Server and control method thereof

Abstract

A server is provided. The server comprises: processing circuitry; a memory including one or more storage media and storing instructions; and at least one processor communicatively connected to the processing circuitry and the memory, wherein the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, cause the server to: identify, as at least one group, a central control device and at least one individual control device arranged in an indoor space; identify a control mode corresponding to a first group among the identified at least one group on the basis of sensing information corresponding to the first group and a target temperature corresponding to the indoor space; and control devices included in the first group on the basis of the identified control mode.

Description

Server and its control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server and a method for controlling the same. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a server for controlling a plurality of air conditioning units arranged in an indoor space and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Driven by advancements in electronic technology, various types of electronic devices are being developed and distributed. Recently, a wide range of air conditioning devices are being developed to be placed in indoor spaces to perform functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, or heating.

[0003] When a central air conditioning system, which processes air from a single unit and provides heating and cooling to the entire building through ducts, and a split-system air conditioner, which provides cooling individually in each space with separate indoor and outdoor units, are installed in the same space to perform the aforementioned functions, a method for efficiently operating each air conditioning unit is required.

[0004] The above information is presented for the sake of background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no claim is made, as to which of the above may be applied as prior art in relation to the present disclosure.

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure are to solve at least the problems and / or disadvantages mentioned above and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a server and a control method.

[0006] Additional aspects will be presented in part in the following description, will be apparent in part from the description, or can be learned by practicing the presented embodiments.

[0007] A server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The server comprises a processing circuit, a memory including one or more storage media for storing instructions, and at least one processor communicationly connected to the processing circuit and the memory. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the server may identify a central control unit and at least one individual control unit placed in an indoor space as at least one group, identify a control mode corresponding to the first group based on sensing information corresponding to the first group among the at least one identified group and a target temperature corresponding to the indoor space, and control the device included in the first group based on the identified control mode.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operation of a server is provided. The method of operation may include the operation of identifying a central control device and at least one individual control device placed in an indoor space into at least one group; the operation of identifying a control mode corresponding to the first group based on sensing information corresponding to the first group among the at least one identified group and a target temperature corresponding to the indoor space; and the operation of controlling a device included in the first group based on the identified control mode.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, one or more non-transient computer-readable storage media are provided for storing one or more computer programs comprising computer-executable instructions that cause said server to perform operations when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor of said server. The operations may include an operation of identifying a central control device and at least one individual control device placed in an indoor space into at least one group; an operation of identifying a control mode corresponding to said first group based on sensing information corresponding to said first group and a target temperature corresponding to said indoor space; and an operation of controlling a device included in said first group based on said control mode.

[0010] Other aspects, advantages, and notable features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings, which discloses various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings, where:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram for schematically illustrating a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a method of operation of a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a method for identifying at least one group according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying a control mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying a control mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying a control mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying the level of a device included in a first group according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation to control a device based on a level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying one control mode based on a set value of a control mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a feedback operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a device based on the average value of the temperature information of the air according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 13a, FIGS. 13b, FIGS. 13c and FIGS. 13d are drawings for explaining a control method in an outdoor air cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 14a, FIGS. 14b and FIGS. 14c are drawings for explaining a control method in latent heat mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIGS. 15a, FIGS. 15b and FIGS. 15c are drawings for explaining a control method in a high sensible heat mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying a first group according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a central air conditioning system type device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numbers will be understood to refer to the same parts, components, and structures.

[0031] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While it includes various specific details to aid such understanding, these should be considered merely illustrative. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications to the various embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Additionally, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0032] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literary meanings and are used merely to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure by the inventor. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0033] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include multiple referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "component surfaces" includes a reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0034] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account their functions within this disclosure; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant explanatory section of this disclosure. Therefore, terms used in this disclosure should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0035] In this specification, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, operations, or components such as parts) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0036] The expression "at least one of A or / and B" should be understood as representing either "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0037] Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" used in this specification may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components.

[0038] Where it is stated that a component (e.g., Component 1) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., Component 2), it should be understood that the component may be directly connected to the other component or connected through the other component (e.g., Component 3).

[0039] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0040] In the present disclosure, a "module" or "part" performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of "modules" or a plurality of "parts" may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by at least one processor (not shown), except for a "module" or "part" that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0041] The term "signal" includes not only electrical signals but also signals in the form of sound waves; in the case of electrical signals, it may be digital signals as well as analog signals. For example, the expression "audio signal" (or "noise signal") refers to a sound wave (or radio wave) signal if the signal is outside the server, and an electrical signal if it is inside the server, depending on the location of the signal. Furthermore, the signal processing within the server described below may be not only digital signal processing but also analog signal processing or a signal processing method that combines analog and digital methods.

[0042] And in this specification, the term "filter" refers to removing a specific component (e.g., a specific frequency range or a specific pattern), and said filter may be a digital filter or an analog filter.

[0043] It should be understood that the blocks of each flowchart and combinations of flowcharts can be executed by one or more computer programs containing computer-executable instructions. The entirety of one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device, or one or more computer programs may be divided so that different parts are stored in multiple different memory devices.

[0044] Any of the functions or operations described herein may be processed by a single processor or a combination of processors. The single processor or combination of processors is a circuit that performs processing and includes circuits such as an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth™ chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near-field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display drive integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system-on-chip (SoC), an IC, etc.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a diagram for schematically explaining a method of operation of a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment, at least one device capable of performing an air conditioning function may be placed in an indoor space. According to one example, different types of devices including a central control device (10) and individual control devices (11, 12 and 13) may be placed in the indoor space.

[0047] According to one example, the central control unit may be a component included in an air conditioning unit of the central air conditioning system type. According to one example, the individual control unit may be a component included in an air conditioning unit of a different type from the central air conditioning system.

[0048] The server (100) can group at least one device placed in an indoor space. According to one example, the server (100) can identify a group including devices (11, 12 and 13) located within a preset distance (20) from a central control device (10). For example, the server (100) can identify the central control device (10) as a reader device and identify a group including devices (11, 12 and 13) located within a preset distance (20) from the reader device.

[0049] According to one example, the server (100) can identify a control mode corresponding to an identified group. For example, the server (100) can obtain environmental information of an indoor space and surrounding space from the identified group (e.g., information on the temperature and humidity of the indoor space, the temperature and humidity of the air supplied to the indoor space, or the temperature and humidity of the outside air). Based on the obtained environmental information, the server (100) can identify a control mode corresponding to an identified group.

[0050] According to one example, the server (100) can control the devices included in the group in a control mode corresponding to the identified group. According to one example, when the control mode is identified, the server (100) can control each device based on the type of device included in the group. For example, when the control mode is identified, the server (100) can control the central control device based on a setting value corresponding to the central control device and control the individual control devices based on a setting value corresponding to the individual control devices.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] According to FIG. 2, the server (100) may include at least one processor (110) and memory (120).

[0053] According to another embodiment, the server (100) may be implemented as a cloud server, but is not limited thereto, and according to one embodiment, the server (100) may be a server installed within a building where an air conditioning unit is installed. According to one example, the server (100) may perform operations based on a signal received from an external device (e.g., a user terminal that receives user input).

[0054] Meanwhile, according to one example, the operation of the server (100) described below may be performed by an external device (e.g., a user terminal). For example, a control mode may be identified by an external device, and the external device may transmit a control signal related thereto directly to at least one device present in the indoor space or transmit it through the server (100). However, for the convenience of explanation, the following description is limited to an embodiment in which the overall operation is performed by the server (100).

[0055] At least one processor (110) (hereinafter, processor) is electrically connected to memory (120) to control the overall operation of the server (100). The processor (110) may be composed of one or more processors. Specifically, the processor (110) may perform the operation of the server (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in memory (120).

[0056] The processor (110) may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) that processes digital video signals, a microprocessor, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an AI (Artificial Intelligence) processor, a NPU (Neural Processing Unit), or a TCON (Time Controller). However, it is not limited thereto, and may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), an MPU (micro processing unit), a controller, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), or an ARM processor, or may be defined by such terms. Additionally, the processor (110) may be implemented as a System on Chip (SoC) or Large Scale Integration (LSI) with a built-in processing algorithm, or may be implemented in the form of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

[0057] The memory (120) can store data necessary for various embodiments. Depending on the purpose of data storage, the memory (120) may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the server (100) or in the form of memory that can be attached to the server (100). For example, data for operating the server (100) may be stored in memory embedded in the server (100), and data for the expansion functions of the server (100) may be stored in memory that can be attached to the server (100).

[0058] In the case of memory embedded in the server (100), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), etc.), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD). Additionally, in the case of memory that can be attached to the server (100), it may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the processor (110) can identify at least one group of central control devices and individual control devices placed in an indoor space. According to one example, at least one central control device and at least one individual control device may be placed in the indoor space.

[0060] The central control unit may be a component included in an air conditioning unit of the central air conditioning system type. In one example, the central control unit may be a device that regulates the amount of air supplied from the central air conditioning system to the indoor space, for example, a variable air volume unit, and in one example, the central control unit may be placed in the indoor space. However, it is not limited thereto, and in one example, the central control unit may be implemented as any one of the devices constituting the central air conditioning system.

[0061] According to one example, at least one central control unit placed in an indoor space may be a unit included in a single central air conditioning system, but is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that each central control unit may be a unit corresponding to a different central air conditioning system.

[0062] According to one example, a central control device placed in an indoor space may be equipped with a separate control unit, and each central control device may operate independently, but is not limited thereto, and according to one example, at least one central control device may be a device that operates based on a control signal received from a central air conditioning system.

[0063] According to another example, the individual control unit may be a component included in a device of a different type from the central air conditioning system. According to one example, the device corresponding to the individual control unit may be a device that performs air conditioning operations independently (or individually) (e.g., a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, or a system air conditioner). According to one example, the individual control unit may be implemented as an indoor unit (IDU), but is not limited thereto. According to one example, at least one individual control unit placed in an indoor space may each operate independently.

[0064] According to one example, the processor (110) may group at least one central control unit and at least one individual control unit placed in an indoor space into at least one group. For example, the processor (110) may identify a first group of devices (e.g., a central control unit or an individual control unit) located within a preset distance from a first central control unit among at least one central control unit placed in the indoor space. Alternatively, for example, the processor (110) may identify a second group of devices located within a preset distance from a second central control unit among at least one central control unit placed in the indoor space. According to one example, the devices placed in the indoor space may be included in a plurality of groups.

[0065] A reader device corresponding to each group may exist. In one example, the reader device may be implemented as a central control device, but is not limited thereto. In one example, the reader device may be a device designated based on user input, but is not limited thereto. Meanwhile, a specific method for identifying at least one group will be explained in detail through FIG. 4.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the processor (110) can identify a control mode corresponding to a first group among at least one group. According to one example, when sensing information corresponding to the first group among the identified at least one group is obtained, the processor (110) can identify a control mode corresponding to the first group based on the obtained sensing information and a target temperature corresponding to an indoor space.

[0067] The processor (110) may obtain sensing information from a central control unit. For example, the processor (110) may obtain at least one of the temperature information of the air (or indoor air) corresponding to the indoor space, the humidity information of the indoor air, the temperature information of the air (or supply air) supplied from the central control unit to the indoor space, the humidity information of the supply air, the temperature information of the mixed air, and the humidity information of the mixed air from the central control unit. Alternatively, according to one example, the processor (110) may obtain the above-described sensing information from a central air conditioning system corresponding to the central control unit. Alternatively, the processor (110) may obtain the above-described information from an external device other than the central air conditioning system (e.g., an external server). Meanwhile, according to one example, the mixed air may be air mixed with outside air and indoor air that flows into a central air conditioning unit (or air handling unit, AHU) corresponding to the central control unit. Alternatively, the mixed air may be outdoor air flowing into an outdoor air handling unit corresponding to a central control unit.

[0068] According to one example, the processor (110) may further include a communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuit (150) of FIG. 18), and the processor (110) may obtain sensing information from at least one of a central control device and an individual control device through the communication circuit. However, it is not limited thereto, and according to one example, the processor (110) may obtain sensing information from a device other than a central control device and an individual control device.

[0069] The processor (110) can obtain sensing information from individual control devices. For example, the processor (110) can obtain at least one of the indoor air temperature information, indoor air humidity information, supply air temperature information, and supply air humidity information from individual control devices. Alternatively, according to one example, the processor (110) may obtain the above-described sensing information from an outdoor unit corresponding to an individual control device. Alternatively, the processor (110) may obtain the above-described information from an external device other than the above-described device (e.g., an external server).

[0070] According to another example, the sensing information corresponding to the first group may be information sensed from each of at least one device (central control device or individual control device) included in the first group. Alternatively, the sensing information corresponding to the first group may be information sensed from a system (e.g., a central air conditioning system) that includes at least one device included in the first group.

[0071] According to one example, the control mode may be an operating mode for controlling at least one device included in an identified group. For example, the control mode may be any one of an outdoor air cooling mode, a latent heat mode, or a high sensible heat mode, but is not limited thereto. According to one example, the control mode may be a mode in which each device operates at an operating intensity corresponding to the type of device included in the group (e.g., a central control device type or an individual control device type). Each control mode will be described later.

[0072] The processor (110) can obtain a target temperature corresponding to an indoor space. According to one example, the processor (110) can obtain a target temperature based on user input. For example, the processor (110) can receive user input related to the target temperature from an external device (e.g., a user terminal). Alternatively, for example, the processor (110) may receive user input from an external device for controlling a device placed in the indoor space.

[0073] According to one example, the processor (110) can identify a control mode corresponding to the first group based on sensing information corresponding to the acquired first group and a target temperature corresponding to the indoor space. The processor (110) can acquire outdoor air temperature information and humidity information from a central control device included in the first group. The processor (110) can calculate a first enthalpy based on the acquired target temperature and calculate a second enthalpy based on the acquired outdoor air temperature information and humidity information. The processor (110) can identify an outdoor air cooling mode among a plurality of control modes by comparing the magnitudes of the first enthalpy and the second enthalpy, and if it is identified that the value of the first enthalpy exceeds the value of the second enthalpy by more than a preset value. The processor (110) can identify the identified outdoor air cooling mode as a control mode corresponding to the first group. A specific method for identifying control modes will be described later.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the processor (110) can control the devices included in the first group based on an identified control mode. According to one example, when a control mode is identified, the processor (110) can control the devices included in the first group based on the identified control mode. According to one example, the processor (110) can control each device based on the type of device included in the first group. For example, the processor (110) can control the devices included in the first group so that the leader device operates at a 'minimum airflow,' the central control device type device among the devices other than the leader device operates at a 'minimum airflow,' and the individual control device type device among the devices other than the leader device is turned off.

[0075] According to one example, the processor (110) may control each device to perform different operations based on the temperature of the air corresponding to the first group and the target temperature when a control mode is identified. This will be explained in detail through FIGS. 13a to 13d, FIGS. 14a to 14c and FIGS. 15a to 15c.

[0076] According to one example, the processor (110) may transmit a control signal corresponding to each control mode to a device corresponding to the first group through a communication circuit. Alternatively, according to one example, the processor (110) may transmit the control signal to a central control unit (e.g., an air conditioning unit) corresponding to each device.

[0077] When a server (100) is equipped with multiple types of air conditioning devices (e.g., a central air conditioning system and a system air conditioner) in an indoor space, the server groups each air conditioning device and sets a control mode corresponding to each group based on information obtained from each group, thereby enabling the air conditioning function to be performed more efficiently than when each air conditioning device operates independently.

[0078] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a method of operation of a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 3, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S310) of identifying a central control device and individual control devices placed in an indoor space into at least one group.

[0080] According to one example, the server (100) can identify at least one group of central control devices and individual control devices placed in an indoor space. According to one example, at least one central control device and at least one individual control device may be placed in the indoor space. According to one example, the server (100) can identify at least one of the devices in the indoor space as a reader device and identify devices existing within a preset distance from each reader device as a group corresponding to the reader device.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S320) of identifying a control mode corresponding to the first group based on the acquired sensing information and a target temperature corresponding to the indoor space when sensing information corresponding to the first group among at least one identified group is acquired.

[0082] According to one example, when sensing information corresponding to a first group among at least one identified group is obtained, the server (100) can identify a control mode corresponding to the first group based on the obtained sensing information and a target temperature corresponding to an indoor space. According to the present disclosure, when at least one group is identified, the server (100) can obtain sensing information from a device corresponding to the first group among the identified groups. According to one example, the server (100) can identify a target temperature corresponding to an indoor space from an external device (e.g., a user terminal).

[0083] Alternatively, the server (100) may obtain a target temperature through a reader device. For example, the reader device may include a user interface, and the server (100) may obtain a target temperature based on user input received through the reader device.

[0084] According to one example, the server (100) can identify a control mode corresponding to a first group based on the acquired sensing information and target temperature.

[0085] According to another embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S330) of controlling a device included in a first group based on an identified control mode. According to one example, the server (100) may control a device included in a first group based on an identified control mode.

[0086] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a method for identifying at least one group according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, a plurality of central control units ('VAV') and a plurality of individual control units ('IDU') may be arranged in an indoor space (400). According to one example, in FIG. 4, the central control unit is shown as 'VAV' and the individual control unit is shown as 'IDU', but this does not mean that the central control unit is limited to a variable air volume unit or that the individual control unit is limited to an indoor unit.

[0088] According to one example, the server (100) can identify at least one reader device (e.g., a first reader device (411)). According to one example, the server (100) can identify the reader device among the central control devices, but is not limited thereto. According to one example, the reader device may also be identified among the individual control devices.

[0089] According to one example, the server (100) may identify at least one reader device based on user input. Alternatively, according to one example, the server (100) may identify at least one reader device based on preset conditions. For example, the server (100) may, of course, identify a reader device at random.

[0090] When at least one reader device is identified, the server (100) can identify at least one device corresponding to the identified reader device based on preset conditions. For example, when the first reader device (411) is identified, the server (100) can identify a device existing within a preset second distance (420) from the first reader device (411) as 'group 2'. However, it is not limited thereto, and for example, the server (100) can identify a device in which the magnitude of the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value measured at the first reader device (411) is greater than or equal to a preset value as 'group 2'. This will be explained in detail through FIG. 16.

[0091] According to one example, the server (100) can identify a level corresponding to each of at least one device included in 'group 2'. For example, the server (100) can identify the level of a device (e.g., individual control device (412) and individual control device (413)) located within a first distance (410) from the first reader device (411) as the first level. For example, the server (100) can identify the level of a device (e.g., individual control device (421) and central control device (422)) located at a distance greater than the first distance (410) and within a second distance (420) from the first reader device (411) as the second level.

[0092] Each device may be included in at least one group. For example, the first individual control device (412) may be included in 'group 1' and 'group 2', respectively. The first individual control device (412) may be identified as Level 2 with respect to 'group 1' and as Level 1 with respect to 'group 2'. According to one example, a specific method for identifying the control mode of a device included in a plurality of groups will be described in detail through FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10.

[0093] In one example, there may be a group that does not include a reader device. For example, 'group 5' may be a set of individual control devices whose distance from a central control device exceeds a preset value. Devices included in 'group 5' may not operate in a control mode corresponding to the group, and each device may operate independently.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying a control mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 5, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S510) of identifying a first enthalpy value calculated based on a target temperature and a second enthalpy value calculated based on ambient temperature information and humidity information corresponding to the first group, respectively.

[0096] According to one example, the server (100) can calculate a first enthalpy based on a target temperature corresponding to an indoor space. For example, the server (100) can calculate a first enthalpy using a target temperature corresponding to an indoor space and a target humidity corresponding to an indoor space. According to one example, the target humidity may be relative humidity, but is not limited thereto, and the target humidity may be absolute humidity. According to one example, if the target humidity is not obtained, the server (100) can calculate a first enthalpy using a preset value (e.g., 40%).

[0097] According to one example, the server (100) may obtain a second enthalpy value based on the temperature and humidity information of the outdoor air corresponding to the first group. According to one example, the sensing information may include at least one of the temperature and humidity information of the outdoor air corresponding to the first group. According to one example, the outdoor air corresponding to the first group may be outdoor air flowing into a central air handling unit (or air handling unit, AHU) corresponding to a central control device included in the first group, but is not limited thereto. According to one example, if a plurality of central control devices are included in the first group, the temperature and humidity information of the outdoor air may be the temperature and humidity information of the outdoor air corresponding to the reader device, but is not limited thereto, and according to one example, it may be the average value of the temperature and humidity information of the outdoor air corresponding to each of the plurality of central control devices.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S520) of controlling a device included in a first group based on an outdoor air cooling mode when it is identified that an identified first enthalpy value exceeds an identified second enthalpy value.

[0099] The server (100) can compare the identified first enthalpy value with the identified second enthalpy value. For example, the server (100) can use the identified first enthalpy value and the identified second enthalpy value to identify whether the following mathematical formula 1 is satisfied.

[0100]

[0101] In the above-described mathematical formula, 'A' may be a first enthalpy value and 'C' may be a second enthalpy value. In one example, 'b' may be a positive number as a margin. In one example, if the server (100) identifies that the above-described mathematical formula 1 is satisfied, it may identify that the identified first enthalpy value exceeds the identified second enthalpy value. In one example, if the server (100) identifies that the identified first enthalpy value exceeds the identified second enthalpy value, it may identify the outdoor air cooling mode as a control mode corresponding to the first group.

[0102] According to one example, the outside air cooling mode may be a mode that performs a cooling function for the indoor space by directly introducing outside air into the indoor space. For example, the server (100) can control the air conditioner to operate in the outside air cooling mode by opening the damper of the central air conditioner.

[0103] When an outdoor air cooling mode is identified, the server (100) can control the devices included in the first group based on the outdoor air cooling mode. This will be explained in detail through FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13a to 13d.

[0104] The fact that the first enthalpy value exceeds the second enthalpy value means that the cooling function for the indoor space can be performed using outside air. The server (100) can efficiently perform air conditioning operations by using the enthalpy value corresponding to the target temperature and the enthalpy value corresponding to the outside air.

[0105] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying a control mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 6, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S610) of calculating a sensible heat ratio associated with an air conditioning device corresponding to a first group based on the state of the mixed air and supply air corresponding to a first group obtained based on sensing information.

[0107] According to one example, the sensible heat ratio associated with the air conditioner may be the sensible heat ratio of the amount of heat that the cooling coil of the air conditioner must handle. According to one example, the server (100) may calculate the sensible heat ratio of the amount of heat that the cooling coil of the air conditioner must handle based on the state of the mixed air and the supply air. According to one example, the state of the air may include the temperature and humidity corresponding to the air.

[0108] For example, the server (100) can determine (or obtain) the state of the mixed air corresponding to the first group and the supply air corresponding to the first group based on sensing information. Based on the state of the mixed air and supply air corresponding to the first group, the server (100) can calculate the sensible heat ratio of the amount of heat (or indoor load) that the cooling coil of the air conditioning device corresponding to the first group must process.

[0109] According to one example, the sensing information may include at least one of temperature information corresponding to mixed air corresponding to the first group, humidity information corresponding to mixed air, temperature information corresponding to supply air, and humidity information corresponding to supply air. According to one example, the mixed air may be air mixed with outside air and indoor air flowing into an air handling unit corresponding to the first group. According to one example, the supply air may be air supplied into the room from an air handling unit corresponding to the first group, or air discharged from an air handling unit corresponding to the first group (e.g., air discharged from a cooling coil included in the air handling unit).

[0110] According to one example, the server (100) can determine the state of the mixed air and supply air corresponding to the first group and calculate the sensible heat ratio of the amount of heat (or indoor load) that the cooling coil of the air conditioner must handle. Meanwhile, according to one example, if the indoor air is not recirculated and then re-entered into the air conditioner (for example, if the air conditioner is implemented as an outdoor handling unit), the server (100) may calculate the sensible heat ratio based on the temperature and humidity information of the outdoor air.

[0111] According to another embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S620) of controlling a device included in the first group based on a latent heat mode when it is identified that the sensible heat ratio is less than a first threshold value.

[0112] According to one example, the server (100) can identify whether the calculated sensible heat ratio is less than a first threshold value. According to one example, the first threshold value may be 0.7, but is not limited thereto and may be a different value. According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the sensible heat ratio is less than the first threshold value, it can identify a latent heat mode as a control mode corresponding to a first group.

[0113] According to the present disclosure, the latent heat mode is a control mode focused on changes in humidity of an indoor space, and may be a mode that controls to lower the sensible heat ratio of an indoor space by removing moisture. According to one example, when the latent heat mode is identified, the server (100) may control the devices included in the first group based on the latent heat mode. This will be explained in detail through FIG. 12 and FIG. 14a to 14c.

[0114] A low sensible heat ratio means that the proportion of latent heat in the air is relatively high. If the server identifies that the sensible heat ratio of the mixed air and the supply air is low, it can perform air conditioning operations in a mode to lower the humidity of the indoor space; in this case, the server can efficiently perform air conditioning operations by controlling the identified groups collectively.

[0115] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying a control mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 7, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S710) of determining the state of mixed air and supply air corresponding to the first group based on sensing information corresponding to the first group, and calculating the sensible heat ratio for the amount of heat that the cooling coil of the air conditioning device corresponding to the first group must process. According to one example, the server (100) can calculate the sensible heat ratio of the amount of heat that the cooling coil of the air conditioning device corresponding to the first group processes through the state of mixed air corresponding to the first group and supply air corresponding to the first group.

[0117] According to one example, the sensing information may include at least one of temperature information corresponding to mixed air corresponding to the first group, humidity information corresponding to mixed air, temperature information corresponding to supply air, and humidity information corresponding to supply air. According to one example, the mixed air may be air mixed with outside air and indoor air flowing into an air handling unit corresponding to the first group. According to one example, the supply air may be air supplied into the room from an air handling unit corresponding to the first group, or air discharged from an air handling unit corresponding to the first group (e.g., air discharged from a cooling coil included in the air handling unit).

[0118] The server (100) can calculate the sensible heat ratio based on the temperature and humidity information of the mixed air and the temperature and humidity information of the supply air. Meanwhile, according to one example, if the indoor air is not recirculated and then re-entered into the air conditioning unit (for example, if the air conditioning unit is implemented as an outdoor handling unit), the server (100) may calculate the sensible heat ratio based on the temperature and humidity information of the outdoor air.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S720) of controlling a device included in a first group based on a high sensible heat mode when it is identified that the sensible heat ratio is greater than or equal to a first threshold value.

[0120] The server (100) can identify whether the calculated sensible heat ratio is greater than or equal to a first threshold value. In one example, the first threshold value may be 0.7, but is not limited thereto and may be a different value. In one example, if the server (100) identifies that the sensible heat ratio is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, it can identify a high sensible heat mode as a control mode corresponding to a first group.

[0121] According to another example, the high sensible heat mode is a control mode focused on temperature changes in an indoor space, and may be an operating mode in an environment where temperature changes are large and humidity changes are small. According to one example, the high sensible heat mode may be an operating mode in a dry environment with a high sensible heat ratio. According to one example, when the high sensible heat mode is identified, the server (100) may control the devices included in the first group based on the high sensible heat mode. This will be explained in detail through FIG. 12 and FIG. 15a to 15c.

[0122] A high sensible heat ratio means that the proportion of sensible heat in the air is relatively high. If the server identifies that the sensible heat ratio of either the mixed air or the supply air is high, it can perform air conditioning operations in a mode to appropriately maintain the temperature of the indoor space; in this case, the server can efficiently perform air conditioning operations by controlling the identified group collectively.

[0123] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying the level of a device included in a first group according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 8, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S810) of identifying a level corresponding to a first device located within a first distance from a first central control device within a first group as a first level.

[0125] The first group may include at least one device including a first central control device corresponding to a reader device. According to one example, the server (100) may identify a device located within a second distance from the first central control device among devices (e.g., a central control device or individual control devices) placed in an indoor space as the first group.

[0126] According to another example, the server (100) can identify a device located within a first distance among devices placed in an indoor space based on an RSSI value measured by a first central control device. According to one example, the first distance may be a distance less than a second distance. For example, the server (100) can identify a first device in which the RSSI value measured by the first central control device is less than a preset value, and identify the identified first device as a first level.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S820) of identifying a level corresponding to a second device located within a first group at a distance greater than or equal to a first distance and within a second distance from a first central control device as a second level.

[0128] According to one example, the server (100) can identify a second device located within a first group at a distance greater than or equal to a first central control device and within a second distance, and identify a level corresponding to the identified second device as a second level.

[0129] The server (100) can control the operation of at least one device included in the first group based on the identified level. For example, a case can be assumed where the control mode corresponding to the first group is identified as an outdoor air cooling mode. The server (100) can control each device such that the airflow corresponding to the device at the first level and the airflow corresponding to the device at the second level among the devices included in the first group are different. This will be described later.

[0130] According to one example, the server (100) may control a device based on a level corresponding to each of the multiple groups of a device when the device placed in the indoor space is included in multiple groups. This will be explained in detail through FIG. 9 below.

[0131] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation to control a device based on a level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 9, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S910) of identifying a level corresponding to the first group and a level corresponding to the second group of the third device, respectively, when it is identified that a third device placed in an indoor space is included in a first group and a second group different from the first group, respectively.

[0133] According to one example, the server (100) can identify a group including a third device among at least one device placed in an indoor space. According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the third device is included in the first group and the second group, respectively, the server (100) can identify the level corresponding to the first group of the third device and the level corresponding to the second group of the third device, respectively. According to one example, information regarding the group and level corresponding to each of the at least one device placed in the indoor space may be stored in memory (120).

[0134] According to another embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S920) of controlling a third device in a control mode corresponding to either the first group or the second group when either of the first group or the second group is identified based on the identified level.

[0135] According to one example, the server (100) can identify either the first group or the second group based on the level of the third device corresponding to the first group and the level of the third device corresponding to the second group, respectively. According to one example, the server (100) can identify the group with a relatively lower level. For example, if the level of the third device corresponding to the first group is the first level and the level of the third device corresponding to the second group is the second level, the server (100) can identify the first group among these. According to one example, the server (100) can control the third device in a control mode corresponding to the identified first group.

[0136] When the devices placed in the indoor space are included in a plurality of groups, the server (100) can control the devices in a control mode corresponding to the group that is relatively close to the reader device.

[0137] The server (100) may identify one of the control modes based on the setting value of the control mode corresponding to each group when the level of the device corresponding to each of the multiple groups is the same. This will be explained in detail through FIG. 10 below.

[0138] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying one control mode based on a set value of a control mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 10, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S1010) of identifying a first control mode corresponding to the first group and a second control mode corresponding to the second group, respectively, when a fourth device placed in an indoor space is identified as being included in a first group and a second group different from the first group, respectively.

[0140] According to the present disclosure, a server (100) can identify a group including a fourth device among at least one device placed in an indoor space. According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the fourth device is included in a first group and a second group, respectively, a first control mode corresponding to the first group and a second control mode corresponding to the second group, respectively.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S1020) of identifying one of the control modes based on a setting value corresponding to a first control mode and a setting value corresponding to a second control mode.

[0142] According to another example, the server (100) can identify a setting value corresponding to an identified first control mode and a setting value corresponding to an identified second control mode, respectively. According to one example, the server (100) can identify a setting value based on the type of a fourth device along with the type of the control mode.

[0143] For example, if the fourth device is of the central control device type, the server (100) can identify a setting value corresponding to the central control device among the setting values ​​corresponding to the first control mode. According to one example, the setting value corresponding to the central control device may be a setting value related to the airflow corresponding to the central control device. According to one example, the server (100) can identify a control mode in which the setting value related to the airflow corresponding to the first control mode is relatively smaller by comparing the setting value related to the airflow corresponding to the first control mode with the setting value related to the airflow corresponding to the second control mode.

[0144] Alternatively, for example, if the fourth device is of the individual control device type, the server (100) can identify a setting value corresponding to an individual control device among the setting values ​​corresponding to the first control mode. According to one example, the setting value corresponding to an individual control device may be a setting value related to the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device. According to one example, the server (100) can identify the control mode corresponding to the relatively higher setting value by comparing the setting value related to the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the first control mode with the setting value related to the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the second control mode.

[0145] According to another embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S1030) of controlling a fourth device based on any one of the identified control modes.

[0146] According to one example, if any one control mode is identified, the server (100) can control the fourth device based on the identified control mode. According to one example, if the first control mode is identified among the first control mode and the second control mode, the server (100) can control the fourth device with the identified first control mode.

[0147] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the server (100) may identify one control mode based on a setting mode corresponding to an indoor space. According to one example, the setting mode corresponding to an indoor space may include an 'energy saving priority mode' or a 'comfort priority mode', but is not limited thereto.

[0148] It is possible to assume a case where the setting mode corresponding to the indoor space is an 'energy saving priority mode'. When the setting mode is an 'energy saving priority mode', the server (100) can identify one of the control modes by prioritizing the level among the setting value and the level. For example, if the level of the fourth device corresponding to the first group is the first level and the level of the fourth device corresponding to the second group is the second level, the server (100) can control the fourth device in the control mode corresponding to the first group, which has a relatively lower level, regardless of the setting value.

[0149] The server (100) can identify one of the control modes based on a set value when the level corresponding to the first group and the level corresponding to the second group are the same. For example, if the fourth device is a central control device, the server (100) can control the fourth device in a control mode corresponding to a set value with a relatively low airflow. Or, for example, if the fourth device is an individual control device, the server (100) can control the fourth device in a control mode with a relatively high refrigerant temperature.

[0150] For example, it may be assumed that the setting mode corresponding to the indoor space is a 'comfort priority mode'. When the setting mode is a 'comfort priority mode', the server (100) can identify one of the control modes by prioritizing the setting value among the setting value and the level. For example, if the fourth device is a central control device, the server (100) can control the fourth device in a control mode corresponding to a setting value with a relatively high airflow. Alternatively, for example, if the fourth device is an individual control device, the server (100) can control the fourth device in a control mode with a relatively low refrigerant temperature.

[0151] The server (100) can identify one of the control modes based on the level when the setting value corresponding to the first group and the setting value corresponding to the second group are the same. For example, if the level of the fourth device corresponding to the first group is the first level and the level of the fourth device corresponding to the second group is the second level, the server (100) can control the fourth device in the control mode corresponding to the first group, which has a relatively lower level.

[0152] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing a feedback operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 11, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S1110) of identifying whether the indoor space has reached a target temperature when it is identified that a device included in a first group has operated for a first time based on an identified control mode.

[0154] The server (100) can control the air conditioning operation of the device included in the first group in an identified control mode. According to one example, the server (100) can identify the time during which the device included in the first group operates in an identified control mode. According to one example, the server (100) can identify whether the indoor space has reached a target temperature if it is identified that the device has operated for a first time based on the identified control mode. According to one example, the first time may be 15 minutes, but is not limited thereto and may be a time of a different size.

[0155] According to one embodiment, if it is identified that the target temperature has not been reached, the operation method may include an operation (S1120) of increasing the opening ratio of a cooling valve corresponding to a first central control device included in a first group by a first ratio or lowering the cold water temperature corresponding to the first central control device by a first value.

[0156] According to the present disclosure, if the server (100) identifies that the indoor space has not reached a target temperature, it may increase the opening rate of a cooling valve corresponding to a first central control device included in a first group by a first ratio. In one example, the first central control device may be a reader device, but is not limited thereto. In one example, the cooling valve may be a component included in an air handling unit and may be a component for controlling the amount of cold water supplied from a chiller to a cooling coil. In one example, if the indoor space has not reached a target temperature even after performing operation in a first control mode for a first time, the server (100) may control the air handling unit corresponding to the first central control device to increase the opening rate of the cooling valve by a preset first ratio.

[0157] Alternatively, according to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the indoor space has not reached the target temperature, it may lower the temperature of the cold water corresponding to the first central control device included in the first group by a first value. According to one example, the cold water may be a substance supplied from a chiller, and may be a substance supplied from the chiller to a cooling coil through a cooling valve. According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the indoor space has not reached the target temperature, it may control the chiller to lower the temperature of the cold water by a first value.

[0158] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a device based on the average value of the temperature information of the air according to one embodiment.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 12, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S1210) of comparing the calculated average value with a target temperature when the average value of the temperature information of the air obtained from each of at least one device included in the first group is calculated.

[0160] The sensing information corresponding to the first group may include indoor air temperature information sensed from each of at least one device included in the first group. According to one example, the server (100) may calculate an average value of the indoor air temperature information obtained from each of at least one device included in the first group. According to one example, the server (100) may compare the calculated average value with a target temperature.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S1220) of controlling the operation of at least one device included in the first group based on a comparison result.

[0162] According to one example, the server (100) can control the operation of at least one device included in the first group based on the difference between the average value of the temperature information of the device and the target temperature. According to one example, when a control mode corresponding to the first group is identified, the server (100) can identify a setting value related to the operation of each device based on the difference between the average value and the target temperature within the identified control mode, and control each device based on the identified setting value. This will be explained in detail through the following FIGS. 13a to 13d, FIGS. 14a to 14c, and FIGS. 15a to 15c.

[0163] FIGS. 13a, FIGS. 13b, FIGS. 13c and FIGS. 13d are drawings for explaining a control method in an outdoor air cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 13a to 13d, according to one embodiment, when the server (100) identifies the outside air cooling mode as a control mode corresponding to a first group, it can compare the average value of the indoor air temperature information obtained from each of at least one device included in the first group with the target temperature. Meanwhile, according to one example, 'Leader' shown in FIGS. 13a to 13d, FIGS. 14a to 14c and FIGS. 15a to 15c may mean a leader device, 'Follower Lv. 1' device is a device corresponding to the first level, 'Follower Lv. 2' device is a device corresponding to the second level, 'VAV' may mean a central control device, and 'IDU' may mean an individual control device.

[0165] According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the target temperature is above the average value, it can control the device included in the first group as illustrated in FIG. 13a. According to one example, the server (100) can control the reader device corresponding to the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the central control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the individual control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to turn off ('Off'). According to one example, the server (100) can control the central control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. The server (100) can control the individual control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to turn off ('Off').

[0166] According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the value obtained by adding a third value to the target temperature is greater than or equal to the average value, it may control the device included in the first group as illustrated in FIG. 13b. According to one example, the third value may be 1 degree (°C), but is not limited thereto. According to one example, the server (100) may control the reader device corresponding to the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) may control the central control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) may control the individual control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to be turned off ('Off'). According to one example, the server (100) may control the central control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control individual control devices corresponding to the second level within the first group to be turned off ('Off').

[0167] According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the value obtained by adding a fourth value to the target temperature is greater than or equal to the average value, it may control the device included in the first group as illustrated in FIG. 13c. According to one example, the fourth value may be a value exceeding the third value, which may be 2 degrees (°C), but is not limited thereto. According to one example, the server (100) may control the reader device corresponding to the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) may control the central control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) may control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to become 'high'. According to one example, 'high' may mean a temperature that is relatively higher than the median refrigerant temperature corresponding to the outdoor air cooling mode, but is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the server (100) can control the central control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to become 'high'.

[0168] According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the value obtained by adding a fourth value to the target temperature is less than the average value, it can control the device included in the first group as illustrated in FIG. 13d. According to one example, the server (100) can control the reader device corresponding to the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the central control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to become 'mid'. 'mid' may mean the midpoint value of the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the outdoor air cooling mode, but is not limited thereto. According to one example, the server (100) can control the central control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to become 'mid'.

[0169] FIGS. 14a, FIGS. 14b and FIGS. 14c are drawings for illustrating a control method in latent heat mode according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 14a to 14c, according to one embodiment, when the latent heat mode is identified as a control mode corresponding to a first group, the server (100) can compare the average value of the temperature information of the air obtained from each of at least one device included in the first group with the target temperature.

[0171] According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the value obtained by adding a third value to the target temperature is greater than or equal to the average value, it may control the device included in the first group as illustrated in FIG. 14a. According to one example, the third value may be 1 degree (°C), but is not limited thereto. According to one example, the server (100) may control the reader device corresponding to the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) may control the central control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) may control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to become 'mid'. 'mid' may mean the midpoint value of the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the latent heat mode, but is not limited thereto. According to one example, the server (100) can control the central control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to become 'mid'.

[0172] According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the value obtained by adding a fourth value to the target temperature is greater than or equal to the average value, it may control the device included in the first group as illustrated in FIG. 14b. According to one example, the fourth value is a value exceeding the third value and may be 2 degrees (°C), but is not limited thereto. According to one example, the server (100) may control the reader device corresponding to the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. According to another embodiment, the server (100) may control the central control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) may control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to become 'normal'. According to one example, 'normal' may mean a normal refrigerant temperature corresponding to the latent heat mode. The server (100) can control the central control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to become 'normal'.

[0173] According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the value obtained by adding a fourth value to the target temperature is less than the average value, it can control the device included in the first group as illustrated in FIG. 14c. According to one example, the server (100) can control the reader device corresponding to the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the central control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to become 'normal'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the central control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to become 'normal'.

[0174] FIGS. 15a, FIGS. 15b, and FIGS. 15c are drawings for illustrating a control method in a high sensible heat mode according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0175] Referring to FIGS. 15a to 15c, according to one embodiment, when a high sensible heat mode is identified as a control mode corresponding to a first group, the server (100) can compare the average value of the temperature information of the air obtained from each of at least one device included in the first group with the target temperature.

[0176] According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the value obtained by adding a third value to the target temperature is greater than or equal to the average value, it may control the device included in the first group as illustrated in FIG. 15a. According to one example, the third value may be 1 degree (°C), but is not limited thereto. According to one example, the server (100) may control the reader device corresponding to the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) may control the central control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. The server (100) may control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to become 'high'. According to one example, 'high' may mean a value greater than or equal to the median value of the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the high sensible heat mode, but is not limited thereto. According to one example, the server (100) can control the central control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to operate at a 'minimum airflow'. The server (100) can control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to become 'high'.

[0177] According to one example, if the server (100) identifies that the value obtained by adding a fourth value to the target temperature is greater than or equal to the average value, it may control the device included in the first group as illustrated in FIG. 15b. According to one example, the fourth value is a value exceeding the third value, and may be 2 degrees (°C), but is not limited thereto. According to one example, the server (100) may control the reader device corresponding to the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to another example, the server (100) may control the central control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) may control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to become 'high'. According to one example, the server (100) may control the central control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to become 'high'.

[0178] If the server (100) identifies that the value obtained by adding a fourth value to the target temperature is less than the average value, it can control the device included in the first group as illustrated in FIG. 15c. According to one example, the server (100) can control the reader device corresponding to the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the central control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the first level within the first group to become 'mid'. According to one example, 'mid' may mean the midpoint value of the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the high sensible heat mode, but is not limited thereto. According to one example, the server (100) can control the central control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to operate at a 'normal airflow'. According to one example, the server (100) can control the refrigerant temperature corresponding to the individual control device corresponding to the second level within the first group to become 'mid'.

[0179] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying a first group according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 16, according to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S1610) of identifying the RSSI (received signal strength indicator) value measured by the first central control device placed in the indoor space for each of the central control device and individual control device placed in the indoor space.

[0181] The server can measure the strength of signals reaching the first central control unit from each of the central control unit and individual control units placed in the indoor space. According to one example, the server can identify the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value measured at the first central control unit for each unit.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation (S1620) of identifying a device having an identified RSSI value greater than or equal to a second value as a first group.

[0183] According to one example, the server may identify devices whose RSSI value for each device is greater than or equal to a second value as a first group. According to one example, among the devices with a value greater than or equal to the second value, the server may identify devices with a value greater than or equal to a third value as devices corresponding to a first level, and devices with a value less than or equal to the third value as devices corresponding to a second level.

[0184] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a central air conditioning system type device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 17, according to one embodiment, a central air conditioning system corresponding to a central control unit may include a chiller (1710, chiller), an air handling unit (1720, air handling unit), and a central control unit (1730). According to one example, the central air conditioning system may include a configuration other than that shown in FIG. 17.

[0186] In one example, the chiller (1710) can supply cold water to the air conditioning unit (1720). In one example, the server (100) can control the chiller (1710) to adjust the temperature of the cold water supplied to the air conditioning unit (1720).

[0187] The air conditioning unit (1720) can supply air with controlled temperature or humidity to the indoor space (1750) using cold water supplied from a chiller. In one example, outside air (1740) may be introduced into the air conditioning unit (1720) from the outside space. In one example, inside air may be introduced into the air conditioning unit (1720) from the indoor space (1750). In one example, the air conditioning unit (1720) can control the temperature or humidity of the mixed air, including the inside air and outside air (1740), through a cooling coil and supply it to a central control unit (1730).

[0188] According to one example, air discharged from an air conditioning unit (1720) may be introduced into a central control unit (1730). The central control unit (1730) can regulate the amount of air introduced from the air conditioning unit (1720).

[0189] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0190] According to FIG. 18, the server (100') may include at least one processor (110), memory (120), display (130), user interface (140), communication circuit (150), speaker (160), microphone (170), and at least one sensor (180). A detailed description of configurations shown in FIG. 18 that overlap with configurations shown in FIG. 2 will be omitted.

[0191] The display (130) may be implemented as a display including a self-emissive element or as a display including a non-emissive element and a backlight. For example, it may be implemented as various types of displays such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, an LED (Light Emitting Diodes), a micro LED, a Mini LED, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), a QD (Quantum dot) display, or a QLED (Quantum dot light-emitting diodes). The display (130) may also include a driving circuit, a backlight device, etc., which can be implemented in the form of an a-si TFT, an LTPS (low temperature poly silicon) TFT, an OTFT (organic TFT), etc. The display (130) may be implemented as a touch screen combined with a touch sensor, a flexible display, a rollable display, a 3D display, a display in which a plurality of display modules are physically connected, etc. The processor (110) can control the display (130) to output an output image obtained according to the various embodiments described above. Here, the output image may be a high-resolution image of 4K or 8K or higher. According to one embodiment, the output image may be a game image.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the display (130) may include a plurality of haptic elements. The haptic elements may be implemented as motors to provide haptic feedback (e.g., vibration feedback) to a user, but are not limited thereto. According to one example, the display (130) may include a predetermined number of haptic elements. For example, the display (130) may include a predetermined number of haptic elements corresponding to a predetermined number of sub-regions of the display, but is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that the display may include a number of haptic elements different from the number of sub-regions corresponding to the display.

[0193] The user interface (140) is a configuration for the server (100') to perform interaction with the user. For example, the user interface (140) may include at least one of a touch sensor, a motion sensor, a button, a jog dial, a switch, a microphone, or a speaker, but is not limited thereto.

[0194] The communication circuit (150) can input and output various types of data. For example, the communication circuit (150) can transmit and receive various types of data to and from an external device (e.g., source device), an external storage medium (e.g., USB memory), an external server (e.g., web hard drive) through communication methods such as AP-based Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi, Wireless LAN network), Bluetooth, Zigbee, wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), Ethernet, IEEE 1394, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), USB (Universal Serial Bus), MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), AES / EBU (Audio Engineering Society / European Broadcasting Union), Optical, Coaxial, etc.

[0195] The communication circuit (150) may include a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) module. BLE refers to Bluetooth technology capable of transmitting and receiving low-power, low-capacity data in a 2.4 GHz frequency band with a range of about 10 m. However, it is not limited thereto, and the communication circuit (150) may include a Wi-Fi communication module. That is, the communication circuit (150) may include at least one of a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) module or a Wi-Fi communication module.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the speaker (160) may be composed of a tweeter for reproducing high-frequency sound, a midrange for reproducing mid-frequency sound, a woofer for reproducing low-frequency sound, a subwoofer for reproducing ultra-low-frequency sound, an enclosure for controlling resonance, and a crossover network for dividing the frequency of an electrical signal input to the speaker into bands.

[0197] The speaker (160) can output an audio signal to the outside of the server (100'). The speaker (160) can output multimedia playback, recording playback, various notification sounds, voice messages, etc. The server (100') may include an audio output device such as the speaker (160), but may also include an output device such as an audio output terminal. In particular, the speaker (160) can provide acquired information, information processed or produced based on the acquired information, response results or operation results to user voice, etc., in the form of voice.

[0198] The microphone (170) may refer to a module that acquires sound and converts it into an electrical signal, and may be a condenser microphone, ribbon microphone, moving coil microphone, piezoelectric element microphone, carbon microphone, or MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) microphone. Additionally, it may be implemented in omnidirectional, bidirectional, unidirectional, subcardioid, supercardioid, or hypercardioid modes. According to one embodiment, the server (100') may include the microphone (170) and an inner microphone, and the microphone (170) may be a microphone located relatively outside the body. The server (100') may acquire an audio signal including external noise through the microphone (170). According to one embodiment, the microphone (170) may be positioned in a direction opposite to the direction in which the speaker (160) emits sound.

[0199] According to one embodiment, at least one sensor (180) may include a lens that focuses visible light or other optical signals received by being reflected by an object onto an image sensor, and an image sensor capable of detecting visible light or other optical signals. Here, the image sensor may include a 2D pixel array divided into a plurality of pixels. According to one example, at least one sensor (180) may be a stereo camera or an RGB (Red, Green, Blue) camera implemented as an IR (Infrared) camera, but is not limited thereto, and the camera sensor may be implemented as a sensor of a different type (e.g., a Lidar sensor).

[0200] At least one sensor (180) may be implemented as a sensor of a different type, including a lidar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an accelerometer, an angular velocity sensor, and a gyro sensor. According to one example, at least one sensor (180) may include an RGB sensor. However, it is not limited thereto, and at least one sensor (180) may include a sensor of a different type.

[0201] According to the example described above, when a plurality of types of air conditioning devices (e.g., a central air conditioning system and a system air conditioner) are provided in an indoor space, the server (100') groups each air conditioning device and sets a control mode corresponding to each group based on information obtained from each group, thereby enabling the air conditioning function to be performed more efficiently than when each air conditioning device operates independently.

[0202] Meanwhile, according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above may be implemented as software comprising instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer). The machine may include a display device (e.g., a display device (A)) according to the disclosed embodiments, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored from the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions. When instructions are executed by a processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instructions directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. Instructions may include code provided or executed by a compiler or an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium does not contain a signal and is tangible, and does not distinguish whether data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0203] Additionally, according to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments described above 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 online in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an application store (e.g., Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or provided on a storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0204] Additionally, each component (e.g., module or program) according to the various embodiments described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in the various embodiments. Generally or additionally, some components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single entity to perform the functions performed by each of the respective components prior to integration in the same or similar manner. The operations performed by the module, program, or other components according to the various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations added.

[0205] It will be understood that various embodiments of the present disclosure according to the claims and descriptions of the specification may be realized in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0206] Such software may be stored on a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. The non-transient computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (software modules), and the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that cause the electronic device to perform the method of the present disclosure when executed by one or more processors of the electronic device.

[0207] Such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage, for example, in a storage device such as read-only memory (ROM) regardless of whether it is erasable or rewritable, or in the form of memory such as random access memory (RAM), memory chips, devices or integrated circuits, for example, or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as a compact disc (CD), a digital multi-purpose disc (DVD), a magnetic disc or magnetic tape, for example. It will be understood that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transient machine-readable storage suitable for storing computer programs or computer programs that include instructions that implement the various embodiments of the present disclosure when executed. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program including code for implementing the device or method claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transient machine-readable storage for storing such a program.

[0208] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

1. Regarding the server, processing circuitry; Memory comprising one or more storage media and storing instructions; and At least one processor communicationly connected to the processing circuit and the memory; comprising When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the server, Identifying a central control unit and at least one individual control unit placed in an indoor space as at least one group, and Identifying a control mode corresponding to the first group based on sensing information corresponding to the first group among the at least one identified group and a target temperature corresponding to the indoor space, and A server that controls the devices included in the first group based on the above-identified control mode.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above sensing information is, It includes at least one of the temperature information and humidity information of the outdoor air corresponding to the first group above, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the server, Identifying a first enthalpy value calculated based on the above target temperature and a second enthalpy value calculated based on the above sensing information, respectively, and A server that controls the devices included in the first group to correspond to an outdoor air cooling mode based on the fact that the identified first enthalpy value exceeds the identified second enthalpy value.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above sensing information is, It includes at least one of temperature information related to mixed air corresponding to the first group, humidity information related to said mixed air, temperature information related to said supply air corresponding to the first group, and humidity information related to said supply air. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the server, Based on the above sensing information, the sensible heat ratio of the heat amount processed by the cooling coil of the air handling unit corresponding to the first group is obtained, and Based on the fact that the above sensible heat ratio is less than a first threshold value, the device included in the first group is controlled to correspond to the latent heat mode, and The above mixed air is, It is air mixed with outside air and indoor air flowing into the air conditioning unit corresponding to the first group above, and The above supply air is, A server, which is air discharged from an air conditioning unit corresponding to the first group above.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above sensing information is, It includes at least one of temperature information related to mixed air corresponding to the first group, humidity information related to said mixed air, temperature information related to said supply air corresponding to the first group, and humidity information related to said supply air. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the server, Based on sensing information corresponding to the first group, the sensible heat ratio of the heat amount processed by the cooling coil of the air conditioning device corresponding to the first group is obtained, and Based on the fact that the above sensible heat ratio is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, the device included in the first group is controlled to correspond to a high sensible heat mode, and The above mixed air is, It is air mixed with outside air and indoor air flowing into the air conditioning unit corresponding to the first group above, and The above supply air is, A server, which is air discharged from an air conditioning unit corresponding to the first group above.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above first group is, It includes a first central control device, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the server, Identifying a level corresponding to a first device located within a first distance from the first central control device within the first group as the first level, and A server that identifies a level corresponding to a second device located within the first group, which is greater than or equal to the first distance and within the second distance from the first central control device, as the second level.

6. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the server, Based on the fact that a third device placed in the above indoor space is respectively included in the first group and a second group different from the first group, the level corresponding to the first group and the level corresponding to the second group of the third device are respectively identified, and The third device is controlled in a control mode corresponding to the higher level group among the first group or the second group, and The above level is a server corresponding to the distance from the central control device.

7. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the server, Based on the fact that the fourth device placed in the above indoor space is respectively included in the first group and a second group different from the first group, a first control mode corresponding to the first group and a second control mode corresponding to the second group are respectively identified, and Identifying setting elements corresponding to the type based on the type of the fourth device, and Identifying a control mode corresponding to the fourth device based on a setting value corresponding to the first control mode of the above setting element and a setting value corresponding to the second control mode, and A server that controls the fourth device based on a control mode corresponding to the identified fourth device.

8. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the server, If it is identified that a device included in the first group has operated for a preset time based on the above-identified control mode, it is determined whether the indoor space has reached the target temperature, and A server that, if it is identified that the above target temperature has not been reached, increases the opening ratio of a cooling valve corresponding to a first central control device included in the first group by a first ratio or lowers the cold water temperature corresponding to the first central control device by a first value.

9. In Paragraph 1, The sensing information corresponding to the first group above is, It includes indoor air temperature information obtained from each of at least one device included in the first group above, and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the server, A server that controls the operation of at least one device included in the first group based on the average value of the internal temperature information obtained from each of at least one device included in the first group and the target temperature.

10. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the server, For each of the above at least one individual control device, the RSSI (received signal strength indicator) value measured by the central control device placed in the indoor space is identified, and A server that identifies the at least one individual control device as a device included in a group including the central control device, based on the fact that the identified RSSI value for the at least one individual control device is greater than or equal to a second value.

11. Regarding the method of operation of the server, An operation of identifying a central control unit and at least one individual control unit placed in an indoor space into at least one group; An operation of identifying a control mode corresponding to the first group based on sensing information corresponding to the first group among the at least one identified group and a target temperature corresponding to the indoor space; and A method of operation comprising: controlling a device included in the first group based on the above-identified control mode.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above sensing information is, It includes at least one of the temperature information and humidity information of the outdoor air corresponding to the first group above, The above method of operation is, An operation to identify, respectively, a first enthalpy value calculated based on the above target temperature and a second enthalpy value calculated based on the above sensing information; and A method of operation comprising: controlling a device included in the first group to correspond to an outdoor air cooling mode based on the fact that the identified first enthalpy value exceeds the identified second enthalpy value.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above sensing information is, It includes at least one of temperature information related to mixed air corresponding to the first group, humidity information related to said mixed air, temperature information related to said supply air corresponding to the first group, and humidity information related to said supply air. The above method of operation is, An operation of obtaining the sensible heat ratio of the heat amount processed by the cooling coil of the air handling unit corresponding to the first group based on the above sensing information; and Based on the fact that the above sensible heat ratio is less than a first threshold value, the operation of controlling the device included in the first group to correspond to a latent heat mode; is included, The above mixed air is, It is air mixed with outside air and indoor air flowing into an air handling unit corresponding to the first group above, and The above supply air is, A method of operation in which air is discharged from an air conditioning device corresponding to the first group above.

14. In Paragraph 11, The above sensing information is, It includes at least one of temperature information related to mixed air corresponding to the first group, humidity information related to said mixed air, temperature information related to said supply air corresponding to the first group, and humidity information related to said supply air. The above method of operation is, An operation of obtaining the sensible heat ratio of the heat amount processed by the cooling coil of the air conditioning device corresponding to the first group based on sensing information corresponding to the first group; and Based on the fact that the above sensible heat ratio is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, the operation of controlling the device included in the first group to correspond to a high sensible heat mode; is included, The above mixed air is, It is air mixed with outside air and indoor air flowing into the air conditioning unit corresponding to the first group above, and The above supply air is, A method of operation in which air is discharged from an air conditioning device corresponding to the first group above.

15. One or more non-transient computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs comprising computer-executable instructions that cause said server to perform operations when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor of said server, wherein said operations are: An operation of identifying a central control unit and at least one individual control unit placed in an indoor space into at least one group; An operation of identifying a control mode corresponding to the first group based on sensing information corresponding to the first group among the at least one identified group and a target temperature corresponding to the indoor space; and A storage medium comprising: an operation to control a device included in the first group based on the above-identified control mode.

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