Patent Description:
Air conditioners may discharge cold and hot air into an indoor space to adjust an indoor temperature and may purify an indoor air to provide a pleasant indoor environment. The air conditioner may efficiently operate in the indoor space with the air conditioner where occupants are present compared to an outdoor space. Therefore, the operation of the air conditioner may be controlled based on presence or absence of the occupants. The air conditioner may also operate even when users take a sleep to provide a comfortable sleep to users.

The air conditioner in related art may only operate based on a temperature preset by the user and the user may not automatically adjust the temperature of the air conditioner during sleep.

The present invention is to detect that a user is in a sleep state to control a temperature of an air conditioner.

The present invention is also to automatically control the temperature of the air conditioner according to whether the user's sleep state is a deep sleep state or a rapid eye movement (REM) sleep state.

The present invention is also to determine movement of users by a vision camera and determine whether the user is currently in a deep sleep sate or the REM sleep state based on the determination result to control the temperature of the air conditioner.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure which are not mentioned may be understood by the following description and more clearly understood based on the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will also be readily understood that the objects and the advantages of the present disclosure can be implemented by features defined in claims and a combination thereof.

According to the present invention, a temperate control apparatus detects that the user is in a sleep state to control the temperature of the air conditioner.

According to the present invention, the temperature control apparatus may also automatically control the temperature of the air conditioner based on determination whether the user's sleep state is the deep sleep state or the REM sleep state.

According to the present invention, the temperature control apparatus may also determine the movement of the user by the vision camera and determine whether the user is currently in the deep sleep state or the REM sleep state based on the determination results to control the temperature of the air conditioner.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner comprising the features of claim <NUM>.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a temperature by an air conditioner comprising the features of claim <NUM>.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are provided in the dependent claims.

Hereafter, further effects of the present disclosure, in addition to the above-mentioned effect, is described together while describing specific matters for implementing the present disclosure.

Some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, such that those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may easily implement the technical idea of the present disclosure. In the description of the present disclosure, a detailed description of the known technology relating to the present disclosure may be omitted if it unnecessarily obscures the gist of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Same reference numerals can be used to refer to same or similar component in the figures.

In some examples, terms such as first, second, and the like may be used herein when describing elements of the present disclosure, but the elements are not limited to those terms. These terms are intended to distinguish one element from other elements, and the first element may be a second element unless otherwise stated.

In this document, the terms "upper," "lower," "on," "under," or the like are used such that, where a first component is arranged at "an upper portion" or "a lower portion" of a second component, the first component may be arranged in contact with the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the second component, or another component may be disposed between the first component and the second component. Similarly, where a first component is arranged on or under a second component, the first component may be arranged directly on or under (in contact with) the second component, or one or more other components may be disposed between the first component and the second component.

Further, the terms "connected," "coupled," or the like are used such that, where a first component is connected or coupled to a second component, the first component may be directly connected or able to be connected to the second component, or one or more additional components may be disposed between the first and second components, or the first and second components may be connected or coupled through one or more additional components.

Unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural throughout the disclosure.

In the present disclosure, it should not be construed that terms such as "including" or "comprising" necessarily include various types of components or various steps described in the present disclosure, and it should be construed terms such as "including" or "comprising" do not include some components or some steps or may include additional components or steps.

In the present disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "A and/or B" means A, B or A and B. Unless otherwise stated, "C to D" means "C or more and D or less".

Hereinafter, a temperature control apparatus and method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail.

<FIG> is an exemplary diagram showing example appearance of an air conditioner. <FIG> is an exemplary view showing an example discharger configured to discharge air from an air conditioner. <FIG> is an exemplary view showing a blower configured to blow air by inhaling air in an air conditioner.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner <NUM> may include a discharger <NUM> (<FIG>) to discharge air which is introduced from outside and heat-exchanged and a blower <NUM> (<FIG>) to suction and blow air.

According to an embodiment, the discharger <NUM> and the blower <NUM> may each be disposed in a case to define appearance of the air conditioner <NUM>, the discharger <NUM> may be disposed at an upper portion thereof and the blower <NUM> may be disposed at a lower portion thereof. For air circulation, the case <NUM> may also provide a suction inlet at a rear surface of the case <NUM> to provide air supplied from outside to the blower <NUM>. The discharger <NUM> may include a first discharger <NUM> and a second discharger <NUM> to discharge air introduced from the blower <NUM>. The first discharger <NUM> and the second discharger <NUM> may each have a cylindrical shape and may each rotate about central axes parallel to each other.

According to an embodiment, the first discharger <NUM> and the second discharger <NUM> may rotate independently of each other to adjust a discharge direction of air. For example, the first discharger <NUM> and the second discharger <NUM> may discharge the air in the same direction and may discharge the air in different directions. The first discharger <NUM> and the second discharger <NUM> may each define a closed portion at an upper portion thereof and an opening at a lower portion thereof. In this example, the air blown from the blower <NUM> may be introduced through a lower portion of each of the first discharger <NUM> and the second discharger <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first discharger <NUM> and the second discharger <NUM> may each provide discharge outlets to discharge air into an indoor space. In some examples, the first discharger <NUM> may define a first discharge outlet <NUM> and the second discharger <NUM> may define a second discharge outlet <NUM>. In this example, air introduced from the blower <NUM> may be discharged into the indoor space through the discharge outlets.

The discharger <NUM> may further include a center body <NUM> between the first discharger <NUM> and the second discharger <NUM>. The center body <NUM> may block a gap between the first discharger <NUM> and the second discharger <NUM> from outside. In this case, the center body <NUM> may include a display indicating an operation state of the air conditioner <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, the blower <NUM> may include at least one blowing fan to forcibly convect air. For example, the blower <NUM> may include a blowing fan <NUM> and a second blowing fan <NUM> operated independently of each other. The first blowing fan <NUM> and the second blowing fan <NUM> may be operated together as necessary or at least one of the first blowing fan <NUM> or the second blowing fan <NUM> may be operated.

The first blowing fan <NUM> may be communicated with the first discharger <NUM> by a first duct <NUM> and the second blowing fan <NUM> may be communicated with and the second discharger <NUM> by a second duct <NUM>. In this example, the air blown by the first blowing fan <NUM> may move to the first discharger <NUM> through the first duct <NUM> to be discharged to the indoor space through the discharge outlet <NUM>. Similarly, the air blown by the second blowing fan <NUM> may be moved to the second discharger <NUM> through the second duct <NUM> to be discharged to the inner space through the second discharge outlet <NUM>.

In some examples, a heat exchanger may be disposed between the blowing fan <NUM> and the suction inlet disposed at the rear surface of the case <NUM> to exchange air with refrigerant.

In some cases where the air conditioner <NUM> operates in a cooling mode, the air introduced from the outside through the suction inlet is cooled by a heat exchanger during the operation of the air blower <NUM> and the cooled air may be discharged to the inner space through the discharger <NUM>. In some cases where the air conditioner <NUM> is operated in a heating mode, the air introduced from the outside through the suction inlet is heated by the heat exchanger during the operation of the blower <NUM> and the heated air may be discharged to the inner space through the discharger <NUM>.

The structure of the air conditioner <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> is merely an example structure to perform an operation described below and the air conditioner <NUM> of the present disclosure may have various shapes in addition to the structure shown in the drawings.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing an example temperature control apparatus of an air conditioner <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a temperature control apparatus <NUM> includes a sensor portion <NUM>, an air volume controller <NUM>, a wind direction controller <NUM>, and a processor <NUM> including a timer <NUM>. The control components of the temperature control apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> is according to an embodiment, the components of the temperature control apparatus <NUM> are not limited to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, and some components may be added, changed, or omitted as necessary. In addition, the air conditioner <NUM> or various types of electronic products (e.g., TVs, ventilation systems, fans, and refrigerators) disposed in a space (e.g., a sofa, a desk, and the like) where people may sleep may include the temperature control apparatus <NUM> to operate the temperature control apparatus <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, an input unit <NUM> receives, from users, data related to the operation of the air conditioner <NUM>, for example, data related to operation setting, an operation mode, a temperature, air volume, a wind direction, and the like, and provides the processor <NUM> with the data. In this example, the input unit <NUM> may include a physical manipulation member such as a switch and a button or an electrical manipulation member such as a touch key, a touch pad, and a touch screen.

For example, the input unit <NUM> may receive data related to an operation mode (e.g., a rapid mode, a comfortable mode, a human body adaptation mode, and the like, described below) from a user and may provide the processor <NUM> with the data related to the operation mode. Further, the processor <NUM> may drive the air conditioner <NUM> in an operation mode corresponding to data input from the user.

For example, the processor <NUM> may detect the indoor environment by itself according to a method described below and may drive the air conditioner <NUM> in a customized operation mode. In addition, the processor <NUM> may drive the air conditioner <NUM> in each operation mode based only on the data related to the operation mode input from the user.

According to an embodiment, the communicator <NUM> may perform a wired or wireless data communication function. For example, the communicator <NUM> may perform data communication with an outdoor unit or data communication with another air conditioner (e.g., an indoor unit). In addition, the communicator <NUM> may communicate with various types of data communication apparatus (e.g., a TV, a ventilation system, a fan, a refrigerator, and the like). The communicator <NUM> may receive, from the various types of apparatus, signals for controlling the temperature of the air conditioner <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may display various pieces of operation state information regarding the operation state of the air conditioner <NUM> and may be provided on an outer surface of the air conditioner <NUM> (e.g., the center body <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the storage <NUM> may store information, data, and programs used to operate the air conditioner <NUM>. In some examples, the storage <NUM> may store information on a human body adaptation time, an activity amount, and a virtual area described below in advance. In this example, the processor <NUM> may perform a control operation described below with reference to the information stored in the storage <NUM>. The storage <NUM> may store a program for signal processing and controlling in the processor <NUM> and may store a signal-processed image, audio, or data signal. The storage <NUM> may store various platforms. The storage <NUM> 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, or a card type memory (e.g., secure digital (SD) or eXtreme Digital (XD) memory, and the like), random-access memory (RAM), or read-only memory (ROM) (e.g., electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM)).

According to an embodiment, the air volume controller <NUM> may control the amount of air discharged through the first discharger <NUM> and the second discharger <NUM>. For example, the air volume controller <NUM> may adjust a number of rotations of the blowing fan based on a control signal provided by the processor <NUM> and may control the amount of air discharged through the first discharger <NUM> and the second discharger <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the wind direction controller <NUM> may adjust an angle of the first discharger <NUM> to control a first direction of air discharged through the first discharger <NUM> and may adjust an angle of the second discharger <NUM> to control a second direction of air discharged through the second discharger <NUM>. For example, the wind direction controller <NUM> may adjust a rotation angle of the first discharger <NUM> and/or the second discharger <NUM> or the angle of the first discharge outlet <NUM> and/or the second discharge outlet <NUM> based on the control signal provided by the processor <NUM> to control the direction of the air discharged through the first discharger <NUM> and/or the second discharger <NUM>. For example, the wind direction controller <NUM> may adjust an angle of the first discharger <NUM> and/or the second discharger <NUM> toward occupants under the control of the processor <NUM> based on the occupant detected by a motion sensing sensor <NUM> described below.

According to an embodiment, the temperature measurement sensor <NUM> may include a plurality of temperature sensors. In addition, the temperature measurement sensor <NUM> uses the temperatures sensors to detect a temperature of the air discharged by the air conditioner <NUM>, a temperature of the air suctioned into the air conditioner <NUM>, a temperature of the indoor space, a temperature of a pipe to suction the refrigerant, a temperature of pipe to discharge the refrigerant and to provide the processor <NUM> with the detected result. The temperature measurement sensor <NUM> may include a camera to measure a temperature (e.g., an infrared camera and a thermal imaging camera).

According to an embodiment, the motion sensing sensor <NUM> may detect the occupants within the indoor space where the air conditioner <NUM> is installed. The motion sensing sensor <NUM> may be disposed to be rotatable on an outer surface of the air conditioner <NUM>. The motion sensing sensor <NUM> may detect a user taking a sleep in the indoor space where the air conditioner <NUM> is installed. The motion sensing sensor <NUM> may scan the indoor space by rotating under the control of the processor <NUM> and may detect the occupants located within the indoor space. The motion sensing sensor <NUM> may detect occupants through various methods. For example, the motion sensing sensor <NUM> may detect the occupants using infrared rays. The motion sensing sensor <NUM> may also detect the occupants using radiant heat emitted from the occupant and may detect the occupants by using a camera. The motion sensing sensor <NUM> may include a vision sensor. In addition, the motion sensing sensor <NUM> may detect the occupants through various methods of identifying human body (e.g., the occupant).

The detection operation of the motion sensing sensor <NUM> may be performed every preset detection period (e.g., for <NUM> seconds) and the motion sensing sensor <NUM> may provide a processor <NUM> described below with detection information on the detection of the occupant.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may acquire an amount of activity of the occupant based on a location of the occupant detected by the motion sensing sensor <NUM>. In addition, the processor may include at least one circuit (or a processor) to control the temperature of the air conditioner <NUM> based on the acquisition result. The activity amount is a parameter indicating a degree of movement of the occupant and may be determined based on a movement distance of the occupant or a parameter proportional to the movement distance of the occupant. The processor <NUM> may identify changes in location of the occupant based on the location of the occupant detected at every detection time period and may acquire an amount of activity of the occupant based on the changes in the location of the occupant. In some examples, the processor <NUM> may identify the location of the occupant detected by the motion sensing sensor <NUM> and acquire the activity amount of the occupant based on the amount of changes in occupant's location during a reference time period.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may detect the movement of the occupant when the air conditioner <NUM> is operated based on the first temperature in a sleep control mode. In addition, based on the amount of movement of the occupant being less than a predetermined amount and the operation time period of the air conditioner <NUM> at the first temperature being exceeding a first threshold time period, the processor <NUM> may control the air volume controller to operate the air conditioner based on a second temperature. In addition, the processor <NUM> may control the air volume controller to operate the air conditioner based on the first temperature based on an operation time period of the air conditioner <NUM> at the second temperature being exceeding the second threshold time period.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> controls the air conditioner to alternately operate at the first temperature and the second temperature for a predetermined total operation time period. The processor <NUM> may increase the second threshold time period at the second temperature by a predetermined time based on an elapse of time while the air conditioner is alternately operating based on the first temperature and the second temperature,.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor <NUM> may determine whether an operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature exceeds a third threshold time based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the second temperature being exceeding the second threshold time period. The processor <NUM> may control the air volume controller to operate the air conditioner based on the second temperature when the operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature exceeds the third threshold time period. In addition, the first threshold time period may be greater than the third threshold time period and the second threshold time period may be less than the third threshold time period. In addition, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the operation time period of the air conditioner at the second temperature exceeds a fourth threshold time period based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature being exceeding the third threshold time period. Based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the second temperature being exceeding a fourth threshold time period, the processor <NUM> may control the air volume controller to operate the air conditioner based on the first temperature. The fourth threshold time period may be greater than the second threshold time period.

The processor <NUM> may control the temperature of the air conditioner <NUM> based on the movement of the occupant.

<FIG> is an exemplary view showing an example indoor space divided with a plurality of virtual areas.

Referring to <FIG>, a processor <NUM> may map a location of an occupant detected by a motion sensing sensor <NUM> to a virtual area <NUM> that divides the indoor space and may detect movement of the occupant based on a distance between the mapped virtual areas.

The virtual area <NUM> may include identifiers VA1 to VA24 according to its location and information on the virtual area <NUM> and the identifier may be stored in the storage <NUM> in advance.

The processor <NUM> may identify the location of the occupant detected by the motion sensing sensor <NUM> and may map the identified location to the virtual area <NUM>. In some examples, the processor <NUM> may map the location of the occupant detected during the detection period to the virtual area <NUM> at every detection period.

<FIG> is a flowchart showing the method for controlling a temperature.

Hereinafter, a method for controlling a temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to <FIG>. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, components (e.g., at least one processor, a memory, a sensor portion, and the like) of an air conditioner <NUM> may control the temperature. Alternatively, components (e.g., at least one processor, a memory, and a sensor) of various electronic products (e.g., TVs, ventilation systems, fans, refrigerators, and the like) located in a space where a person may sleep (e.g., a sofa, a desk, and the like) may control the temperature.

According to an embodiment, a processor <NUM> operates the air conditioner based on a first temperature (S510). The processor <NUM> may operate the air conditioner <NUM> to approach an indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is located to the first temperature. The processor <NUM> may periodically check the indoor temperature during the operation of the air conditioner <NUM> to determine whether the indoor temperature reaches the first temperature. In addition, the processor <NUM> may activate a human body sensing mode to detect an object (e.g., a person) in an area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is located. The processor <NUM> may activate the motion sensing sensor <NUM> to operate the air conditioner in the human body sensing mode. In addition, when a current time is a time to sleep (e.g., after <NUM> p. ), the processor <NUM> may activate a sleep control mode. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may activate at least one of the sleep control mode or the human body sensing mode based on the motion sensing sensor <NUM> (e.g., a vision camera) detecting that the object (e.g., a person) lies on the bed.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> determines whether the movement of the object is detected (S512). The processor <NUM> determines whether the object is currently moving or not moving by using the motion sensing sensor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may determine that the object may not move by using the vision camera of the motion sensing sensor <NUM> and may determine that the object slightly moves. For example, the processor <NUM> may determine that the object does not move based on the detection of the insignificant movement of the object. The processor <NUM> may determine whether the object is currently taking a deep sleep, or is taking a non-deep sleep (e.g., the REM sleep), or is not taking a sleep based on the degree of movement of the object (e.g., the person).

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> determines whether the operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature exceeds a first threshold time period (S514). The processor <NUM> determines whether a time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> operates to approach the indoor temperature (e.g., the room and the living room) where the air conditioner <NUM> is disposed to the first temperature exceeds the first threshold time period. The processor <NUM> may periodically measure the time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> operates when the indoor temperature is the first temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> operates the air conditioner based on the second temperature (S516). Based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at first the temperature being exceeding the first threshold time period, the processor <NUM> operates the air conditioner <NUM> to approach an indoor temperature of the area where the air conditioner <NUM> is disposed (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) to a second temperature. When the operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature exceeds the first threshold time period, the processor <NUM> controls the air volume controller <NUM> to operate the air conditioner <NUM> based on the second temperature. The processor <NUM> may periodically check the indoor temperature during the operation of the air conditioner <NUM> to determine the indoor temperature reaches the second temperature. The first temperature may be higher than the predetermined second temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> determines whether the operation time period of the air conditioner at the second temperature exceeds a second threshold time period (S518). The processor <NUM> determines whether a time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> operates to approach the indoor temperature of the area where the air conditioner <NUM> is disposed (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) to a second temperature exceeds a second threshold time period. The processor <NUM> may periodically measure the time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> operates when the indoor temperature is the second temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> operates the air conditioner based on the first temperature (S520). Based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the second temperature being exceeding the second threshold time period, the processor <NUM> operates the air conditioner <NUM> to approach the inner temperature of the area where the air conditioner <NUM> is disposed (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) to the first temperature. When the operation time period of the air conditioner at the second temperature exceeds the second threshold time period, the processor <NUM> controls the air volume controller <NUM> to operate the air conditioner <NUM> based on the first temperature. The processor <NUM> may periodically check the indoor temperature during operation of the air conditioner <NUM> and may determine whether the indoor temperature reaches the first temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may determine whether a total operation time period exceeds the third threshold time period (S522). The processor <NUM> may determine the total operation time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> is operated when the air conditioner is operated in a human body sensing mode. The processor <NUM> may determine whether the determined total operation time period exceeds a third threshold time period. For example, based on the identified total operation time period being exceeding the third threshold time period, the processor <NUM> may deactivate at least one of the human body sensing mode or the sleep control mode.

For example, based on the determined total operation time period not exceeding the third threshold time period, the process goes back to S514 to determine the operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature exceeds the first threshold time period. Based on the movement of the object not detected at S512, the processor <NUM> may operate the air conditioner <NUM> based on each temperature for a predetermined threshold time period to approach the inner temperature to the first temperature or the second temperature. The processor <NUM> alternately operates the air conditioner <NUM> at the first temperature and the second temperature for a predetermined total operation time period. The processor <NUM> may increase the second threshold time period at the second temperature by a predetermined time period based on an elapse of time during alternate operation of the air conditioner based on the first temperature and the second temperature.

<FIG> is a flowchart showing an example method for controlling a temperature by a temperature control apparatus. <FIG> is an exemplary view showing example changes in temperature controlled by a temperature control apparatus.

Hereinafter, a method for controlling the temperature by the temperature control apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, a processor <NUM> may activate a sleep control mode (S610). The processor <NUM> may activate the sleep control mode based on the an input to control sleep receiving from a user. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may activate the sleep control mode when the motion sensing sensor <NUM> (e.g., a vision camera) determines that an object (e.g., a person) lies on the bed.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may activate a human body sensing mode (S612). The processor <NUM> may activate the human body sensing mode based on an input for detecting the human body being received from a user. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may activate the human body sensing mode based on determination that the object (e.g., the person) lies on the bed, by the motion sensing sensor <NUM> (e.g., the vision camera). According to an embodiment, after the sleep control mode is activated, the human body sensing mode may be activated. After the human body sensing mode is activated, the sleep control mode may be activated. Alternatively, the human body sensing mode and the sleep control mode may be activated simultaneously.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may operate an air conditioner based on a first temperature (S614). The processor <NUM> may control cooling and heating of the air conditioner <NUM> to approach an indoor temperature of the area where the air conditioner <NUM> is located (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) to the first temperature. The processor <NUM> may periodically check the indoor temperature during operation of the air conditioner <NUM> to determine whether the indoor temperature reaches the first temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may detect a movement of the object (S616). The processor <NUM> may determine whether the object is currently moving or not by using the motion sensing sensor <NUM> (e.g., the vision camera). The processor <NUM> may determine that the object may not move by using the vision camera of the motion sensing sensor <NUM> and may determine that the object slightly moves. For example, when the movement of the object is insignificantly detected, the processor <NUM> may determine that the object does not move. The processor <NUM> may determine whether the object is currently taking a deep sleep, or is taking a non-deep sleep (e.g., the REM sleep), or is not taking a sleep based on the degree of the movement of the object (e.g., the person).

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may determine whether an operation time period of the air conditioner exceeds a first threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes) (S618). Based on the determination that the object (e.g., the person) does not move at S616 (e.g., based on the person sleeping), the processor <NUM> may measure a time period (e.g., an operation time period) for which cooling and heating is controlled to approach an indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is disposed to the first temperature (or after the indoor temperature of the area reaches the first temperature). Further, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the measured time period exceeds the first threshold time period <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> minutes).

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may operate the air conditioner based on a second temperature (S620). Based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature being exceeding the first threshold time period <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may control the cooling and the heating of the air conditioner <NUM> to approach the inner temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is disposed to the second temperature. Based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature being exceeding the first threshold time period <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may control an air volume controller <NUM> to operate the air conditioner <NUM> based on the second temperature. The processor <NUM> may periodically check the indoor temperature during the operation of the air conditioner <NUM> and may determine whether the periodically checked indoor temperature reaches the second temperature. The first temperature (e.g., <NUM> degree Celsius) may be higher than the second temperature (e.g., <NUM> degree Celsius) by a predetermined temperature (e.g., <NUM> degree Celsius).

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the operation time period of the air conditioner exceeds a second threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes) (S622). The processor <NUM> may measure a time period <NUM> for which the cooling and heating is controlled (e.g., <NUM> minutes of operation time period) after the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is disposed reaches the second temperature. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may measure a time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> operates (e.g., <NUM> minutes, where <NUM> minutes = <NUM> minutes at S618 + <NUM> minutes after reaching the second temperature). The processor <NUM> may also determine whether the measured time period exceeds the second threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes).

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may operate the air conditioner based on the first temperature (S624). Based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the second temperature being exceeding the second threshold time period, the processor <NUM> may control cooling and heating of the air conditioner <NUM> to approach the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is disposed to the first temperature. When the operation time period <NUM> of the air conditioner at the second temperature exceeds the second threshold time period, the processor <NUM> may control the air volume controller <NUM> to operate the air conditioner <NUM> based on the first temperature. The processor <NUM> may periodically check the indoor temperature during operation of the air conditioner <NUM> and may determine whether the periodically checked indoor temperature reaches the first temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the operation time period of the air conditioner exceeds a third threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes) (S626). The processor <NUM> may measure a time period <NUM> for which the cooling and heating is controlled (e.g., <NUM> minutes of operation time period) after the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is located reaches the first temperature (e.g., <NUM> minutes of operation time period). Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may measure a time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> operates (e.g., <NUM> minutes, where <NUM> minutes = <NUM> minutes at S618 + <NUM> minutes at S622 + <NUM> minutes at S626). In addition, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the measured time period exceeds the third threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes).

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may operate the air conditioner based on the second temperature (S628). Based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature being exceeding the third threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes), the processor <NUM> may control the cooling and heating of the air conditioner <NUM> to approach the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is disposed to the second temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the operation time period of the air conditioner exceeds a fourth threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes) (S630). The processor <NUM> may measure a time period <NUM> for which the cooling and heating of the air conditioner is controlled (e.g., an operation time period of <NUM> minutes) after the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is located reaches the second temperature. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may measure a time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> operates (e.g., <NUM> minutes, where <NUM> minutes = <NUM> minutes at S618 + <NUM> minutes at S622 + <NUM> minutes at S626 + <NUM> minutes at S630). In addition, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the measured time period exceeds the fourth threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes).

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may operate the air conditioner based on the first temperature (S632). Based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the second temperature being exceeding the fourth threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes), the processor <NUM> may control the cooling and heating of the air conditioner <NUM> to approach the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is located to the first temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the operation time period of the air conditioner exceeds a fifth threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes) (S634). The processor <NUM> may measure a time period <NUM> for which the cooling and heating of the air conditioner is controlled (e.g., an operation time period of <NUM> minutes) after the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is located reaches first the temperature. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may measure a time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> is operated (e.g., <NUM> minutes, where <NUM> minutes = <NUM> minutes at S618 + <NUM> minutes at S622 + <NUM> minutes at S626 + <NUM> minutes at S630 + <NUM> minutes at S634). In addition, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the measured time period exceeds the fifth threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes).

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may operate the air conditioner based on the second temperature (S636). Based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature being exceeding the fifth threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes), the processor <NUM> may control cooling and heating of air conditioner to approach the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is disposed to the second temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the operation time period of the air conditioner exceeds a sixth threshold time period of <NUM> minutes (S638). The processor <NUM> may measure a time period <NUM> for which the cooling and heating of the air conditioner is controlled (e.g., <NUM> minutes of operation time period) after the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is located reaches the second temperature. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may measure a time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> is operated (e.g., <NUM> minutes, where <NUM> minutes = <NUM> minutes at S618 + <NUM> minutes at S622 + <NUM> minutes at S626 + <NUM> minutes at S630 + <NUM> minutes at S634 + <NUM> minutes at S638). Further, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the measured time period exceeds the sixth threshold time period of <NUM> minutes.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may operate the air conditioner based on the first temperature (S640). Based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the second temperature being exceeding the sixth threshold time period of <NUM> minutes, the processor <NUM> may control cooling and heating of the air conditioner <NUM> to approach the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is located to the first temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the operation time period of the air conditioner exceeds a seventh threshold time period of <NUM> minutes (S642). The processor <NUM> may measure a time period <NUM> for which the cooling and heating of the air conditioner is controlled (e.g., <NUM> minutes of operation time period) after the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is located reaches the first temperature. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may measure a time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> is operated (e.g., <NUM> minutes, where <NUM> minutes = <NUM> minutes at S618 + <NUM> minutes at S622 + <NUM> minutes at S626 + <NUM> minutes at S630 + <NUM> minutes at S634 + <NUM> minutes at S638 + <NUM> minutes at S642). Further, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the measured time period exceeds the seventh threshold time period (e.g., <NUM> minutes).

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may operate the air conditioner based on the second temperature (S644). Based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature being exceeding the seventh threshold time period of <NUM> minutes, the processor <NUM> may control the cooling and heating of the air conditioner <NUM> to approach the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is disposed to the second temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the operation time period of the air conditioner exceeds an eighth threshold time period of <NUM> minutes (S646). The processor <NUM> may measure a time period <NUM> for which cooling and heating of the air conditioner is controlled (e.g., <NUM> minutes of operation time period) after the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is located reaches the second temperature. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may measure a time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> is operated (e.g., <NUM> minutes, where <NUM> minutes = <NUM> minutes at S618 + <NUM> minutes at S622 + <NUM> minutes at S626 + <NUM> minutes at S630 + <NUM> minutes at S634 + <NUM> minutes at S638 + <NUM> minutes at S642 + <NUM> minutes at S646). In addition, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the measured time period exceeds <NUM> minutes of eighth threshold time period.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may operate the air conditioner based on the first temperature (S648). Based on the operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature being exceeding the seventh threshold time period of <NUM> minutes, the processor <NUM> may control cooling and heating of the air conditioner <NUM> to approach the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is disposed to the first temperature.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the operation time period of the air conditioner exceeds a ninth threshold time period of <NUM> minutes (S650). The processor <NUM> may measure a time period <NUM> for which the cooling and heating of the air conditioner is controlled (e.g., <NUM> minutes of operation time period) after the indoor temperature of the area (e.g., the room, the living room, and the like) where the air conditioner <NUM> is located reaches the first temperature. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may measure a time period for which the air conditioner <NUM> operates (e.g., <NUM> minutes, where <NUM> minutes = <NUM> minutes at S618 + <NUM> minutes at S622 + <NUM> minutes at S626 + <NUM> minutes at S630 + <NUM> minutes at S634 + <NUM> minutes at S638 + <NUM> minutes at S642 + <NUM> minutes at S646 + <NUM> minutes at S650). Further, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the measured time period exceeds the ninth threshold time period of <NUM> minutes.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature control apparatus <NUM> may detect the movement of the object during the operation of the air conditioner based on the first temperature in the sleep control mode. In addition, when an amount of movement of the object is less than a predetermined amount and the operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature exceeds the first threshold time period, the temperature control apparatus <NUM> may control the air volume controller to operate the air conditioner based on the second temperature. In addition, when the operation time period of the air conditioner at the second temperature exceeds the second threshold time period, the temperature control apparatus <NUM> may control the air volume controller to operate the air conditioner based on the first temperature.

In addition, the temperature control apparatus <NUM> may control the air conditioner to alternately operate at the first temperature and the second temperature for a predetermined total operation time period. The temperature control apparatus <NUM> may increase the second threshold time period at the second temperature by a predetermine time period based on an elapse of time when the air conditioner alternately operates based on the first temperature and the second temperature.

<FIG> is an exemplary view showing example activity amount of an object in a sleep state greater than a predetermined magnitude. <FIG> is an exemplary view showing example activity amount of an object in a sleep state less than a predetermined magnitude. <FIG> is an exemplary view showing an example subject in a sleep state having no activity. <FIG> is an exemplary view showing an example subject getting out of the bed. <FIG> is an exemplary view showing an example subject leaving the bed.

Referring to <FIG>, an object (e.g., a person) may lie down on the bed and turn over during sleep. According to an embodiment, the temperature control apparatus <NUM> may acquire a first image <NUM> of a person in sleep on the bed by using a temperature measurement sensor <NUM> (e.g., an infrared camera) and may acquire a second image <NUM> of a person in sleep on the bed by using a motion sensing sensor <NUM>.

The first image <NUM> has a reddish color to determine a body temperature of a person turning over during sleep and the second image <NUM> is an image of person in sleep. A third image <NUM> shows an interior of the bedroom divided into a plurality of virtual areas and may indicate a place corresponding to the position of the person (e.g., a place corresponding to an angle of -<NUM>° and a distance of <NUM>). The third image <NUM> may also show person's movement. A fourth image <NUM> corresponds to a graph showing a magnitude of a person's movement (e.g., activity amount). When the person turns over during sleep, the motion sensing sensor <NUM> of the temperature control apparatus <NUM> may detect the movement of the person turning over during sleep. The processor <NUM> of the temperature control apparatus <NUM> may graphically express an intensity of movement of the person. For example, when a person turns over during sleep as shown in the fourth image <NUM>, the amount of activity increases (e.g., an amount of activity > <NUM>) shown using reference numeral <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an object (e.g., a person) may perform a minute movement of moving his or her hands and feet during sleep on the bed. As shown in the fifth image <NUM>, when a magnitude of a person's movement (e.g., the amount of activity) is maintained within a certain magnitude (e.g., <NUM> < activity amount < <NUM>), the motion sensing sensor <NUM> of the temperature control apparatus <NUM> may detect movement of hands and feet. As shown in a sixth image <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the temperature control apparatus <NUM> may represent an intensity of the movement of hands or feet using a graph <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a person in a deep sleep may not turn over. As shown in a seventh image <NUM>, even when the person has no movement (e.g., the activity amount) (or the person insignificantly moves), the motion sensing sensor <NUM> of the temperature control apparatus <NUM> may detect the movement of the person in deep sleep. As shown in an eighth image <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the temperature control apparatus <NUM> may represent the intensity of the movement of person in deep sleep using a graph <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a ninth image <NUM> shows a person sitting on the bed after sleep. As the person sits on the bed with a greater magnitude of movement (e.g., an activity amount), a tenth image <NUM> shows a greater magnitude of activity amount <NUM>. In addition, referring to <FIG>, when the person leaves the bed after sleeping, the ninth image shows the person leaving the bed after sleep.

Steps in each of the flowcharts described above may be operated regardless of the shown sequence or may be performed simultaneously. Also, at least one component of the present disclosure and at least one operation performed by the at least one component may be implemented with hardware and/or software.

Claim 1:
An air conditioner (<NUM>), comprising:
an air volume controller (<NUM>);
a sensor portion (<NUM>) configured to comprise a sensor (<NUM>) to detect movement and a sensor (<NUM>) to measure a temperature; and
at least one processor (<NUM>) configured to:
detect movement of a subject while the air conditioner (<NUM>) based on a first temperature is operating in a temperature control mode,
based on a magnitude of movement of the subject being less than a predetermined magnitude and an operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature being exceeding a first threshold time period, control the air volume controller (<NUM>) to operate the air conditioner based on a second temperature, and
based on an operation time period of the air conditioner (<NUM>) at the second temperature being exceeding a second threshold time period, control the air volume controller (<NUM>) to operate the air conditioner based on the first temperature,
the air conditioner being characterized in that
the at least one processor (<NUM>) is further configured to:
alternately operate the air conditioner (<NUM>) based on the first temperature and the second temperature for a predetermined total operation time period.