KR100788513B1 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner equipped with a display control unit and a display means for implementing various types of images.

Air conditioner according to the present invention, the main control unit 200 for controlling the overall operation, the display control unit 250 for controlling the content displayed (Display) to the outside, and according to the command of the display control unit 250 And display means 256 for implementing a message. According to the air conditioner according to the present invention having such a configuration, there is an advantage that a variety of information is more easily recognized / transferred to the user.

Air conditioner, controller, display, avatar

Description

Air Conditioner {Air conditioner}

1 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of a separate air conditioner according to the prior art.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the indoor unit constituting the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an open state of the front panel of the indoor unit constituting the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a front view showing a detailed configuration of a button unit provided on the front panel of the indoor unit constituting the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the overall control system configuration of a preferred embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a remote control for transmitting a signal to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of various display modes implemented in the display window of a preferred embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Figure 8 is a flow chart schematically showing a display control method of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

100. Indoor unit 110. Front panel

112. Hinged 120. Display Window

130. Button part 132. Run / stop key

134. Temperature Key 135. Volume Key

136. Airflow key 137. Plasma key

138. Left key 139. Right key

140. Remote control receiver 150. Display device

160.USB memory 170.Air purifier

200. Main control unit 202. Main memory

210. Main input means 220. Compressor

250. Display control unit 252. Display memory

254. Display input means 256. Display means

258. Data input means 300. Standby mode

302. Screen off mode 304. Clock mode

306. Screen Save Mode 308. User Setting Mode

320. Operation mode 322. Real operation mode

324. User operation mode 326. Character operation mode

340. Function Selection Mode 342. Operation / Additional Functions

344. Album function 360. Popup function

The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner having a display control unit and display means for implementing various types of images.

In general, an air conditioner is a cooling / heating device installed in a space or a wall of an indoor space such as an office or a home to cool or heat a room, and is composed of a compressor-condenser-expansion valve-evaporator and constitutes a series of refrigeration cycles. .

In particular, the air conditioner is mainly an outdoor unit (sometimes called 'outside' or 'heat sink') installed outdoors, and an indoor unit (sometimes called 'indoor' or 'heat absorbing side') mainly installed inside a building. The outdoor unit is provided with a condenser (outdoor heat exchanger) and a compressor, and the indoor unit is provided with an evaporator (indoor heat exchanger).

And, as is well known, the air conditioner can be broadly divided into a separate type air conditioner in which the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are separately installed, and an integrated air conditioner in which the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are integrally installed.

1 schematically shows an indoor unit appearance of a conventional split type air conditioner according to the prior art.

As shown, the split type air conditioner is separated into an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit (not shown), and a refrigerant pipe (not shown) is installed in communication between the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit (not shown). do.

The indoor unit 10 has a side and rear appearance are formed by the cabinet 20 formed up and down long. A base 22 is provided at a lower portion of the cabinet 20, and a front panel 24 is formed at an upper end of the base 22 to form a front exterior.

The central portion of the front panel 24 is provided with a display unit 30 for displaying the operating state of the air conditioner, the side of the display unit 30 is a button unit for forming various buttons for the operation of the air conditioner 32 is provided.

The display unit 30 is generally made of an LED (LED). Therefore, it is on with the operation of the air conditioner to display the operating state of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner is turned off, the display unit 30 is also turned off.

More specifically, as shown, the indoor unit 10 is provided with a controller (not shown) for controlling various operations of the air conditioner, the display unit 30 by the command of the control unit wind direction And strength and intensity are displayed, as well as room temperature and desired temperature. That is, in the display unit 30, the state of the air conditioner set by the user according to the command of the controller (not shown) is represented to the outside by the LED.

However, the above-described prior art has the following problems.

Since the display unit 30 simply turns on / off a screen made of LEDs to express the current temperature or operation state statically, the display unit 30 cannot provide various information or additional functions. have.

In addition, in the conventional general air conditioner as described above, one controller (not shown) controls not only the operation of the air conditioner but also contents (images, etc.) displayed on the display unit 30. Therefore, when a program for controlling the content displayed on the display unit 30 is to be changed, the entire program of the controller needs to be changed.

As described above, although the contents displayed on the display unit 30 need to be changed from time to time according to a user's request, a large amount of time is required when changing a program due to a single control unit, and there is a difficult problem.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and to provide an air conditioner in which various types of images (avatars) are implemented.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner further comprising a separate display control unit for controlling images of various avatars and the like displayed on the display window.

Air conditioner according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the main control unit for controlling the air conditioner, a display control unit for controlling the display (Display) of the status information of the air conditioner delivered from the main control unit; Characterized in that it comprises a display means for displaying an image (image) or status information under the control of the display control unit.

The main control unit and the display control unit may be communicated with each other by wire or wirelessly.

The power supplied to the display controller is applied through the main controller.

The display control unit is characterized in that for controlling to display a two-dimensional (2D) image on the display means.

The display control unit is characterized in that for controlling to implement a three-dimensional (3D) image on the display means.

The display means has a configuration including a video display unit for displaying an image file, and an operation display unit for displaying the operation state of the air conditioner.

The image file displayed on the image display unit may include at least one of a JPEG, a BMP, and a TIFF file.

The execution program of the display control unit may be implemented in a Java (JAVA) program language.

The execution program of the display control unit may be implemented in at least one of C, C ++, and C # program languages.

The apparatus may further include sound output means for outputting different sounds according to an image or a message implemented in the display means.

One side of the display control unit, characterized in that the memory for storing the image (Avatar) data displayed on the display means.

One side of the sound output means, characterized in that the memory for storing the sound data output by the sound output means is provided.

The display means is characterized by consisting of LCD (LCD).

The display means is characterized in that the organic EL (EL).

According to the air conditioner according to the present invention having such a configuration, there is an advantage that a variety of information is more easily recognized / transferred to the user.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention as described above will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 schematically shows an indoor unit appearance of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

The air conditioner is composed of an indoor unit 100 and an outdoor unit (not shown) as shown, the front panel 110 is formed long in the front and rear of the indoor unit 100 as shown in Figure 2 to form a front appearance 110 ) Is provided.

In addition, the hinge 112 is provided at the upper and lower ends of the front panel 110 to become a pivot center of the front panel 110. Therefore, the front panel 110 is opened by rotating in the counterclockwise direction (viewed from above) with the right end as the axis.

The display window 120 is formed at the center of the upper half of the front panel 110. The display window 120 is a place where a set avatar is displayed, and preferably comprises an LCD or the like.

The button unit 130 is formed below the display window 120. The button unit 130 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons including a power button so that the user can operate the operation of the air conditioner.

The remote control receiver 140 is further formed below the button unit 130. The remote control receiver 140 is a part that receives a signal of a remote control.

3 illustrates a state in which the front panel 110 is rotated about the hinge 112 and opened.

As shown in the drawing, a display device 150 is provided on the rear surface of the front panel 110. The display apparatus 150 includes a display controller for controlling images of various avatars displayed on the display window 120.

In addition, as shown, the display device 150 is provided with a USB mounting portion 152, the USB mounting portion 152, USB memory 160 is selectively mounted. Therefore, the display device 150 can easily bring external data through the USB memory 160.

Of course, in addition to the USB memory 160 as described above, it will be possible to transfer data through various mobile storage media, and may be configured to enable data download through the Internet.

For example, in addition to the USB memory 160 described above, data may be transferred through an IEEE 1394 port.

On the other hand, the inner lower portion of the indoor unit 100 as described above is further provided with an air purifier 170 for filtering and purifying foreign matter in the air. The air purifier 170 is provided with a plurality of filters to filter out various foreign matter such as dust or smell in the air.

In addition, although not shown, the indoor unit 100 is further provided with a plurality of parts (heat exchanger, etc.) for air conditioning such as heating or cooling, and the function and configuration of each of these parts are generally known, Description is omitted.

One side of the display device 150 is further provided with a speaker 180. That is, as shown in the rear of the display device 150 is provided a speaker 180 for emitting sound to the outside. The speaker 180 serves to radiate music or sound to the outside.

4 illustrates the configuration of the button unit 130 in detail, and each key provided in the button unit 130 may be configured in various ways such as a button method or a touch method.

As shown, the center portion of the button unit 130 is provided with a run / stop key 132.

The run / stop key 132 is a run / stop button for performing or stopping an air conditioning function. That is, the operation / stop key 132 operates as a key used for driving when the air conditioning function of the air conditioner is stopped, and during operation (when the air conditioning function is being performed). It operates as a key for stop (run off).

On the other hand, the air conditioner such as the present invention is further provided with additional functions such as air cleaning function, in general, since the air conditioner is the air conditioning function to perform the cooling or heating of the indoor space through heat exchange, The case where such an air conditioning function is performed will be referred to as 'operation' of the air conditioner, and the case where the air conditioning function is not performed will be referred to as 'stop' of the air conditioner.

Temperature keys 134 are provided above and below the operation / stop key 132.

The temperature key 134 is a button for setting a temperature state, the upper button is a button for increasing the temperature, the lower button is a button for decreasing the temperature.

The temperature key 134 is not operated while the air conditioner is stopped. Also, during operation, it operates as a key to increase or decrease the temperature in the operation mode (especially, 'character operation mode') described below, but in the function selection mode (especially, 'album function'), it moves up and down. Also used as a moving key.

On the other hand, the volume keys 135 located on the left and right of the operation / stop key 132 are for adjusting the volume of sound. That is, for adjusting the sound generated from the speaker 180 provided in the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner, the button on the left is a button for reducing the sound, and the button on the right is a button for increasing the sound. to be. The volume key 135 may also be used as a movement key for moving in the left and right directions as the temperature key 134.

The air volume key 136 is provided at the lower left portion of the button unit 130. The air volume key 136 is a key for setting the amount of wind discharged and operates only when the air conditioner is in operation, and does not operate in a stopped state.

The plasma key 137 is provided at the lower right side of the button unit 130. The plasma key 137 is a key for operating the air purifier 170 built in the air conditioner, and is configured to be operable even during operation of the air conditioner or stop of the air conditioner.

Therefore, the air purifier 170 may purify the air operated together with the air conditioner function of the air conditioner, and may operate alone to purify the indoor air even when the air conditioner is stopped.

The left upper part of the button unit 130 is provided with a left key 138, and the right upper part is provided with a right key 139.

The left key 138 and the right key 139 do not operate when the air conditioner is in a stopped state, and are used to select various menus in the function selection mode described below when the air conditioner is in operation. .

5 shows a block diagram of an overall control system of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the air conditioner is provided with a main control unit 200 for controlling the overall operation, and the main control unit 200 is configured such that various components are connected to each other to transmit and receive various data.

In more detail, the main controller 200 is provided with a main memory 202. The main memory 202 is a storage medium basically built in an air conditioner, and stores various data. That is, the sound data output by the sound output means 222 to be described below is stored.

The main controller 200 includes a main input unit 210, a sensing unit 212, a signal receiving unit 214, a communication unit 215, an indoor motor 216, an outdoor motor 218, a compressor 220, and the like. Are each connected.

The main input means 210 is a portion through which the user inputs a signal for the operation of the air conditioner through the button unit 130, and the input signal through the main input means 210 is the main control unit 200. Is delivered to.

The sensing means 212 is provided with various sensors installed in the air conditioner, in particular, a plurality of sensors, such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a dust sensor, and a gas sensor, to measure air conditions and pollution levels. Therefore, the measured value detected by the sensing means 212 is transmitted to the main control unit 200.

The signal receiver 214 is a part that receives an external signal, such as the remote controller receiver 140, and the signal received by the signal receiver 214 is also transmitted to the main controller 200.

The communication means 215 is capable of receiving data (signals) by computer (including the Internet) or wireless communication in addition to the remote control receiver 140. That is, the communication interface is provided to receive various signals transmitted from the outside, or configured to be able to transmit the state of the air conditioner to the outside.

The indoor motor 216 is provided in the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner to rotate the fan, and is operated by receiving a signal from the main controller 200. For example, when an input of the operation / stop key 132 is transmitted from the main input unit 210 to the main control unit 200, the main control unit 200 operates the indoor motor 216.

In addition, the main controller 200 may be configured to control the rotational speed of the indoor motor 216 according to the pollution value of the air delivered from the sensing means 212.

The compressor 220 and the outdoor unit motor 218 are operated by the main controller 200. That is, when the driving / stop key 132 is input from the main input unit 210 or the driving command is input from the remote control receiver 140, such as the indoor motor 216, the main controller 200 is configured to perform the operation. The compressor 220 and the outdoor unit motor 218 are operated to switch the air conditioner from the stopped state to the operating state.

On the other hand, the main control unit 200 is also connected to the additional device such as the air purification device 170 and the sound output means 222.

The air purifier 170 is a device for filtering and purifying foreign matter in the air as described above. The main controller 200 purifies the air according to a signal input by the main input unit 210. Control the operation of device 170. That is, as described above, the air purifier 170 is operated by the input of the plasma key 137 of the button unit 130.

In addition, the air cleaning device 170 may be automatically controlled by the main controller 200. That is, the main controller 200 detects a degree of pollution (dust, gas, etc.) in the air measured by the detection means 212 by the user's setting, and then, according to the degree of pollution, the air purifier ( 170 may be configured to automatically adjust the intensity.

The sound output means 222 is a part for outputting sound, and is configured to output various sounds such as a buzzer, a melody, and music by the speaker 180 as described above. For example, a buzzer may sound when an error occurs according to an operation state of each component of an air conditioner, or different sounds may be generated according to an image (avatar) or a message (Message) implemented in the display means 256 described below. Melody), and various music output depending on the execution of the music file.

In addition, the main controller 200 is configured to transmit and receive a signal with the display controller 250 provided in the display device 150. That is, the main controller 200 and the display controller 250 are configured to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly and transmit signals to each other.

In more detail, an air conditioner operation signal such as an operation / stop key 132 of the main input unit 210 transmitted to the main control unit 200 is also transmitted to the display control unit 250. A display screen suitable for driving of In addition, when the current temperature information is provided from the main controller 200, the display controller 250 receives the temperature information and implements an image corresponding to the temperature on the screen.

On the other hand, the power supplied to the display control unit 250 is preferably configured to be applied via the main control unit 200. Therefore, power applied to the display controller 250 may be selectively supplied or cut off by the main controller 200.

In addition, data input to the display controller 250 through the data input means 258 to be described below may be transmitted to the main controller 200, and the display input means 254 to be described below. A signal input through the main control unit 200 is transmitted to the sound output through the sound output means 222.

The display controller 250 controls the contents displayed to the outside, and under the control of the main controller 200, the image and state information of the air conditioner are displayed on the display unit 256 to be described below. Control as possible.

The display controller 250 is connected to a display memory 252, a display input means 254, a display means 256, and a data input means 258.

The display memory 252 stores various materials (Avatars such as a picture or a character) to be embedded in the display apparatus 150 and to be displayed. That is, image (avatar) data displayed on the display means 256 is stored.

The display input means 254 is a portion to which a signal for operating the display apparatus 150 is input through the button unit 130 or the remote control, and the display of the front panel 110 described above. Since the window 120 is configured as a touch screen, a control command may be input by the touch of the display window 120.

The display means 256 is a portion for displaying an avatar such as various pictures, a video, a character, etc. according to a command of the display controller 250.

More specifically, the display means 256 implements an image or a message according to the command of the display control unit 250, and displays an image file unit 256 'for displaying an image file, and an air conditioner. An operation display unit 256 " for displaying an operation state.

The image display unit 256 'is configured to display an avatar or live action image according to an operation state of an air conditioner. The image file displayed on the image display unit 256' is JPEG, BMP. At least one of the TIFF files is preferable. Since JPEG, BMP, TIFF files and the like are widely used as extensions representing images, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

The operation display unit 256 ″ transmits various types of information such as an operation state of the air conditioner, a current temperature, or a set temperature in a message such as a text or a number.

In addition, the display unit 256 as described above is preferably made of LCD (LCD) or organic EL (EL).

The liquid crystal display (LCD) refers to an electronic device that transmits various electrical information generated by various devices to visual information by using a change in transmittance of liquid crystal according to an applied voltage.

In addition, the organic EL refers to an organic material made by using a light emitting phenomenon that emits light when a current flows through a fluorescent organic compound, and is also referred to as organic light emitting diodes (OLCD) or 'organic diodes'.

The LCD and the organic EL are recently spotlighted, and since they are used a lot, detailed descriptions will be omitted here.

As described above, the display controller 250 controls an image, a letter, or a number that is displayed to the outside through the display means 256, and the execution program of the display controller 250 may vary. It can be implemented in the form of language.

For example, it may be implemented in a Java (JAVA) program language that is in the spotlight recently, or may be implemented by a C language system. That is, it is more preferable that at least one of C, C ++, and C # programming languages be implemented.

In addition, the display controller 250 controls the display means 256 to implement a two-dimensional (2D) image, or further controls the display means 256 to implement a three-dimensional (3D) image. Do. That is, it is preferable that the planar or stereoscopic images can be implemented.

The data input means 258 is a portion in which data (signal) is input from the outside through the USB memory 160 or the IEEE 1394 port described above, and the display window through the data input means 258. The photo or image displayed on the 120 or the music file (including the MP3 file) to be output through the sound output means 222 is input.

6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a remote control that transmits a signal to the remote control receiver 140.

As shown in the drawing, a remote control includes a remote controller 270, a transmitter 272, an input unit 274, and the like. The input unit 274 is a portion in which a user's command is input through various buttons (not shown) of a remote control, and the transmitter 272 transmits the user's command to the remote control receiver 140. Part.

The remote controller 270 controls the operation of the input unit 274 and the transmitter 272. That is, the signal inputted through the input unit 274 is processed / converted so that the signal is transmitted to the remote control receiver 140 through the transmitter 272.

FIG. 7 schematically shows an example of various types of display modes displayed on the display window 120 by the display controller 250.

As shown, the display mode implemented by the display means 256 is a standby mode 300 depicting a waiting state before the air conditioning function is largely executed, and an operation mode indicating that the air conditioning function is being performed. And a function selection mode 340 for selecting various functions.

The standby mode 300 includes a screen off mode 302 in which nothing is displayed on the screen, a clock mode 304 for displaying a current time, a screen save mode 306 in which a screen saver program is executed, and a user set It is common for at least one of the user setting modes 308 in which any image is displayed to be configured to be displayed.

That is, one of the above screen off mode 302, clock mode 304, screen protect mode 306 and user setting mode 308 is generally set when the air conditioner is released. Therefore, when the user applies power to the air conditioner, the set standby mode 300 is booted and displayed.

Of course, the standby mode 300 may be changed by a user. That is, the user selects a desired mode from the screen off mode 302, the clock mode 304, the screen saver mode 306, and the user setting mode 308. It is also possible to be implemented in the display window 120 through.

In more detail, the screen off mode 302 means that the display window 120 remains off.

In the watch mode 304, a current time is displayed on the display window 120, and a year and month are displayed together with the time, and a value measured from a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor may be simultaneously displayed.

In the screen save mode 306, a preset screen save program is executed, which means that a screen saver, also called a screen save, is operated. Therefore, the screen saver mode 306 is the same as the screen on which the screen saver widely used in the computer is executed.

The user setting mode 308 allows the user to display an image which has been arbitrarily preset. That is, the user arbitrarily presets a picture of himself or his family or his character, and this set image is displayed when the power is applied.

The operation mode 320 refers to a state of an image implemented through the display means 256 when an air conditioner is operated by inputting the operation / stop key 132 in the standby mode 300. The driving mode 320 is divided into a live driving mode 322, a user driving mode 324, and a character driving mode 326.

Therefore, when the air conditioner operates, any one of the real operation mode 322, the user operation mode 324, and the character operation mode 326 constituting the operation mode 320 is executed. That is, any one mode preset by the user is executed.

In the live operation mode 322, a real image (picture) previously stored in the main memory 202 or the display memory 252 is displayed. The real image may be a still image or a moving image.

The user operation mode 324 uploads an image or a video that a user desires to the display memory 252, and then selects the uploaded image or video by the user and the display window 120 when the air conditioner is operated. ).

The character driving mode 326 is a mode for displaying a character stored in advance, such a character may be composed of a still image, or may be made of a dynamic character. For example, when the character driving mode 326 is executed, a skiing character may be implemented in the display window 120, and such a character is preferably displayed as a video.

On the other hand, the operation mode 320 as described above is continuously operated unless a separate key (Key) for executing another command is input. When the air conditioner is stopped in the operation mode 320, the air conditioner returns to the standby mode 300. At this time, the automatic cleaning 310 may be performed. However, this automatic cleaning 310 function is executed only when the function is set in advance.

In addition, the driving mode 320 may be configured to switch to the screen protection mode 306 according to the user's setting. That is, after the operation mode 320 is executed, if no execution key is input by a predetermined time, a pre-stored screen saver program is executed to switch to the screen saver mode 306.

In the screen protection mode 306 as described above, when an arbitrary key is inputted, the screen protection mode 306 is automatically terminated and returned to its original state. That is, the operation returns to the operation mode 320 again.

The function selection mode 340 is a mode for allowing a user to select or set various functions of the air conditioner.

The function selection mode 340 includes a driving / additional function 342 and an album function 344.

The operation / additional function 342 is to set an operation state and an additional function of the air conditioner, and the album function 344 allows to store and edit various pictures.

In the operation function, it is possible to select a state of use of an air conditioner such as cooling or dehumidification and to adjust the air volume.

Meanwhile, the pop-up function 360 may be additionally performed during each of the above modes. The pop-up function 360 means that various pop-up windows are displayed on the display window 120 so that a user can visually easily recognize an error state of an air conditioner or an operation state of an input key during execution of each mode. .

The function selection mode 340 may also be configured to switch to the screen protection mode 306 as in the operation mode 320 according to the user's setting. That is, after the function selection mode 340 is executed, if no execution key is input by the preset time, the pre-stored screen saver program is executed to switch to the screen saver mode 306.

Hereinafter, an execution process of each mode having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 8. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic flow of the standby mode 300, the operation mode 320, and the function selection mode 340.

As shown, first, the display controller 250 determines whether power is supplied (S400). When the power is supplied, the standby mode 300 is executed (S410), and if no power is supplied, no action is taken.

Next, it is determined whether the operation / stop key 132 is input (S420). In this case, when the operation / stop key 132 is input, the signal is transmitted to the main controller 200 to operate an air conditioner (S421). That is, the main control unit 200 operates the air conditioning components such as the indoor motor 216 and the outdoor motor 218 to perform air conditioning of the indoor space (S421).

On the other hand, when the operation / stop key 132 is not input, it is also determined whether the plasma key 137 is input again (S430). When the plasma key 137 is input, the input signal is transmitted to the main controller 200 to operate the air purifier 170. Therefore, the air cleaning function is executed (S432).

The air purifier 170 operates to determine whether an end key is input while the air cleaning function is performed (S434), and when the end key is input, such a signal is transmitted to the main controller 200 to provide an air purifier. 170 is stopped (S436). In this case, the end key means an input of the plasma key 137. That is, when the plasma key 137 is pressed once, the air purifier 170 is operated, and when the plasma key 137 is pressed again in this state, the air purifier 170 is stopped.

When the air conditioning function is executed as described above (S421), the operation mode 320 is executed on the display window 120 (S440).

When the driving mode is executed (S440), the display memory 252 sets a time. That is, the time 'T = 0' is set (S460). In addition, it is determined whether a function key such as the left key 138 or the right key 139 is input through the button unit 130.

As a result of the determination, when the function key is input (S462), the function selection mode 340 is executed (S480). Otherwise, it is determined whether the operation / stop key 132 is input again (S464). .

When the operation / stop key 132 is not input, the time value T stored in the display memory 252 is read (S466). Then, it is determined whether the time value T is equal to or greater than the time set value (eg, 5 minutes) set in the above environment setting (S468).

As a result of determination, when the time value T is equal to or greater than the time set value, the screen protection mode 306 is executed (S470). The screen protection mode 306 ends when an arbitrary key is input (S472).

When the function selection mode is executed (S480), the display memory 252 resets the time. That is, time is set to 'T = 0' (S530). Then, it is determined whether the right key 139 (here, used as a function closing key) is input through the button unit 130 (S532).

When the 'function close key', that is, the right key 139 is input, the screen returns to the operation mode execution screen, and when it is not input, it is determined whether the operation / stop key 132 is input again. (S534).

In this case, when the operation / stop key 132 is not input, the time value T stored in the display memory 252 is read (S536). Then, it is determined whether the time value T is equal to or greater than the time set value (eg, 5 minutes) set in the above environment setting (S538).

If it is determined that the time value T is equal to or greater than the time setting value, the screen protection mode 306 is executed (S540). The screen protection mode 306 determines whether an arbitrary key is input (S542), and when the key is input, the screen protection mode 306 ends (S544).

Meanwhile, as a result of determining whether the operation / stop key 132 is input in steps S464 and S534, when the operation / stop key 132 is input, the main controller 200 stops the air conditioner. Let's do it. That is, execution of the air conditioning function is stopped (S550).

Then, the air conditioner is stopped and at the same time automatic cleaning is performed (S552). Of course, this function is performed when it is set in advance.

Then, it is determined whether the power is cut off (S560), and when the power is cut off, all display executions are terminated (S570).

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-exemplified embodiments, and many other modifications based on the present invention will be possible to those skilled in the art within the above technical scope.

As described above, the air conditioner according to the present invention implements an image or a message according to a main control unit for controlling the air conditioner, a display control unit for controlling the content displayed on the outside, and a display control unit. And display means.

Therefore, various types of images (avatars) and sounds, as well as the state of the air conditioner are displayed to the outside through the display window, the user can easily recognize a variety of information.

In addition, in the present invention, in addition to the main control unit for controlling the air conditioner, a display control unit for controlling the content displayed to the outside is provided separately. Therefore, there is an advantage that it is easier to change the image displayed to the outside.

That is, conventionally, one control unit is configured to control both the overall control of the air conditioner and the content displayed to the outside, but in the present invention, since a separate display control unit for controlling the content displayed on the display means is provided, the display means In order to change the displayed contents, it is possible to change only the program of the display controller. Therefore, the development labor and development cost is reduced compared to the conventional.

In addition, parts can be shared. That is, some of the plurality of display control units may be selected and used in connection with the main control unit, and since the main control unit of various model groups may be connected to one display control unit, the parts may be shared and modularized.

Claims (11)

delete delete A main controller provided in the main body of the indoor unit to control the operation of the air conditioner; A front panel forming a front appearance of the indoor unit; It has a configuration including a display device provided on the rear of the front panel; The display device, And a display control unit for controlling the state information of the air conditioner transmitted from the main control unit, a display unit including an image display unit for displaying an avatar image and an operation display unit for displaying the state of the air conditioner. The state information of the air conditioner is displayed on the operation display unit of the display unit according to the control of the display control unit; And the main controller and the display controller communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly, and the power supplied to the display controller is applied through the main controller. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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