AIR CONDITIONER AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

An example air conditioner may include a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant; an indoor heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air; a temperature sensor configured to measure an indoor temperature and an indoor heat exchanger temperature; an input device configured to receive a target temperature and target humidity from a user; and at least one processor configured to determine an adjustment value of an operating frequency of the compressor based on a temperature difference between the target temperature and the indoor temperature, and change the determined adjustment value of the operating frequency based on the target humidity and the indoor heat exchanger temperature.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to an air conditioner that may manage indoor humidity, and a control method thereof.

Description of Related Art

An air conditioner is a device that conditions air in an indoor space using a transfer of heat generated during evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant to cool or heat air, and discharging the cooled or heated air. An air conditioner may cool or heat air by circulating refrigerant through a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger during cooling or heating operations.

In general, air conditioners may only set a target temperature, and do not have a function to control indoor humidity. Air conditioners control a compressor during cooling operation to ensure that an indoor temperature reaches a set target temperature.

However, air conditioners affect a temperature of an indoor heat exchanger due to excessive deceleration of a compressor when reaching the target temperature, causing an indoor space to become humid.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, an air conditioner and a control method thereof may be provided that may set target humidity by a user input and prevent an increase in indoor humidity.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an air conditioner may include a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant; an indoor heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air; a temperature sensor configured to measure an indoor temperature and an indoor heat exchanger temperature; an input device configured to receive a target temperature and target humidity from a user; and at least one processor configured to determine an adjustment value of an operating frequency of the compressor based on a temperature difference between the target temperature and the indoor temperature, and change the determined adjustment value of the operating frequency based on the target humidity and the indoor heat exchanger temperature.

In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to change the adjustment value, in response to a difference between the indoor heat exchanger temperature and a dew point temperature being greater than a specified weight.

In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to obtain the dew point temperature based on the target temperature and the target humidity.

In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to change the adjustment value to allow the indoor heat exchanger temperature to be maintained below the dew point temperature.

In an embodiment, the air conditioner may further include a humidity sensor configured to measure indoor humidity, and the controller may be configured to change the adjustment value in response to the indoor humidity obtained from the humidity sensor being equal to or greater than the target humidity.

In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to maintain the operating frequency of the compressor by changing the adjustment value of the operating frequency to 0.

In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to determine a magnitude of the changed adjustment value based on the target humidity.

In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to determine the temperature difference and an adjustment value of the operating frequency corresponding to a change value of the temperature difference with reference to a pre-stored fuzzy table.

In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to change the adjustment value of the operating frequency before the indoor temperature reaches the target temperature.

In an embodiment, the controller may be configured to change the adjustment value, from a time that the temperature difference is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature difference.

In an embodiment, a control method of an air conditioner, which includes a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air, a temperature sensor configured to measure an indoor temperature and an indoor heat exchanger temperature, and an inputter configured to receive a target temperature and target humidity from a user, may include determining an adjustment value of an operating frequency of the compressor based on a temperature difference between the target temperature and the indoor temperature; and changing the determined adjustment value of the operating frequency based on the target humidity and the indoor heat exchanger temperature.

In an embodiment, the changing of the adjustment value of the operating frequency may include changing the adjustment value, in response to a difference between the indoor heat exchanger temperature and a dew point temperature being greater than a predetermined weight.

In an embodiment, the control method of the air conditioner may include obtaining the dew point temperature based on the target temperature and the target humidity.

In an embodiment, the changing of the adjustment value of the operating frequency may include changing the adjustment value to allow the indoor heat exchanger temperature to be maintained below the dew point temperature.

In an embodiment, the air conditioner may include a humidity sensor configured to measure indoor humidity, and the changing of the adjustment value of the operating frequency may include changing the adjustment value, in response to the indoor humidity obtained from the humidity sensor being equal to or greater than the target humidity.

In an embodiment, the changing of the adjustment value of the operating frequency may include maintaining the operating frequency of the compressor by changing the adjustment value of the operating frequency to 0.

In an embodiment, the changing of the adjustment value of the operating frequency may include determining a magnitude of the changed adjustment value based on the target humidity.

In an embodiment, the changing of the adjustment value of the operating frequency may include determining the temperature difference and an adjustment value of the operating frequency corresponding to a change value of the temperature difference with reference to a pre-stored fuzzy table.

In an embodiment, the changing of the adjustment value of the operating frequency may include changing the adjustment value of the operating frequency before the indoor temperature reaches the target temperature.

In an embodiment, the changing of the adjustment value of the operating frequency may include changing the adjustment value, from a time that the temperature difference is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature difference.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an air conditioner may, for example, provide pleasant air by controlling indoor humidity by adjusting an indoor temperature without a separate dehumidification device. For example, various embodiments of the disclosure may set target humidity and, in response to the input target humidity, may appropriately control an operating frequency of a compressor during fuzzy control, thereby providing pleasant air in accordance with the target humidity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Like reference numerals throughout the disclosure denote like elements. Also, this disclosure may not describe all elements according to various embodiments of the disclosure, and descriptions well-known in the art to which the disclosure pertains or overlapped portions may be omitted for brevity and clarity. Terms such as “˜portion”, “˜block”, “˜member”, “˜module”, and the like may be implemented in hardware or software or any combination thereof. According to various embodiments, a plurality of “˜portions”, “˜blocks”, “˜members”, or “˜modules” may be embodied as a single element, or a single “˜portion”, “˜block”, “˜member”, or “˜module” may include a plurality of elements.

Throughout the disclosure, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” to another element, it may be directly or indirectly connected to the other element, wherein the indirect connection includes, for example, “connection” via a wireless communication network.

It will be further understood that the term “include” when used in this disclosure, specifies the presence of stated elements, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements.

It will also be understood that when one component is referred to as being “on” another component, it may be directly on the other component or another component may also be present (e.g., between the components).

Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used to describe different components, the terms do not limit the corresponding components, but are used simply for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of the items unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

Reference numerals used for method steps are simply used for convenience of explanation, but not to limit an order of the steps. Thus, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the written order may be practiced otherwise.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure are described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is an exterior view of an example air conditioner according to various embodiments.FIG.2illustrates a flow of a refrigerant during a heating operation or a cooling operation of an example air conditioner according to various embodiments.FIG.3is an exploded view of an example air conditioner according to various embodiments.FIG.4is a cross-sectional view of an example air conditioner according to various embodiments, illustrating air flow through a first flow path.FIG.5is a cross-sectional view of an example air conditioner according to various embodiments, illustrating air flow through a second flow path.

Referring toFIG.1, an air conditioner1includes an outdoor unit1alocated in an outdoor space to perform heat exchange between outdoor air and a refrigerant, and an indoor unit1blocated in an indoor space to perform heat exchange between indoor air and refrigerant. The outdoor unit1amay be located outside an air conditioning space, and the indoor unit1bmay be located in the air conditioning space. The air conditioning space represents a space cooled or heated by the air conditioner1. For example, the outdoor unit1amay be placed outside a building, and the indoor unit1bmay be placed in a space separated from the outside by a wall, such as a living room or office.

Referring toFIG.2, the air conditioner1includes a refrigerant flow path for circulating a refrigerant between the indoor unit1band the outdoor unit1a. The refrigerant circulates through the indoor unit1band the outdoor unit1aalong the refrigerant flow path, and may absorb or release heat through a state change (e.g., a state change from gas to liquid, or a state change from liquid to gas). The air conditioner1includes a liquid pipe P1connecting the outdoor unit1aand the indoor unit2band serving as a passage through which liquid refrigerant flows, and a gas pipe P2through which gaseous refrigerant flows. The liquid pipe P1and the gas pipe P2extend inside the outdoor unit1aand the indoor unit1b.

The outdoor unit1aincludes a compressor170compressing the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger32performing heat exchange between outdoor air and the refrigerant, a four-way valve180guiding the refrigerant compressed by the compressor170to the outdoor heat exchanger32or an indoor heat exchanger30based on cooling operation or heating operation, an expansion valve190decompressing the refrigerant, and an accumulator175preventing unevaporated liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor170.

The compressor170may operate by receiving electric energy from an external power source. The compressor170includes a compressor motor (not shown) and compresses low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to a high pressure gaseous refrigerant using a rotational force of the compressor motor.

The four-way valve180guides the refrigerant compressed by the compressor170to the outdoor heat exchanger32during a cooling operation, and guides the refrigerant compressed by the compressor170to the indoor unit1bduring a heating operation.

The outdoor heat exchanger32condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor170during cooling operation, and evaporates the refrigerant decompressed in the indoor unit1bduring heating operation. The outdoor heat exchanger32may include an outdoor heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (not shown) through which the refrigerant passes, and an outdoor heat exchanger cooling fin (not shown) to increase a surface area in contact with outdoor air. An increase in the contact surface area between the outdoor heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (not shown) and outdoor air may improve a heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and outdoor air.

An outdoor blower fan162is located around the outdoor heat exchanger32to flow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger32. The outdoor blower fan164may blow outdoor air before heat exchange to the outdoor heat exchanger32and simultaneously blow the heat-exchanged air outdoors.

In addition to decompressing the refrigerant, the expansion valve190may adjust the amount of refrigerant provided to the outdoor heat exchanger32to ensure sufficient heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger32. Specifically, the expansion valve190may decompress the refrigerant using a throttling effect of the refrigerant in which a pressure decreases without heat exchange with the outside as the refrigerant passes through a narrow flow path. An electronic expansion valve (EEV) with adjustable opening may be used to control the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion valve190.

The indoor unit1bmay include the indoor heat exchanger30and a blower fan assembly160. The indoor heat exchanger30performs heat exchange between indoor air and refrigerant. The blower fan assembly160may flow indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger30. The blower fan assembly160may include a plurality of indoor blower fans161,162, and163.

The indoor heat exchanger30evaporates low-pressure liquid refrigerant during a cooling operation, and condenses high-pressure gaseous refrigerant during a heating operation. Like the outdoor heat exchanger32of the outdoor unit1a, the indoor heat exchanger30includes an indoor heat exchanger refrigerant pipe (not shown) through which the refrigerant passes and an indoor heat exchanger cooling fin (not shown) to improve a heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and indoor air.

The blower fan assembly160may be located around the indoor heat exchanger30to blow indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger30. The indoor heat exchanger30may perform heat exchange with indoor air. The blower fan assembly160may blow indoor air before heat exchange to the indoor heat exchanger30and simultaneously blow the heat-exchanged air indoors.

During a cooling operation, the refrigerant may release heat from the outdoor heat exchanger32and absorb heat from the indoor heat exchanger30. That is, during a cooling operation, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor170may be first supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger32through the four-way valve180and then to the indoor heat exchanger30. In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger32may operate as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, and the indoor heat exchanger30may operate as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant.

During a cooling operation, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor170moves to the outdoor heat exchanger32, and the liquid or near-liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger32is expanded and decompressed in the expansion valve190. Two-phase refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve190moves to the indoor heat exchanger30. The refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger30exchanges heat with air and evaporates. Accordingly, a temperature of the heat-exchanged air decreases and cold air is discharged to the outside of the indoor unit1b.

During a heating operation, the refrigerant may release heat from the indoor heat exchanger30and absorb heat from the outdoor heat exchanger32. That is, during a heating operation, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor170may be first supplied to the indoor heat exchanger30through the four-way valve180and then to the outdoor heat exchanger32. In this case, the indoor heat exchanger30may operate as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, and the outdoor heat exchanger32may operate as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant.

During a heating operation, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor170moves to the indoor heat exchanger30, and the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger30exchanges heat with low-temperature and dry air. The refrigerant is condensed into a liquid or near-liquid refrigerant and releases heat, and as the air absorbs the heat, warm air is discharged to the outside of the indoor unit1b.

Hereinafter, a configuration of the indoor unit1bis described in detail.

Referring toFIG.1andFIG.3, the indoor unit1bmay include a housing10forming an exterior, the blower fan assembly160circulating air inside or outside the housing10, and the indoor heat exchanger30exchanging heat with the air flowing into the housing10. The housing10may be referred to as an ‘indoor unit housing.’

The housing10may include a body case11on which the blower fan assembly160and the heat exchanger30are mounted, and a front panel40covering a front of the body case11. In addition, the housing10may include a first inlet12, a second inlet15, a main outlet17, and guide outlets13and14.

The body case11may form a rear surface, a left surface, a right surface, an upper surface, and a lower surface of the indoor unit1b. The front of the body case11may be open, and the open front may form a body case opening11a. The body case opening11amay be covered by a first frame16, a second frame53, a support frame17a, and the front panel40.

The front panel40may be coupled to the housing10by the first frame16. The front panel40may include a discharge area41including a plurality of holes42and a blocking area43in which the plurality of holes42are not formed. The plurality of holes42may penetrate the front panel40. The plurality of holes42may be uniformly distributed over an entire area of the front panel40. Heat-exchanged air passing through the main outlet17may be discharged to the outside of the housing10through the plurality of holes42. A moving speed of the heat-exchanged air discharged through the plurality of holes42may be relatively slower than a moving speed of the air discharged through the guide outlets13and14. Because no hole is included in the blocking area43, air cannot pass through the blocking area43.

The first frame16may be coupled to the front of the body case11, i.e., the body case opening11a. The second frame53may be coupled to a front of the first frame16. The support frame17amay be disposed between the first frame16and the second frame53and may support the first frame16and the second frame53. The first frame16and the front panel40may be separable from the body case11.

The first frame16may include the main outlet17. The main outlet17may be disposed in the front of the housing10. The main outlet17may penetrate the first frame16. The main outlet17may be formed in an upper portion of the first frame16. The main outlet17may be disposed to face the first inlet12. The air heat-exchanged in the housing10may be discharged to the outside of the housing10through the main outlet17. The main outlet17may discharge air introduced through the first inlet12.

The support frame17asupporting the front panel40may be coupled to a portion of the first frame16where the main outlet17is formed. The support frame17amay extend along a circumference of the main outlet17. The support frame17amay support a rear surface of the front panel40.

The first inlet12formed in the body case11may penetrate a rear surface of the body case11. The first inlet12may be formed in an upper portion of the rear surface of the body case11. External air may flow into the housing10through the first inlet12.

At least one first inlet12may be provided, and a plurality of first inlets12may be provided depending on the design. A shape of the first inlet12may be rectangular. The inlet12may be provided in various shapes depending on the design.

The second inlet15may penetrate the rear surface of the body case11and may be formed in a lower portion of the rear surface of the body case11. The second inlet15may be formed below the first inlet12. External air may flow into the housing10through the second inlet15. The number and shape of the second inlets15may vary by design.

The first frame16may form the guide outlets13and14together with the front panel40. The guide outlets13and14may be formed on the same side as the main outlet17. The guide outlets13and14may be disposed adjacent to the main outlet17. The guide outlets13and14may be arranged to be spaced apart from the main outlet17by a predetermined distance. The guide outlets13and14may be formed on the left and/or right sides of the main outlet17. The guide outlets13and14may include the first guide outlet13disposed on the left side of the main outlet17and the second guide outlet14disposed on the right side of the main outlet17.

The guide outlets13and14may extend along a vertical direction of the body case11. The guide outlets13and14may have the same length as the main outlet17. Air that is not heat-exchanged in the housing10may be discharged to the outside of the housing10through the guide outlets13and14. The guide outlets13and14may discharge air introduced through the second inlet15.

Referring toFIG.4andFIG.5, the guide outlets13and14may be configured to mix the air discharged from the guide outlets13and14with the air discharged from the main outlet17. Specifically, a portion of the first frame16forming the guide outlets13and14may be provided with guide curved portions13aand14afor guiding the air discharged from the guide outlets13and14in order to mix the air discharged from the guide outlets13and14with the air discharged from the main outlet17.

The air discharged through the guide outlets13and14may be discharged along the guide curved portions13aand14ain a direction where the air discharged through the guide outlets13and14may be mixed with the air discharged from the main outlet17. The guide curved portions13aand14amay guide the air discharged through the guide outlets13and14to be discharged in approximately the same direction as the air discharged through the main outlet17. The guide curved portions13aand14amay be configured to guide the air discharged through the guide outlets13and14forward.

Blades61and62may be provided on the guide outlets13and14to guide the air discharged through the guide outlets13and14. The blades61and62may be continuously arranged along a longitudinal direction of the guide outlets13and14. The first blade61may be disposed in the first guide outlet13, and the second blade62may be disposed in the second guide outlet14.

An air flow path connecting the first inlet12and the main outlet17is referred to as a first flow path S1, an air flow path connecting the second inlet15and the first guide outlet13is referred to as a second flow path S2, and an air flow path connecting the second inlet15and the second guide outlet14is referred to as a third flow path S3. The first flow path S1may be separated from the second flow path S2and the third flow path S3. The air flowing along the first flow path S1inside the indoor unit1bmay not mix with the air flowing along the second flow path S2and the third flow path S3inside the indoor unit1b. A portion of the second flow path S2and the third flow path S3may overlap. In the second flow path S2and the third flow path S3, a portion from the second inlet15to a circular fan165may be common.

Referring again toFIG.3, a first duct18may be disposed in the housing10to partition the first flow path S1and the second flow path S2. The first duct18may be disposed on a left side of the blower fan assembly160. The first duct18may extend along a vertical direction. The first duct18may communicate with the circular fan165. The first duct18may communicate with a fan outlet165aof the circular fan165. The first duct18may guide a portion of the air flowing by the circular fan165to the first guide outlet13. The first duct18may be provided with a first duct filter (not shown) to filter foreign substances in the air flowing in from the circular fan165.

A second duct19may be disposed in the housing10to partition the first flow path S1and the third flow path S3. The second duct19may be disposed on a right side of the blower fan assembly160. The second duct19may extend along the vertical direction. The second duct19may communicate with the circular fan165. The second duct19may communicate with the fan outlet165aof the circular fan165. The second duct19may guide a portion of the air flowing by the circular fan165to the second guide outlet14. The second duct19may be provided with a second duct filter19ato filter foreign substances in the air flowing in from the circular fan165.

Air that has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger30may be discharged through the main outlet17, and air that has not passed through the heat exchanger30may be discharged through the guide outlets13and14. That is, the guide outlets13and14may be provided to discharge the air that has not been heat exchanged. Because the indoor heat exchanger30is disposed on the first flow path S1, the air discharged through the main outlet17may be heat-exchanged air. Because the indoor heat exchanger30is not disposed on the second flow path S2and the third flow path S3, the air discharged through the guide outlets13and14may be air that has not been heat exchanged.

In an embodiment, a heat exchanger (not shown) may be disposed on the second flow path S2and the third flow path S3. For example, a heat exchanger (not shown) may be provided in a receiving space11bof the body case11. In a case where a heat exchanger (not shown) is disposed on the second flow path S2and the third flow path S3as well, heat-exchanged air may be discharged through the guide outlets13and14.

Electronic components (not shown) may be disposed in the receiving space11bof the body case11. For example, a control circuit and/or a drive circuit required for driving the air conditioner1may be disposed. In addition, the circular fan165may be disposed in the receiving space11b.

The circular fan165may be driven independently from the blower fan assembly160. A rotational speed of the circular fan165may be different from a rotational speed of each of the plurality of blower fans161,162, and163included in the blower fan assembly160.

The blower fan assembly160may be disposed on the first flow path S1from the first inlet12to the main outlet17. Operation of the blower fan assembly160may allow air to flow into the housing10through the first inlet12. The air introduced through the first inlet12may move along the first flow path S1and be discharged to the outside of the housing10through the main outlet17.

The blower fan assembly160may include at least one blower fan. For example, the blower fan assembly160may include the first blower fan161, the second blower fan162, and the third blower fan163. InFIG.3, the three blower fans161,162, and163are shown, but the blower fan assembly160may include two blower fans, or may include various numbers of blower fans depending on the design.

The first blower fan161, the second blower fan162, and the third blower fan163may be arranged in the vertical direction of the indoor unit housing10. In the blower fan assembly160, the first blower fan161may be arranged at the bottom, the third blower fan163may be arranged at the top, and the second blower fan162may be disposed between the first blower fan161and the third blower fan163. The first blower fan161, the second blower fan162, and the third blower fan163may have the same structure.

The blower fans161,162, and163may each include an axial flow fan or a mixed flow fan. In addition, the blower fans161,162, and163may be configured in various shapes and/or various types of fans that may discharge air introduced from the outside of the housing10back to the outside of the housing10. For example, the blower fans161,162, and163may be cross fans, turbo fans, or sirocco fans.

The circular fan165may be disposed on the second flow path S2and the third flow path S3from the second inlet15to the guide outlets13and14. Air may be introduced into the housing10through the second inlet15by the circular fan165. A portion of the air introduced through the second inlet15may move along the second flow path S2and may be discharged to the outside of the housing10through the first guide outlet13, or may move along the third flow path S3and may be discharged to the outside of the housing10through the second guide outlet14.

The indoor heat exchanger30may be disposed between the blower fan assembly160and the first inlet12. The indoor heat exchanger30may be disposed on the first flow path S1. The indoor heat exchanger30may absorb heat from air introduced through the first inlet12, or may transfer heat to the air introduced through the first inlet12. The indoor heat exchanger30may include a tube and a header coupled to the tube. However, the type of indoor heat exchanger30is not limited thereto.

The indoor unit1bmay include a first intake grille51coupled to a portion of the body case11where the first inlet12is formed. The first intake grille51may prevent foreign substances from entering through the first inlet12. To this end, the first intake grille51may include a plurality of slits or holes. The first intake grille51may cover the first inlet12.

The indoor unit1bmay include a second intake grille52coupled to a portion of the body case11where the second inlet15is formed. The second intake grille52may prevent foreign substances from entering through the second inlet15. To this end, the second intake grille52may include a plurality of slits or holes. The second intake grille52may cover the second inlet15.

The indoor unit1bmay include the second frame53coupled to a portion of the first frame16. The second frame53may be mounted on the support frame17a. The second frame53may prevent foreign substances from being discharged through the main outlet17. To this end, the second frame53may include a plurality of slits or holes. The second frame53may cover the main outlet17.

The indoor unit1bmay include a distribution device55. The distribution device55may be disposed in the housing10. For example, the distribution device55may be disposed in the receiving space11bof the body case11. The distribution device55may be disposed adjacent to the fan outlet165aof the circular fan165. The distribution device55may be disposed in a portion where air introduced through the second inlet15branches toward the first guide outlet13and the second guide outlet14. The distribution device55may be arranged between the first inlet12and the second inlet15. The distribution device55may be configured to distribute air blown by the circular fan165to the first duct18and the second duct19. The distribution device55may be configured to adjust a flow rate of air discharged through the first guide outlet13and the second guide outlet14.

Referring again toFIG.4, the air conditioner1may be operated in a first mode for discharging heat-exchanged air through the main outlet17. In the first mode, external air may be introduced into the housing10through the first inlet12by an operation of the blower fan assembly160, and the introduced air passes through the heat exchanger30to exchange heat. The heat-exchanged air may be discharged to the outside of the housing10through the main outlet17. A wind speed of the heat-exchanged air may be reduced as the heat-exchanged air passes through the plurality of holes42of the front panel40. The above configuration may allow an indoor space to be cooled or heated at a wind speed that is comfortable for a user. The circular fan165does not operate in the first mode, and thus air is not discharged through the guide outlets13and14.

Referring again toFIG.5, the air conditioner1may be operated in a second mode for discharging air that has not been heat exchanged through the guide outlets13and14. Because no heat exchanger is disposed on the second flow path S2and the third flow path S3, the indoor unit1bmay circulate indoor air. Because the guide outlets13and14are provided with the guide curved portions13aand14a, air discharged through the guide outlets13and14may be discharged toward the front of the indoor unit1b. The blades61and62are provided on the guide outlets13and14, and thus air may be blown further forward.

As the circular fan165is driven, air outside the housing10may flow into the housing10through the second inlet15. The air introduced into the housing10may pass through the circular fan165and then move to the second flow path S2and the third flow path S3formed on both sides of the first flow path S1, respectively. The air may move upward on the second flow path S2and the third flow path S3, and then be discharged to the outside of the housing10through the guide outlets13and14. In this instance, the air may be guided to the front of the air conditioner1along the guide curved portions13aand14a.

The blower fan assembly160is not driven in the second mode, and thus air is not discharged through the main outlet17. That is, the air conditioner1blows air that has not been heat exchanged in the second mode, and thus the air conditioner1may simply perform a function of circulating indoor air.

In addition, the air conditioner1may be operated in a third mode for discharging heat-exchanged air through the main outlet17and discharging air that has not been heat exchanged through the guide outlets13and14. The air conditioner1may move cold or warm air farther in the third mode than in the first mode.

While the air conditioner1is driven in the third mode, the cold or warm air discharged through the main outlet17and the air discharged through the guide outlets13and14may be mixed. In addition, the air discharged through the guide outlets13and14may move at a relatively faster speed than the heat-exchanged air discharged through the main outlet17. The air discharged through the guide outlets13and14may move the heat-exchanged air discharged through the main outlet17further. According to such a configuration, the air conditioner1may provide a user with comfortable cold or warm air in which the heat-exchanged air and indoor air are mixed.

FIG.6is a control block diagram of an example air conditioner according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.6, the air conditioner1may include an input device(s) (or inputter)110(including, e.g., input circuitry), communication circuitry120, a temperature sensor130, a humidity sensor140, a controller150, the blower fan assembly160, the circular fan165, the compressor170, the four-way valve180, and the expansion valve190.

The input device110, the communication circuitry120, the temperature sensor130, a memory152, the controller150, and the blower fan assembly160may be arranged in the indoor unit (1b). In addition, the indoor unit (1b) may include the circular fan165. The compressor170, the four-way valve180, and the expansion valve190may be included in the outdoor unit1a. The controller150may be electrically connected to the components of the air conditioner1and may control an operation of each component. The outdoor unit1amay also include a processor.

Some of the components (e.g., circular fan) of the air conditioner1shown inFIG.6may be omitted. In addition, components other than those shown inFIG.6may be added to the air conditioner1. It will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the mutual positions of the components may be modified according to the performance or structure of the system.

The input device110may include input circuitry and obtain user input related to an operation of the air conditioner1from a user. In addition, the input device110may transmit an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to the user input to the controller150. The controller150may control the operation of the air conditioner1based on the electrical signal transmitted from the inputter110.

The input device110may, for example, include a plurality of buttons provided on the housing10of the indoor unit1b. For example, the input device110may include an operation mode button for selecting a cooling operation or heating operation, a temperature button for setting a target temperature of an indoor space (air conditioning space), a wind direction button for setting a wind direction, and/or an air volume button for setting a wind intensity (rotation speed of fan).

In addition, according to an embodiment, the input device110may include a humidity button for setting target humidity of the indoor space. The input device110receives the target humidity input from the user and transmits a signal for controlling the compressor170to the controller170based on the target humidity. The input device110receives a target temperature and target humidity from the user and transmits a signal for controlling the compressor170to the controller170based on the target temperature and target humidity.

The plurality of buttons may include a push switch operated by a user pressing the push switch, a membrane switch, and/or a touch switch operated by touching a part of the user's body.

The input device110may include a remote controller provided separately from the air conditioner1and a receiver receiving a wireless signal from the remote controller. The remote controller may also include a plurality of buttons such as an operation mode button, a temperature button, a humidity button, a wind direction button, and an air volume button.

The communication circuitry120may communicate with an access point (AP, not shown) provided separately in the air conditioning space, and may be connected to a network through the access point. The communication circuitry120may communicate with a user terminal device (e.g., a smartphone) through the access point. The communication circuitry120may receive information about the user terminal device connected to the access point, and may transmit the information about the user terminal device to the controller150. In addition, the communication circuitry120may receive location information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) signal) of the user terminal device from the user terminal device, and may transmit the received location information to the controller150. To this end, the communication circuitry120may include a known wired communication module or wireless communication module.

At least one temperature sensor130may be provided at various positions of the air conditioner1. For example, the temperature sensor130may be provided on the front panel40of the indoor unit housing10and may measure a temperature of heat-exchanged air discharged through the front panel40. Also, the temperature sensor130may be disposed in a portion of the indoor heat exchanger30(e.g., front surface of the indoor heat exchanger30), and may measure a temperature of air heat-exchanged while passing through the indoor heat exchanger30. In addition, the temperature sensor130may detect a condensation temperature of refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger30during a heating operation. In a case where a plurality of temperature sensors130are provided, an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to each measured temperature may be transmitted to the controller150.

In addition to the above, the temperature sensor130may be disposed at a position to measure a temperature of the indoor space where the indoor unit1bis placed and a position to measure a temperature of the air flowing into the first inlet12and the second inlet15. The temperature sensor130may include, for example, a thermistor whose electrical resistance value changes depending on temperature.

The humidity sensor140may detect indoor humidity (outside of the air conditioner) and transmit an electrical signal (voltage or current) indicating the detected humidity to the controller150. For example, the humidity sensor140may include a material whose electrical resistance value or capacitance changes depending on humidity.

The humidity sensor140may detect humidity of indoor air that has not passed through the indoor heat exchanger30. The humidity sensor140may be located upstream of the indoor heat exchanger30in an air flow caused by the blower fan assembly160.

In addition, the humidity sensor140may detect humidity of the inside of the air conditioner1(inside the housing) and transmit an electrical signal (voltage or current) indicating the detected humidity to the controller150. The humidity sensor140may be provided at various positions of the air conditioner1according to the above-described purpose. Meanwhile, the temperature sensor130and the humidity sensor140may be integrated and provided at various positions of the air conditioner1.

The controller150may include the memory152that registers and/or stores programs, instructions, and data for controlling an operation of the air conditioner1, and a processor151that generates a control signal for controlling an operation of the air conditioner1based on the programs, instructions, and data retained and/or stored in the memory152. The controller150may be implemented as a control circuit with the processor151and the memory152mounted thereon. In addition, the controller150may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories. The processor151may include various processing circuitry (e.g., logic circuits and arithmetic circuits) 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 memory152may register/store various information required for operation of the air conditioner1. The memory152may store instructions, applications, data, and/or programs required for operation of the air conditioner1.

For example, the memory152may store a target indoor temperature, target indoor humidity, fuzzy table, control conditions according to startup that are input or initially set by a user. For example, the memory152may store the fuzzy table shown inFIG.7. The fuzzy table may assign an adjustment value of the compressor170for each index to allow the air conditioner1to follow a target temperature. The adjustment value is a value determined to continuously adjust an operating frequency of the compressor170, and may be determined according to a difference E between an indoor temperature and the target temperature and the amount of indoor temperature change ΔE for one minute based on the present. A numerical index may be given to each of the differences E between the indoor temperature and the target temperature and the amount of indoor temperature change ΔE for one minute based on the present, and the controller150may determine the adjustment value according to the two indices. For example, during fuzzy control, in a case where the difference E between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is −1.5 and the amount of indoor temperature change ΔE for one minute is 0.6, the controller150may increase a current operating frequency of the compressor170by f1.

The memory152may include volatile memories, such as a static random access memory (S-RAM), a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data, and non-volatile memories, such as a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), and the like, for long term data storage.

The processor151may generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the air conditioner1based on the instructions, applications, and data stored in the memory152. The processor151may include for example, a logic circuit and an arithmetic circuit in hardware. The processor151may process data according to the programs and/or instructions provided from the memory152, and generate a control signal according the processing result. The memory152and the processor151may be implemented as a single control circuit or a plurality of circuits.

In response to a control signal from the controller150, the compressor170may circulate refrigerant in a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor170, the four-way valve180, the outdoor heat exchanger32, the expansion valve190, and the indoor heat exchanger30. Specifically, the compressor170may compress gaseous refrigerant and discharge high-temperature/high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. In addition, the compressor170may not operate in a blowing operation that does not require cooling or heating.

The four-way valve180may change a circulation direction of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor170under control of the controller150. Specifically, the four-way valve180guides the refrigerant compressed in the compressor170to the outdoor heat exchanger32during cooling operation, and guides the refrigerant compressed in the compressor170to the indoor heat exchanger30during heating operation.

The expansion valve190may decompress the refrigerant. In addition, the expansion valve190may adjust the amount of refrigerant supplied to ensure sufficient heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger32or the indoor heat exchanger30. The expansion valve190decompresses the refrigerant using a throttling effect of the refrigerant in which a pressure decreases as the refrigerant passes through a narrow flow path. The expansion valve190may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve (EEV) that may control the opening amount by an electrical signal.

The blower fan assembly160may include a plurality of blower fans161,162, and163. The plurality of blower fans161,162, and163may flow air heat-exchanged in the indoor heat exchanger30to the outside of the indoor unit (1b,200). An operation of the blower fan assembly160may allow external air to flow into the housing10through the first inlet12. The air introduced into the housing10exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchanger30while passing through the indoor heat exchanger30. The air heat exchanged by the indoor heat exchanger30may pass through the blower fan assembly160, and may be discharged to the outside of the housing10through the main outlet17of the first frame16and the plurality of holes42of the front panel40.

The plurality of blower fans161,162, and163included in the blower fan assembly160may operate under the control of the controller150. Each of the plurality of blower fans161,162, and163may include a fan motor and may rotate using power generated by the fan motor. The plurality of blower fans161,162, and163may operate during cooling or heating operation.

The circular fan165may introduce external air into the indoor unit housing10and may discharge the introduced air to the outside of the indoor unit1bthrough the guide outlets13and14. An operation of the circular fan165may allow air to be introduced into the housing10through the second inlet15. A portion of the air introduced through the second inlet15may move along the second flow path S2and may be discharged to the outside of the housing10through the first guide outlet13, or may move along the third flow path S3and may be discharged to the outside of the housing10through the second guide outlet14.

The circular fan165may operate under the control of the controller150. The circular fan165may include a fan motor and may rotate using power generated by the fan motor. For example, the circular fan165may operate during cooling or heating operation. The circular fan165may also operate during a blowing operation in which cooling and heating are not required.

Hereinafter, a control method of an air conditioner according to various embodiments is described in more detail. The control method described below is applicable to the air conditioner1according to the above-described embodiments.

FIG.8andFIG.9are flowcharts of control methods of an example air conditioner according to various embodiments.FIG.10is a flowchart of a control method of an example air conditioner according to various embodiments.FIG.11illustrates an example in which a relative humidity is reduced during a cooling operation.FIG.12illustrates a temperature drop of a heat exchanger according to a deceleration of a compressor. The control methods of the air conditioner described inFIGS.8,9, and10will be described with reference toFIG.11andFIG.12.

The controller150receives at least one user input for a target temperature or target humidity (801). Specifically, the input device110receives an input about the target temperature and/or target humidity from a user, and transmits an electrical signal corresponding to the target temperature and/or target humidity to the controller150.

Unlike existing air conditioners, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the target humidity may be input in addition to the target temperature. The air conditioner according to an embodiment may control the compressor170in response to the user input for setting the target humidity.

The air conditioner1performs fuzzy control according to the user input (802). Fuzzy control refers to, for example, a control method that periodically adjusts an operating frequency of the compressor170to allow a temperature of the air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger30to follow the target temperature. In response to an indoor temperature reaching a predetermined threshold temperature, the controller150may increase or decrease the operating frequency of the compressor170to allow the temperature to follow the target temperature. For example, the controller150may reduce the operating frequency of the compressor170in a case where an indoor temperature approaches the target temperature, or may increase the operating frequency of the compressor170in a case where a difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is above a predetermined level. In this instance, the controller150may determine an adjustment value of the operating frequency using, for example, a pre-stored fuzzy table. The controller150may determine the amount of increase or the amount of decrease of the operating frequency by referring to the fuzzy table.

In addition, to compensate for limits of fuzzy control, the controller200may additionally perform compressor switching control. Compressor switching control refers to, for example, a control method for switching the compressor on or off.

The fuzzy table may be configured to reduce the compressor frequency as the indoor heat exchanger temperature gradually decreases, and to increase the operating frequency of the compressor as the indoor heat exchanger temperature gradual increases. In this instance, an adjustment value according to a relationship between a difference between an indoor temperature and a target temperature/the amount of indoor temperature change for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one minute) may be assigned to the fuzzy table.

The controller150calculates a temperature difference and the amount of change in temperature difference (803), and determines an adjustment value of the operating frequency by referring to the pre-stored fuzzy table (804). For example, the controller150calculates the temperature difference between the target temperature and the indoor temperature, and calculates the amount of indoor temperature change for a predetermined period of time. The controller150adjusts the operating frequency of the compressor170to the adjustment value corresponding to the calculated value.

In response to the adjustment value being greater than 0 during fuzzy control (805), the controller150controls the operating frequency of the compressor to increase (806). In this case, the indoor temperature is far below the target temperature, and thus a cooling intensity may be increased by increasing an operating speed of the compressor170.

Meanwhile,FIG.9shows control of adjustment value in a case where the adjustment value is not greater than 0.

In response to the adjustment value being 0 by the fuzzy table (901), the controller150maintains the operating frequency of the compressor170according to the adjustment value assigned to the fuzzy table (904).

In a case where the indoor temperature approaches the target temperature, the air conditioner1adjusts the operating frequency of the compressor170by applying the adjustment value less than 0 according to the fuzzy table. Specifically, the controller150controls the operating frequency to be lowered with the adjustment value having a negative value and prevents a rapid drop in the indoor temperature. However, the indoor temperature rises due to a sharp decrease in compressor speed, resulting in an increase in indoor humidity.

In an embodiment, the compressor170may be operated by the pre-stored fuzzy table, but under predetermined conditions, the operating frequency of the compressor170may be controlled without using the fuzzy table. According to an embodiment, under predetermined conditions, the controller150may change the adjustment value of the operating frequency in response to a user input for target humidity, as opposed to the adjustment value assigned to the fuzzy table.

According to an embodiment, the controller150may change the adjustment value of the operating frequency based on indoor humidity. In addition, the controller150may change the adjustment value based on a temperature of the indoor heat exchanger (evaporator).

In response to the adjustment value being less than 0, the controller150compares the indoor humidity and the target humidity, or compares the indoor heat exchanger temperature and a dew point temperature (902).

The controller150changes the adjustment value of the operating frequency based on the comparison result (903). Specifically, the controller150may maintain the operating frequency of the compressor170for a predetermined period of time by applying the adjustment value of the operating frequency as 0 in order to prevent a speed of the compressor170from decreasing rapidly due to fuzzy control.

According to an embodiment, the controller150may change the adjustment value of the operating frequency in response to the indoor heat exchanger temperature exceeding the dew point temperature Td. The controller150controls the compressor170to allow the indoor heat exchanger temperature to be lower than the dew point temperature. In other words, by maintaining the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger below the dew point temperature, condensation may be prevented from occurring on a surface of the indoor heat exchanger. In this instance, the dew point temperature Td may be obtained based on the target temperature and the target humidity, and a dew point temperature calculation formula stored in the memory152may be used.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the controller150may change the adjustment value in response to a difference between the indoor heat exchanger temperature and the dew point temperature Td exceeding a predetermined weight. In this instance, the weight is a factor for compensating a measured temperature value of heat exchanger, and may be set to various values depending on, for example, experimental result and a location of the temperature sensor130.

The controller150may change the adjustment value to allow the indoor heat exchanger temperature to be maintained below the dew point temperature. In this instance, the controller150obtains the indoor heat exchanger temperature according to a predetermined time period and changes the adjustment value of the operating frequency to allow the indoor heat exchanger temperature to follow a value below the dew point temperature (903).

In general, in a case where the indoor temperature approaches the target temperature, the controller150lowers the operating frequency of the compressor by applying a negative adjustment value to the fuzzy control, and prevents a rapid decrease in indoor temperature. In contrast, in a case where the indoor temperature is higher than the target temperature above a predetermined level, the controller150increases the operating frequency of the compressor by applying a positive adjustment value to the fuzzy control and lowers the indoor temperature.

The adjustment value is a value that may change according to a predetermined time period, and may be determined based on the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature and the amount of indoor temperature change for a predetermined period of time. Referring toFIG.7, an example of correlation between the adjustment value and factors determining the adjustment value may be seen.

In fuzzy control, the adjustment value depends on the indoor temperature and the target temperature. However, according to the disclosure, in a case where target humidity is input by a user to the air conditioner1, the compressor170may be controlled in response to the user input without considering the adjustment value assigned to the fuzzy table, the indoor temperature, and the target temperature. According to an embodiment, in response to detecting a user input for the target humidity, the controller150may maintain the operating frequency of the compressor170that performs fuzzy control regardless of the fuzzy table. For example, even in a case where an adjustment value assigned to the fuzzy table is −f1 at some point, the operating frequency of the compressor170may be maintained by applying an adjustment value of 0. That is, the controller150may control the operating frequency of the compressor170by applying the adjustment value of 0 in some period while the fuzzy control is performed.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the controller150may determine the number of times the adjustment value is changed based on a level of target humidity. For example, in a case where target humidity input by a user is low and an indoor temperature is close to a target temperature, the indoor humidity may be lowered by maintaining the operating frequency of the compressor170. That is, as the target humidity decreases, the number of times the adjustment value is changed increases, and as the target humidity increases, the number of times the adjustment value is changed decreases.

Although the adjustment value is changed to 0 in the example above, an adjustment value may be a positive number other than 0.

In addition, the air conditioner1may further include the humidity sensor140and may change the adjustment value of the operating frequency based on indoor humidity. According to an embodiment, the controller150may change the adjustment value in response to the indoor humidity obtained from the humidity sensor140being greater than a target humidity. In this instance, the target humidity corresponds to a value set by the user through the input device110. In response to the input target humidity, the controller150may obtain current indoor humidity and change the adjustment value based on a comparison between the indoor humidity and the target humidity input by the user. In this instance, the adjustment value may be determined based on the target humidity input by the user. For example, in a case where the user inputs relatively low target humidity, the indoor humidity may be further lowered by applying the adjustment value greater than 0 instead of 0.

Controlling the operating frequency of the compressor170described above may be performed before the indoor temperature reaches the target temperature. Accordingly, the controller150changes the adjustment value of the operating frequency before the indoor temperature reaches the target temperature. In this instance, the controller150may change the adjustment value, from the time that a temperature difference between the target temperature and the indoor temperature is less than or equal to a predetermined temperature difference.

That is, in a case where the indoor humidity is higher than the target humidity or the indoor heat exchanger temperature is higher than the dew point temperature while performing the fuzzy control, the controller150may maintain the operating frequency of the compressor170by changing the adjustment value of the fuzzy table. In addition, the controller150may increase the operating frequency of the compressor170by applying an adjustment value having a positive value in a case where a difference between the indoor humidity and the target humidity or a difference between the indoor heat exchanger temperature and the dew point temperature is above a predetermined level (905).

Meanwhile, unlike the embodiment shown inFIG.9, referring toFIG.10, the controller150may change the determined adjustment value of the operating frequency based on relative humidity and a temperature of the heat exchanger (evaporator). That is, the embodiment according toFIG.10may relieve fuzzy control by considering both the relative humidity and the heat exchanger temperature.

Referring toFIG.10, similar toFIG.9, adjustment value control in a case where the adjustment value is not greater than 0 is shown. In response to the adjustment value being 0 by the fuzzy table (1001), the controller150maintains the operating frequency of the compressor170according to the adjustment value assigned to the fuzzy table (1005).

In response to the indoor heat exchanger temperature being greater than the dew point temperature Td (1002) and the indoor humidity obtained from the humidity sensor140being greater than the target humidity set by the user (1003), the controller150changes the adjustment value of the operating frequency (1004).

That is, while performing fuzzy control, in a case where the indoor heat exchanger temperature is higher than the dew point temperature and the indoor humidity is higher than the target humidity, the controller150may maintain the operating frequency of the compressor170by changing the adjustment value of the fuzzy table. In addition, in response to the difference between the indoor humidity and the target humidity and the difference between the indoor heat exchanger temperature and the dew point temperature being above a predetermined level, the controller150may increase the operating frequency of the compressor170by applying an adjustment value having a positive value (1006).

In a case where the air conditioner1relieves the fuzzy control based only on the indoor heat exchanger temperature, only condensation of water vapor that occurs later may be prevented, but humidity caused by water vapor that has already condensed may not be controlled. Accordingly, in the embodiment, the target humidity desired by the user may be provided by obtaining the current indoor humidity through the humidity sensor140. In other words, according to the embodiment, user discomfort caused by already condensed water vapor may be relieved.

Referring toFIG.11, set relative humidity is determined by a user input for the target humidity, and as the adjustment value assigned to the fuzzy control is changed, the operating frequency of the compressor170increases, and thus an actual room temperature has a lower value than the set temperature (target temperature). However, it may be confirmed that the relative humidity is maintained at a lower value than existing relative humidity by the control according to the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.12, as the adjustment value is changed, the degree of deceleration of the compressor170is reduced compared to before. In this instance, the indoor heat exchanger temperature has a lower value than an existing heat exchanger temperature, and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger may be maintained below the set dew point temperature. Accordingly, condensation does not occur in the indoor heat exchanger, and the air conditioner1may maintain a constant level of comfort.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, the instructions may create a program module to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

The computer-readable recording medium may include all kinds of recording media storing instructions that may be interpreted by a computer. For example, the computer-readable recording medium may be a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, etc.

The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, when a storage medium is referred to as “non-transitory,” it may be understood that the storage medium is tangible and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but rather that data is semi-permanently or temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, a “non-transitory storage medium” may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

According to an embodiment, the methods according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) online. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be stored at least semi-permanently or may be temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server.