conditioner (100) can be implemented in various installation forms. For example, the air conditioner (100) can be implemented in a stand form, a wall-mounted form, a ceiling-mounted system air conditioner form, or a home multi-air conditioner form.

[0112] The first detection sensor (110) can detect an object in the first space (120). The first detection sensor (110) may include, for example, a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a radar (radio detection and ranging) sensor, or a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor. The first detection sensor (110) is positioned to output a signal to the first space (120) and to detect a reflected signal. The first detection sensor (110) may be positioned in front of the first indoor unit (102) facing the first space (120). The first detection sensor (110) generates a sensor detection value and transmits it to the processor (210).

[0113] The processor (210) controls the overall operation of the air conditioner (100). The processor (210) may be implemented as one or more processors. The processor (210) may perform a predetermined operation by executing instructions or commands stored in memory (214). Additionally, the processor (210) controls the operation of components provided in the air conditioner (100). The processor (210) may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, etc.

[0114] A processor (210) included in the first indoor unit (102) can control the operation of the first indoor unit (102) or control the overall operation of the air conditioner (100). A processor (210) that controls the overall operation of the air conditioner (100) may be provided in the first indoor unit (102), the outdoor unit (104), or another indoor unit.

[0115] The processor (210) determines whether there is a moving object by using the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110), and if there is a moving object, determines that there is a person in the first space (120). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) determines whether the detected object is a person by using the sensor detection value. For example, if the first detection sensor (110) corresponds to an infrared sensor, the processor (210) determines that there is a person in the first space (120) if an infrared value corresponding to a person is detected. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) determines whether the detected object is the shape of a person based on the sensor detection value, and if the detected object corresponds to the shape of a person, determines that there is a person in the first space (120).

[0116] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first detection sensor (110) corresponds to a radar sensor, and the processor (210) can determine whether the detected object is in the shape of a person using the sensor detection value of the radar sensor. The radar sensor outputs a radar signal to the first space (120) and detects a signal reflected from an object within the first space (120) as a sensor detection value. The processor (210) detects an object in the first space (120) using the sensor detection value of the radar sensor. The processor (210) detects an object in the first space (120) at a predetermined frame rate and detects the movement of the object. The processor (210) determines that a person exists in the first space (120) if the movement value of the object in the first space (120) is greater than or equal to a reference value. For example, the processor (210) detects an object in the first space (120) at a period of 30 frames / sec, and determines that a person exists in the first space (120) if the movement value per second of the object is greater than or equal to a reference value. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) determines whether the recognized object is a person based on the result of object recognition based on the sensor detection value of the radar sensor. The processor (210) may determine whether the recognized object is a person based, for example, on the shape of the recognized object. Additionally, the processor (210) determines that a person exists in the first space (120), for example, if the recognized object corresponds to a person and the movement value is greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0117] If the processor (210) determines that the recognized object does not correspond to a person, it determines that there is no person in the first space (120).

[0118] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) may determine that a person exists in the first space (120) even if the recognized object corresponds to a pet. Accordingly, the processor (210) may determine that a person exists in the first space (120) if the detected object corresponds to a person or a pet and the movement value is greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0119] The air conditioning module (212) performs an air conditioning operation by performing a heat exchange operation. The air conditioning module (212) controls whether to cool, the cooling intensity, whether to heat, the heating intensity, the airflow rate, etc., based on a control signal or a driving signal input from the processor (210). The air conditioning module (212) may include a heat exchanger, a motor, an inverter, a fan, a filter, etc. The air conditioning module (212) is equipped with a heat exchanger and can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change (e.g., expansion or compression) of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger. For example, while the refrigerant is expanding in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor air can be cooled. While the refrigerant is being compressed in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air, and the indoor air can be heated.

[0120] The memory (214) stores various information, data, commands, programs, etc. required for the operation of the air conditioner (100). The memory (214) may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory (214) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Additionally, the memory (214) may correspond to a web storage or cloud server that performs storage functions over the internet.

[0121] The processor (210) determines whether a person (130) is present in the first space (120) using the detection value of the first detection sensor (110). If the person (130) is detected in the first space (120), the processor (210) determines that the person is present. If the person (130) is not detected in the first space (120), the processor (210) determines that the person is absent. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can count the number of people (130) present in the first space (120) using the detection value of the first detection sensor (110). For example, the processor (210) can count the number of people by counting the number of moving objects using the detection value of the first detection sensor (110).

[0122] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a processor (210) can count the absence time during which a person is determined to be absent from the first space (120). The processor (210) counts the absence time during which a person is determined to be absent consecutively as the absence time. When a person is detected in the first space (120), the absence time is reset to 0. Subsequently, when a person is determined to be absent from the first space (120) again, the absence time is counted again from 0.

[0123] The processor (210) determines whether a person (130) is detected in the second space (122) when the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an absent state. Here, the second space (122) refers to a space other than the first space (120) in the house. The second space (122) may correspond to a space such as a room, living room, bathroom, or kitchen, for example.

[0124] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can determine whether a person (130) is detected in the second space (122) within a first reference time. The first reference time may be set to about 3 minutes to 15 minutes.

[0125] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) may determine that a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122) if, after the first space (120) has been changed from an occupied state to an absent state, an additional person (130) is detected in the second space (122). If the first space (120) is in an occupied state and one person is in an occupied state in the second space (122), the first space (120) is changed to an absent state. In this case, if, after the first space (120) is changed to an absent state, two people are detected in the second space (122) within a first time, the processor (210) may determine that a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122). If, after the first space (120) is changed to an absent state, one person is continuously detected in the second space (122) within a first time, the processor (210) may not determine that a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122) because there is no change in the number of people in the second space (122). If, after the first space (120) is changed to an absent state, the number of people detected in the second space (122) decreases to zero within a first time, the processor (210) may not determine that a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122).

[0126] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) receives information that a person (130) has been detected from a detection sensor of another indoor unit of the air conditioner (100), and can determine that a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122) based on the received information. The other indoor unit can detect a person (130) by means of a detection sensor and transmit information that a person (130) has been detected to the first indoor unit (102). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can determine whether additional people (130) have been detected in the second space where the other indoor unit is placed, after the time when the first space (120) is changed to an absent state.

[0127] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can receive information from an external device regarding whether a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122) of the air conditioner (100). For example, the processor (210) can determine that a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122) if there is a mobile device connected to a Wi-Fi network in the home. Additionally, for example, the processor (210) can receive information regarding whether a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122) from an electronic device in the home including a person detection sensor (140). Additionally, for example, the processor (210) can collect information regarding whether a person (130) is present in the second space (122) by using the person detection sensor (140) of a robot vacuum cleaner. An embodiment for collecting information regarding whether a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122) is described in more detail below.

[0128] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) may determine that a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122) when the number of people decreased in the first space (120) matches the number of people increased in the second space (122). For example, assume a case where the number of people detected in the first space (120) decreases from 1 to 0. The processor (210) may determine that a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122) when the number of people detected in the second space (122) within a first reference time increases by 1. The processor (210) may determine that a person (130) has not been detected in the second space (122) when the number of people detected in the second space (122) within a first reference time increases by 2.

[0129] The processor (210) can control the first indoor unit (102) to perform a first energy-saving operation if a person is detected from the second space (122) within a first reference time after the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an unoccupied state. If no person is detected from the second space (122) within a first reference time after the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an unoccupied state, the processor (210) may not immediately perform the first energy-saving operation, but may perform the existing air conditioning operation or perform another energy-saving operation. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the other energy-saving operation may be an energy-saving operation that performs the first energy-saving operation after performing at least one intermediate energy-saving operation. At least one intermediate energy-saving operation may adjust the target temperature or reduce the wind speed. In the case of cooling operation, at least one intermediate energy-saving operation may set the target temperature higher than the user-set temperature, which is the target temperature set by the user, or reduce the wind speed. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first energy-saving operation may operate in a soft-off state after performing an intermediate energy-saving operation for a predetermined time by adjusting the target temperature to be greater than that of the at least one intermediate energy-saving operation. The soft-off state means a state in which the operation of the air conditioning module (212) of the first indoor unit (102) is stopped and the first detection sensor (110) is operated. The first indoor unit (102) may stop the operation of the indoor heat exchanger in the soft-off state. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first energy-saving operation may operate directly in a soft-off state.

[0130] The processor (210) can adjust the motor rotation speed of the indoor heat exchanger when the target temperature value of the first indoor unit (102) changes. For example, when the target temperature is set by the user, the processor (210) can adjust the motor RPM (Revolution per minute) of the heat exchanger according to the target temperature. If the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than the target temperature, the processor (210) can control the compressor motor RPM to increase, and if the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the target temperature, it can decrease the compressor motor RPM or stop the compressor motor. The processor (210) can generate a control signal to adjust the RPM of the compressor motor and output it to the air conditioning module (212). The air conditioning module (212) can adjust the RPM of the compressor motor according to the control signal of the processor (210) to control the degree of air cooling. By adjusting the RPM of the compressor motor, the indoor temperature can follow the set temperature. By increasing the RPM of the compressor motor, the air conditioning module (212) discharges airflow at a lower temperature than before into the room, thereby lowering the indoor temperature. Additionally, by decreasing the RPM of the compressor motor or stopping the compressor motor, the air conditioning module (212) discharges airflow at a higher temperature than before into the room, thereby raising the indoor temperature. The compressor of the outdoor unit (104) accounts for a large proportion of the power consumption in the air conditioner (100). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when performing power-saving operation, the power consumption can be significantly reduced by adjusting the target temperature.

[0131] The processor (210) can switch to a windless mode by controlling the air vent or blade of the indoor unit to adjust the wind speed. The indoor unit operates in a windless mode by discharging air with the air vent closed. The processor (210) generates a control signal to close the air vent and outputs it to the air conditioning module (212). The air conditioning module (212) closes the air vent in response to the control signal input from the processor (210) and operates in a windless mode. Additionally, the processor (210) can control the fan speed of the first indoor unit (102) to adjust the wind speed. The processor (210) generates a control signal to adjust the fan speed and outputs it to the air conditioning module (212). The air conditioning module (212) adjusts the fan speed in response to the control signal input from the processor (210).

[0132] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] An air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be performed by an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] In step S302, the air conditioner (100) detects a person (130) in the first space (120) using the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110). The air conditioner (100) determines whether there is a moving object using the sensor detection value, and if there is a moving object, it can determine that there is a person (130) in the first space (120). The moving object may include an animal. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the detected object is a person (130) using the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110). For example, if the first detection sensor (110) corresponds to an infrared sensor, the air conditioner (100) determines that there is a person in the first space (120) when an infrared value corresponding to a person is detected. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the detected object is in the shape of a person based on the detection value of the first detection sensor (110), and if the detected object corresponds to the shape of a person, it determines that a person (130) exists in the first space (120).

[0135] The air conditioner (100) includes an operation of detecting a person in step S302 using the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110) or based on the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110). At this time, the operation of detecting a person (130) may include an operation of detecting a person by identifying the detection value of the first detection sensor (110), an operation of detecting a person by determining the person detection result, an operation of detecting a person by analyzing the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110), an operation of detecting a person by searching the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110), an operation of detecting a person by recognizing the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110), an operation of detecting a person by distinguishing the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110), an operation of detecting a person by distinguishing the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110), and an operation of detecting a person by separating the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110).

[0136] Next, in step S304, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the first space (120) has changed from an occupied state to an unoccupied state. The air conditioner (100) can determine that the first space (120) has changed to an unoccupied state if the first space (120) is in an occupied state and no person (130) is detected in the first space (120).

[0137] When it is determined that the first space (120) has changed from an occupied state to an unoccupied state, the air conditioner (100) may determine in step S306 whether a person (130) has been detected from the second space (122) within a first reference time. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may determine whether a person (130) has been detected from the second space (122) based on at least one of the following: a result of detecting a person based on the sensor detection value of a detection sensor of another indoor unit, information regarding whether there is a mobile device connected to a Wi-Fi network in the home, a result of detecting a person based on the sensor detection value of a detection sensor of another electronic device in the home, or a result of detecting a person based on the sensor detection value of a detection sensor of a robot vacuum cleaner. The first reference time may be determined, for example, to be about 3 minutes to 15 minutes.

[0138] If a person is detected from the second space (122) within the first reference time, the air conditioner (100) controls the first indoor unit (102) to perform the first energy-saving operation in step S308. In step S308, the first indoor unit (102) may perform the first energy-saving operation from the time a person is detected from the second space (122).

[0139] If no person is detected from the second space (122) within the first reference time, the air conditioner (100) may perform a conventional air conditioning operation or a power-saving operation different from the first power-saving operation at step S310. For example, the air conditioner (100) may perform an absence-based power-saving operation at step S310, which involves performing at least one intermediate power-saving operation followed by the first power-saving operation. Additionally, for example, the air conditioner (100) may perform a conventional air conditioning operation for a preliminary judgment at step S310.

[0140] When a person (130) is detected in the first space (120) while the air conditioner (100) is performing a first energy-saving operation, the first energy-saving operation may be stopped, and the air conditioning operation may be performed with the user-set temperature set by the user as the target temperature.

[0141] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of performing a power saving operation without a component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can perform an absence-saving operation in step S310 (see FIG. 3) when the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an absent state and no person (130) is detected from the second space (122) within a first reference time.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 4, if the air conditioner (100) determines in step S308 that no person is detected from the second space within a first reference time, it may perform at least one intermediate power saving operation in step S402. For example, at least one intermediate power saving operation may include at least one of a no-wind stage, a first no-power saving stage, or a second no-power saving stage. The operation of the no-wind stage, the first no-power saving stage, and the second no-power saving stage is described in detail below. The air conditioner (100) may sequentially perform at least one intermediate power saving operation for a predetermined duration. For example, the air conditioner (100) may perform the no-wind stage for 20 minutes and the first no-power saving stage for 40 minutes.

[0144] While performing at least one intermediate power saving operation, the air conditioner (100) can determine in step S404 whether the first space (120) has changed from an absent state to an occupied state. The air conditioner (100) can determine that the first space (120) has changed to an occupied state if a person (130) is detected in the first space (120) based on the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110).

[0145] When the first space (120) changes from an empty state to an occupied state, the air conditioner (100) can perform air conditioning operations in step S412 with the user-set temperature set by the user as the target temperature.

[0146] The air conditioner (100) performs at least one intermediate power saving operation while the first space (120) remains in a state of absence. The air conditioner (100) determines whether the duration of the intermediate power saving operation has been reached in step S406 and may perform at least one intermediate power saving operation during the duration.

[0147] If at least one intermediate power saving operation is performed for a duration, in step S408, the air conditioner (100) can perform a first power saving operation.

[0148] While performing the first energy-saving operation, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the first space (120) has changed to an occupied state in step S410. The air conditioner (100) can determine that the first space (120) has changed to an occupied state if a person (130) is detected in the first space (120) using the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110).

[0149] When the first space (120) changes from an empty state to an occupied state, the air conditioner (100) can perform air conditioning operations in step S412 with the user-set temperature set by the user as the target temperature.

[0150] The air conditioner (100) can perform a first power-saving operation while the first space (120) remains in a state of absence. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first power-saving operation may operate in a soft-off state after performing a second absence power-saving step for a predetermined duration. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first power-saving operation may operate in a soft-off state.

[0151] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the process of a component power saving operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the absence power saving operation sequentially performs at least one intermediate power saving operation and a first power saving operation. The absence power saving operation may include an absence windless stage, a first absence power saving stage, a second absence power saving stage, and a soft-off stage. In the present disclosure, the stage of the absence power saving operation excluding the first power saving operation is referred to as the intermediate power saving operation.

[0153] The absence windless stage may be a stage in which the air conditioning module is set to windless mode and the target temperature is maintained at a user-set temperature. The first absence power saving stage may be a stage in which the target temperature is increased by a first reference level from the user-set temperature. The second absence power saving stage may be a stage in which the target temperature, which has been increased by the first reference level, is further increased by a second reference level.

[0154] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first power saving operation may include a second absence power saving step and a soft-off step. In this case, the intermediate power saving operation includes an absence windless step and a first absence power saving step.

[0155] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first power saving operation may include a soft-off step. In this case, the intermediate power saving operation may include a no-wind-free step, a first no-power saving step, and a second no-power saving step.

[0156] The absence power saving operation may sequentially perform an absence windless stage, a first absence power saving stage, a second absence power saving stage, and a soft-off stage. The absence windless stage may be performed for a duration of T10. The first absence power saving stage may be performed for a duration of T11. The second absence power saving stage may be performed for a duration of T12. The soft-off stage may be performed after the duration of the second absence power saving stage is completed. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the soft-off stage may be performed until the first space (120) changes to an occupancy state. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may perform a hard-off operation after maintaining the soft-off stage for a predetermined duration. The hard-off state in which the hard-off operation is performed means an operation in which the first detection sensor (110) of the air conditioner (100) is deactivated and the operation of the air conditioning module (212) is stopped. When the first indoor unit (102) is in a hard-off state, the indoor heat exchanger of the first indoor unit (102) can be deactivated.

[0157] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power saving operation may operate at one of a plurality of power saving learning levels. Each power saving learning level is a level that sets the duration of a plurality of intermediate power saving operations differently. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the preset duration of each intermediate power saving operation may be adjusted according to the power saving learning level. The air conditioner (100) may operate at one of a plurality of power saving learning levels according to the history of performing a plurality of intermediate power saving operations. For example, the air conditioner (100) may increase the power saving learning level when it reaches a soft-off stage through a plurality of intermediate power saving operations and reaches the duration of the soft-off stage. Depending on the power saving learning level, the degree to which the air conditioner (100) reduces power consumption varies. For example, at a high level of power saving learning level, the amount of power consumption can be reduced more quickly by reaching the soft-off stage quickly. On the other hand, at lower levels of power saving learning, the rate of reduction in power consumption is relatively slow, but the possibility of malfunction can be reduced by decreasing the likelihood of incorrectly determining that a person is absent from the target space. Multiple power saving learning levels will be explained in detail below with reference to Fig. 7.

[0159] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) can perform a first power saving operation when the power saving learning level of the absence power saving operation is set to a partial power saving learning level, and when the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an absent state and a person (130) is detected in the second space (122). Here, the partial power saving learning level refers to a high level of power saving learning level in which the duration of a plurality of intermediate power saving operations is set to be short. In the present disclosure, embodiments are described assuming that the high level partial power saving learning level corresponds to a third learning level. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure also include cases where the partial power saving learning level includes a plurality of power saving learning levels. For example, the partial power saving learning level may include a second learning level and a third learning level.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 6, in step S304, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the first space (120) has changed from an occupied state to an unoccupied state.

[0161] When the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an absent state, in step S602, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the absent power saving operation is set to the third learning level.

[0162] When the absence power saving operation of the air conditioner (100) is set to the third learning level, in step S306, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether a person (130) has been detected from the second space (122) within a first reference time. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether a person (130) has been detected from the second space (122) based on at least one of the following: a person detection result based on the sensor detection value of a detection sensor of another indoor unit, a person detection result based on the sensor detection value of a person detection sensor of another electronic device in the home if there is a mobile device connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home, or a person detection result based on the sensor detection value of a person detection sensor of a robot vacuum cleaner. The first reference time may be determined, for example, to be about 3 minutes to 15 minutes.

[0163] If a person is detected from the second space (122) within the first reference time, the air conditioner (100) controls the first indoor unit (102) to perform the first energy-saving operation in step S308. In step S308, the first indoor unit (102) may perform the first energy-saving operation from the time a person is detected from the second space (122).

[0164] If the power saving learning level of the absence power saving operation in step S602 does not correspond to the third learning level, the air conditioner (100) can perform the absence power saving operation in step S604. Additionally, if no person is detected from the second space (122) within the first reference time in step S306, the air conditioner (100) can perform the absence power saving operation in step S604.

[0165] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a plurality of intermediate power saving operations and a plurality of power saving learning levels according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) may set one of a plurality of power saving learning levels when performing absent power saving control. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of power saving learning levels includes a basic level, a first learning level, a second learning level, and a third learning level. The air conditioner (100) may set one of the plurality of power saving learning levels according to the history of performing a plurality of intermediate power saving operations. When the air conditioner (100) reaches a soft-off stage during absent power saving operation, it may raise the power saving learning level. The basic level is a low level, and the third learning level is a high level.

[0167] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of each of a plurality of intermediate power saving operations may be set differently depending on the set power saving learning level. As illustrated in FIG. 7, at the basic level, the durations of the absence windless stage, the first absence power saving stage, and the second absence power saving stage may be set to T10, T11, and T12, respectively. Additionally, at the first learning level, the durations of the absence windless stage, the first absence power saving stage, and the second absence power saving stage may be set to T20, T21, and T22, respectively. Additionally, at the second learning level, the durations of the absence windless stage, the first absence power saving stage, and the second absence power saving stage may be set to T30, T31, and T32, respectively. Additionally, at the third learning level, the durations of the absence windless stage, the first absence power saving stage, and the second absence power saving stage may be set to T40, T41, and T42, respectively.

[0168] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each power saving learning level may additionally include a preliminary judgment step of operating at an existing target temperature for a predetermined duration prior to the absence windless stage. When the preliminary judgment step is added, the air conditioner (100) can prevent misdetecting the absence state. The duration of the preliminary judgment step may be set equally across a plurality of power saving learning levels.

[0169] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the durations T10, T20, T30, and T40 of the absence windless phase of each power saving learning level may be set differently. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the durations T11, T21, T31, and T41 of the first absence power saving phase of each power saving learning level may be set differently. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the durations T12, T22, T32, and T42 of the second absence power saving phase of each power saving learning level may be set differently.

[0170] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of the first absence power saving step (T11, T21, T31, and T41) and the duration of the second absence power saving step (T12, T22, T32, and T42) of each power saving learning level may be set to the same value at the same power saving learning level.

[0171] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the duration of a plurality of intermediate power saving operations and soft-off steps according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0172] FIG. 8 describes, by way of example, a case in which multiple intermediate power saving operations include a preliminary judgment step, a windless absence step, and a first power saving absence step. When multiple intermediate power saving operations include a preliminary judgment step, a windless absence step, a first power saving absence step, and a second power saving absence step, the duration of the second power saving absence step may be additionally defined.

[0173] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of a plurality of intermediate power saving operations may be defined according to each power saving learning level. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the durations of the preliminary judgment step, the absence windless step, the first absence power saving step, and the soft-off state may be maintained or decreased as the learning level increases. Additionally, as the power saving learning level increases, the total sum of the durations of the preliminary judgment step, the absence windless step, the first absence power saving step, and the soft-off state decreases. Accordingly, as the power saving learning level increases, the time to reach the soft-off state when a person is absent from the target space is set to be short.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 8, at the basic level, the duration of the preliminary judgment step can be set to 60 minutes, the duration of the absence windless step to 20 minutes, the duration of the first absence power saving step to 40 minutes, and the duration of the soft-off step to 40 minutes. Additionally, at the first learning level, the duration of the preliminary judgment step can be set to 60 minutes, the duration of the absence windless step to 15 minutes, the duration of the first absence power saving step to 30 minutes, and the duration of the soft-off step to 30 minutes. Additionally, at the second learning level, the duration of the preliminary judgment step can be set to 60 minutes, the duration of the absence windless step to 10 minutes, the duration of the first absence power saving step to 20 minutes, and the duration of the soft-off step to 20 minutes. In addition, at the third learning level, the duration of the preliminary judgment stage can be set to 60 minutes, the duration of the absence windless stage to 10 minutes, the duration of the first absence power saving stage to 10 minutes, and the duration of the soft-off stage to 10 minutes.

[0175] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of a plurality of intermediate power saving operations and soft-off steps according to a power saving learning level may be stored in advance in memory (214).

[0176] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of a plurality of intermediate power saving operation and soft-off stages according to a power saving learning level may be entered or modified by user input. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) includes an input interface (see FIG. 16, 1610) for receiving user input, and may receive user input through the input interface (1610). Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) includes a communication module (see FIG. 16, 1620), and may receive user input through the communication module (1620).

[0177] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the change in power consumption when performing absent power saving operation at a basic level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) can be reduced stepwise by the air conditioner (100) performing absentee power saving operation. The air conditioner (100) performs a preliminary judgment step in step 902. If the air conditioner (100) determines by the preliminary judgment step that a person is absent from the target space for a period of time, it detects the absence state in step 904.

[0179] The air conditioner (100) performs power saving control by detecting the absence state. The air conditioner (100) performs an absence windless phase for T10 hours (e.g., 20 minutes) in step 906. Next, the air conditioner (100) performs a first absence power saving phase for T11 hours (e.g., 40 minutes) in step 908. Next, the air conditioner (100) performs a second absence power saving phase for T12 hours (e.g., 40 minutes) in step 910. Next, after the air conditioner (100) continues the second absence power saving phase for T12 hours, it performs a soft-off operation in step 912 and remains in a soft-off state.

[0180] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) switches to a windless mode while maintaining the set temperature during the windless phase. The windless mode is a mode in which the air conditioner closes the air vents and performs air conditioning operations.

[0181] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) raises the target temperature to a reference level in the first absence power saving stage and the second absence power saving stage. The air conditioner (100) may raise the target temperature to a first reference level in the first absence power saving stage and raise the target temperature to a second reference level in the second absence power saving stage. The first reference level and the second reference level may be set to the same value or different values. By raising the target temperature in the first absence power saving stage and the second absence power saving stage, the air conditioner (100) can significantly reduce the power consumption of the compressor. The power consumption of the compressor accounts for the highest proportion of the power consumption of the air conditioner (100). Therefore, by raising the target temperature, the air conditioner (100) has the effect of significantly reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner (100).

[0182] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) operates in a windless mode during the absence windless stage, thereby enabling the user to recognize that power saving control has been performed. Since the operation of closing the air door during the absence windless stage is visually visible to the user, the user can easily recognize that power saving control has been performed by recognizing that the air door is closing. In addition, the air conditioner (100) can significantly reduce power consumption by adjusting the set temperature during the first absence power saving stage and the second absence power saving stage. In addition, when the air conditioner (100) performs a soft-off operation, the operation of the air conditioning module (212) is stopped, and power consumption can be significantly reduced.

[0183] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change in power consumption when performing absent power saving operation at a third learning level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0184] When the power saving learning level is set to the third learning level, the air conditioner (100) can perform a preliminary judgment step, a no-wind-free step, a first no-power saving step, and a second no-power saving step for a duration corresponding to the third learning level. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the air conditioner (100) can sustain the no-wind-free step for 10 minutes, the first no-power saving step for 10 minutes, and the second no-power saving step for 10 minutes. Additionally, the air conditioner (100) can gradually reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) by performing the first no-power saving step, the second no-power saving step, and a soft-off operation. When operating at the third learning level, the rate at which power consumption is reduced is faster compared to the basic level described earlier with reference to FIG. 7 because the duration of each intermediate step is short.

[0185] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the process of adjusting the set temperature and wind speed at each operation step according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is an embodiment in which the air conditioner (100) corresponds to a cooling unit.

[0186] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) reduces power consumption by adjusting the wind speed or set temperature in a no-wind phase, a first no-power saving phase, and a second no-power saving phase. The operation of adjusting the wind speed or set temperature is performed when starting the corresponding intermediate power saving operation, and the state in which the wind speed or set temperature is adjusted by the adjustment operation is maintained while performing the corresponding intermediate power saving operation.

[0187] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) maintains the set temperature and wind speed in the preliminary judgment stage. For example, the air conditioner (100) may maintain the set temperature and wind speed set prior to entering the preliminary judgment stage.

[0188] The air conditioner (100) switches to a windless mode during the absence of wind. The air conditioner (100) maintains the set temperature during the absence of wind and switches to a windless mode by closing the air door.

[0189] If the air conditioner (100) is already operating in a windless mode before entering the windless stage, it can maintain the windless mode in the windless stage.

[0190] Next, in the first absence power saving stage, the air conditioner (100) raises the target temperature from the user-set temperature by a first reference level, e.g., 2°C, and maintains a windless mode. Additionally, in the second absence power saving stage, the air conditioner (100) further raises the target temperature from the current target temperature by a second reference level, e.g., 2°C, and maintains a windless mode. By raising the target temperature in the first absence power saving stage and the second absence power saving stage, the air conditioner (100) can significantly reduce the power consumption of the compressor.

[0191] If the air conditioner (100) corresponds to a heater, the air conditioner (100) can reduce the target temperature by a first reference level in the first power saving stage and further reduce the target temperature by a second reference level in the second power saving stage.

[0192] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the process of adjusting the set temperature and wind speed in each intermediate power saving operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is an embodiment in which the air conditioner (100) corresponds to an air purifier, humidifier, air washer, dehumidifier, etc.

[0193] If the air conditioner (100) is a device without a temperature control function, the air conditioner (100) can reduce power consumption by adjusting the wind speed during each intermediate power saving operation of the absence power saving operation.

[0194] The air conditioner (100) can maintain the wind speed as is during the preliminary judgment stage.

[0195] Next, the air conditioner (100) can switch the air conditioner (100) to a windless mode during the absence windless stage. If the air conditioner (100) is already operating in a windless mode before entering the absence windless stage, it can maintain the windless mode during the absence windless stage.

[0196] Next, the air conditioner (100) can reduce the wind speed by a reference level in the first power saving stage and the second power saving stage, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the air conditioner (100) can reduce the wind speed by 1 level in the first power saving stage and the second power saving stage, respectively.

[0197] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0198] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when performing power saving control, the air conditioner (100) may operate in a user-specified mode among a plurality of user-specified modes. Depending on the user-specified mode, the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate power saving operations of the power saving control is set differently.

[0199] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of user-defined modes include an eco mode, a normal mode, and a comfort mode. The duration of the multiple intermediate power-saving operations increases in the order of eco mode, normal mode, and comfort mode. When performing absent power-saving operations in eco mode, the air conditioner (100) reaches a soft-off stage within a relatively short time, thereby achieving a rapid reduction in power consumption. On the other hand, when performing absent power-saving operations in comfort mode, the air conditioner (100) can prevent a situation where it fails to provide a comfortable environment by changing the set temperature due to absent power-saving operations even when the user is not actually absent, such as when a person briefly leaves the target space. Therefore, in comfort mode, there is an effect of performing absent power-saving operations of the air conditioner (100) while minimizing user inconvenience. In the present disclosure, by changing the duration of each intermediate power-saving operation of absent power-saving operations according to the user-defined mode selected by the user, there is an effect of allowing the user to select the desired type of absent power-saving operation.

[0200] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) can perform a first power saving operation when the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an absent state and a person (130) is detected in the second space (122), only when the user-defined mode of the absence-based power saving operation is set to a partial user-defined mode. Here, the partial user-defined mode refers to a user-defined mode in which the duration of a plurality of intermediate power saving operations is set to be short. The present disclosure describes embodiments assuming that the partial user-defined mode corresponds to an eco mode. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure also include cases where the partial user-defined mode includes a plurality of user-defined modes. For example, the partial user-defined mode may include an eco mode and a normal mode.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 13, in step S304, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the first space (120) has changed from an occupied state to an unoccupied state.

[0202] When the first space changes from an occupied state to an unoccupied state, in step S1302, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the unoccupied power saving operation is set to the first user-defined mode. Here, the first user-defined mode may correspond to an eco mode.

[0203] When the air conditioner (100) is set to the first user-specified mode for power saving operation, it can determine in step S306 whether a person (130) has been detected from the second space (122) within a first reference time. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether a person (130) has been detected from the second space (122) based on at least one of the following: a result of detecting a person based on the sensor detection value of a detection sensor of another indoor unit, a result of detecting a person based on the sensor detection value of a detection sensor of another electronic device in the home if there is a mobile device connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home, or a result of detecting a person based on the sensor detection value of a detection sensor of a robot vacuum cleaner. The first reference time may be determined, for example, to be about 3 minutes to 15 minutes.

[0204] If a person is detected from the second space (122) within the first reference time, the air conditioner (100) controls the first indoor unit (102) to perform the first energy-saving operation in step S308. In step S308, the first indoor unit (102) may perform the first energy-saving operation from the time a person is detected from the second space (122).

[0205] If the user-specified mode of the absence-saving operation in step S1302 does not correspond to the first user-specified mode, the air conditioner (100) can perform the absence-saving operation in step S604. Additionally, if no person is detected from the second space (122) within the first reference time in step S306, the air conditioner (100) can perform the absence-saving operation in step S604.

[0206] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the duration of a plurality of intermediate power saving operations and soft-off steps in each user-defined mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0207] FIG. 14 illustrates an example in which intermediate power saving operation includes a preliminary judgment step, a windless absence step, and a first windless absence step. If the intermediate power saving operation includes an additional intermediate power saving operation (e.g., a second windless absence step), the duration of the additional intermediate power saving operation may be predefined.

[0208] As illustrated in FIG. 14, for each of the plurality of user-defined modes, the duration of intermediate power saving operation at each power saving learning level may be pre-specified. When a user-defined mode is set by user input, the air conditioner (100) performs absent power saving operation using the duration of intermediate power saving operation corresponding to the set user-defined mode and the current power saving learning level.

[0209] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of the preliminary judgment step may be maintained constant even if the user-specified mode is changed.

[0210] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of intermediate power saving operation according to a user-specified mode may be pre-set and stored. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of intermediate power saving operation according to a user-specified mode may be set or changed by user input. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, user-specified modes may be added or deleted by the user.

[0211] In addition, the duration of the soft-off phase can be set differently depending on the custom mode.

[0212] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the user setting mode of the air conditioner (100) is set to eco mode, the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an absent state, and if a person (130) is detected in the second space (130) within a first reference time, the intermediate power saving operation can be omitted and the first power saving operation (e.g., soft-off step) can be performed immediately.

[0213] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a process of adjusting a power saving learning level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0214] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) can adjust a power saving learning level while performing absent power saving operation. The air conditioner (100) can increase the power saving learning level when the time of operation in a soft-off state reaches a predetermined duration, and decrease the power saving learning level when a person (130) is detected before reaching the duration.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 15, the air conditioner (100) may enter a soft-off state by starting a soft-off step at step S1502. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may enter a soft-off state after performing at least one intermediate power-saving step of the absence-based power-saving operation. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may enter a soft-off state corresponding to the first power-saving operation by the first space (120) changing from an occupied state to an absent state and a person (130) being detected in the second space (122) within a first reference time.

[0216] The air conditioner (100) detects a person (130) in the first space (120) using the first detection sensor (110) in a soft-off state.

[0217] In step S1504, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether it has reached a predetermined duration of the soft-off phase while operating in a soft-off state. If the air conditioner (100) reaches the duration while operating in a soft-off state, it can increase the power saving learning level in step S1506. For example, if the air conditioner (100) is currently operating at a second learning level, it can increase the power saving learning level to a third learning level.

[0218] If, before determining in step S1504 that the duration has been reached, it is determined in step S1508 that a person (130) is detected in the first space (120), the power saving learning level is reduced in step S1510. If the air conditioner (100) is currently operating at the second learning level, the power saving learning level can be reduced to the first learning level.

[0219] Additionally, when a person is detected in the first space (120), the air conditioner (100) may terminate the soft-off operation in step S1512 and return to normal operation. The air conditioner (100) may perform normal operation by setting the user-set temperature to the target temperature and performing air conditioning operation.

[0220] Additionally, the air conditioner (100) can reset the absence time in step S1514 when a person is detected in the first space (120).

[0221] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0222] In FIG. 16, to avoid duplication of explanation, the explanation of the air conditioner (100) described in FIG. 2 is omitted, and the explanation focuses on the differences.

[0223] An air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first sensing sensor (110), a processor (210), an air conditioning module (212), a memory (214), an input interface (1610), and a communication module (1620). Although FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment in which the air conditioner (100) includes both the input interface (1610) and the communication module (1620), an embodiment in which the air conditioner (100) includes only one of the input interface (1610) and the communication module (1620) is also possible.

[0224] The air conditioner (100) can receive various types of user input through an input interface (1610) or a communication module (1620).

[0225] The input interface (1610) receives input from a user. The input interface (1610) may include a key, a touchscreen, a touchpad, a touch sensor, etc. The input interface (1610) receives user input and transmits it to the processor (210). The input interface (1610) may receive a power on / off signal, a temperature setting signal, an operation mode selection signal, a blower intensity selection signal, a sleep timer signal, a scheduled operation setting signal, a wind direction setting signal, etc.

[0226] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the input interface (1610) can receive user input selecting a user-specified mode.

[0227] The communication module (1620) can communicate with at least one external device via wired or wireless means. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) communicates wirelessly with a remote controller. The communication module (1620) can receive power on / off signals, temperature setting signals, operation mode selection signals, airflow intensity selection signals, sleep timer signals, scheduled operation setting signals, wind direction setting signals, etc. from the remote controller. The communication module (1620) can transmit status information of the air conditioner (100) to the remote controller in order to synchronize status information of the air conditioner (100) with the remote controller.

[0228] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) can communicate with the server via a network. The communication module (1620) can connect to the network via an Access Point (AP) device and communicate with the server. The communication module (1620) can receive user input from the server for selecting a user-specified mode. Additionally, the communication module (1620) can receive power on / off signals, temperature setting signals, operation mode selection signals, airflow intensity selection signals, sleep timer signals, scheduled operation setting signals, wind direction setting signals, etc., from the server. The communication module (1620) can transmit status information of the air conditioner (100) to the server to synchronize status information of the air conditioner (100) with the server. Additionally, the communication module (1620) can receive operation mode or setting information of the air conditioner (100) set using a user terminal, etc., from the server.

[0229] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) can receive information through a server that a mobile device is connected to a Wi-Fi network in the home. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) can receive a human presence detection result from an electronic device including a human presence detection sensor (140) in the home through a server. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) can communicate with a robot vacuum cleaner in the home through a server. The air conditioner (100) may request the robot vacuum cleaner to investigate whether there is a person (130) in the home. Based on the request from the air conditioner (100), the robot vacuum cleaner may move around the home and use the human presence detection sensor to determine whether there is a person (130) in the home, and transmit the human presence detection result to the air conditioner (100) through the server.

[0230] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) can receive user input selecting a user-specified mode.

[0231] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) can communicate with the outdoor unit. For example, the communication module (1610) can communicate with the outdoor unit using RS-485 serial communication.

[0232] The communication module (1620) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). Additionally, the communication module (1620) may perform short-range communication and may use, for example, Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Near Field Communication, WLAN (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (ultrawideband), Ant+ communication, etc. Additionally, for example, the communication module (1620) may perform long-range communication and may communicate with an external device through, for example, a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN).

[0233] In addition, for example, the communication module (1620) can use mobile communication and can transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0234] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) is connected to an AP device in the home via Wi-Fi communication. The communication module (1620) can communicate with an external device through the AP device.

[0235] The processor (210) can determine whether a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122) within a first reference time based on the Wi-Fi network connection information of the mobile device received through the communication module (1620), the detection result of an electronic device including a human detection sensor (140) in the home, or the detection result of a robot vacuum cleaner. The air conditioner (100) can obtain information on whether a person (130) has been detected in the second space (122) even when the indoor unit is not placed in some or all of the space other than the first space (120) by using the Wi-Fi network connection information of the mobile device in the home, the detection result of an external electronic device, or the detection result of a robot vacuum cleaner.

[0236] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing an air conditioner, an external device, and a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0237] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) communicates with an external device (1710) and a server (1720) through a communication module (not shown). The air conditioner (100) may be connected to other home appliances, the external device (1710), or the server (1720) through a network (NET).

[0238] The server (1720) can manage user account information and information about the air conditioner (100) connected to the user account. For example, a user can create a user account by accessing the server (1720) through an external device (1710). The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (1720) can register the air conditioner (100) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (1720) can register the air conditioner (100) by linking the identification information of the air conditioner (100) (e.g., serial number or MAC address) to the user account.

[0239] The external device (1710) may include a communication module capable of communicating with the air conditioner (100) and the server (1720), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to the user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the external device (1710), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the external device (1710) is stored.

[0240] The external device (1710) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The external device (1710) may include, for example, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smartphone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0241] A program (e.g., an application) for controlling the air conditioner (100) may be stored in the memory of the external device (1710). The external device (1710) may be sold with the application for controlling the air conditioner (100) installed, or it may be sold without the application installed. If the external device (1710) is sold without the application for controlling the air conditioner (100) installed, the user may download the application from an external server providing the application and install it on the external device (1710).

[0242] The user can control the air conditioner (100) using an application installed on an external device (1710). For example, when the user runs an application installed on the external device (1710), identification information of the air conditioner (100) connected to the same user account as the external device (1710) may appear in the application execution window. The user can perform desired control on the air conditioner (100) through the application execution window. When the user inputs a control command for the air conditioner (100) through the application execution window, the external device (1710) may transmit the control command directly to the air conditioner (100) via a local area network, or it may transmit the control command to the air conditioner (100) via a server (1720).

[0243] The application of the external device (1710) can receive various user inputs for controlling the air conditioner (100). The application provides a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for receiving various user inputs and receives user inputs through the GUI. The external device (1710) communicates with the server (1720) and updates the status information of the air conditioner (100) and provides it through the application. Additionally, the external device (1710) communicates with the server (1720) and transmits the user input received through the application to the air conditioner (100).

[0244] The application can receive user input selecting a custom mode.

[0245] Additionally, the application can identify the network of the Wi-Fi network to which the external device (1710) is connected and transmit the identification information of the Wi-Fi network to the air conditioner (100). The external device (1710) can transmit the identification information of the Wi-Fi network to the air conditioner (100) in response to a request from the air conditioner (100) via the server (1720).

[0246] A network (NET) may include both wired networks and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, etc., and wireless networks may include all networks that transmit and receive signals via radio waves. Wired networks and wireless networks may be connected to each other.

[0247] A network (NET) may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) that does not pass through an access point. A wireless personal area network may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc.

[0248] The access point (AP) can connect the local network (LAN) to which the air conditioner (100) and external device (1710) are connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (1720) is connected. The air conditioner (100) or the external device (1710) can be connected to the server (1730) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0249] An AP may include a device that enables devices to be connected in a computer network using relevant standards utilizing Wi-Fi.

[0250] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP may include a hardware-implemented AP and a software-implemented AP.

[0251] For example, an AP can relay data between wireless devices and wired devices on a network. However, it is not limited to this; an AP can also relay data between wired devices or between wireless devices. Meanwhile, an AP can also be referred to as a relay device.

[0252] The access point (AP) can communicate with the air conditioner (100) and external device (1710) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi™, IEEE 802.11), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication.

[0253] The air conditioner (100) can transmit information regarding operation or status to the server (1720) via a network (NET). For example, the air conditioner (100) can transmit information regarding operation or status to the server (1720) via Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi™, IEEE 802.11) communication.

[0254] If the air conditioner (100) is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, the air conditioner (100) can transmit information regarding operation or status to the server (1720) through another home appliance equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module. For example, if the air conditioner (100) transmits information regarding operation or status to another home appliance via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication), the other home appliance can transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the server (1720). Additionally, for example, if the air conditioner (100) is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, the air conditioner (100) can be connected to a communication relay device via a wired connection, and Wi-Fi communication and RS-485 communication can be performed by the communication relay device.

[0255] The air conditioner (100) may provide information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the server (1720) upon prior approval by the user. The transmission of information to the server (1720) may occur when a request is received from the server (1720), when a specific event occurs in the air conditioner (100), or periodically or in real time.

[0256] When the server (1720) receives information regarding operation or status from the air conditioner (100), it can update previously stored information regarding the air conditioner (100). The server (1720) can transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to an external device (1710) via a network (NET).

[0257] The server (1720) can transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the external device (1710) when a request is received from the external device (1710). For example, if a user runs an application connected to the server (1720) on the external device (1710), the external device (1710) can request and receive information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) from the server (1720) through the application. The server (1720) may also transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the external device (1710) in real time when information regarding the operation or status is received from the air conditioner (100). The server (1720) may also periodically transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the external device (1710). The external device (1710) can convey information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the user by displaying information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) in the application execution window.

[0258] The air conditioner (100) can obtain various information from the server (1720) and provide the obtained information to the user. Additionally, the air conditioner (100) can receive a file from the server (1720) for updating the installed software or data related to the installed software, and can update the installed software or data related to the installed software based on the received file.

[0259] The air conditioner (100) can operate according to control commands received from the server (1720). For example, if the air conditioner (100) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to control commands from the server (1720) even without user input, the air conditioner (100) can operate according to control commands received from the server (1720). The control commands received from the server (1720) may include, but are not limited to, control commands entered by the user through an external device (1710) or control commands generated by the server (1720) based on pre-set conditions.

[0260] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the server (1720) may perform at least one of steps S304, S306, or S308 of the flowchart of FIG. 3.

[0261] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, step S302 of FIG. 3 can be performed by an air conditioner (100). The air conditioner (100) can detect a person in a target space using the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110). The air conditioner (100) can transmit the person detection result to a server (1720).

[0262] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, step S302 of FIG. 3 can be performed by an air conditioner (100) and a server (1720). The air conditioner (100) can acquire a sensor detection value of a detection sensor (110) and transmit the acquired sensor detection value to the server (1720). The server (1720) can perform person detection processing using the received sensor detection value. It is also possible to combine an embodiment in which step S302 is performed by an air conditioner (100) and a server (1720) with an embodiment in which step S302 is performed by an air conditioner (100) in the following description.

[0263] The external device (1710) of FIG. 17 may correspond to a mobile device. The air conditioner (100) can determine whether a person (130) is detected in the second space (122) by using information on whether the mobile device is connected to a Wi-Fi network in the home.

[0264] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the process of detecting a person from a second space and performing a first power-saving operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0265] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a process for determining an increase or decrease in the number of people according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0266] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a process of detecting a person from a second space and performing a first power-saving operation is described according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0267] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when it is determined that the first space (120) has changed from an occupied state to an absent state, the air conditioner (100) can determine in step S306 whether a person (130) has been detected from the second space (122) within a first reference time.

[0268] If the air conditioner (100) determines that a person (130) has been detected from the second space (122) within the first reference time, it determines in step S1802 whether the increase or decrease in the number of people matches. The air conditioner (100) can determine whether the increase or decrease in the number of people matches by determining whether the number of people decreased in the first space (120) matches the number of people increased in the second space (122).

[0269] Referring to the example in FIG. 19, the process of determining whether the increase or decrease in the number of people matches is explained. FIG. 19 is explained as an example where the indoor space includes a first space (120), a third space (1902), and a fourth space (1904). The previously described second space (122) may refer to the remaining space among the indoor spaces excluding the first space (120). The air conditioner (100) includes three indoor units (102, 102a, and 102b). Each indoor unit (102, 102a, and 102b) includes a detection sensor. By using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor of each indoor unit (102, 102a, and 102b), a person can be detected in the target space where each indoor unit (102, 102a, and 102b) is placed. FIG. 19 shows the occupancy status of the house at the first time point and the occupancy status of the house at the second time point. The second time point is a time within the first reference time from the first time point.

[0270] Referring to the example in FIG. 19, at the first time, the first person (1912) is present in the first space (122), and at the second time, the first person (1912) moves to the third space (1902) and the first space (120) is changed to an absent state. At this time, the change in the number of people in the first space (120) is a decrease of one person. When the number of people in the first space (120) decreases and the first space (120) is changed to an absent state, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the increase or decrease in the number of people matches. At this time, the air conditioner (100) can also determine the increase or decrease in the number of people in the spaces within the house other than the first space (120). Referring to the example in FIG. 19, at the first time, the third person (1916) is present in the fourth space (1904), and at the second time, the third person (1916) moves to the third space (1902), and the fourth space (1904) becomes empty as the number of people decreases by one. In this case, since the decrease in the number of people in the first space (120) is one person, the increase in the number of people in the third space (1902) is two people, and the decrease in the number of people in the fourth space (1904) is one person, the increase and decrease in the number of people in all spaces within the house match. When the increase and decrease in the number of people in the spaces within the house match in this way, the air conditioner (100) can determine in step S1802 that the increase and decrease in the number of people match.

[0271] Referring again to FIG. 18, if the air conditioner (100) determines in step S1802 that the increase or decrease in the number of people matches, in step S308, the first indoor unit (102) performs the first energy-saving operation.

[0272] If the air conditioner (100) determines in step S1802 that the increase or decrease in the number of people does not match, it performs an absentee power saving operation in step S604. For example, at the first time point, as in the example of FIG. 19, the first person (1912), the second person (1914), and the third person (1916) are present, and at the second time point, the first space (120) and the fourth space (1904) are changed to an absent state, and four people are detected in the third space (1902), the air conditioner (100) may determine that the increase or decrease in the number of people does not match.

[0273] In step S306, the air conditioner (100) changes the first space (120) from an occupied state to an absent state, and if no person is detected in the second space (122) excluding the first space (120) in the house within the first reference time, it can perform an absent power saving operation in step S604.

[0274] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third indoor unit (102b) of the fourth space (1904) can also perform a first energy-saving operation. The third indoor unit (102b) can perform a first energy-saving operation when the fourth space (1904) changes from an occupied state to an absent state and it is determined that a person is detected in the third space (1902) within a first reference time.

[0275] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining whether a person is detected in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0276] FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating a process for determining whether a person is detected in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0277] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the process of an air conditioner (100) detecting a person (1912) from a second space (122) using Wi-Fi network connection information of a mobile device (2010) is described.

[0278] FIG. 21 illustrates an example where the indoor space includes a first space (120) and a third space (1902). The previously described second space (122) may refer to the remaining space within the indoor space excluding the first space (120). The air conditioner (100) includes a first indoor unit (102). FIG. 21 shows the indoor occupancy status at a first point in time and the indoor occupancy status at a second point in time. The second point in time is a time within a first reference time from the first point in time.

[0279] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) can determine that a person (1912) is present in the home when a mobile device (2010) in the home is connected to a Wi-Fi network in the home. The air conditioner (100) can connect to a Wi-Fi network in the home. For example, the air conditioner (100) can connect to a Wi-Fi network in the home by connecting to an AP in the home via a wired or wireless connection. The air conditioner (100) can communicate with a server (1710) through an AP in the home. The air conditioner (100) can connect to the server (1710) through a first user account.

[0280] The mobile device (2010) is an electronic device that is handheld by the user. The mobile device (2010) may correspond to the external device (1710) of FIG. 17. The mobile device (2010) may correspond to, for example, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a wearable device.

[0281] A mobile device (2010) runs an application that controls an air conditioner (100). A user can control the air conditioner (100) using the application installed on the mobile device (2010). The application on the mobile device (2010) can access the server (1710) through a first user account. Additionally, the mobile device (2010) can access a Wi-Fi network within the home. The mobile device (2010) can access the Wi-Fi network within the home by connecting to the AP within the home via a wired or wireless connection.

[0282] The server (1710) can register the air conditioner (100) and the mobile device (2010) to the first user account. The server (1710) can identify that the air conditioner (100) and the mobile device (2010) are devices registered to the same user account, namely the first user account.

[0283] Referring to FIG. 20, the air conditioner (100) detects an event in step S2002 where the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an unoccupied state. When the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an unoccupied state, the air conditioner (100) may request Wi-Fi connection information of the mobile device (2010) from the server (1720) in step S2004.

[0284] When the server (1720) receives a request for Wi-Fi connection information from the air conditioner (100), it identifies at least one mobile device (2010) registered to the first user account to which the air conditioner (100) is registered. In step S2006, the server (1720) requests Wi-Fi connection information from the mobile device (2010). The server (1720) may request Wi-Fi connection information if the mobile device (2010) is logged into the application with the first user account. If the mobile device (2010) is not logged into the application with the first user account, the request for Wi-Fi connection information may not be delivered to the mobile device (2010).

[0285] When the mobile device (2010) receives a request for Wi-Fi connection information, in step S2008, it transmits Wi-Fi connection information including identification information of the currently connected Wi-Fi network to the server (1720). The identification information of the Wi-Fi network may include an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​or an IP address, etc.

[0286] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a mobile device (2010) may transmit time information of being connected to a currently connected Wi-Fi network to a server (1720). The mobile device (2010) may transmit time information including the time when the current connection state started or the duration of the connection to the server (1720).

[0287] When the server (1720) receives Wi-Fi connection information, it can determine in step S2010 whether the mobile device (2010) is connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home. The server (1720) can determine whether the mobile device (2010) is connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home by comparing the identification information of the Wi-Fi network in the home to which the air conditioner (100) is connected with the identification information of the Wi-Fi network to which the mobile device (2010) is connected. If the identification information of the Wi-Fi network to which the air conditioner (100) is connected matches the identification information of the Wi-Fi network to which the mobile device (2010) is connected, the server (1720) can determine that the mobile device (2010) is connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home. If the identification information of the Wi-Fi network to which the air conditioner (100) is connected does not match the identification information of the Wi-Fi network to which the mobile device (2010) is connected, the server (1720) can determine that the mobile device (2010) is not connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home.

[0288] In step S2012, the server (1720) can transmit information to the air conditioner (100) regarding whether the mobile device (2010) is connected to the home Wi-Fi network. In step S2014, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the mobile device (2010) is connected to the home Wi-Fi network based on the information received from the server (1720).

[0289] If the mobile device (2010) is connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home, the air conditioner (100) may determine in step S2016 that a person has been detected from the second space (122). If the mobile device (2010) is not connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home, the air conditioner (100) may determine in step S2016 that no person has been detected from the second space (122).

[0290] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at a first time, a first person (1912) is present in a first space (120). In this case, a mobile device (2010) possessed by the user (1912) may be connected to a Wi-Fi network in the home.

[0291] Referring to FIG. 21, at the first time, the first person (1912) is in a state of being present in the first space (120). The first person (1912) can determine that the first person (1912) is present in the first space (120) by using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor of the indoor unit (102) of the air conditioner (100). The first person (1912) may possess a mobile device (2010). The mobile device (2010) may correspond to a smartphone. The mobile device (2010) can connect to the Wi-Fi network in the home by connecting to the AP device (2020).

[0292] At the second time point, the first person (1912) can move to the third space (1902). The first person (1912) can move to the third space (1902) while carrying a mobile device (2010). The air conditioner (100) can request Wi-Fi connection information of the mobile device (2010) from the server (1720) at the second time point or thereafter, as the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an absent state. The mobile device (2010) was connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home at the first time point and may remain connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home after the second time point. The air conditioner (100) can determine that the first person (1912) has moved from the first space (120) and is in the second space (122), which is another space in the home, even though the first person (1912) is no longer detected in the first space (120) but the mobile device (2010) is still connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home. Accordingly, the air conditioner (100) can determine that the first person (1912) was in the first space (120) and has moved out of the first space (120) and is in the second space (122), and can perform the first energy-saving operation in the first indoor unit (102) of the first space (120).

[0293] If the mobile device (2010) is not connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home at the first time, but is connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home after the second time, the air conditioner (100) may not determine that the first person (1912) is present in the second space (122) even if the mobile device (2010) is connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home. In this case, the mobile device (2010) connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home may not be the mobile device (2010) of the first person (1912) but may be the mobile device (2010) of another person. Therefore, in this case, the air conditioner (100) cannot determine that the first person (1912) is present in the second space (122) even if the mobile device (2010) is connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home.

[0294] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining whether a person is detected in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0295] FIG. 23 is a drawing illustrating a process for determining whether a person is detected in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0296] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the process of an air conditioner (100) detecting a person from a second space (122) using the result of a person detection by an external person detection sensor is described.

[0297] FIG. 23 illustrates an example where the indoor space includes a first space (120) and a third space (1902). The previously described second space (122) may refer to the remaining space within the indoor space excluding the first space (120). The air conditioner (100) may include a first indoor unit (102). FIG. 23 shows the indoor occupancy status at a first point in time and the indoor occupancy status at a second point in time. The second point in time is a time within a first reference time from the first point in time.

[0298] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) can detect that a first person (1912) is present in a second space by using a person detection sensor of another electronic device (2210a and 2210b). The electronic device (2210a and 2210b) may correspond to various types of electronic devices (2210a and 2210b) including a person detection sensor. For example, the electronic device (2210a and 2210b) may correspond to a person detection sensor device, a TV, an AI hub device, or a refrigerator, etc. The person detection sensor may correspond to a sensor that detects an object and detects a person in the target space. The person detection sensor may correspond to, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a radar sensor, etc.

[0299] The electronic devices (2210a and 2210b) can communicate with the air conditioner (100) through the server (1720). The electronic devices (2210a and 2210b) can access the server (1720) through a first user account and can be registered with the first user account. The air conditioner (100) can be registered with the first user account of the server (1720).

[0300] The air conditioner (100) can receive human detection information from electronic devices (2210a and 2210b) including human detection sensors and obtain information that the first person (1912) is present in the second space. In this disclosure, electronic devices (2210a and 2210b) including human detection sensors are collectively referred to as electronic devices (2210).

[0301] Referring to FIG. 22, the air conditioner (100) detects an event in step S2202 where the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an unoccupied state. When the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an unoccupied state, the air conditioner (100) may request occupancy detection information from the server (1720) in step S2204.

[0302] When the server (1720) receives a request for seal detection information from the air conditioner (100), it may request the seal detection information from the electronic device (2210) in step S2206.

[0303] The electronic device (2210) generates human detection information using a sensor detection value detected by a human detection sensor. The electronic device (2210) can generate human detection information at any time regardless of a request for human detection information from the server (1720). Additionally, the electronic device (2210) can generate human detection information when a request for human detection information is received from the server (1720). The human detection information may include information regarding whether a person has been detected in the target space. Additionally, the human detection information may include information regarding the time of human detection when a person was detected in the target space. The electronic device (2210) can transmit the generated human detection information to the server (1720) in step S2208.

[0304] When the server (1720) receives the seal detection information, it can transmit the seal detection information to the air conditioner (100) in step S2210.

[0305] When the air conditioner (100) receives human detection information, it can determine in step S2212 whether a person has been detected in the second space within a first reference time. The air conditioner (100) can determine whether the electronic device (2210) that provided the received human detection information is the electronic device (2210) placed in the second space. For example, if the electronic device (2210) that provided the human detection information is the first electronic device (2210a) placed in the first space (120), the air conditioner (100) may not use the human detection information of the first electronic device (2210a) when determining whether a person has been detected in the second space. The air conditioner (100) can determine whether a person has been detected in the second space by using the human detection information of the second electronic device (2210b) placed in the second space (1902). When the server (1720) transmits the seal detection information, it can also transmit the location information of each electronic device (2210) to the air conditioner (100).

[0306] The air conditioner (100) can determine whether the time at which a person is detected by the person detection sensor of the electronic device (2210) is after the first space (120) has changed to an absent state and is within a first reference time from the point in time when the first space (120) has changed to an absent state, by using the person detection time information included in the person detection information. If the time at which a person is detected by the person detection sensor of the electronic device (2210) is not after the first space (120) has changed to an absent state, but rather the time at which a person is detected by the electronic device (2210) before the first space (120) has become an absent state, the air conditioner (100) may not determine that a person has been detected in the second space. Additionally, if the time at which a person is detected by the person detection sensor of the electronic device (2210) is not within a first reference time from the point in time when the first space (120) has changed to an absent state, the air conditioner (100) may not determine that a person has been detected in the second space.

[0307] If the air conditioner (100) determines in step S2212 that no person is detected in the second space within the first reference time, it can determine in step S2218 that no person is detected from the second space.

[0308] If the air conditioner (100) determines in step S2212 that a person has been detected in the second space within a first reference time, it can determine in step S2214 whether the person detected by the person detection sensor of the electronic device (2210) has been present in the second space for more than a second reference time. The second reference time may correspond, for example, to a time of about 1 minute to 15 minutes. If the air conditioner (100) determines in step S2214 that the person detected has been present in the second space for more than the second reference time, it can determine in step S2216 that a person has been detected from the second space. If the air conditioner (100) determines in step S2214 that the person detected has not been present in the second space for more than the second reference time, it can determine in step S2218 that a person has not been detected from the second space.

[0309] The air conditioner (100) determines that a person has been detected from the second space when a person has been present in the first space (120) for more than the second standard time in step S2214, thereby preventing the first indoor unit (102) from immediately performing the first energy-saving operation when a person present in the first space (120) briefly leaves the first space (120) and returns, thus reducing user inconvenience.

[0310] Referring to FIG. 23, the process of detecting a person in a second space using an electronic device (2210) is described.

[0311] At the first time, when the first person (1912) is present in the first space (120), the first indoor unit (102) can detect the first person (1912) using the first detection sensor (110) and determine that the first space (120) is in an occupied state. Subsequently, at the second time, when the first person (1912) moves to the third space (1902) and the first space (120) becomes absent, the air conditioner (100) can receive the person detection information of the first electronic device (2210a) and the second electronic device (2210b) through the server (1720). When the air conditioner (100) receives human detection information from the server (1720), it may use human detection information from the second electronic device (2210b) of the third space (1902) instead of using human detection information from the first electronic device (2210a) of the first space (120). Based on the human detection information from the second electronic device (2210b), the air conditioner (100) may determine whether the first person (1912) was detected after the second point in time and whether it was detected within the first reference time from the second point in time. Additionally, the air conditioner (100) may determine whether the first person (1912) was continuously detected in the third space (1902) for the second reference time after the second point in time. If the air conditioner (100) determines that a first person (1912) is detected in the third space (1902) within a first reference time after a second point in time and is detected during the second reference time, it determines that a person is detected in the second space after the first space (120) has changed from an occupied state to an absent state, and the first indoor unit (102) can perform a first energy-saving operation.

[0312] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining whether a person is detected in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0313] FIG. 25 is a drawing illustrating a process for determining whether a person is detected in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0314] Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, the process of an air conditioner (100) detecting a person from a second space (122) using the results of a human detection by a robot vacuum cleaner (2410) is described.

[0315] FIG. 25 illustrates an example where the indoor space includes a first space (120) and a third space (1902). The previously described second space (122) may refer to the remaining space within the indoor space excluding the first space (120). The air conditioner (100) may include a first indoor unit (102). FIG. 25 shows the indoor occupancy status at a first point in time and the indoor occupancy status at a second point in time. The second point in time is a time within a first reference time from the first point in time.

[0316] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) can detect that a first person (1912) is present in a second space by using a human presence sensor of a robot vacuum cleaner (2410). The robot vacuum cleaner (2410) may correspond to various types of robot vacuum cleaners (2410) that include a human presence sensor. The human presence sensor may correspond to a sensor that detects objects and detects a person in a target space. The human presence sensor may correspond, for example, to an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a radar sensor.

[0317] The robot vacuum cleaner (2410) can communicate with the air conditioner (100) through the server (1720). The robot vacuum cleaner (2410) can access the server (1720) through a first user account and can be registered to the first user account. The air conditioner (100) can be registered to the first user account of the server (1720).

[0318] The air conditioner (100) can receive human detection information from a robot vacuum cleaner (2410) that includes a human detection sensor, and obtain information that the first person (1912) is present in the second space.

[0319] Referring to FIG. 24, the air conditioner (100) detects an event in step S2402 where the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an unoccupied state. When the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an unoccupied state, the air conditioner (100) may request robot vacuum cleaner detection information from the server (1720) in step S2406 after the first reference time has elapsed in step S2404.

[0320] When the server (1720) receives a request for robot vacuum cleaner detection information from the air conditioner (100), it can request human detection information from the robot vacuum cleaner (2410) in step S2408.

[0321] When the robot vacuum cleaner (2410) receives a request for human detection information, it moves to a space inside the house other than the first space (120) in step S2410 and performs human detection. When human detection is completed in the space inside the house, the robot vacuum cleaner (2410) transmits the human detection information to the server (1720) in step S2412. The server (1720) transmits the human detection information to the air conditioner (100) in step S2414.

[0322] When the air conditioner (100) receives human detection information from the robot vacuum cleaner (2410), at step S2416, it can determine whether a person has been detected in a space other than the first space (120) based on the human detection information from the robot vacuum cleaner (2410). If, as a result of the human detection by the robot vacuum cleaner (2410), a person is detected in a space other than the first space, the air conditioner (100) determines at step S2420 that a person has been detected from the second space. If, at step S2420, the air conditioner (100) determines that a person has been detected from the second space, it performs a first energy-saving operation. If, as a result of the human detection by the robot vacuum cleaner (2410), the air conditioner (100) determines that no person has been detected in a space other than the first space, it can determine at step S2418 that no person has been detected from the second space.

[0323] Referring to FIG. 25, the robot vacuum cleaner (2410) is positioned in the third space (1902) at the first time point, and when it receives a request for human presence detection information from the server (1720) at the second time point, it can perform human presence detection while moving within the space of the house. The robot vacuum cleaner (2410) can perform human presence detection while moving within the space of the house after a first reference time has elapsed from the time when the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an absent state, under the control of the server (1720). The robot vacuum cleaner (2410) can perform human presence detection while moving within the space designated by the server (1720). For example, the server (1720) can control the robot vacuum cleaner (2410) to move within the second space (122) other than the first space (120) and perform human presence detection. In the example of FIG. 25, the robot vacuum cleaner (2410) detects a person in the third space (1902). The robot vacuum cleaner (2410) can transmit information that a person has been detected in the third space (1902) and the time of detection as person detection information to the server (1720). The server (1720) can transmit the person detection information to the air conditioner (100).

[0324] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a process of detecting a person in a second space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0325] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) may include a plurality of indoor units. Each indoor unit may include a detection sensor. Additionally, each indoor unit may detect a person within a target space using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor. For example, the air conditioner (100) may include a first indoor unit (102), a second indoor unit (102a), and a third indoor unit (102b). The first indoor unit (102), the second indoor unit (102a), and the third indoor unit (102b) may communicate with each other via wired or wireless means. For example, the plurality of indoor units may perform RS-485 serial communication.

[0326] Multiple indoor units can determine whether a person has been detected in the second space by using the person detection information of other indoor units.

[0327] Referring to FIG. 26, the air conditioner (100) detects an event in step S2602 where the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an unoccupied state. When the first space (120) changes from an occupied state to an unoccupied state, the air conditioner (100) may request occupancy detection information from another indoor unit. The first indoor unit (102) may request occupancy detection information from the second indoor unit (102a) in step S2604. Additionally, the first indoor unit (102) may request occupancy detection information from the third indoor unit (102b) in step S2606.

[0328] The second indoor unit (102a) can detect a person within the target space using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor. The second indoor unit (102a) can transmit person detection information, including the person detection result, to the first indoor unit (102) in step S2608. The person detection information may include, for example, at least one of whether a person was detected, the time of person detection, or the number of people.

[0329] The third indoor unit (102b) can detect a person within the target space using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor. The third indoor unit (102b) can transmit person detection information, including the person detection result, to the first indoor unit (102) in step S2610. The person detection information may include, for example, at least one of whether a person was detected, the time of person detection, or the number of people.

[0330] When the first indoor unit (102) receives human detection information from another indoor unit, it determines whether a person has been detected in another space based on the human detection information from the other indoor unit in step S2612. Depending on the result of the determination, the first indoor unit (102) may determine in step S2616 that a person has been detected from the second space, or in step S2614 that a person has not been detected from the second space.

[0331] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0332] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0333] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner may include a first indoor unit disposed in a first space, an air conditioning module, a first detection sensor disposed in the first indoor unit and detecting a moving object within the first space, a memory storing at least one instruction, and at least one processor including a circuit device. When at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the air conditioner may detect a person in the first space based on the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor, determine whether a person is detected from a second space within the home other than the first space when the first space changes from an occupied state where a person is present to an absent state where no person is present, and if a person is detected from the second space within a first reference time, control the first indoor unit (102) to perform a first energy-saving operation.

[0334] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner may control the first indoor unit to perform an absence-based power saving operation, which performs at least one intermediate power saving operation and then performs a first power saving operation, when no person is detected from the second space within a first reference time.

[0335] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one intermediate power saving operation may include at least one of an intermediate power saving operation operating in a windless mode or an intermediate power saving operation controlling a target temperature.

[0336] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger of an air conditioning module, and the first energy-saving operation can operate in a soft-off state that activates a first sensing sensor of the first indoor unit and stops the operation of the indoor heat exchanger of the first indoor unit.

[0337] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioning module, and the first energy-saving operation can operate for a first duration by adjusting the target temperature of the air conditioner, and then activate a first sensing sensor of the first indoor unit and stop the operation of the indoor heat exchanger of the first indoor unit in a soft-off state.

[0338] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner performs an absence-based power saving operation by performing at least one intermediate power saving operation and then performing a first power saving operation when a user is absent from a space within the home, and the absence-based power saving operation is set to one of a plurality of user-specified modes based on user input, and the duration of each of the at least one intermediate power saving operation and the first power saving operation varies according to the plurality of user-specified modes, and the operation of controlling the first indoor unit to perform the first power saving operation when a person is detected from the second space within a first reference time is such that when set to some of the user-specified modes, the first indoor unit is controlled to perform the first power saving operation without performing at least one intermediate power saving operation when a person is detected from the second space within a first reference time, and some of the user-specified modes may be user-specified modes in which the duration of at least one intermediate power saving operation and the first power saving operation is set to be shorter than that of the remaining user-specified modes.

[0339] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner can control the first indoor unit to perform absent power saving operation regardless of whether a person is detected from the second space within a first reference time when the remaining user-specified mode is set.

[0340] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a user is absent from a space within a home, the air conditioner performs an absence-based power saving operation by performing at least one intermediate power saving operation and then performing a first power saving operation. The absence-based power saving operation operates at one of a plurality of power saving learning levels, and the duration of each of the at least one intermediate power saving operation and the first power saving operation varies according to the plurality of power saving learning levels. When the air conditioner is set to a power saving learning level of some of the plurality of power saving learning levels, if a person is detected from a second space within a first reference time, the air conditioner controls the first indoor unit to perform the first power saving operation without performing at least one intermediate power saving operation. The power saving learning level of some of the power saving learning levels may be a power saving learning level in which the duration of at least one intermediate power saving operation and the first power saving operation is set to be shorter than that of the remaining power saving learning levels.

[0341] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner can control the first indoor unit to perform absent-use power saving operation regardless of whether a person is detected from the second space within a first reference time when the remaining power saving learning level is set.

[0342] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a person is detected from a second space within a first reference time, the operation of controlling the first indoor unit to perform a first energy-saving operation may be such that the first indoor unit performs the first energy-saving operation when the number of people decreased in the first space matches the number of people increased in the second space.

[0343] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner further includes a communication module that communicates with a server, and when a first space is registered with a first user account on the server and changes from an occupied state to an absent state, it can determine that a person has been detected from a second space based on receiving information from the server that a mobile device registered with the first user account has connected to a Wi-Fi network in the home.

[0344] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of determining that a person has been detected from a second space based on receiving information from a server that a mobile device registered to a first user account has connected to a Wi-Fi network in the home is determined that a person has been detected from the second space if the mobile device is connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home during the time period when the first space is in a state of occupancy and remains connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home even after the state of absence is changed, and if the mobile device is not connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home during the time period when the first space is in a state of occupancy, it may not be determined that a person has been detected from the second space even if the mobile device is connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home during the time period when the first space is in a state of occupancy.

[0345] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner further includes a communication module that communicates with a server, and when a first space is registered with a first user account on the server and a person is changed from an occupied state to an absent state, it can determine that a person has been detected from a second space based on receiving information from the server that a person has been detected from a person detection sensor in a home that is registered with the first user account and placed in a space other than the first space.

[0346] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of determining that a person has been detected from a second space based on receiving information that a person has been detected from a person detection sensor in the home from a mobile device registered to a first user account is such that if the number of people detected by the person detection sensor in the home increases compared to the number of people detected during the time interval when the first space is occupied, a person has been determined to have been detected from the second space, and if the number of people detected by the person detection sensor in the home does not increase compared to the number of people detected during the time interval when the first space is occupied, a person has not been determined to have been detected from the second space even if a person has been detected by the person detection sensor in the home.

[0347] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner further includes a communication module that communicates with a server, and when a first space is registered with a first user account on the server and changes from an occupied state to an absent state, the robot vacuum cleaner in the home registered with the first user account is controlled to move to another space other than the first space, and based on receiving information that a person has been detected from another space, the robot vacuum cleaner in the home can determine that a person has been detected from a second space.

[0348] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units including a first indoor unit, and can detect a person from the second space using a second detection sensor of a second indoor unit disposed in the second space.

[0349] Additionally, according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner may include a first indoor unit placed in a first space, and a first detection sensor placed in the first indoor unit and detecting a moving object within the first space. The method for controlling the air conditioner may include the steps of: detecting a person in the first space based on a sensor detection value of the first detection sensor; determining whether a person is detected from a second space within the home other than the first space when the first space changes from an occupied state where a person is present to an absent state where no person is present; and controlling the first indoor unit to perform a first energy-saving operation when a person is detected from the second space within a first reference time.

[0350] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner control method may further include the step of controlling a first indoor unit to perform an absence-based power saving operation, which performs at least one intermediate power saving operation, and then performs a first power saving operation, when no person is detected from a second space within a first reference time.

[0351] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, and the first energy-saving operation can operate in a soft-off state that activates a first sensing sensor of the first indoor unit and stops the operation of the indoor heat exchanger of the first indoor unit.

[0352] In addition, according to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium is provided on which a program for performing an air conditioner control method on a computer is recorded.

Claims

1. In an air conditioner (100), A first indoor unit (102) placed in a first space; Air conditioning module (212); A first detection sensor (110) disposed in the first indoor unit (102) and detecting a moving object within the first space; Memory (214) for storing at least one instruction; and It includes at least one processor (210) including a circuit device, and When the above at least one instruction is executed individually or collectively by the above at least one processor (210), the air conditioner (100) is, Based on the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor (110), a person occupied in the first space is detected, and When the first space changes from an occupied state where a person is present to an absent state where no person is present, it is determined whether a person was detected from a second space within the house other than the first space, and An air conditioner (100) that controls the first indoor unit (102) to perform a first energy-saving operation when a person is detected from the second space within a first reference time.

2. In Paragraph 1, The air conditioner (100) controls the first indoor unit (102) to perform an absence-based power saving operation, which performs at least one intermediate power saving operation, and then performs the first power saving operation, when no person is detected from the second space within the first reference time.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above at least one intermediate power saving operation includes at least one of an intermediate power saving operation operating in a windless mode or an intermediate power saving operation controlling a target temperature, in an air conditioner (100).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, The first indoor unit (102) includes an indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioning module (212), and The above first energy-saving operation is an air conditioner (100) that operates in a soft-off state that activates the first detection sensor (110) of the first indoor unit (102) and stops the operation of the indoor heat exchanger of the first indoor unit (102).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The first indoor unit (102) includes an indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioning module (212), and The first energy-saving operation is an air conditioner (100) that operates for a first duration after adjusting the target temperature of the air conditioner (100), activates the first detection sensor (110) of the first indoor unit (102), and operates in a soft-off state that stops the operation of the indoor heat exchanger of the first indoor unit (102).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The above air conditioner (100) performs at least one intermediate power saving operation when a user is absent from the space in the house, and then performs the absence power saving operation that performs the first power saving operation. The above absence power saving operation is set to one of a plurality of user-specified modes based on user input, and According to the above plurality of user-defined modes, the duration of each of the at least one intermediate power saving operation and the first power saving operation varies, and When a person is detected from the second space within a first reference time, the operation of controlling the first indoor unit (102) to perform a first energy-saving operation is such that when a user is set to a user-specified mode among some of the plurality of user-specified modes, when a person is detected from the second space within the first reference time, the first indoor unit (102) is controlled to perform the first energy-saving operation without performing at least one intermediate energy-saving operation. The above-mentioned custom mode is a custom mode in which the duration of at least one intermediate power saving operation and the first power saving operation is set shorter than the remaining custom mode, in an air conditioner (100).

7. In Paragraph 6, The air conditioner (100) controls the first indoor unit (102) to perform the absence-saving operation regardless of whether a person is detected from the second space within the first reference time when the remaining user-specified mode is set.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, The above air conditioner (100) performs at least one intermediate power saving operation when a user is absent from the space in the house, and then performs the absence power saving operation that performs the first power saving operation. The above absence power saving operation operates at one of a plurality of power saving learning levels, and depending on the plurality of power saving learning levels, the duration of each of the at least one intermediate power saving operation and the first power saving operation varies, and The above air conditioner (100) controls the first indoor unit (102) to perform the first energy-saving operation without performing the at least one intermediate energy-saving operation when a person is detected from the second space within the first reference time when the above air conditioner (100) is set to some of the energy-saving learning levels among the plurality of energy-saving learning levels. The above-mentioned partial power saving learning level is a power saving learning level in which the duration of at least one intermediate power saving operation and the first power saving operation is set shorter than the remaining power saving learning level, in an air conditioner (100).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, When a person is detected from the second space within the first reference time, the operation of controlling the first indoor unit (102) to perform the first energy-saving operation is, An air conditioner (100) that controls the first indoor unit (102) to perform the first energy-saving operation when the number of people decreased in the first space and the number of people increased in the second space match.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, The above air conditioner (100) is, It further includes a communication module (1620) that communicates with a server, and Registered as a first user account on the above server, When the above first space changes from the above occupancy state to the above absence state, An air conditioner (100) that determines that a person has been detected from the second space based on receiving information from the server, via the communication module (1620), that a mobile device registered to the first user account has connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 10, The above air conditioner (100) is, It further includes a communication module (1620) that communicates with a server, and Registered as a first user account on the above server, When the above first space changes from the state of occupancy to the state of absence of a person, An air conditioner (100) that determines that a person has been detected from the second space based on receiving information from the server, through the communication module (1620), that a person has been detected from a human detection sensor in a house that is registered to the first user account and placed in a space other than the first space.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 11, The above air conditioner (100) is, It further includes a communication module (1620) that communicates with a server, and Registered as a first user account on the above server, When the above first space changes from the above occupancy state to the above absence state, Controls the robot vacuum cleaner in the home registered to the first user account to move to a space other than the first space, and An air conditioner (100) that determines that a person has been detected from the second space based on receiving information that a robot vacuum cleaner in the above-mentioned house has detected a person from another space.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 12, The above air conditioner (100) includes a plurality of indoor units (102, 102a, 102b) including the first indoor unit (102), and An air conditioner (100) that detects a person from the second space using a second detection sensor of a second indoor unit placed in the second space.

14. In a method for controlling an air conditioner, The above air conditioner includes a first indoor unit disposed in a first space, and a first detection sensor disposed in the first indoor unit and detecting a moving object within the first space. The above air conditioner control method is, A step of detecting a person occupied in the first space based on the sensor detection value of the first detection sensor; A step of determining whether a person is detected from a second space within the house other than the first space when the first space changes from an occupied state where a person is present to an absent state where no person is present; and An air conditioner control method comprising the step of controlling the first indoor unit to perform a first energy-saving operation when a person is detected from the second space within a first reference time.

15. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for performing the method of paragraph 14 on a computer.

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