AIR CONDITIONER FOR PROVIDING SLEEP MODE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE AIR CONDITIONER

BACKGROUND
Field

The disclosure relates to an air conditioner for providing a sleep mode, a method of controlling the air conditioner, and a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to perform the method of controlling the air conditioner.

Description of Related Art

Various types of air conditioners are widely used in indoor spaces. An air conditioner may include various sensors, for example, a human detection sensor, an illuminance sensor, or a temperature sensor. The air conditioner may use various sensors to adjust the environment of an air-conditioned space and control the operation of the air conditioner. Because the air conditioner controls the temperature and environment of an indoor space, the operation of the air conditioner has a significant impact on a user's condition. However, when each mode provided by the air conditioner is not properly controlled, proper environmental control is not provided to the user, which causes user inconvenience instead.

SUMMARY

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes: a detection sensor, an air conditioning module including at least one heat pump, a memory storing at least one instruction, and at least one processor comprising processing circuitry. At least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to execute the at least one instruction and to cause the air conditioner to: identify a location of a user in a target space using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor, enter a sleep mode including a sleep initiation mode, a deep-sleep mode, and a wake-up mode, wherein: in the sleep initiation mode, control the air conditioning module to blow a direct airflow to the user based on the location of the user during a first time section, in the deep-sleep mode, control the air conditioning module to blow an indirect airflow to the user based on the location of the user, and in the wake-up mode, control the air conditioning module to blow a direct airflow to the user based on the location of the user during a second time section.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a method of controlling an air conditioner is provided. The method of controlling an air conditioner includes: identifying a location of a user in a target space using a sensor detection value of a detection sensor, entering a sleep mode including a sleep initiation mode, a deep-sleep mode, and a wake-up mode, wherein: in the sleep initiation mode, controlling an air conditioning module to blow a direct airflow to the user based on the location of the user during a first time section, in the deep-sleep mode, controlling the air conditioning module to blow an indirect airflow to the user based on the location of the user, and in the wake-up mode, controlling the air conditioning module to blow a direct airflow to the user based on the location of the user during a second time section.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, provided is a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program which, when executed on a computer of an air conditioner, causes the air conditioner to perform the method of controlling the air conditioner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example operation of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of controlling an air conditioner, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating an example operation in a sleep mode, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example process of blowing an indirect airflow, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example process of blowing a rotating direct airflow, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example process of blowing rotating air when a plurality of users are detected, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an air conditioner, an external device, a wearable device, and a server, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a signal flow diagram illustrating an example process of receiving sleep state information from an external device, and controlling a sleep mode, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of receiving sleep state information or wake-up event information from an external device, a wearable device, or a home appliance, and controlling a sleep mode, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a signal flow diagram illustrating an example process of controlling a sleep mode based on sleep schedule information or wake-up alarm information of an external device, according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example process of inputting sleep schedule information through an external device, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments, and include various changes, equivalents, or alternatives for a corresponding embodiment.

With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any one or a combination of a plurality of related recited elements.

As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as being “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), the element may be connected to the other element directly (e.g., in a wired manner), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used here, such terms as “comprises,” “includes,” or “has” specify the presence of stated features, numbers, stages, operations, components, parts, or a combination thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, stages, operations, components, parts, or a combination thereof.

When an element is referred to as being “connected to,” “coupled to,” “supported by,” or “in contact with” another element, the element may be directly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element, or that the element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element via a third element.

When an element is referred to as being “on” another element, the element may be in contact with the other element, or that still another element is present between the element and the other element.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure may refer to a device configured to perform functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter, referred to as “indoor space”), and refers to a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device for performing a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is circulated through a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be built into a single housing that forms the exterior of the air conditioner, and window-type air conditioners or mobile air conditioners are examples of such air conditioners. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and built into a plurality of housings of one air conditioner, and wall-mounted air conditioners, stand-type air conditioners, system air conditioners, and the like are examples of such air conditioners.

An air conditioner including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outside, and at least one indoor unit installed in an indoor space. For example, the air conditioner may be provided such that one outdoor unit is connected to one indoor unit through a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may be provided such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be provided such that two or more outdoor units are connected to two or more indoor units through a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

The outdoor unit may be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or a command) for controlling the air conditioner may be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to a user input.

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

The outdoor heat exchanger may perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outdoor air using a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may release heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air.

The indoor unit is installed in an indoor space. For example, indoor units may be classified into ceiling-type indoor units, stand-type indoor units, wall-mounted indoor units, and the like, depending on the arrangement method thereof. For example, ceiling-type indoor units may be classified into 4-way indoor units, 1-way indoor units, and duct-type indoor units, and the like, depending on the air discharge method thereof.

Similarly, the indoor heat exchanger may perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and indoor air using a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air while evaporating in the indoor unit, and the indoor space may be cooled by blowing the indoor air that has been cooled while passing through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. In addition, the refrigerant may release heat into the indoor air while being condensed in the indoor heat exchanger, and the indoor space may be heated by blowing the indoor air that has been heated while passing through the heated indoor heat exchanger.

In other words, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and for such circulation of the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant. The compressor may suck in refrigerant gas through a suction unit and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge unit. The compressor may be arranged inside the outdoor unit.

The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe to sequentially pass through the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger, or may circulate through the refrigerant pipe to sequentially pass through the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the outdoor heat exchanger.

For example, in a case in which the air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected to each other through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be provided to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

For example, in a case in which the air conditioner has one outdoor unit connected to two or more indoor units through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may flow to a plurality of indoor units through the refrigerant pipe branching from the outdoor unit. Refrigerants discharged from a plurality of indoor units may joint together and then circulate to the outdoor unit. For example, a plurality of indoor units may be connected directly to one outdoor unit in parallel through separate refrigerant pipes.

Each of the plurality of indoor units may operate independently according to an operation mode set by a user. That is, some of the plurality of indoor units may operate in a cooling mode and others may operate in a heating mode at the same time. Here, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into the respective indoor units at high or low pressure along circulation paths designated through a flow path switching valve, which will be described below, and then discharged to circulate to the outdoor unit.

For example, in a case in which the air conditioner has two or more outdoor units connected to two or more indoor units through a plurality of refrigerant pipes, refrigerants discharged from a plurality of outdoor units join together, then flow through one refrigerant pipe, and then branch out again at some point to be introduced into a plurality of indoor units.

All of the plurality of outdoor units may operate or at least some of them may not operate, depending on the operation load according to the operation amount of the plurality of indoor units. Here, the refrigerant may be provided to flow into and circulate in the outdoor unit that is selectively operating through a flow path switching valve. The air conditioner may include an expansion device for lowering the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be arranged inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or may be arranged inside both.

For example, the expansion device may lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant using a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice that may reduce the cross-sectional area of a flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant that has passed through the orifice may be lowered.

For example, the expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting an opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the valve in a partially opened state to the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the value in a fully opened state). Depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device may be controlled.

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

The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction unit of the compressor. A low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger may flow into the accumulator.

When a mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas flows into the accumulator, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas, and provide the compressor with the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated.

An outdoor fan may be provided adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be arranged at an arbitrary location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include, for example, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of air around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of air around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

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

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

The housing may include a suction port. Indoor air may flow into the housing through the suction port.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter provided to filter out foreign substances in air flowing into the housing through the suction port.

The housing may include a discharge port. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the discharge port.

The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an air current guide that guides through the direction of air discharged through the discharge port. For example, the air current guide may include a blade arranged on the discharge port. For example, the air current guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling a discharged air current. The disclosure is not limited thereto, and the air current guide may be omitted.

An indoor heat exchanger and a blower arranged on a flow path connecting the suction port to the discharge port may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit.

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

The indoor heat exchanger may be arranged between the blower and the discharge port, or between the suction port and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air introduced through the suction port, or transfer heat to air introduced through the suction port. The indoor heat exchanger may include a heat exchange tube through which the refrigerant flows, and a heat exchange fin in contact with the heat exchange tube to increase the heat transfer area.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray arranged below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate accommodated 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.

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

The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a particular location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). The user may input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by manipulating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user may remotely input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

In addition, the input interface may include a microphone. A voice command of the user may be obtained through the microphone. The microphone may convert the voice command of the user into an electrical signal and transmit the electrical signal to an indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control the components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the voice command of the user. The setting data (e.g., a desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling/heating/dehumidification/air purification, an outlet selection setting, and/or an airflow volume setting) obtained through the input interface may be delivered to the indoor unit control unit, which will be described below. In an example, setting data obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, that is, the outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication unit, which will be described below.

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

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor arranged inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and/or humidity sensors arranged in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include refrigerant temperature sensors that detect the temperature of an inlet, a middle point, and/or an outlet of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be delivered to the indoor unit control unit, which will be described below, or may be transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication unit, which will be described below.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range communication module.

The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, an NFC module, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an IrDA communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, and the like.

The long-range communication module may include a communication module for performing various types of long-range communication, and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives radio signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server, on a mobile communication network.

The indoor unit communication unit may communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, or other home appliances, through a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The air conditioner or the user device may be connected to the server through the WAN. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit configured to control the components of the indoor unit, including the blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit configured to control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor. The indoor unit control unit may communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may transmit, to the indoor unit communication unit, a control signal generated by the outdoor unit control unit, or may deliver, to the outdoor unit control unit, a control signal transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit. That is, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may perform bidirectional communication. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

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

Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit electrical signals corresponding to respective detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and/or the indoor unit control unit. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit electrical signals corresponding to respective detected humidities to the outdoor unit control unit and/or the indoor unit control unit.

The indoor unit control unit may obtain a user input from a user device, including a mobile device, through the indoor unit communication unit, and may obtain a user input directly through the input interface or through a remote controller. The indoor unit control unit may control the components of the indoor unit, including the blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit may transmit information about the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit control unit may control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on the information about the user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when the outdoor unit control unit receives, from the indoor unit, a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode such as a cooling operation, a heating operation, a blowing operation, a defrosting operation, or a dehumidification operation, the outdoor unit control unit may control the components of the outdoor unit such that an operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

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

The memory may store various pieces of information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory may store instructions, applications, data, and/or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory may store various programs for a cooling operation, a heating operation, a dehumidification operation, and/or a defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include a volatile memory such as static random-access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic RAM (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory may include a non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.

The processor may include various processing circuitry and generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and/or programs stored in the memory. The processor is hardware and may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor may process data according to programs and/or instructions provided from the memory, and generate a control signal according to a result of the processing. The memory and the processor may be implemented as one control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.

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

The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker is an audio device capable of outputting various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user, using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or a text. In addition, the display may include an indicator that provides particular information. The display may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro LED panel, and/or a plurality of LEDs.

Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to various embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example operation of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an air conditioner 100 performs an air conditioning operation on a target space 120. The air conditioning operation may include, for example, cooling, heating, air purification, dehumidification, or blowing. The air conditioner 100 may be implemented in the form of a cooling device, a heat device, a cooling/heating device, an air purifier, a dehumidifier, or the like. In the disclosure, descriptions will focus on a case in which the air conditioner 100 corresponds to a cooling device. However, this is for convenience of description, and the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The air conditioner 100 may include a detection sensor 110. The detection sensor 110 detects an object inside the target space 120. The air conditioner 100 may detect location information of a user 130 inside the target space 120 using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110. In the disclosure, a person inside the target space 120 may be referred to as the user 130, an occupant, or the like.

The target space 120 refers to an indoor space where the air conditioner 100 may be installed. The target space 120 may correspond to various types of indoor spaces, such as houses, offices, stores, guest rooms, commercial spaces, or work spaces.

The location information of the user 130 is information indicating the location of the user 130 inside the target space 120. The location information of the user 130 may be in various forms depending on the type of the detection sensor 110. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the location information of the user 130 may be coordinate information in a defined coordinate system inside the target space 120. In a case in which the detection sensor 110 includes a RADAR (radio detection and ranging) sensor, the location information of the user 130 may be coordinate information inside the target space 120. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the location information of the user 130 may be an area or a range inside the target space 120. In a case in which the detection sensor 110 includes an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like, the location information of the user 130 may be an area or a range inside the target space 120 where the user 130 is present. The area or range may be, for example, any one of a plurality of predefined areas inside the target space 120. In addition, the area or range may be, for example, an area or a range having a particular size centered on coordinates inside the target space 120. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the detection sensor 110 may include a RADAR sensor, coordinate information of the user 130 may be identified by the RADAR sensor, and the location information of the user 130 may be an area centered on the coordinate information of the user.

The air conditioner 100 may operate in a sleep mode (140). The sleep mode may refer to a mode that provides an environment suitable for the user 130 to sleep. In the sleep mode, the air conditioner 100 may adjust a target temperature, an airflow direction, an airflow intensity, and the like, according to a predetermined process. While operating in the sleep mode, the air conditioner 100 may blow a direct airflow or an indirect airflow to the user 130 according to a preset process. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the sleep mode, the air conditioner 100 may blow a direct airflow or an indirect airflow based on user location information.

The direct airflow refers to an airflow blown toward the user 130. The air conditioner 100 may blow a direct airflow by setting the airflow direction to be a direction corresponding to the user location information. The air conditioner 100 may control the direction of an airflow by adjusting an air current guide (e.g., a plate or a blade) of an air current discharge port of the air conditioner 100.

The indirect airflow refers to an airflow of which the direction is set to be a direction that is not toward the location of the user such that the airflow is not blown directly to the user 130. The air conditioner 100 may blow an indirect airflow by operating in a wind-free mode or blowing an upward airflow. The wind-free mode refers to a mode in which air is blown while a wind door, which opens and closes the air current discharge port of the air conditioner 100, is closed. The upward airflow refers to an airflow that is blown toward the ceiling of the target space 120 or toward an upper part of the target space 120. The air conditioner 100 may blow an indirect airflow by operating in the wind-free mode or blowing an upward airflow based on the user location information.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sleep mode may include a sleep initiation mode that helps the user 130 begin to sleep, a deep-sleep mode that helps the user 130 have a deep sleep, and a wake-up mode that helps the user 130 wake up. The sleep initiation mode, the deep-sleep mode, and the wake-up mode may be sequentially performed during a preset time section. In the sleep initiation mode, the deep-sleep mode, and the wake-up mode, the air conditioner 100 may operate with preset target temperatures, airflow directions, and airflow intensities.

The air conditioner 100 may reflect the user location information in blowing a direct airflow or an indirect airflow in the sleep mode, such that the direct airflow directly reaches the user 130, and the indirect airflow indirectly reaches the user 130 rather than directly reaching the user 130. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 blows a direct airflow to the user 130 in some sections of the sleep initiation mode and the wake-up mode, and blows an indirect airflow to the user 130 in the deep-sleep mode. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 blows a direct airflow or an indirect airflow based on the location of the user. Accordingly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, by reflecting the location of the user in blowing a direct airflow or an indirect airflow, the air conditioner 100 may provide the user with a more appropriate sleep environment, in the sleep initiation mode, the deep-sleep mode, and the wake-up mode.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 includes the detection sensor 110, a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) 210, an air conditioning module (e.g., including a heat pump) 212, and a memory 214. The block diagram of the air conditioner 100 in FIG. 2 may correspond to a block diagram of an indoor unit.

The air conditioner 100 may be implemented in various installation forms. For example, the air conditioner 100 may be implemented in the form of a stand-type air conditioner, a wall-mounted air conditioner, a ceiling-embedded system air conditioner, or a home multi-air conditioner.

The detection sensor 110 may detect an object in the target space 120. The detection sensor 110 may include, for example, a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a RADAR sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, and the like. The detection sensor 110 is arranged to output a signal to the target space 120 and detect a reflected signal. The detection sensor 110 may be arranged in front of the air conditioner 100 toward the target space 120. The detection sensor 110 generates a sensor detection value and transmits it to the processor 210.

The processor 210 may include various processing circuitry and controls the overall operation of the air conditioner 100. The processor 210 may be implemented as one or more processors. The processor 210 may execute instructions or commands stored in the memory 214 to perform a certain operation. In addition, the processor 210 controls the operation of components provided in the air conditioner 100. The processor 210 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and the like. For example, the processor 210 may include various processing circuitry and/or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term “processor” may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and/or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when “a processor”, “at least one processor”, and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited/disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

The processor 210 determines whether a moving object is present, using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110, and when a moving object is present, determines that a human is present in the target space 120. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 210 determines whether the detected object is a human, using the sensor detection value. For example, in a case in which the detection sensor 110 corresponds to an infrared sensor, the processor 210 determines that a human is present in the target space 120, when an infrared value corresponding to a human is detected. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 210 determines whether the detected object is in the shape of a human, based on the sensor detection value, and when the detected object corresponds to the shape of a human, determines that a human is present in the target space 120.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the detection sensor 110 may correspond to a RADAR sensor, and the processor 210 may determine whether the detected object is in the shape of a human, using a sensor detection value of the RADAR sensor. The RADAR sensor outputs a RADAR signal to the target space 120 and detects, as a sensor detection value, the signal reflected from the object in the target space 120. The processor 210 detects the object in the target space 120 using the sensor detection value of the RADAR sensor. The processor 210 detects an object in the target space 120 at a predetermined frame rate, and detects a motion of the object. When a motion value of the object in the target space 120 is greater than or equal to a reference value, the processor 210 determines that a human is present in the target space 120. For example, the processor 210 detects an object in the target space 120 at a rate of 30 frames/sec, and when a motion value per second of the object is greater than a reference value, determines that a human is present in the target space 120. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, based on a result of recognizing an object based on a sensor detection value of the RADAR sensor, the processor 210 determines whether the recognized object is a human. For example, the processor 210 may determine whether the recognized object is a human, based on the shape of the recognized object. When the recognized object corresponds to a human and the motion value is greater than or equal to a reference value, the processor 210 determines that a human is present in the target space 120. When it is determined that the recognized object does not correspond to a human, the processor 210 determines that no human is present in the target space 120. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, even when the recognized object corresponds to a companion animal, the processor 210 may determine that no human is present in the target space 120. Thus, when the detected object corresponds to a human or a companion animal and the motion value is greater than or equal to the reference value, the processor 210 may determine that a human is present in the target space 120.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 210 may obtain location information of a human in the target space 120 using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, location information of a human may be coordinate information inside the target space 120. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, location information of a human may be an area or a range inside the target space 120 where the human is present. The accuracy of location information of a human may vary depending on the type of the detection sensor 110. For example, in a case in which the detection sensor 110 corresponds to an infrared sensor, location information of a human may be an area or a range. In addition, for example, in a case in which the detection sensor 110 corresponds to a RADAR sensor, location information of a human may be coordinate information.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 210 may obtain location information of a human in the target space 120 using a sensor detection value of the RADAR sensor. The processor 210 may set a certain coordinate system for the target space 120. For example, a two-dimensional xy coordinate system may be set for the target space 120. The processor 210 may obtain coordinate information of a human based on a sensor detection value of the RADAR sensor.

The air conditioning module 212 may include at least one heat pump device and performs an air conditioning operation. The air conditioning module 212 adjusts whether to perform cooling, cooling intensity, whether to perform heating, heating intensity, an airflow volume, an airflow direction, and the like, based on a control signal or a driving signal input from the processor 210. The air conditioning module 212 may include a heat exchanger, a motor, an inverter, a fan, a filter, an air current guide, a wind door, and the like. The air conditioning module 212 may include a heat exchanger and may perform heat exchange between a refrigerant of the heat exchanger and indoor air using a phase change (e.g., expansion or compression) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant expands in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor space may be cooled. While the refrigerant is compressed in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant may release heat into the indoor air, and the indoor space may be heated.

In order to adjust a set temperature, the processor 210 may adjust the indoor temperature by changing a temperature setting value of the indoor unit and adjusting the rotational speed of the motor of the outdoor unit compressor or the indoor unit compressor. For example, when a user-set temperature is set by the user, the processor 210 may adjust the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the motor according to the set temperature. When the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than the user-set temperature, the processor 210 may control the RPM of the motor of the compressor to increase, and when the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the user-set temperature, the processor 210 may reduce the RPM of the motor of the compressor or stop the motor of the compressor. The processor 210 may generate a control signal for adjusting the RPM of the motor of the compressor, and output the control signal to the air conditioning module 212. The air conditioning module 212 may adjust the degree of cooling of air by adjusting the RPM of the motor of the compressor according to the control signal of the processor 210. By adjusting the RPM of the motor of the compressor, the indoor temperature may follow the user-set temperature. By increasing the RPM of the motor of the compressor, the air conditioning module 212 may discharge an air current with lower temperature into the indoor space, thereby decreasing the indoor temperature. In addition, by reducing the RPM of the motor of the compressor or stopping the motor of the compressor, the air conditioning module 212 may discharge an air current with higher temperature into the indoor space, thereby increasing the indoor temperature.

The processor 210 may control the wind door or the blade of the indoor unit, to switch to the wind-free mode. The indoor unit operates in the wind-free mode by discharging air with the wind door closed. The processor 210 generates a control signal for closing the wind door, and outputs the control signal to the air conditioning module 212. The air conditioning module 212 closes the wind door in response to the control signal input from the processor 210, to operate in the wind-free mode.

In addition, in order to adjust the airflow intensity, the processor 210 may control the fan speed of the air conditioning module 212. The processor 210 generates a control signal for adjusting the fan speed, and outputs the control signal to the air conditioning module 212. The air conditioning module 212 adjusts the fan speed in response to the control signal input from the processor 210. The air conditioning module 212 may control the fan speed to blow a gentle airflow with a low airflow intensity, or a strong airflow with a high airflow intensity.

In addition, in order to adjust the airflow direction, the processor 210 may control the direction of the air current guide of the air conditioning module 212. The processor 210 may adjust the airflow direction by rotating or changing the direction of the air current guide to the left, center, or right. In addition, the processor 210 may perform an airflow direction rotation operation to rotate the airflow direction by causing the air current guide to reciprocate and rotate within a predetermined angle range. In addition, the processor 210 may control the air current guide or the wind door to discharge an upward airflow that is blown toward the ceiling. In order to discharge an indirect airflow that is not directly toward to the user, the processor 210 may operate in the wind-free mode or blow an upward airflow.

The memory 214 stores various pieces of information, data, instructions, programs, and the like for the operation of the air conditioner 100. The memory 214 may include at least one of a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory 214 may include at least one of a flash memory-type storage medium, a hard disk-type storage medium, a multimedia card micro-type storage medium, a card-type memory (e.g., Secure Digital (SD) or extreme Digital (XD) memory), random-access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disc. In addition, the memory 214 may correspond to a web storage or a cloud server that performs a storage function on the Internet.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may operate in the sleep mode. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may operate in the sleep mode during a preset time section. For example, when the user 130 sets a sleep initiation time to 11 PM and a sleep length to 7 hours, the air conditioner 100 may operate in the sleep mode from 11 PM to 6 AM the next day. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, when it is recognized that the user 130 is beginning to sleep, the air conditioner 100 may operate in the sleep mode. The air conditioner 100 may detect a sleep initiation event of the user 130 using motion information and location information of the user 130 detected by the detection sensor 110, sleep state information detected by an external device, or the like.

The sleep mode may include a sleep initiation mode, a deep-sleep mode, and a wake-up mode. The sleep initiation mode is a mode that promotes sleep initiation of the user 130. The sleep initiation mode is performed for a preset time period from the sleep initiation time. The deep-sleep mode is a mode that creates an environment for the user 130 to have a deep sleep. The deep-sleep mode may be performed during a predetermined time section between the sleep initiation mode and the wake-up mode. The wake-up mode is a mode that assists the user 130 in waking up. The wake-up mode may be performed for a predetermined time period before a scheduled wake-up time. For example, the sleep initiation mode may be performed for 1 hour from the sleep initiation time, the deep-sleep mode may be performed for 6 hours after the sleep initiation mode, and the wake-up mode may be performed from 1 hour before the scheduled wake-up time until the scheduled wake-up time.

In the sleep initiation mode, the deep-sleep mode, and the wake-up mode, the air conditioner 100 operates with predetermined target temperatures, airflow directions, whether to rotate, and airflow intensities. The air conditioner 100 may blow a direct airflow and a strong rotating airflow during at least part of a time section in the sleep initiation mode. The air conditioner 100 may blow a gentle indirect airflow in the deep-sleep mode. The air conditioner 100 may blow a direct airflow and a strong rotating airflow during at least part of a time section in the wake-up mode. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may blow a direct airflow toward the user in the sleep initiation mode and the wake-up mode, based on the location of the user, and blow an indirect airflow not to directly reach the user in the deep-sleep mode. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, there is an effect of creating an environment that more effectively assists comfortable sleep of the user by blowing a direct airflow or an indirect airflow in the sleep mode based on the location of the user.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of controlling an air conditioner, according to various embodiments.

The method of controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be performed by the air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, in operation S302, the air conditioner 100 identifies the location of the user 130 in the target space 120 using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, location information of a human may be coordinate information inside the target space 120. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, location information of a human may be an area or a range inside the target space 120 where the human is present. The accuracy of location information of a human may vary depending on the type of the detection sensor 110.

In operation S304, the air conditioner 100 enters and operates in the sleep mode. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may operate in the sleep mode during a preset time section. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, when it is recognized that the user 130 is beginning to sleep, the air conditioner 100 may operate in the sleep mode. The air conditioner 100 may detect a sleep initiation event of the user 130 using motion information and location information of the user 130 detected by the detection sensor 110, sleep state information detected by an external device, or the like.

In operation S306, the air conditioner 100 blows a direct airflow based on the location of the user during a first time section, while operating in the sleep initiation mode. The air conditioner 100 may discharge a direct airflow that is blown toward the user, by adjusting the direction of the air current guide based on the location of the user. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may blow a direct airflow while rotating the airflow direction within a predetermined angle range. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may blow a strong rotating airflow during the first time section after entering the sleep initiation mode, and blow a gentle indirect airflow after the first time section. For example, the air conditioner 100 may blow a strong rotating direct airflow for 5 minutes after entering the sleep initiation mode, and blow a gentle indirect airflow 5 minutes later.

In operation S308, the air conditioner 100 blows an indirect airflow based on the location of the user while operating in the deep-sleep mode. The air conditioner 100 may discharge an indirect airflow in a direction that is not toward the user, by adjusting the direction of the air current guide based on the location of the user. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may blow an indirect airflow by operating in the wind-free mode. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may blow an indirect airflow by discharging an upward airflow toward the ceiling. The air conditioner 100 may blow a gentle indirect airflow in the deep-sleep mode.

In operation S306, the air conditioner 100 blows a direct airflow based on the location of the user during a second time section, while operating in the wake-up mode. The air conditioner 100 may discharge a direct airflow that is blown toward the user, by adjusting the direction of the air current guide based on the location of the user. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may blow a direct airflow while rotating the airflow direction within a predetermined angle range. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may blow a strong rotating airflow during the second time section before an expected wake-up time, and blow a gentle indirect airflow before the second time section. For example, the air conditioner 100 may blow a strong rotating direct airflow for 10 minutes before the scheduled wake-up time, and blow a gentle indirect airflow before the 10-minute time period.

FIG. 4 is a diagram including a graph illustrating an example operation in a sleep mode, according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a sleep mode may include a sleep initiation mode 410, a deep-sleep mode 420, and a wake-up mode 430. The air conditioner 100 may operate, in the sleep initiation mode 410, the deep-sleep mode 420, and the wake-up mode 430, according to predetermined target temperatures, airflow intensities, airflow directions, and whether to rotate. The target temperature may be set to be equal to or different from a user-set temperature. While operating in the sleep mode, the air conditioner 100 may set a separate target temperature based on the user-set temperature, and operate to follow the target temperature.

In the graph of FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time in minutes from a sleep initiation time, and the vertical axis represents the target temperature of the air conditioning module 212. In the graph of FIG. 4, T denotes the user-set temperature, which is a temperature set by the user.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the sleep mode, the air conditioner 100 may adjust the target temperature of the air conditioning module 212 according to a sleep time. In addition, in the sleep mode, the air conditioner 100 may control at least one of the airflow direction, whether to rotate the airflow direction, the airflow intensity, whether to blow an indirect airflow/direct airflow, or whether to perform the wind-free operation, of the air conditioning module 212, according to the sleep time.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sleep initiation mode 410, the deep-sleep mode 420, and the wake-up mode 430 may be preset time sections. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sleep initiation mode 410 may, for example, be 60 minutes from the sleep initiation time, the deep-sleep mode 420 may be a time section between the sleep initiation mode 410 and the wake-up mode 430, and the wake-up mode 430 may, for example, be a time section of 60 minutes before the scheduled wake-up time. The scheduled wake-up time may be a time predefined by the user.

In the sleep initiation mode 410, the target temperature may be set lower than a user-set temperature T. For example, in the sleep initiation mode 410, the target temperature may be set to 2° C. lower than the user-set temperature. In addition, in the sleep initiation mode 410, a sleep initiation promoting air current may be blown during a first time section. The sleep initiation promoting air current may correspond to, for example, a strong rotating airflow that is output intermittently. The first time section may be set to 5 minutes. The sleep initiation mode 410 may promote rapid sleep initiation through an air current for rapid cooling and sleep initiation. In the sleep initiation mode 410, the air conditioner 100 may induce a deep sleep by maintaining low temperature without perception of air current. In addition, in the sleep initiation mode, the air conditioner 100 may perform an air purification function to prevent and/or avoid the user from catching a cold even at a low temperature.

In the sleep initiation mode 410, the air conditioner 100 may blow a gentle indirect airflow after the first time section. In addition, the air conditioner 100 may stop rotation of the airflow direction after the first time section of the sleep initiation mode 410.

When entering the deep-sleep mode 420 from the sleep initiation mode 410, the air conditioner 100 increases the target temperature to be higher than the user-set temperature T. For example, when the air conditioner 100 enters the deep-sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 increases the target temperature to be 2° C. higher than the user-set temperature T. In the deep-sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 may maintain the target temperature to be higher than the user-set temperature T, while intermittently decreasing the target temperature to the user-set temperature T. For example, in the deep-sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 may, while maintaining the target temperature to be 2° C. higher than the user-set temperature T, decrease the target temperature to the user-set temperature T every hour. In the deep-sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 blows an indirect airflow, set the airflow intensity to gentle airflow, and set the airflow direction to be upward or wind-free. In the deep-sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 may maintain a healthy-skin temperature. In addition, in the deep-sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 may increase the temperature to save power. In addition, in the deep-sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 may minimize and/or reduce the feeling of air current at a sleeping position using an evasive airflow, and control an air current for air stratification. In addition, in the deep-sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 may control the temperature in a wave shape to allow the user to continue to sleep without waking up and secure a rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

In the wake-up mode 430, the air conditioner 100 may set the target temperature to be higher than the user-set temperature T. In the wake-up mode 430, the air conditioner 100 controls the target temperature to correspond to a metabolic activation temperature, and allows the user to wake up refreshed through stimulation by an air current. For example, in the wake-up mode 430, the air conditioner 100 may set the target temperature to be at least 2° C. higher than the user-set temperature T. In addition, in the wake-up mode 430, the air conditioner 100 may generate a wake-up promoting air current during a second time section. The second time section may correspond to a preset time period before the expected wake-up time. For example, the second time section may correspond to 10 minutes before the expected wake-up time. For example, the wake-up promoting air current may be an air current for outputting a strong rotating airflow for 10 minutes. In the wake-up mode 430, the air conditioner 100 may control the air conditioning module 212 to increase the target temperature while blowing a gentle indirect airflow, during a section before the second time section.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of blowing an indirect airflow, according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may blow an indirect airflow in the sleep mode. The air conditioner 100 may blow an indirect airflow in some sections of the sleep initiation mode, the deep-sleep mode, and some sections of the wake-up mode. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when blowing an indirect airflow, the air conditioner 100 may blow an upward airflow or operate in the wind-free mode according to the distance to the user 130.

Referring to FIG. 5, in operation S502, the air conditioner 100 enters an indirect airflow blowing section. The indirect airflow blowing section includes, for example, a section after the first time section of the sleep initiation mode, the section of the deep-sleep mode, and a section before the second time section of the wake-up mode.

In operation S504, the air conditioner 100 determines the distance between the air conditioner 100 and the user 130. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the distance between the air conditioner 100 and the user 130 may be the straight distance between the detection sensor 110 and the user 130. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the distance between the air conditioner 100 and the user 130 may be the distance between the air conditioner 100 and the user 130 on the floor or ceiling of the target space 120.

When the distance to the user 130 is less than or equal to a first reference distance, in operation S506, the air conditioner 100 blows an upward airflow 510. The upward airflow 510 is an indirect airflow that is blown toward the ceiling. When the distance to the user 130 is less than or equal to the first reference distance, operating in the wind-free mode may cause an airflow to directly reach the user 130. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the distance to the user 130 is short, the air conditioner 100 blows the upward airflow 510 to prevent and/or reduce the airflow from directly reaching the user 130. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first reference distance may be determined in the range of 1.5 m to 2.5 m. For example, the reference distance may be determined to be 2 m.

When the distance to the user 130 is greater than the first reference distance, in operation S508, the air conditioner 100 operates in the wind-free mode. The air conditioner 100 may operate in the wind-free mode by blowing air with the wind door closed. A wind-free air current 512 in the wind-free mode is toward a lower portion of the air conditioner 100, and thus may be discharged as an indirect airflow without directly reaching the user 130.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of blowing a rotating direct airflow, according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in operation S602, the air conditioner 100 may blow a rotating direct airflow in the sleep initiation mode and the wake-up mode. Operation S602 may correspond to operations S306 and S310 of FIG. 3. The air conditioner 100 may blow a direct airflow 610 in a direction 614 toward the user 130, based on the location information of the user 130. The air conditioner 100 may blow the direct airflow 610 while rotating within a predetermined first angle range 612.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the predetermined first angle range 612 may be set as an angle range corresponding to a portion of a rotation angle range 630 in which the air current guide of the air conditioner 100 is rotatable. For example, when the rotation angle range 630 in which the air current guide is rotatable corresponds to 165 degrees, the first angle range 612 may correspond, for example, to 55 degrees.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may preset a plurality of sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624. The plurality of sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may be set within the rotation angle range 630. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may be set not to overlap each other. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may be set to overlap each other. The number of sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may be variously determined. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the number of sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may be three, and the angle size of each of the sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may correspond to ⅓ of the rotation angle range 630. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may correspond to the left, center, and right of the air conditioner 100, respectively. The air conditioner 100 may determine one of the plurality of sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 as the first angle range 612, based on the direction corresponding to the location information of the user 130.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may set the first angle range 612 having a predetermined angle size centered on the direction toward the user 130. In a case in which the detection sensor 110 includes a RADAR sensor, the air conditioner 100 may obtain coordinate information as location information of the user 130. The air conditioner 100 may set the first angle range 612 centered on the direction 614 corresponding to the coordinate information of the user 130 and having a predetermined angle size.

The air conditioner 100 may use the location information of the user 130 to determine the first angle range 612 corresponding to the rotation range of a rotating airflow in the first time section of the sleep initiation mode. In addition, the air conditioner 100 may use the location information of the user 130 to determine a second angle range corresponding to the rotation range of a rotating airflow in the second time section of the wake-up mode. Similar to the method of determining the first angle range 612, the second angle range may be determined as one of the plurality of sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624, or may be determined as an angle range centered on the direction corresponding to the coordinate information of the user 130 and having a predetermined angle size. The first angle range 612 and the second angle range may be set to be equal to or different from each other. The first angle range 612 may be determined based on the location information of the user 130 in the sleep initiation mode, and the second angle range may be determined based on the location information of the user 130 in the wake-up mode.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the user 130 selects an airflow direction rotation function, the air conditioner 100 may blow a rotating airflow. When the air conditioner 100 blows a rotating airflow in the airflow direction rotation function, the air conditioner 100 may blow the airflow while rotating in the rotation angle range 630. The size of a third angle range, which is the rotation range of the airflow direction rotation function, may be an angle range larger than the first angle range 612 in the sleep initiation mode, and the second angle range in the wake-up mode.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of blowing a rotating airflow when a plurality of users are detected, according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the air conditioner 100 detects a plurality of users 130a and 130b in a target space, the air conditioner 100 may set a first angle range and a second angle range to include the locations of the plurality of users 130a and 130b, and blow the direct airflow 610 while rotating, in the first time section of the sleep initiation mode and the second time section of the wake-up mode.

Referring to FIG. 7, in operation S702, the air conditioner 100 may detect the plurality of users 130a and 130b in the target space. The air conditioner 100 may identify location information of each of the plurality of users 130a and 130b.

When the air conditioner 100 detects the plurality of users 130a and 130b, in operation S704, the air conditioner 100 sets a first angle range and a second angle range both covering the plurality of users 130a and 130b. When the air conditioner 100 detects the first user 130a and the second user 130b, the air conditioner 100 may determine a first direction 714 toward the first user 130a, and a second direction 716 toward the second user 130b. The air conditioner 100 may set a first angle range 712 including the first direction 714 and the second direction 716. The air conditioner 100 may blow the direct airflow 610 while reciprocally rotating within the first angle range 712. For example, in the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 6, there is only one user 130, and thus, the first angle range 612 may be set to 55 degrees. In the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 7, the first angle range 712 may be set to 110 degrees to cover two users 130a and 130b. For example, in FIG. 7, the first angle range 712 may be set to include sub-angle ranges 622 and 624. The air conditioner 100 may blow a direct airflow while rotating within the first angle range 712, during the first time section of the sleep initiation mode.

The air conditioner 100 may obtain location information of the first user 130a and the second user 130b again in the wake-up mode, and set a second angle range similarly to the process of setting the first angle range 712. In addition, the air conditioner 100 may blow a direct airflow while rotating within the second angle range, during the second time section in the wake-up mode.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

In FIG. 8, in order to avoid duplication of description, redundant descriptions of the air conditioner 100 provided above with reference to FIG. 2 may not be repeated here, and the description will mainly focus on differences.

The air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes the detection sensor 110, the processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) 210, the air conditioning module (e.g., including at least one heat pump) 212, the memory 214, a communication module (e.g., including communication circuitry) 802, and an input interface (e.g., including input circuitry) 804. Although FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment in which the air conditioner 100 includes both the input interface 804 and the communication module 802, an embodiment in which the air conditioner 100 includes only one of the input interface 804 and the communication module 802 is also possible.

The air conditioner 100 may receive various types of user input through the input interface 804 or the communication module 802.

The input interface 804 may include various input circuitry and receives an input from the user. The input interface 804 may include keys, a touch screen, a touch pad, a touch sensor, and the like. The input interface 804 receives a user input and delivers it to the processor 210. The input interface 804 may receive a power on/off signal, a temperature setting signal, an operation mode selection signal, a blowing intensity selection signal, a sleep scheduling signal, a scheduled operation setting signal, an airflow direction setting signal, and the like.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the input interface 804 may receive a user input for setting a sleep mode. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the input interface 804 may receive a user input for setting a sleep mode schedule. The sleep mode schedule may include, for example, at least one of a bedtime, a sleep duration, or a wake-up time.

The communication module 802 may include various communication circuitry and communicate with at least one external device in a wired or wireless manner. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 802 perform wireless communication with a remote controller. The communication module 802 may receive, from the remote controller, a power on/off signal, a temperature setting signal, an operation mode selection signal, a blowing intensity selection signal, a sleep scheduling signal, a scheduled operation setting signal, an airflow direction setting signal, and the like. The communication module 802 may transmit state information of the air conditioner 100 to the remote controller in order to synchronize state information of the remote controller and the air conditioner 100.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 802 may receive a user input for setting a sleep mode. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 802 may receive a user input for setting a sleep mode schedule.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 802 may communicate with the outdoor unit. For example, the communication module 802 may communicate with the outdoor unit using RS-485 serial communication.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 802 may communicate with a server through a network. The communication module 802 may access the network through an AP device, and communicate with the server. The communication module 802 may receive, from the server, a power on/off signal, a temperature setting signal, an operation mode selection signal, a blowing intensity selection signal, a sleep scheduling signal, a scheduled operation setting signal, an airflow direction setting signal, and the like. The communication module 802 may transmit state information of the air conditioner 100 to the server in order to synchronize state information of the server and the air conditioner 100. In addition, the communication module 802 may receive, from the server, an operation mode or setting information of the air conditioner 100, which is set using a user terminal or the like. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 802 may receive, from the server, a user input for setting a sleep mode. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 802 may receive a user input for setting a sleep mode schedule.

The communication module 802 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN communication module or a power line communication module). In addition, the communication module 802 may perform short-range communication, and may use, for example, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, WLAN (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, IrDA communication, WFD, UWB, Ant+ communication, and the like. In addition, for example, the communication module 802 may perform long-range communication, and may communicate with an external device through, for example, a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN), or the like.

In addition, for example, the communication module 802 may use mobile communication, and may transmit and receive wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server, on a mobile communication network.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 802 is connected to an AP inside a home through Wi-Fi communication. The communication module 802 may communicate with an external device through the AP.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 210 may receive sleep initiation information indicating that the user has begun to sleep, through the communication module 802. The processor 210 may receive sleep initiation information of the user from, for example, a wearable device worn by the user, a smart phone, or a sensor provided in a bed. Based on receiving the sleep initiation information, the processor 210 may initiate the sleep mode.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 210 may operate in the sleep mode based on sleep schedule information received through the communication module 802 or the input interface 804. The processor 210 may initiate the sleep mode based on a sleep initiation time included in the sleep schedule information received through the communication module 802 or the input interface 804. In addition, based on a sleep duration or a wake-up time of the sleep schedule information, the processor 210 may adjust the duration of the deep-sleep mode and determine the start time and the end time of the wake-up mode. For example, the processor 210 may set, as the wake-up mode, a time section 1 hour before an expected wake-up time, and set, as the deep-sleep mode, a time section between the sleep initiation mode and the wake-up mode. The processor 210 may store, in the memory 214, the sleep schedule information received from the communication module 802 or the input interface 804.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an air conditioner, an external device, a wearable device, and a server, according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 communicates with an external device 910 and a server 920 through the communication module 802. The air conditioner 100 may be connected to other home appliances, the external device 910, or the server 920, through a network NET.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may communicate with a wearable device 930 through the network NET. The wearable device 930 may correspond to, for example, a watch or glasses. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wearable device 930 may be connected to the external device 910 in the form of a smart phone or tablet personal computer (PC), through short-distance communication, and may communicate with the air conditioner 100 through the external device 910 and the server 920. In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wearable device 930 may be connected to the server 920 through mobile communication, and may communicate with the air conditioner 100 through the server 920.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wearable device 930 may include a motion sensor configured to detect a motion of the user. The wearable device 930 may detect a sleep state of the user, or a wake-up event in which the user wakes up, based on a motion value.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wearable device 930 may include a biometric sensor. The biometric sensor may include, for example, a heart rate sensor, a body temperature sensor, a blood pressure sensor, an oxygen saturation sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, or the like. The wearable device 930 may detect a sleep state of the user or a wake-up event using a sensor detection value of the biometric sensor.

The wearable device 930 may detect a sleep state of the user or a wake-up event using sensor detection values of the motion sensor and the biometric sensor together.

The wearable device 930 may transmit, to the server 920, information about the detected sleep state of the user or the detected wake-up event. The server 920 may transmit, to the air conditioner 100, sleep state information or wake-up event information received from the wearable device 930. The air conditioner 100 may control the sleep mode based on the sleep state information or the wake-up event information received from the wearable device 930.

An example process of receiving sleep state information from the external device 910, the wearable device 930, or the like, and controlling the sleep mode will be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 10 is a signal flow diagram illustrating an example process of receiving sleep state information from an external device, and controlling a sleep mode, according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may receive sleep initiation time information of the user from the external device 910, and initiate a sleep mode. The external device 910 may correspond to a smart phone, the wearable device 930, or a home appliance 1110.

Referring to FIG. 10, in operation S1002, the external device 910 may detect a sleep initiation time of the user.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external device 910 may correspond to the wearable device 930. The external device 910 may detect a sleep state of the user using a sensor detection value of at least one of a motion sensor or a biometric sensor. When it is determined that the user begins to sleep, the external device 910 identifies a sleep initiation time at which the user has entered a sleep state.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external device 910 may correspond to a smart phone. The external device 910 may obtain sleep state information of the user using sleep schedule information, usage information, motion information, an illuminance detection value, or the like. The external device 910 may identify the sleep initiation time of the user based on the sleep state information.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external device 910 may correspond to the home appliance 1110. The home appliance 1110 may obtain sleep state information of the user using usage information, setting information, or the like of the user. For example, the home appliance 1110 may correspond to a lighting device, and may obtain sleep state information of the user based on on/off information, operation mode information, illuminance information, or the like of the lighting device. The home appliance 1110 may identify the sleep initiation time based on the sleep state information.

In operation S1004, the external device 910 may transmit the sleep initiation time of the user to the server 920. In addition, the external device 910 may transmit the sleep state information to the server 920. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, it is also possible that the external device 910 transmits the sleep state information to the server 920, and the server 920 identifies the sleep initiation time of the user based on the sleep state information.

In operation S1006, the server 920 transmits the sleep initiation time of the user to the air conditioner 100. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the server 920 may transmit, to the air conditioner 100, at least one of the sleep initiation time or the sleep state information of the user.

When the air conditioner 100 receives the sleep initiation time, in operation S1008, the air conditioner 100 operates in the sleep mode. The air conditioner 100 may initiate the sleep initiation mode of the sleep mode from the sleep initiation time.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, in operation S1010, the external device 910 may detect a wake-up event in which the user wakes up. For example, the external device 910 may correspond to a smart phone, and may detect a wake-up event by receiving a user input for stopping a wake-up alarm. In addition, for example, the external device 910 may correspond to the wearable device 930, and the wearable device 930 may detect a wake-up event of the user using a sensor detection value of at least one of a motion sensor or a biosensor. In addition, for example, the external device 910 may correspond to the home appliance 1110, and the home appliance 1110 may detect a wake-up event of the user using usage information of the home appliance 1110, a sensor detection value, or the like. For example, the home appliance 1110 may correspond to a lighting device, and may detect a wake-up event of the user based on on/off information, operation mode information, illuminance information, or the like of the lighting device.

In operation S1012, the external device 910 transmits the wake-up event to the server 920. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external device 910 may transmit sleep state information to the server 920, and the server 920 may detect a wake-up event of the user using the sleep state information.

When the server 920 receives the wake-up event or the sleep state information from the external device 910, in operation S1014, the server 920 may transmit wake-up event information to the air conditioner 100.

When the air conditioner 100 receives the wake-up event information from the server 920, in operation S1016, the air conditioner 100 may terminate the sleep mode. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the air conditioner 100 receives the wake-up event information, the air conditioner 100 may operate in the wake-up mode for a predetermined time period, and terminate the sleep mode. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the air conditioner 100 receives the wake-up event information, the air conditioner 100 may perform the operation of the second time section. For example, when the air conditioner 100 receives the wake-up event information, the air conditioner 100 may blow a strong rotating direct airflow for 10 minutes based on the location of the user. In addition, when the air conditioner 100 receives the wake-up event information, the air conditioner 100 may set the target temperature to be 2° C. higher than the user-set temperature during the second time section. When the operation of the wake-up mode is terminated, the air conditioner 100 may terminate the sleep mode and thus operate in a normal mode. When the air conditioner 100 switches to the normal mode, the air conditioner 100 may change the target temperature to the user-set temperature, and operate with the airflow direction and the airflow intensity set by the user before the sleep mode.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in operation S1102, the air conditioner 100 may transmit sleep mode operation information to the server 920. The air conditioner 100 may transmit the sleep mode operation information to the server 920 to synchronize the operation state of the air conditioner 100 with the server 920. The server 920 may control the operation of the air conditioner 100 based on the sleep mode operation information of the air conditioner 100. In addition, the server 920 may control at least one of the external device 910, the wearable device 930, or the home appliance 1110 based on the sleep mode operation information of the air conditioner 100.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may receive sleep schedule information or wake-up alarm information from the external device 910, to control the sleep mode.

Referring to FIG. 12, in operation S1202, the external device 910 may receive sleep schedule information or wake-up alarm information from the user.

The sleep schedule information may include, for example, at least one of a bedtime, a sleep duration, or a wake-up time. For example, the user input a bedtime and a wake-up time, and the sleep schedule information may include the bedtime and the wake-up time. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sleep schedule information may be designated differently depending on the day of the week or the date. The sleep schedule information may include at least one of a day of the week, a date, a bedtime, a sleep duration, or a wake-up time.

The wake-up alarm information may include a wake-up alarm time designated by the user. For example, the user may designate the type of an alarm as a wake-up alarm, and designate the time of the alarm. The external device 910 may identify, as the wake-up alarm time, the alarm time designated by the user for the wake-up alarm. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wake-up alarm information may be designated differently depending on the day of the week or the date. The wake-up alarm information may include at least one of a day of the week, a date, or an alarm time.

In operation S1204, the external device 910 may transmit the sleep schedule information or the wake-up alarm information to the server 920.

When the server 920 receives the sleep schedule information or the wake-up alarm information, in operation S1206, the server 920 may transmit the received sleep schedule information or wake-up alarm information to the air conditioner 100.

When the air conditioner 100 receives the sleep schedule information or the wake-up alarm information, in operation S1208, the air conditioner 100 controls the sleep mode based on the received sleep schedule information or wake-up alarm information.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may determine a sleep initiation time and an expected wake-up time based on the sleep schedule information. The air conditioner 100 initiates and terminates the sleep mode based on the sleep initiation time and the expected wake-up time determined by the sleep schedule information. When the sleep schedule information is set differently depending on the day of the week or the date, the air conditioner 100 may set the sleep initiation time and the expected wake-up time differently depending on the day of the week or the date.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may determine the expected wake-up time based on the wake-up alarm information. The air conditioner 100 may initiate the wake-up mode a predetermined time period before the expected wake-up time determined based on the wake-up alarm information, perform the wake-up mode, and then terminate the sleep mode at the expected wake-up time.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example process of inputting sleep schedule information through an external device, according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the user may input a sleep schedule of the user through an application of the external device 910. The air conditioner 100 may receive, through the server 920, sleep schedule information of the user that is input through the application of the external device 910.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the application of the external device 910 provides a first graphical user interface (GUI) view 1310 for inputting a sleep schedule. The user may select a menu for inputting a sleep schedule through the first GUI view 1310.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sleep schedule may be a schedule in which the user is expected to sleep. For example, the sleep schedule is not limited to the air conditioner 100, but may correspond to a sleep schedule applied to all home appliances registered in the server 920. The air conditioner 100 may receive, from the server 920, sleep schedule information indicating that is input through the application of the external device 910, and use the sleep schedule information.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sleep schedule may be a sleep schedule for the air conditioner 100. The user may individually input, for each home appliance, a sleep mode schedule in which the home appliance is to operate in the sleep mode.

When a sleep schedule input menu is selected, the external device 910 provides a menu for selecting a sleep schedule in a second GUI view 1320. The external device 910 may receive an input of a start time, an end time, a day of the week, or a date of the sleep schedule, through the second GUI view 1320. The start time may correspond to a bedtime, and the end time may correspond to a wake-up time. The sleep schedule may be defined by designating a day of the week or weekdays/weekends. In addition, the sleep schedule may include designating a date. In addition, the sleep schedule may be repeatedly set in a certain pattern. In addition, the sleep mode schedule may be temporarily set for a particular date.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sleep schedule may include designating a room or an area inside the home. When the sleep schedule includes designating a room or an area inside the home, the air conditioner 100 may obtain the sleep schedule for a room or an area in which the air conditioner 100 is installed.

When the user completely inputs the sleep schedule, sleep schedule information 1330 is generated and transmitted to the server 920. The server 920 may transmit the sleep schedule information 1330 to the air conditioner 100.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 100 determines the sleep initiation time and the expected wake-up time based on the sleep schedule information received from the server 920. When the sleep schedule is input according to a day of the week or a date, the air conditioner 100 determines the sleep initiation time and the expected wake-up time according to the day of the week or the date based on the sleep schedule information. The air conditioner 100 controls the sleep mode based on the determined sleep initiation time and the expected wake-up time.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sleep schedule information indicating that is input through the external device 910 is stored for a user account with which the external device 910 is logged in. The sleep schedule information may be used by the air conditioner 100 or other home appliances registered to the corresponding user account. For example, a refrigerator registered to the user account may operate in the sleep mode using using registered sleep schedule information.

A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the ‘non-transitory storage medium’ refers to a tangible device and may not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), and the term ‘non-transitory storage medium’ does not distinguish between a case where data is stored in a storage medium semi-permanently and a case where data is stored temporarily. For example, the ‘non-transitory storage medium’ may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, methods according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be included in a computer program product and then provided. The computer program product may be traded as commodities between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc ROM (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In a case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium such as a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a memory of a relay server.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes: a detection sensor, an air conditioning module including at least one heat pump, a memory storing at least one instruction, and at least one processor comprising processing circuitry. At least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to execute the at least one instruction and to cause the air conditioner to: identify a location of a user in a target space using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor, enter a sleep mode including a sleep initiation mode, a deep-sleep mode, and a wake-up mode, in the sleep initiation mode, control the air conditioning module to blow a direct airflow to the user based on the location of the user during a first time section, in the deep-sleep mode, control the air conditioning module to blow an indirect airflow to the user based on the location of the user, and in the wake-up mode, control the air conditioning module to blow a direct airflow to the user based on the location of the user during a second time section.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to: in the deep-sleep mode, based on a distance between the air conditioner and the user being less than or equal to a first reference distance, control the air conditioning module to blow an upward airflow, and based on the distance between the air conditioner and the user being greater than the first reference distance, control the air conditioning module to operate air conditioning in a wind-free mode.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, at least one processor may, individually and/or collectively, be configured to: in the first time section of the sleep initiation mode and the second time section of the wake-up mode, control the air conditioning module to perform an airflow direction rotation operation while blowing a strong airflow.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, may be configured to: in the first time section of the sleep initiation mode, control the air conditioning module to perform an airflow direction rotation operation within a first angle range including the identified location of the user, in the second time section of the wake-up mode, control the air conditioning module to perform the airflow direction rotation operation within a second angle range including the identified location of the user, and based on the airflow direction rotation operation being selected by the user, control the air conditioning module to perform the airflow direction rotation operation within a third angle range, wherein each of first angle range and the second angle range may be an angle range smaller than the third angle range.

According to an example embodiment, at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, may be configured to: determine the first angle range and the second angle range as one of a plurality of sub-angle ranges that are specified for the airflow direction rotation operation, based on the identified location of the user.

According to an example embodiment, at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, may be configured to: based on detecting two or more users in the target space based on the sensor detection value of the detection sensor, determine the first angle range and the second angle range to include locations of the two or more users.

According to an example embodiment, first time section may include a time section starting from a sleep initiation time, the second time section may include a time section that starts before an expected wake-up time and ends at the expected wake-up time, and each of the first time section and the second time section may be determined within a range between 3 minutes and 20 minutes.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, may be configured to: in the sleep initiation mode, set a target temperature of the air conditioning module to be lower than a user-set temperature, in the deep-sleep mode, set the target temperature of the air conditioning module to periodically increase and decrease within a temperature range between the user-set temperature and a temperature higher than the user-set temperature, and in the wake-up mode, set the target temperature of the air conditioning module to be higher than the user-set temperature.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner may further include a communication module comprising communication circuitry, and at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, may be configured to: receive, from an external device through the communication module, sleep initiation information indicating that the user in the target space has begun to sleep, and start the sleep mode based on the sleep initiation information.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, may be configured to: start the sleep mode from a bedtime set by the user.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, may be configured to: receive a user input for setting a sleep duration, and calculate an expected wake-up time based on the sleep initiation time when the user begins to sleep, and the sleep duration set by the user, and the wake-up mode may be a specified time section before the expected wake-up time.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner may further include a communication module comprising communication circuitry, and at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, may be configured to: obtain, from the external device through the communication module, wake-up alarm time information indicating that is set by the user, set the expected wake-up time using the wake-up alarm time information, and operate in the wake-up mode during a specified time section before the expected wake-up time.

In addition, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a method of controlling an air conditioner is provided. The method of controlling an air conditioner includes: identifying a location of a user in a target space using a sensor detection value of a detection sensor, entering a sleep mode including a sleep initiation mode, a deep-sleep mode, and a wake-up mode, in the sleep initiation mode, controlling an air conditioning module to blow a direct airflow to the user based on the location of the user during a first time section, in the deep-sleep mode, controlling the air conditioning module to blow an indirect airflow to the user based on the location of the user, and in the wake-up mode, controlling the air conditioning module to blow a direct airflow to the user based on the location of the user during a second time section.

In addition, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the method of controlling an air conditioner may further include: in the deep-sleep mode, based on a distance between the air conditioner and the user being less than or equal to a first reference distance, controlling the air conditioning module to blow an upward airflow, and based on the distance between the air conditioner and the user being greater than the first reference distance, controlling the air conditioning module to operate air conditioning in a wind-free mode.

In addition, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the method of controlling an air conditioner may further include: in the first time section of the sleep initiation mode and the second time section of the wake-up mode, controlling the air conditioning module to perform an airflow direction rotation operation while blowing a strong airflow.

In addition, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the method of controlling an air conditioner may further include: in the sleep initiation mode, controlling the air conditioning module to perform an airflow direction rotation operation within a first angle range including the identified location of the user, in the wake-up mode, controlling the air conditioning module to perform the airflow direction rotation operation within a second angle range including the identified location of the user, and based on the airflow direction rotation operation being selected by the user, controlling the air conditioning module to perform the airflow direction rotation operation within a third angle range, and each of the first angle range and the second angle range may be an angle range smaller than the third angle range.

In addition, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the method of controlling an air conditioner may further include determining the first angle range and the second angle range as one of a plurality of sub-angle ranges that are specified for the airflow direction rotation operation, based on the identified location of the user.

In addition, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the method of controlling an air conditioner may further include: based on detecting two or more users in the target space based on the sensor detection value of the detection sensor, determining the first angle range and the second angle range to include locations of the two or more users.

In addition, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the first time section may be a time section starting from a sleep initiation time, the second time section may be a time section that starts before an expected wake-up time and ends at the expected wake-up time, and each of the first time section and the second time section may be determined within a range between 3 minutes and 20 minutes.

In addition, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, provided is a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program which, when executed by a computer causes an air conditioner to perform the method of controlling an air conditioner.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/KR2024/015216	Oct 2024	WO
Child	18927039		US

AIR CONDITIONER FOR PROVIDING SLEEP MODE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE AIR CONDITIONER

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Continuations (1)