Air conditioner and control method therefor

Abstract

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: an air conditioner housing; a cold air supply apparatus for supplying cold air to an indoor space; at least two occupancy detection sensors for detecting movement or biosignals of a user in the indoor space; and a processor. The processor may be configured to: estimate the presence or absence of a user or the number of users in the indoor space, on the basis of sensing values acquired from the at least two occupancy detection sensors; assign an identifier to the estimated user; acquire movement information or biosignals related to the identifier; determine a sleep state and / or a sleep stage of the identifier on the basis of the acquired movement information or biosignals; and control the operation of the cold air supply apparatus on the basis of the sleep stage. The occupancy detection sensors may include a radar sensor and a microphone.

Description

Air conditioner and control method thereof

[0001] The various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to an air conditioner and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that harmonizes an indoor space by cooling or heating the indoor air using the flow of heat during the evaporation and condensation processes of a refrigerant. For example, an air conditioner includes a refrigeration cycle, and can control the temperature, humidity, and airflow of the indoor space using said refrigeration cycle.

[0003] Air conditioners can provide various functions (or modes) tailored to user needs. For example, an air conditioner can offer various sleep modes that adjust the temperature, humidity, and airflow of the indoor space to ensure a restful sleep for the user. However, in reality, air conditioners generally only perform actions corresponding to preset sleep modes and are unable to monitor the user's sleep stages in real time and perform appropriate actions in response.

[0004] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an air conditioner housing, a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to an indoor space, at least two occupancy detection sensors for detecting movement or biosignals of a user within the indoor space, and a processor. The processor may be configured to estimate the presence or absence of a user or the number of users within the indoor space based on sensing values ​​obtained from the at least two occupancy detection sensors, assign an identifier to the estimated user, obtain movement information or biosignals regarding the identifier, determine the sleep state and / or sleep stage of the identifier based on the obtained movement information or biosignals, and control the operation of the cold air supply device (30) based on the sleep stage. The occupancy detection sensors may include a radar sensor and a microphone.

[0006] A control method for an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: acquiring movement or biosignals of a user within an indoor space from at least two occupancy detection sensors; estimating the presence or absence of a user or the number of users within the indoor space based on the acquired sensing values; assigning an identifier to the estimated user; acquiring movement information or biosignals regarding the identifier; determining the sleep state of the identifier based on the acquired movement information or biosignals; and controlling the operation of the cold air supply device based on the sleep state. The occupancy detection sensors may include a radar sensor and a microphone.

[0007] However, the problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration related to a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIGS. 4a and FIGS. 4b are control flow diagrams of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a method for tracking the number of occupants in an indoor space using a motion sensor of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] In the following description, the attached drawings are referenced, and specific examples of implementation are illustrated within the drawings. Additionally, other examples may be used and structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0014] The terms used in this document are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the technical features of this document. For example, a component expressed in the singular form should be understood as a concept including singular or plural components unless the context clearly indicates only the singular form.

[0015] In this document, each of the following phrases may include any one of the items listed with the corresponding phrase, or any combination thereof: "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C." The term "and / or" as used in this document should be understood to encompass any possible combination of one or more of the multiple items listed with the corresponding term. Terms such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" as used in this document may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0016] Where it is stated that any (e.g., 1st) component is “coupled,” “connected,” “linked,” “coupled,” “supported,” “connected,” or “contacted” with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it includes not only cases where the component is directly coupled, connected, linked, coupled, supported, or contacted with the other component, but also cases where it is indirectly coupled, connected, linked, coupled, supported, or contacted through a third component.

[0017] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this Document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. When a component is said to be located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0018] As used in this document, the expression "configured to..." may be appropriately substituted depending on the context, for example, with "suitable for...", "capable of...", "designed to...", "modified to...", "made to...", or "capable of...". The term "configured to..." does not necessarily mean only that it is "specially designed" in hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression "device configured to..." may mean that the device is "capable of..." in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a device dedicated to performing the said operation, or it may refer to a general-purpose device capable of performing various operations, including the said operation.

[0019] Terms such as "upper side," "lower side," and "front-rear direction" used in this document are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0020] The description in this document is centered on specific embodiments, but this document is not limited to such specific embodiments and should be understood to encompass all various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of the various embodiments described in this document. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0021] An air conditioner (1) according to various embodiments of the present document may be a device that maintains the air of a space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor space") to be air-conditioned in a state suitable for its purpose and use. For example, when operating in cooling mode, the air conditioner (1) may cool the indoor space by drawing in hot air from the indoor space, exchanging heat with a low-temperature refrigerant, and then discharging the cooled air into the indoor space. For example, when operating in heating mode, the air conditioner (1) may heat the indoor space by drawing in cold air from the indoor space, exchanging heat with a high-temperature refrigerant, and then discharging the heated air into the indoor space.

[0022] Below, various exemplary air conditioners (1) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an indoor unit (10) and an outdoor unit (20).

[0025] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include a housing (110) and internal components disposed within the housing (110) (e.g., an indoor heat exchanger (340) and an indoor blower (390) of FIG. 2).

[0026] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (10) of the air conditioner (1) may include a housing (110) forming an exterior. The housing (110) may include a front housing (111) covering the front (e.g., +X-axis direction) of the housing (110), a rear housing (112) covering the rear (e.g., -X-axis direction), and a center housing (113) disposed between the front housing (111) and the rear housing (112). According to one embodiment, the front housing (111) and the rear housing (112) may each be detachably coupled to the center housing (113), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the front housing (111), the rear housing (112), and the center housing (113) may be provided as a single unit.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a front panel (114) may be disposed on the front housing (112). The front panel (114) may be coupled to the front of the front housing (112).

[0028] According to one embodiment, an input section (121) may be provided on the front panel (114). The input section (121) may include various types of user input means, including buttons, switches, and touchpads. Various setting data regarding the air conditioner (1) (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating mode for cooling / dehumidification / air purification, and setting of airflow) may be input to the input section (121).

[0029] According to one embodiment, a display module (122) may be provided on the front panel (114). The display module (122) may display information regarding commands entered through the input unit (121) (e.g., desired indoor temperature, airflow setting, and / or operating mode setting). For example, the display module (122) may display various sensing information on the air conditioner (1) (e.g., current indoor temperature measured by a temperature sensor), the current airflow or operating status of the air conditioner (1), and / or various warning messages. The display module (122) may be provided at various locations on the air conditioner (1). For example, the display module (122) is exemplified as being provided on the front panel (114) as shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited thereto.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the outdoor unit (20) may include a housing (210) and internal components disposed within the housing (210) (e.g., a compressor (310), an outdoor heat exchanger (320) of FIG. 2, and / or a flow switching valve (360) and an outdoor blower (380)).

[0031] According to one embodiment, the housing (210) forms the exterior of the outdoor unit (200) and can accommodate various components inside. The housing (210) may, for example, have an overall cuboid shape. The housing (210) may include an upper housing (215), a lower housing (216), and a center housing (211, 212, 213, 214) positioned between the upper housing (215) and the lower housing (216).

[0032] According to one embodiment, the upper housing (215) may be positioned to cover the upper side (e.g., +Z-axis direction) of the outdoor unit (20). The lower housing (216) may be positioned to cover the lower side (e.g., -Z-axis direction) of the outdoor unit (20).

[0033] According to one embodiment, the center housing (211, 212, 213, 214) may include a front housing (211) covering the front (e.g., +X-axis direction) of the outdoor unit (20), a rear housing (212) covering the rear (e.g., -X-axis direction), and a side housing (213, 214) covering the side (e.g., +Y-axis and / or -Y-axis direction). The center housing (211, 212, 213, 214) may be formed integrally as shown, or may be provided by combining at least two housings.

[0034] According to one embodiment, housings facing two or more sides of the housings (210) (e.g., front, rear, side, upper, and lower housings (211 to 216)) may be provided integrally. For example, the front housing (211) may include a front side portion facing forward (e.g., in the +X axis direction) and an extension portion extending from the front portion toward the side (e.g., in the +Y axis and / or -Y axis direction) or upward / downward (e.g., in the +Z axis and / or -Z axis direction). Each housing (210) may be manufactured separately and assembled. For example, the housing (210) may be formed by press molding from a sheet metal material or injection molding from a resin material.

[0035] According to one embodiment, an intake port (not shown) for drawing in outside air may be formed in a region of the side housing (213) and / or rear housing (212) of the housing (210). An outlet port (211c) for discharging the drawn-in outside air may be formed in a region of the front housing (211). An outdoor blower (380) may be positioned adjacent to the outlet port (211c) and operated to draw in or discharge outside air. By rotating the outdoor blower (380), air flow and heat exchange around the outdoor heat exchanger (e.g., the outdoor heat exchanger (320) of FIG. 2) of the air conditioner (1) can be smoothly achieved.

[0036] According to one embodiment, an indoor unit (10) and an outdoor unit (20) may be connected by a pipe (P). Gaseous or liquid refrigerant of the air conditioner (1) may circulate between the indoor unit (10) and the outdoor unit (20) through the pipe (P).

[0037] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration related to a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may include a compressor (310) that compresses the refrigerant to change it to a high-temperature, high-pressure state, an outdoor heat exchanger (320) that enables heat exchange between the outdoor air and the refrigerant, an expansion device (330) that expands the refrigerant to change it to a low-temperature, low-pressure state, and an indoor heat exchanger (340) that enables heat exchange between the indoor air and the refrigerant.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may include a refrigerant pipe (350) connecting a compressor (310), an outdoor heat exchanger (320), an expansion device (330), and an indoor heat exchanger (340). In one embodiment, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner (1), the refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe (350) in the order of the compressor (310), the outdoor heat exchanger (320), the expansion device (330), and the indoor heat exchanger (340). In one embodiment, during the heating operation of the air conditioner (1), the refrigerant may circulate in the order of the compressor (310), the indoor heat exchanger (340), the expansion device (330), and the outdoor heat exchanger (320).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may include a flow switching valve (360) that switches the circulation path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe (350). The flow switching valve (360) may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve (360) may be connected to the suction side (311) of the compressor (310). The flow switching valve (360) may be connected to the discharge side (312) of the compressor (310). The flow switching valve (360) may be connected to an outdoor heat exchanger (320). The flow switching valve (360) may be connected to an indoor heat exchanger (340). The flow switching valve (360) may switch the circulation path of the refrigerant depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (1) (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation mode). The flow switching valve (360) can allow high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the compressor (310) through the discharge section (312) to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (310) or the indoor heat exchanger (340) depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (1). The flow switching valve (360) can allow refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger (340) or the outdoor heat exchanger (320) to flow to the suction section (311) of the compressor (310) depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (1).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may include an accumulator (370). One end of the accumulator (370) may be connected to the suction part (311) of the compressor (310). The other end of the accumulator (370) may be connected to a flow path switching valve (360). Through the flow path switching valve (360), low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant from an indoor heat exchanger (340) or an outdoor heat exchanger (320) may be introduced into the accumulator (370). When a refrigerant mixed with liquid refrigerant and refrigerant gas is introduced, the accumulator (370) may separate the refrigerant gas and the liquid refrigerant, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the liquid refrigerant has been separated to the suction part (311) of the compressor (310).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the compressor (310) can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction part (311) and compress the sucked refrigerant gas to change it to a high temperature and high pressure state. The compressor (310) can discharge the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge part (312). The compressor (310) is a variable capacity compressor and can vary its capacity by changing the frequency according to a drive control command.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger (320) may typically be placed outdoors. In the outdoor heat exchanger (320), heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air may occur through a phase change (e.g., condensation or evaporation) of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (320). For example, during cooling mode operation, the outdoor heat exchanger (320) may condense the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant introduced from the compressor (310). During cooling mode operation, latent heat may be released to the outdoor air while the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant condenses as it passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (320). During heating mode operation, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant may evaporate in the outdoor heat exchanger (320), and latent heat may be absorbed from the outdoor air while the refrigerant evaporates. Although not illustrated in the drawing, in one example, one or more temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the outdoor air may be placed at a location adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (320).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may include an outdoor blower (380) that generates forced circulation of outdoor air so that heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger (320) is smooth. The outdoor blower (380) may be positioned adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (320). Although not specifically illustrated, the outdoor blower (380) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the outdoor blower (380) may provide driving force to the blower fan through a shaft.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the expansion device (330) can lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (320) during cooling mode operation. The expansion device (330) can lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant introduced from the indoor heat exchanger (340) during heating mode operation. In one embodiment, the expansion device (330) can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by utilizing a throttling effect. The expansion device (330) may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The refrigerant passing through the orifice may have its temperature and pressure lowered. In one embodiment, the expansion device (330) may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting the opening ratio (an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve in a partially open state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve in a fully open state). In such a case, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device (330) may be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve. In one embodiment, the expansion device (330) can be implemented as a capillary device.

[0046] According to one embodiment, an indoor heat exchanger (340) may be placed indoors. In the indoor heat exchanger (340), heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air may occur through a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger (340). For example, during operation in cooling mode, the refrigerant passing through the expansion device (330) may flow into the indoor heat exchanger (340) and may evaporate in the indoor heat exchanger (340). While the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (340), latent heat may be absorbed from the surrounding air, thereby cooling the surrounding air. During operation in heating mode, high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor (310) may flow into the indoor heat exchanger (340), condense, and release latent heat to the indoor air. Although not shown in the drawing, the indoor heat exchanger (340) may include a refrigerant flow path through which refrigerant flows and a plurality of heat exchange fins arranged to increase the heat exchange area.

[0047] When operating in cooling mode, due to the heat exchange between the surrounding indoor air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger (340), water vapor contained in the air may condense and liquefy on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (340). The condensed water formed on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (340) may fall downward. Although not shown in the drawing, the air conditioner (1) may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger (340) to collect the condensed water falling from the indoor heat exchanger (340). The condensed water contained in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger (340) from below, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may include an indoor blower (390) that generates forced circulation of indoor air so that heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger (340) is smooth. The indoor blower (390) may be positioned adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (340). Although not specifically illustrated, in one embodiment, the indoor blower (390) may be positioned downstream of the indoor heat exchanger (340) based on the direction of air flow in the space where the indoor blower (390) is installed, but the present document is not limited thereto. The indoor blower (390) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the indoor blower (390) may provide driving force to the blower fan through a shaft. In one embodiment, the blower fan may include one of an axial flow fan that sucks in air in the direction of the fan motor's rotation axis and discharges air in the direction of the rotation axis, a cross-flow fan that sucks in air in the direction of the fan motor's rotation axis and discharges air between the axial and radial directions, a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in the direction of the fan motor's rotation axis and discharges air in the circumferential direction, and a cross-flow fan, but the present document is not limited thereto.

[0049] In this document, the air conditioner (1) is described primarily in the case where it is equipped with components related to a refrigeration cycle, but this document is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the air conditioner may be configured using a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool or heat the surrounding air through heat generation and cooling action via the Peltier effect.

[0050] The air conditioner (1) may include one or more outdoor units installed outdoors and one or more indoor units installed indoors. In one embodiment, the aforementioned compressor (310), outdoor heat exchanger (320), and expansion device (330) may be placed in the outdoor unit. In one embodiment, the aforementioned indoor heat exchanger (340) may be placed in the indoor unit. However, the placement locations of each of the aforementioned components are not limited. For example, the location of the expansion device (330) is not limited to the outdoor unit and may be placed in the indoor unit as needed.

[0051] In this document, the air conditioner (1) is described primarily as a separated type having an outdoor unit installed separately outdoors and an indoor unit installed indoors, but this document is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may be configured as an integrated type in which a compressor (310), an outdoor heat exchanger (320), an expansion device (330), and an indoor heat exchanger (340) are placed inside a single case located indoors.

[0052] In the case of a split-type air conditioner (1), the outdoor unit may be connected to the indoor unit via a refrigerant pipe to enable fluid communication. The outdoor unit may be communicated to the indoor unit. In one embodiment, control information (or commands) of the air conditioner (1) entered by a user or received from the outside may be transmitted from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

[0053] In the case of an air conditioner containing multiple indoor units, some of the indoor units can be operated individually in cooling mode and the remaining indoor units in heating mode simultaneously. When operating multiple indoor units, in order to effectively respond to cooling or heating loads based on the number of indoor units in operation, the air conditioner may use multiple compressors or multiple outdoor units connected in parallel.

[0054] The air conditioner (1) can be classified according to the installation type / location of the indoor unit. For example, the air conditioner can be classified into a stand type in which the indoor unit is placed upright in the indoor space, a wall-mounted type installed to be attached to a wall, and a ceiling type installed on the ceiling. In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) includes a plurality of indoor units, some of which may be configured as a stand type and some of which may be configured as a wall-mounted type, and the present document is not limited to a specific form.

[0055] As described above, the components related to the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner (1) can be collectively referred to as a refrigeration cycle device (or, cold air supply device) (30).

[0056] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] In FIG. 3, the air conditioner (1) is shown to include one indoor unit (10) and one outdoor unit (20), but the present document is not limited thereto.

[0058] In FIG. 3, among the configurations related to the refrigerant cycle described above with reference to FIG. 2, an indoor heat exchanger (340) and an indoor blower (390) are included in the indoor unit (10), and a compressor (310), an outdoor heat exchanger (320), an outdoor blower (380), an expansion device (330), and a flow path switching valve (360) are included in the outdoor unit (20), but this is merely an example and the present document is not limited thereto.

[0059] Although not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 3, the indoor unit (10) may include a housing (e.g., the housing (110) of FIG. 1). The indoor unit (10) may include one or more air intakes (115) formed in the housing. Air from the room may be drawn into the interior of the housing through the air intakes (115).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (10) may include a filtration filter (116) that filters foreign substances in the air entering the interior of the housing through the air intake (115). Although not specifically illustrated, the filtration filter (116) may include a plurality of filter modules, and the present document is not limited thereto. For example, various types of filters, including an electrostatic precipitator filter, a HEPA filter, an antibacterial filter, and a deodorizing filter, may be provided inside the air intake (115) in the housing, and are not limited to a specific type and number of filters.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (10) may include one or more air outlets (117) formed in the housing. In one embodiment, the air outlet (117) may have an opening shape configured to open and close according to the operating state of the air conditioner (1). In one embodiment, the air outlet (117) may be configured to include a plurality of fine-sized air penetration holes distributed across the entire or partial area of ​​one side of the housing, but the present document is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the air outlet (117) of the indoor unit (10) may be placed in any area among the front, side, top, and / or rear of the housing and is not limited to a specific shape. Air flowing inside the housing through the air intake (115) may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the air outlet (117). If the indoor unit (10) includes a plurality of air outlets (117), air may be selectively discharged to the outside of the housing through one or more of the plurality of air outlets (117).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (10) may include an airflow guide (118) that controls whether air is discharged through an air outlet (117) and guides the direction of air discharge. For example, the airflow guide (118) may include a door blade (not shown) located near each air outlet (117) to open and close the air outlet (117) and guide the direction of air discharge through the air outlet (117). For example, the airflow guide (118) may include one or more blower fans for controlling the discharge airflow, but is not limited thereto. In one example, the airflow guide may be omitted.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (10) may include a communication unit (130) that supports signal transmission and reception with the outside. In one embodiment, the communication unit (130) may receive and / or transmit wired / wireless signals between an external wired / wireless communication system, an external server, and / or other devices according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. In one embodiment, the communication unit (130) may include one or more modules that connect the air conditioner (1) to one or more networks. In one embodiment, the communication unit (130) may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wireless internet module, a short-range communication module, and / or a location information module.

[0064] According to one embodiment, a mobile communication module may transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of an external base station, an external terminal, and an external server through a mobile communication network according to any of the various communication protocols for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include data signals of various forms. In one embodiment, the wireless signals may include voice call signals, video call call signals, and text / multimedia message signals, but the present document is not limited thereto.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the wired / wireless internet module may support, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the wired / wireless internet module of the communication unit (130) may transmit and receive data according to at least one wired / wireless internet technology among the internet technologies not listed above.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module may support short-range communication using at least one of the following technologies, for example, Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus). The short-range communication module may support wireless communication, for example, between the air conditioner (1) and a wireless communication system, between the air conditioner (1) and another device, or between the air conditioner (1) and a network where another device is located, through a short-range wireless communication network.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the location information module may be, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wi-Fi module, as a module for obtaining the location of an air conditioner (1). If the air conditioner (1) utilizes a GPS module, it can receive information regarding the location of the air conditioner (1) by using signals sent from GPS satellites. If the air conditioner (1) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, it can receive information regarding the location of the air conditioner (1) based on information from a Wireless Access Point (AP) that transmits and receives wireless signals to and from the Wi-Fi module.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (130) can receive a setting data signal input by a user from a user's mobile terminal in the form of a wireless signal according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. In one embodiment, the communication unit (130) can receive information and / or commands for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (1) from an external server in the form of a signal according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. The communication unit (130) can transmit the received various signals to the first control unit (160) described later. In one embodiment, the communication unit (130) can transmit various data generated or acquired on the air conditioner (1) in the form of a wired / wireless signal according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol, for example, to a user's mobile terminal or an external server.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (10) may include an input unit (121). The input unit (121) may include any type of user input means, such as a button, a switch, or a touchpad. The user may directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operation mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of discharge outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) through the input unit (121). In one embodiment, the input unit (121) may include an infrared sensor. The user may input setting data remotely via a remote control, and the input setting data may be received by the input unit (121) as an infrared signal. In one embodiment, the input unit (121) may include a microphone. Setting data based on the user's voice may be obtained through the microphone. Setting data from a user obtained through the input unit (121) (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode setting for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, discharge port selection setting, and / or air volume setting) can be transmitted to the first control unit (160) described later. In one embodiment, setting data from a user obtained through the input unit (121) can be transmitted to the outside through the communication unit (130).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (10) may include a camera (not shown). The camera may acquire image information of the surrounding space surrounding the indoor unit (10). The camera may be positioned, for example, at the top front of the housing of the indoor unit (10), but is not limited thereto. The image information of the surrounding space acquired by the camera may be transmitted to a first control unit (160) described later. In one embodiment, the image information of the surrounding space acquired by the camera may be transmitted to the outside through a communication unit (130).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (10) may include an occupancy detection sensor (140).

[0072] In one embodiment, an occupancy detection sensor (140) may be configured to detect the presence (or number) of a user in an indoor space and / or the movement (or state) of the user. The occupancy detection sensor (140) may sense the movement of a user in an indoor space and, based on the sensed value, detect the user's sleep state and / or sleep stage. The occupancy detection sensor (140) may be named a sleep detection sensor (140).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the occupancy detection sensor (140) may include a radar sensor (141) and / or a microphone (MIC) (142).

[0074] In one embodiment, the radar sensor (141) can detect the movement of a user within an indoor space, the distance from the user, and the location of the user using a wireless signal. The radar sensor (141) can transmit a signal using a Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) method and receive a signal reflected from a user within the indoor space. The radar sensor (141) can detect the location and movement of a user within the indoor space by calculating the distance and speed through the frequency difference between the transmitted signal and the reflected signal. When there is a moving user within the indoor space, the radar sensor (141) can detect the frequency of the reflected signal that changes due to the Doppler effect and analyze it to detect the direction and speed of the user's movement. The radar sensor (141) may include, for example, a millimeter wave (mmWave) sensor that uses a high-frequency signal in the 30 to 300 GHz band.

[0075] In one embodiment, the microphone (142) can detect the movement of a user within an indoor space, the distance from the user, the location of the user, etc., using a sound signal. For example, the microphone (142) can determine the presence or absence of a user within the indoor space by detecting changes in sound within the indoor space (e.g., changes in volume, frequency, etc.). Specifically, the microphone (142) can detect the presence or absence of a user within the indoor space by continuously sensing sounds occurring in the indoor space and analyzing the pattern of the sensed sound to distinguish between noise and sounds generated by the user.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (10) may include one or more indoor unit environment sensing sensors (150) disposed in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit environment sensing sensors (150) may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors disposed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit (10) (e.g., a location above the air intake (115), but not limited thereto). In one embodiment, the indoor unit environment sensing sensors (150) may include a refrigerant temperature sensing sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit (10) (e.g., the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe (350) passing through an indoor heat exchanger (340), etc.). For example, the indoor unit environment sensing sensor (150) may include each refrigerant temperature sensing sensor that detects the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperature of the refrigerant pipe (350) passing through the indoor heat exchanger (340), but the present document is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, each environment information detected by the indoor unit environment sensing sensor (150) may be transmitted to the first control unit (160) described below. In one embodiment, the environment information detected by the indoor unit environment sensing sensor (150) may be transmitted to the outside through the communication unit (130).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (10) may include a display unit (122). In one embodiment, the display unit (122) may display various setting data from a user or from the outside obtained through a communication unit (130) and / or an input unit (121). The display unit (122) may display various sensing information obtained from an indoor unit environment sensing sensor (150) and / or an outdoor unit environment sensing sensor (220) described later (e.g., current indoor temperature measured by a temperature sensor, current indoor humidity measured by a humidity sensor, etc.), the current operating status of the air conditioner (1), and / or various warning / error messages. The display unit (122) may be one of various visual display means capable of displaying images, characters, numbers, etc., including an LED panel, an LCD panel, an OLED panel, and a Micro LED panel, and is not limited to a specific type of display means. In one embodiment, the display unit (122) may include any type of audio display means, including a speaker, and may display each of the aforementioned information as an auditory signal through such audio display means.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the indoor unit (10) may include a first control unit (160). The first control unit (160) may include a processor (161) and a memory (162). In one embodiment, the memory (162) may store a control algorithm and related data for operating the air conditioner (1). In one embodiment, the processor (161) may generate operation control commands for one or more components of the air conditioner (1) based on information stored in the memory (162) and information obtained from other components.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the processor (161) of the first control unit (160) can receive various input / setting information from the aforementioned communication unit (130) and / or input unit (121). The processor (161) receives image information acquired from a camera and can obtain information from the received image information regarding environmental conditions of the space where the indoor unit (10) is installed, such as the size of the indoor space, the number of occupants, or the location of the occupants. The processor (161) can receive various sensing information acquired from each environmental sensing sensor provided in the air conditioner (1), such as the indoor unit environmental sensing sensor (150) and / or the outdoor unit environmental sensing sensor (220) described later. The processor (161) can receive various sensing information acquired from each occupancy sensing sensor (140) provided in the air conditioner (1), such as the radar sensor (141) and / or the microphone (142). For example, the processor (161) can detect or determine whether there is an occupant in the indoor space, the number of occupants, the sleeping state of the occupants, the sleeping stage of the occupants, etc., based on sensing information obtained from the occupancy detection sensor (140).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the processor (161) of the first control unit (160) can generate operation control commands for each component of the indoor unit (10) based on various information received from the communication unit (130), the input unit (121), the camera, the occupancy detection sensor (140), and / or each environment detection sensor. For example, the processor (161) can generate commands to control whether the indoor blower (390) is driven and the rotational speed. For example, the processor (161) can generate commands to control the operation state of the airflow guide (118). For example, the processor (161) can generate commands to control whether and how information is displayed through the display unit (122). For example, the processor (161) can generate commands to control the operation state of each of the aforementioned communication unit (130), input unit (121), camera (217), occupancy detection sensor (140), and / or indoor unit environment detection sensor (150).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the processor (161) of the first control unit (160) can transmit data to be used for controlling the operation of each component of the outdoor unit (20) to the second control unit (230) of the outdoor unit (20) described later. The data transmitted to the second control unit (230) may include, for example, at least some of the input / setting information or environment sensing information obtained by the first control unit (160). In one embodiment, the processor (161) of the first control unit (160) can generate a control command for each component of the outdoor unit (20) and transmit the generated control command to the second control unit (230).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the outdoor unit (20) may include one or more outdoor unit environment sensing sensors (220). The outdoor unit environment sensing sensors (220) may be placed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit (20). The outdoor unit environment sensing sensors (220) may include, for example, a temperature sensing sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit (20), a humidity sensing sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit (20), and / or a refrigerant temperature sensing sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe (350) passing through the outdoor unit (20), but are not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the outdoor unit environment sensing sensors (220) may include a refrigerant temperature sensing sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe (350) at the discharge section (312) of the compressor (310), but are not limited thereto. In one embodiment, each environmental information detected by the outdoor unit environment sensing sensors (220) may be transmitted to the second control unit (230).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the outdoor unit (20) may include the aforementioned second control unit (230). The second control unit (230) may be communicationally coupled with the first control unit (160) of the indoor unit (10). Similar to the first control unit (160), the second control unit (230) may include a processor (231) and a memory (232). In one embodiment, the memory (232) may store control algorithms and related data for operating the air conditioner (1). In one embodiment, the processor (231) may generate operation control commands for one or more components of the outdoor unit (20), such as a compressor (310), an outdoor blower (380), an expansion device (330), and / or a flow path switching valve (360), based on information stored in the memory (232), information received from the first control unit (160), and / or information received from the outdoor unit environment sensing sensor (220).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the outdoor unit (20) may include a compressor (310). The compressor (310) may receive a drive control command from a second control unit (230). The compressor (310) may be operated or stopped based on the received drive control command. The compressor (310) may be operated for a predetermined capacity according to the received drive control command. Based on the received drive control command, the compressor (310) may draw in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas through the suction unit (311) for a predetermined capacity and compress the drawn-in refrigerant gas. As described above, the compressor (310) may discharge the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge unit (311).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the outdoor unit (20) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (320). In the outdoor heat exchanger (320), heat exchange may occur between the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (320) and the outdoor air. In one embodiment, as described above, the outdoor unit (20) may include an outdoor blower (380) that generates forced air for heat exchange between the outdoor heat exchanger (320) and the outdoor air. In one embodiment, the outdoor blower (380) may receive a drive control command from the second control unit (230). The outdoor blower (380) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the outdoor blower (380) may rotate at a predetermined speed based on the drive control command received from the second control unit (230) and may transmit rotational driving force to the blower fan through a shaft. By rotating the blower fan of the outdoor blower (380), air flow and heat exchange around the outdoor heat exchanger (320) of the air conditioner (1) can be smoothly carried out.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the outdoor unit (20) may include an expansion device (330). The expansion device (330) may receive a control command from the second control unit (230). As described above, the expansion device (330) may lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant introduced from the outdoor heat exchanger (320) or the indoor heat exchanger (340). In one embodiment, the expansion device (330) may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve. In one embodiment, the electronic expansion valve constituting the expansion device (330) may adjust the opening degree based on a control command from the second control unit (230).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the outdoor unit (20) may include a flow path switching valve (360). The flow path switching valve (360) may receive a control command from a second control unit (230). Based on the received control command, the flow path switching valve (360) may switch the circulation path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe (350). For example, the flow path switching valve (360) may be controlled to open / close and the degree of opening may be adjusted according to the control command from the second control unit (230). In one embodiment, the flow path switching valve (360) may allow high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor (310) to be delivered to the outdoor heat exchanger (320) according to the control command from the second control unit (230), e.g., during cooling mode operation. For example, the Euro switching valve (360) can cause the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor (310) to be transferred to the indoor heat exchanger (340) according to a control command from the second control unit (230), for example, during heating mode operation.

[0088] In FIG. 3 and the related description, the air conditioner (1) is illustrated and described as including a first control unit (160) disposed separately in the indoor unit (10) and a second control unit (230) disposed separately in the outdoor unit (20), but the present document is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, an operation control unit disposed in the indoor unit (10) and / or the outdoor unit (20) can collectively control the operation of each component of the air conditioner (1).

[0089] FIGS. 4a and FIGS. 4b are control flow diagrams of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary method of tracking a user in an indoor space using an occupancy detection sensor of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the operations 401 to 415 described below may be performed by an air conditioner (1) and / or a control unit of the air conditioner (1) (e.g., the first control unit (160) and / or the second control unit (230) of FIG. 3). Additionally, operations 401 to 415 may be performed sequentially, simultaneously, or with at least one operation omitted.

[0092] According to one embodiment, in operation 401, the air conditioner (1) can perform an operation based on the received command by receiving a command regarding the operation of the air conditioner (1) from an external electronic device (e.g., user terminal) through a communication unit (130) or by receiving a command regarding the operation of the air conditioner (1) through an input unit (121). In one embodiment, in operation 401, if the air conditioner (1) does not receive a separate command regarding the operation of the air conditioner (1) from the communication unit (130) or the input unit (121), it can maintain a standby state.

[0093] According to one embodiment, in operation 402, the air conditioner (1) can detect whether a user is present in the indoor space where the indoor unit (10) is installed by using an occupancy detection sensor (140). The air conditioner (1) can detect the movement of a user in the indoor space by using at least two occupancy detection sensors (140) to detect the movement of a user in the indoor space.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can detect the movement of a user within an indoor space based on changes in wireless signals obtained from the radar sensor (141) by using a radar sensor (141). For example, the radar sensor (141) can transmit a wireless signal to the indoor space and receive and analyze a waveform reflected from a target (e.g., an object or a user) within the indoor space to obtain information such as the distance, location (x, y, z coordinates), and speed of said target. The air conditioner (1) can combine this information to visualize the location of the object and the user within the indoor space in the form of a point cloud. The point cloud is a data form composed of multiple points in a 3D space, where each point represents the presence and movement of a target (e.g., a user) at a specific location. Each point represents the coordinates of an object detected at a specific time, and points from multiple time periods accumulate to create a movement pattern, which can represent not only changes in the user's location but also the trajectory of the movement.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can detect the movement of a user in an indoor space based on changes in a sound signal obtained from a microphone (142). For example, the microphone (142) can receive a sound signal generated in the indoor space and obtain information such as the distance, location (x, y, z coordinates), and speed of the user by analyzing the magnitude and frequency of the sound signal of the received sound signal.

[0096] According to one embodiment, in operation 403, when movement of a user within an indoor space is detected (e.g., in operation 402), the air conditioner (1) can estimate the number of users present in the indoor space. For example, the air conditioner (1) can estimate the number of users present in the indoor space by clustering (or clustering) point cloud data obtained through a radar sensor (141) and analyzing and / or classifying these clusters (see FIG. 5 (a)). The clustering of the point cloud data can be performed by a clustering algorithm such as DBSCAN or K-means. For example, the air conditioner (1) can estimate the number of users present in the indoor space by analyzing and / or classifying the pattern of a sound signal (e.g., footstep characteristics) obtained through a microphone (142).

[0097] According to one embodiment, if no movement of a user in the indoor space is detected (no in operation 402), the air conditioner (1) may continue to perform operations based on the command received in operation 401 or maintain a standby state.

[0098] According to one embodiment, in operation 404, when movement of a user in an indoor space is detected through an occupancy detection sensor (140), the air conditioner (1) can determine whether there are multiple users present in the indoor space. For example, the air conditioner (1) can determine whether the number of users (n) currently in the indoor space is multiple (e.g., n > 1) based on the estimated value in operation 404.

[0099] According to one embodiment, in operation 405, the air conditioner (1) may assign an identifier (ID) to each user present in the indoor space when there are multiple users present in the indoor space.

[0100] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can form a skeleton model that reflects the characteristics (e.g., height) of a user in an indoor space by identifying the user's major joints (e.g., head, shoulders, arms, legs, etc.) and body parts using the point cloud data within each cluster of point cloud data acquired through the radar sensor (141) (see FIG. 5 (b)). The air conditioner (1) can distinguish multiple users in an indoor space differently using the formed skeleton model and can assign an identifier (e.g., ID-1, ID-2) to each user (see FIG. 5 (c)).

[0101] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can distinguish multiple users in an indoor space differently using a user-specific biosignal obtained through an occupancy detection sensor (140) and assign an identifier to each user.

[0102] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can distinguish / differentiate multiple users in an indoor space by using a sound pattern (e.g., footstep characteristics) corresponding to each of the multiple users in the indoor space from a sound signal obtained through the microphone (142) as described above, and can assign an identifier to each user.

[0103] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can detect the breathing cycle of multiple users in an indoor space through a radar sensor (141) and / or a microphone (142), and can assign an identifier to each user by distinguishing / differentiating multiple users in the indoor space using the detected breathing cycle. For example, the air conditioner (1) can detect minute movements of the chest or abdomen during a user's breathing using a radar sensor (141), collect distance change data according to said movement, and measure the breathing cycle for each user by extracting frequency components generated from the distance change through a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). For example, the air conditioner (1) can calculate the breathing cycle for each user by detecting minute sounds or air movements generated during a user's breathing using a microphone (142) and analyzing the frequency components of the breathing sound through an FFT.

[0104] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can detect minute body movements occurring according to the user's heartbeat using a radar sensor (141), collect minute vibrations of the chest or blood vessels caused by the heartbeat as a signal, and calculate the breathing cycle for each user by measuring the heartbeat cycle in the frequency domain through FFT.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can determine whether the user is sleeping in the operation 410 described below when the user present in the indoor space is single.

[0106] According to one embodiment, in operation 406, the air conditioner (1) can track or monitor the movement and / or biosignal of each identifier (ID) assigned in operation 405 using an occupancy detection sensor (140).

[0107] According to one embodiment, in operation 407, the air conditioner (1) can determine whether a sleep tracking target is set among the detected multiple users when multiple users in the indoor space are detected. For example, the air conditioner (1) can receive a sleep tracking target, which is a target for monitoring the sleep state and / or sleep stage among multiple users in the home, through an input unit (121), and can determine whether a sleep tracking target is set among the currently detected multiple users based on this. For example, the air conditioner (1) can receive setting information regarding a sleep tracking target, which is a target for monitoring the sleep state and / or sleep stage among multiple users in the home, from an external electronic device (e.g., user terminal) through a communication unit (130), and can determine whether a sleep tracking target is set among the currently detected multiple users based on this.

[0108] According to one embodiment, in operation 408, the air conditioner (1) can match the information of the sleep tracking target with the ID of the user in the current indoor space when the sleep tracking target is set.

[0109] According to one embodiment, in operation 409, the air conditioner (1) can track or monitor the movement and / or biosignals of the sleep tracking target matched in operation 408 through the occupancy detection sensor (140).

[0110] According to one embodiment, in operation 410, the air conditioner (1) can determine whether the sleep tracking target is asleep using an occupancy detection sensor (140). In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can determine whether the sleep tracking target is asleep based on the movement and / or biosignals of the sleep tracking target obtained through a radar sensor (141) and a microphone sensor (142) which are occupancy detection sensors (140). For example, the air conditioner (1) can determine that the current state of the current tracking target is in a sleep state if the degree of movement of the tracking target obtained by the occupancy detection sensor (140) is fine or the biosignals (e.g., breathing cycle or heart rate) are regular. For example, the air conditioner (1) can determine that the current state of the current tracking target is in a wake state if the degree of movement of the tracking target obtained by the occupancy detection sensor (140) is large or the biosignals are irregular.

[0111] According to one embodiment, in operation 411, the air conditioner (1) can check whether users currently present in the indoor space are sleeping using an occupancy detection sensor (140) when no sleep tracking target is set. In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can determine whether users are sleeping based on user-specific movement and / or biosignals obtained through a radar sensor (141) and a microphone sensor (142), which are occupancy detection sensors (140), as described above in operation 410.

[0112] According to one embodiment, in operation 412, the air conditioner (1) can determine whether the user(s) are sleeping based on the judgment value in operation 410 or operation 411.

[0113] According to one embodiment, in operation 413, the air conditioner (1) can measure the sleep stage of the user(s) using the occupancy detection sensor (140) when the user(s) present in the indoor space are sleeping.

[0114] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can segment the degree of user movement or biosignal (e.g., breathing cycle or heart rate) obtained by the occupancy detection sensor (140), and can subdivide sleep stages to correspond to the corresponding segments. For example, the air conditioner (1) can subdivide the sleep stages into REM sleep stage, light sleep stage, and deep sleep stage according to the segments of the degree of user movement or biosignal obtained by the occupancy detection sensor (140). The REM sleep stage is a sleep stage when the degree of user movement or biosignal obtained by the occupancy detection sensor (140) is detected irregularly during the sleep stages. The LIGHT sleep stage and the DEEP sleep stage are each sleep stages when the degree of user movement or biosignal obtained by the occupancy detection sensor (140) is detected regularly, and the DEEP sleep stage may be a sleep stage in which the degree of user movement or biosignal has a lower value than the LIGHT sleep stage. The above LIGHT sleep stage and the above DEEP sleep stage may be referred to as non-REM sleep stages. Generally, human sleep can be understood as a repetition of "light sleep stage → deep sleep stage → REM sleep stage" until waking up.

[0115] According to one embodiment, in operation 414, the air conditioner (1) may perform a sleep mode based on the measured sleep state and / or sleep stage of the user. In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may adjust the temperature (or discharge temperature) of the air discharged into the indoor space based on the measured sleep state and / or sleep stage of the user. For example, if the user's current state changes from a waking state to a sleeping state, the air conditioner (1) may increase the temperature of the air discharged into the indoor space by a first set value (e.g., about 2.5 degrees) from the currently set discharge temperature. For example, if the user's current sleep stage is measured as a REM sleep stage, the air conditioner (1) may decrease the temperature of the air discharged into the indoor space by a second set value (e.g., about 2 degrees) from the currently set discharge temperature. For example, if the user's current sleep stage is measured as LIGHT sleep stage, the air conditioner (1) can reduce the temperature of the air discharged into the indoor space by a third set value (e.g., about 1 degree) from the currently set discharge temperature. For example, if the user's current sleep stage is measured as DEEP sleep stage, the air conditioner (1) can increase the temperature of the air discharged into the indoor space by a fourth set value (e.g., about 1 degree) from the currently set discharge temperature.

[0116] According to one embodiment, in operation 415, the air conditioner (1) can determine whether the user(s) have woken up using the occupancy detection sensor (140) as described above in operation 410. In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can terminate the sleep mode if the user(s) have woken up. In one embodiment, if the user(s) have not woken up, the air conditioner (1) returns to operation 413 and can perform subsequent operations.

[0117] The air conditioner (1) disclosed in this document has been described primarily in terms of a method for determining the sleep state and / or sleep stage of a user in an indoor space using a radar sensor (141) and an occupancy detection sensor (140) among two or more occupancy detection sensors (140), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the two or more occupancy detection sensors (140) may include a Wi-Fi module such as a communication unit (130), and the air conditioner (1) may determine the sleep state and / or sleep stage of a user in an indoor space by detecting human movement and biosignals (breathing, heart rate, etc.) based on the RF signal (radio frequency signal) of the Wi-Fi module. For example, Wi-Fi signals fill the indoor space and may change due to interaction with the surrounding environment (including people). For example, human movement, breathing, heart rate, etc. may cause minute changes in the Channel State Information (CSI) or Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of the Wi-Fi signal. The air conditioner (1) can analyze these minute changes to estimate whether the user is sleeping (minor movement) or awake (active movement).

[0118] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1) may include a housing (110), a cold air supply device (30) for supplying cold air to an indoor space, at least two occupancy detection sensors (140) for detecting movement or biosignals of a user within the indoor space, and a processor (161). The processor (161) may be configured to estimate the presence or absence of a user or the number of people within the indoor space based on sensing values ​​obtained from the at least two occupancy detection sensors (140), assign an identifier to the estimated user, obtain movement information or biosignals regarding the identifier, determine the sleep state and / or sleep stage of the identifier based on the obtained movement information or biosignals, and control the operation of the cold air supply device (30) based on the sleep stage. The occupancy detection sensors (140) may include a radar sensor (141) and a microphone (142).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) may further include a communication unit (130) for transmitting and receiving data with an external device. The processor (161) may be configured to obtain information regarding a sleep tracking target from the communication unit (130) and to match the assigned identifier with the sleep tracking target.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the processor (161) may be configured to determine the sleep stage of the identifier based on the acquired movement information or biosignal, and to operate the cold air supply device (30) so that the discharge temperature into the indoor space is adjusted in response to the sleep stage.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the sleep stage may include a sleeping stage, a REM sleep stage, a light sleep stage, and a deep sleep stage.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the sleep stage may be set by taking into account the degree of movement or biosignal obtained from the occupancy detection sensor (140).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the processor (161) may be configured to acquire point cloud data regarding a user in the indoor space using the radar sensor (141) and to determine the movement of the user based on the acquired point cloud data.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the processor (161) may be configured to cluster the acquired point cloud data, extract a skeleton modeling of the user for each cluster, and assign an identifier for each extracted skeleton modeling.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the processor (161) may be configured to acquire sound signal data regarding a user in the indoor space using the microphone (142) and to determine the movement of the user based on the acquired sound signal data.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the processor (161) may be configured to analyze the pattern of the acquired sound signal data and to assign the identifier to the user according to the analyzed pattern.

[0127] A control method for an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: acquiring movement or biosignals of a user within an indoor space from at least two occupancy detection sensors (140); estimating the presence or absence of a user or the number of people within the indoor space based on the acquired sensing values; assigning an identifier to the estimated user; acquiring movement information or biosignals regarding the identifier; determining the sleep state of the identifier based on the acquired movement information or biosignals; and controlling the operation of the cold air supply device (30) based on the sleep state. The occupancy detection sensors (140) may include a radar sensor (141) and a microphone (142).

[0128] According to one embodiment, a control method for an air conditioner (1) may include the operation of obtaining information regarding a sleep tracking target from an external device and the operation of matching the assigned identifier with the sleep tracking target.

[0129] According to one embodiment, a control method for an air conditioner (1) may include an operation of determining the sleep stage of the identifier based on the acquired movement information or biosignal, and an operation of controlling the cold air supply device (30) so that the discharge temperature to the indoor space is adjusted in response to the sleep stage.

[0130] According to one embodiment, a control method for an air conditioner (1) may include the operation of acquiring point cloud data regarding a user in the indoor space using the radar sensor (141) and the operation of determining the movement of the user based on the acquired point cloud data.

[0131] According to one embodiment, a control method for an air conditioner (1) may include the operation of clustering the acquired point cloud data, the operation of extracting a skeleton modeling of the user for each cluster, and the operation of assigning an identifier for each of the extracted skeleton models.

[0132] According to one embodiment, a control method for an air conditioner (1) may include the operation of acquiring sound signal data for the occupants using the microphone (142) and the operation of determining the movement of the occupants based on the acquired sound signal data.

[0133] According to one embodiment, a control method for an air conditioner (1) may include an operation of analyzing the pattern of the acquired sound signal data and an operation of assigning the identifier according to the analyzed pattern.

Claims

1. In the air conditioner (1), Housing (110); A cold air supply device (30) for supplying cold air to an indoor space; At least two occupancy detection sensors (140) for detecting movement or biosignals of a user within the indoor space; and Includes a processor (161), The above processor (161) is, Estimating the presence or absence of users or the number of people in the indoor space based on the sensing values ​​obtained from at least two occupancy detection sensors (140), and Assign an identifier to the above-mentioned estimated user, and Acquiring movement information or biosignals regarding the above identifier, and Based on the above-mentioned acquired movement information or biosignals, the sleep state and / or sleep stage of the identifier is determined, and Based on the above sleep state and / or sleep stage, the operation of the cold supply device (30) is configured to be controlled, and The above occupancy detection sensor (140) is an air conditioner comprising a radar sensor (141) and a microphone (142).

2. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a communication unit (130) for transmitting and receiving data with an external device, and The above processor (161) is, Information regarding the sleep tracking target is obtained from the above communication unit (130), and An air conditioner configured to match the above-assigned identifier with the above-assigned sleep tracking target.

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, The above processor (161) is, Based on the above-mentioned acquired movement information or biosignals, the sleep stage of the identifier is determined, and An air conditioner configured to operate the cold air supply device (30) so that the discharge temperature into the indoor space is controlled in response to the above sleep stage.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, The above sleep stage is set by taking into account the degree of movement or biosignal obtained from the occupancy detection sensor (140), and The above sleep stages include a sleeping stage, a REM sleep stage, a light sleep stage, and a deep sleep stage, in an air conditioner.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The above processor (161) is, Using the radar sensor (141), point cloud data regarding the user in the indoor space is obtained, and An air conditioner configured to determine the movement of the user based on the above-mentioned acquired point cloud data.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above processor (161) is, Clustering the above-mentioned acquired point cloud data, and For each of the above clusters, extract skeleton models regarding the above users, and An air conditioner configured to assign the identifier for each of the extracted skeleton models.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, The above processor (161) is, Sound signal data regarding a user in the indoor space is obtained using the above microphone (142), and An air conditioner configured to determine the movement of the user based on the sound signal data obtained above.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above processor (161) is, An air conditioner configured to analyze the pattern of the sound signal data obtained above and to assign the identifier to the user according to the analyzed pattern.

9. In a method for controlling an air conditioner (1), The operation of acquiring movement or biosignals of a user within an indoor space from at least two occupancy detection sensors (140); An operation to estimate the presence or absence of a user or the number of people within the indoor space based on the above-mentioned acquired sensing value; An action of assigning an identifier to the above-mentioned estimated user; An operation to acquire movement information or biosignals regarding the above identifier; An operation to determine the sleep state and / or sleep stage of the identifier based on the above-mentioned acquired movement information or biosignal; and Based on the above sleep state and / or sleep stage, the operation of the cold supply device (30) is controlled, and The above occupancy detection sensor (140) includes a radar sensor (141) and a microphone (142).

10. In Paragraph 9, The operation of obtaining information regarding a sleep tracking target from an external device; and A method comprising the operation of matching the assigned identifier with the sleep tracking target.

11. In Paragraph 9 or 10, An operation to determine the sleep stage of the identifier based on the acquired movement information or biosignal; and A method comprising controlling the cold air supply device (30) so that the discharge temperature into the indoor space is controlled in response to the above sleep stage.

12. In any one of paragraphs 9 through 11, The operation of acquiring point cloud data regarding a user in the indoor space using the radar sensor (141); and A method comprising determining the movement of the user based on the point cloud data obtained above.

13. In Paragraph 12, Clustering the above-mentioned acquired point cloud data; The operation of extracting skeleton modeling regarding the user for each of the above clusters; and A method comprising the operation of assigning the identifier to each of the extracted skeleton models.

14. In any one of paragraphs 9 through 13, The operation of acquiring sound signal data for the occupants using the microphone (142); and A method comprising determining the movement of the occupants based on the sound signal data obtained above.

15. In Paragraph 14, The operation of analyzing the pattern of the sound signal data obtained above; and A method comprising the operation of assigning the identifier according to the analyzed pattern.

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