KR20230097923A - Electronic device and method for controlling electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present specification relates to an electronic device and a control method of the electronic device. An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a plurality of fans, a detector for detecting whether the plurality of fans are normally operating, and a program including instructions for controlling driving of the plurality of fans according to a detection result of the detector. It includes a storage unit for storing data, and a control unit for controlling driving of the plurality of fans by executing commands included in the program data. In one embodiment of the present specification, the control unit upgrades the first program data stored in the storage unit to second program data according to a user's request.

Description

Electronic device and control method of electronic device {ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRONIC DEVICE}

The present specification relates to an electronic device and a control method of the electronic device.

Electronic devices refer to electronic devices that are frequently used in daily life, such as computers, mobile phones, MP3 players, televisions, computer monitors, calculators, radios, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and digital cameras. Representative examples of electronic devices include home appliances.

A program including specific commands for controlling various functions of the electronic device is embedded inside the electronic device. After the electronic device is sold, only simple support such as error correction is provided for the program. Accordingly, when an electronic device performing a new function is required, a user must purchase a new electronic device. Accordingly, a method of improving a function of an electronic device by modifying a program embedded in the electronic device has been applied.

Meanwhile, an air conditioner, one of electronic devices, is a device that maintains indoor air in a pleasant state. A plurality of fans are disposed inside the air conditioner to discharge cooled air or heated air to the outside. However, according to the prior art, when some of the plurality of fans are detected as being abnormal while the air conditioner is in operation, the operation of the air conditioner is completely stopped. According to this control, since the air conditioner does not operate even though some fans are normal, there is a problem in that the user cannot use the air conditioner at all until the air conditioner is repaired.

An object of the present specification is to provide an electronic device and a control method of the electronic device capable of upgrading a built-in program more conveniently and efficiently.

In addition, an object of the present specification is to provide an electronic device and a method for controlling the electronic device in which driving is maintained even when some fans among a plurality of fans are detected as abnormal.

Objects of the present specification are not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and other objects and advantages of the present specification not mentioned above can be understood by the following description and will be more clearly understood by the examples of the present specification. Further, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of this specification may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations indicated in the claims.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a plurality of fans, a detector for detecting whether the plurality of fans are normally operating, and a program including instructions for controlling driving of the plurality of fans according to a detection result of the detector. It includes a storage unit for storing data, and a control unit for controlling driving of the plurality of fans by executing commands included in the program data.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the control unit upgrades the first program data stored in the storage unit to second program data according to a user's request.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the second program data includes instructions for executing an emergency operation mode when at least one fan among the plurality of fans is detected as being abnormal by the sensor.

In one embodiment of the present specification, in the emergency operation mode, driving of abnormal fans is stopped and driving of normal fans is maintained.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the target temperature of the electronic device in the emergency operation mode is set to a value higher than a value set by a user or lower than a value set by a user.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the target air volume value of the electronic device in the emergency operation mode is set to a value higher than or lower than the value set by the user.

In one embodiment of the present specification, a target air volume value of the electronic device is set to a maximum value or a target temperature value of the electronic device is set to a minimum value during a first predetermined time period in the emergency operation mode, and the first time period When elapsed, the target air volume value or the target temperature value is changed to a value set by the user.

In one embodiment of the present specification, when the first program data stored in the storage unit is upgraded to the second program data, the emergency operation mode is executed when the number of fans detected as abnormal is less than a predetermined reference value, When the number of fans detected as abnormal exceeds a predetermined reference value, driving of all fans is stopped.

In one embodiment of the present specification, in the emergency operation mode, an air volume increase of the lower fan when the upper fan is abnormal and an air volume increase of the upper fan when the lower fan are abnormal are set to be different from each other.

In one embodiment of the present specification, in the emergency operation mode, only the lower fans are driven when some of the upper fans are abnormal, and only the upper fans are driven when some of the lower fans are abnormal.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the emergency operation mode is maintained only for a predetermined second time period, and driving of all fans is stopped when the second time period elapses.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the electronic device further includes a display unit for displaying information related to driving of the electronic device, and when the first program data stored in the storage unit is upgraded to the second program data, the In the emergency operation mode, identification information of an abnormal fan is displayed on the display unit.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the first program data stored in the storage unit is upgraded to the second program data according to any one of a normal upgrade method, an automatic upgrade method, and a delta upgrade method.

According to the embodiments of the present specification, it is possible to more conveniently and efficiently upgrade a program embedded in an electronic device.

Also, according to the embodiments of the present specification, even if some fans among a plurality of fans disposed inside the electronic device are detected as abnormal, the driving of the electronic device may be maintained.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a system configuration composed of a user device and a management server according to an embodiment of the present specification.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a system for upgrading an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present specification, and is a diagram showing the user device of FIG. 1 in more detail.
3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a management server according to an embodiment of the present specification.
4 is an operation flowchart for explaining the operation of the management server according to an embodiment of the present specification.
5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present specification.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of upgrading an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present specification.
7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of electronic devices that can be installed separately according to an embodiment of the present specification.
8 is a diagram for explaining an overall operation of a method of upgrading an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present specification.
9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating an upgrading process in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present specification.
11 shows a fan disposition structure inside an electronic device having two fans in one embodiment of the present specification.
12 shows a fan disposition structure inside an electronic device having four fans in one embodiment of the present specification.
13 shows a fan arrangement structure inside an electronic device having three fans in one embodiment of the present specification.
14 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present specification.
15 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present specification.
16 illustrates information displayed on a display unit when an electronic device is driven in an emergency operation mode according to an embodiment of the present specification.
17 illustrates information displayed on a display unit when an electronic device is driven in an emergency operation mode in another embodiment of the present specification.

The above objects, features and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly, those skilled in the art will be able to easily implement the embodiments of the present specification. In describing this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present specification may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present specification, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements.

In this specification, updating or upgrading of an electronic device may be defined as a process of replacing a program stored and executed in an electronic device and controlling each function of the electronic device with a program of a new version. The program may include firmware for operation of a control unit or processing unit of an electronic device and content programs or software executed on the firmware. For example, the firmware or content program may be a program for setting a background screen of the display unit of the air conditioner or a program for controlling functions related to a normal operation mode and an emergency operation mode of the air conditioner.

In this specification, updating of an electronic device may be defined as including a download and upgrade process. Here, downloading may be defined as a process in which an electronic device receives a program transmitted from another device (eg, a management server) through a communication network. Upgrading may be defined as a process of recording or storing a downloaded program in a storage unit of an electronic device.

In this specification, when an electronic device is in operation or when a product is in operation, it may be defined as an operating state in which the electronic device performs its own function. For example, an operating state in which an electronic device performs a unique function may be a state in which an air conditioning function of an air conditioner, an air cleaning function of an air purifier, a washing function of a washing machine, and a drying function of a dryer are performed.

In the present specification, the communication unit may perform functions such as data transmission/reception, downloaded program storage, program upgrade schedule setting, and upgrade reservation time tracking.

In this specification, a control unit of an electronic device may be defined as a component that controls a unique function of an electronic device. For example, the controller may control an air conditioning function of an air conditioner, an air cleaning function of an air purifier, a washing function of a washing machine, a drying function of a dryer, and the like.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a system configuration composed of a user device and a management server according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a system according to an embodiment of the present specification may include a management server 100 and a plurality of user devices 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 .

The management server 100 may store information about electronic devices to be upgraded and information about electronic devices possessed by each user.

Information on electronic devices may include program data of the latest version of the electronic device. For example, the information on the electronic devices is at least one of identification information of the electronic device, program data for each previous version of the electronic device, and delta data derived according to a comparison result between the program data of each of the previous versions and the program data of the latest version. may contain more than

Here, the program data is data related to the operation of the electronic device, and refers to data capable of improving the function of the electronic device or adding new functions to the electronic device. For example, when the electronic device is an air conditioner, the program data may be data for improving a program for adjusting one or more of air volume, wind direction, and room temperature, improving an image displayed through a display module, or creating a new It may be data for displaying an image or data related to a voice guided through a voice guidance module.

Information on electronic devices possessed by each user may include user identification information and identification information of an electronic device associated with the user identification information.

The management server 100 may determine whether to upgrade the electronic device and an upgrade method based on information about the electronic device. A specific method for this will be described later.

In addition, the management server 100 may transmit data for upgrading functions of each of the user devices 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 (hereinafter referred to as upgrade data). The upgrade data may include program data or delta data of the latest version of the electronic device.

Data transmitted by the management server 100 may also include a command set to be executed in each of the user devices 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 . The management server 100 may determine the type or transmission time of upgrade data according to the above-described upgrade status and upgrade method.

Each of the plurality of user devices 210, 220, 230, and 240 may include one or more electronic devices. Here, the electronic devices include various types of home appliances such as air conditioners, air purifiers, refrigerators, washing machines, clothes management devices and water purifiers, mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, and various types of electronic devices ( For example, various types of devices such as a device provided for autonomous driving or a device for controlling the operation of a vehicle, etc.) may be included.

Also, each of the plurality of user devices 210, 220, 230, and 240 may include at least one user terminal. Each of the one or more electronic devices may upgrade program data in response to a file (ie, a file including delta data or a command set) received from the management server 100 .

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a system for upgrading an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present specification, and is a diagram showing the user device of FIG. 1 in more detail.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a system according to an embodiment includes a management server 100, an access point 300, a plurality of electronic devices 410, 420, 430, 440, 500, and 600, and a user terminal 700. can include

Each of the plurality of user devices 210, 220, 230, and 240 in FIG. 1 includes an access point 300, a plurality of electronic devices 410, 420, 430, 440, 500, and 600, and a user terminal 700. It may include at least one or more of them.

Functions of the management server 100 may be the same as those described in FIG. 1 .

The access point 300 may play a role of relaying the management server 100 and the electronic devices 410 , 420 , 500 , and 600 . For example, the access point 300 may be a router.

Each of the plurality of electronic devices 410, 420, 430, 440, 500, and 600 may perform a unique function according to the execution of a corresponding program.

The electronic devices 410, 420, 430, and 440 may be electronic devices in which a plurality of devices are separately installed and connected to each other for a predetermined function. For example, the 1-1 electronic device 410, the 1-2 electronic device 420, and the 1-3 electronic device 430 control any one of indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality. It is an indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the first to fourth electronic device 440 may be an outdoor unit of the air conditioner connected to the indoor units. Air quality may include the concentration of fine dust or chemicals that cause odors.

In addition, the 1-1 electronic device 410 and the 1-2 electronic device 420 may include a communication module (eg, a Wi-Fi module) capable of accessing the access point 300 . In addition, the 1-1 electronic device 410, the 1-2 electronic device 420, the 1-3 electronic device 430, and the 1-4 electronic device 440 are communication modules capable of communicating with each other. can include

Each of the 1-1 electronic device 410, 1-2 electronic device 420, and 1-3 electronic device 430 determines the temperature, humidity, and concentration of indoor air according to the execution of the corresponding program. At least one or more can be adjusted. The 1-4th electronic device 440 may control the operation of at least one of a compressor and a fan according to execution of a corresponding program.

Each of the second electronic device 500 and the third electronic device 600 may be an independently operated electronic device. For example, each of the second electronic device 500 and the third electronic device 600 may be one of various electronic devices such as an air purifier, a washing machine, a clothes care machine, and a refrigerator. Each of the second electronic device 500 and the third electronic device 600 may include a communication module (eg, a Wi-Fi module).

The user terminal 700 may be a mobile terminal of a user who owns a plurality of electronic devices 410 , 420 , 430 , 440 , 500 , and 600 .

Depending on the embodiment, the access point 300 may be excluded. In this case, each of the electronic devices 410, 420, 500, and 600 may access the management server 100 through an Internet network or the like. In this case, each of the electronic devices 410 , 420 , 500 , and 600 may access the management server 100 by wire or wirelessly.

Also, although not shown, the user device may further include a remote control capable of controlling each of the plurality of electronic devices 410 , 420 , 430 , 440 , 500 , and 600 . The remote controller may transmit/receive data with each of the electronic devices controlled by the remote control in a short-distance wireless communication method. For example, the remote controller may transmit/receive data with the electronic devices it controls using a Bluetooth method. According to an embodiment, not only the plurality of electronic devices 410, 420, 430, 440, 500, and 600, but also remote controllers or other devices connected thereto may be upgraded.

For example, a user may remotely control an electronic device (eg, an air conditioner) installed in a home or check an operating state of an electronic device in real time using the user terminal 700 (eg, a mobile terminal or a tablet). .

The user executes an application for managing the electronic device installed in the user terminal 700, inputs a control command for the electronic device, or requests information related to an operating state of the electronic device. The user terminal 700 transmits a control command to the management server 100 or requests transmission of information about an electronic device according to a user's request.

Electronic devices include a display for displaying information and a communication device having a communication function.

The management server 100 communicates with electronic devices through a router installed in the home. The management server 100 transmits a control command input by a user to an electronic device through a router or requests the electronic device to transmit information related to an operating state of the electronic device. The electronic device is controlled according to a control command input by a user or transmits information related to an operating state of the electronic device to the management server 100 through a router.

The management server 100 transmits the received information related to the operating state of the electronic device to the user terminal 700 . Through this process, the user can remotely control the electronic device using the user terminal 700 or inquire information related to the operating state of the electronic device in real time.

The management server 100 communicates with electronic devices through the access point 300 installed in the home. The management server 100 transmits a control command input by a user to the electronic device through the access point 300 or requests the electronic device to transmit information related to an operating state of the electronic device. The electronic device is controlled according to a control command input by a user or transmits information related to an operating state of the electronic device to the management server 100 through the access point 300 .

When a user requests an upgrade of a program or firmware installed in the electronic device through an application installed in the user terminal 700, the management server 100 transmits the new program or firmware to the electronic device. The user may set elements and functions for upgrading a program or firmware of an electronic device or check a status of a program or firmware upgrade of the electronic device through an application installed in the user terminal 700 .

Also, the electronic device may periodically transmit information on programs installed in the electronic device to the management server 100 through the access point 300 . Also, the electronic device may transmit program information of a separate electronic device connected to the electronic device by wire or wirelessly, for example, an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a remote controller. A communication method between an electronic device and the management server 100 may be different from a communication method between an electronic device and a separate electronic device.

In addition, when an electronic device needs to upgrade a program of a separate electronic device connected to the electronic device by wire or wirelessly, the program received from the management server 100 is transmitted to the corresponding electronic device, or the received program is transmitted using a broadcasting method. It can be transmitted to other electronic devices.

Program information transmitted to the management server 100 may include a user ID, model name, serial number, program version, program contents, user settings, product storage capacity information, and the like.

The management server 100 may compare program information registered in the electronic device management server 100 with program information of the electronic device transmitted through a user ID, model name, serial number, etc. from the transmitted program information.

The management server 100 selects any one of normal upgrade, automatic upgrade, and delta upgrade as a program update or upgrade method of the electronic device according to the comparison result, or normal upgrade or automatic upgrade through the model name and serial number of the electronic device. and delta upgrade.

For example, when the management server 100 selects a general upgrade method and an update or upgrade of a program installed in an electronic device is required, the management server 100 transmits program update or upgrade information to the user terminal 700 or the electronic device. can transmit.

When receiving program update or upgrade information from the electronic device management server, the user terminal 700 or electronic device may display the program update or upgrade information on the display.

When there is a program update or upgrade request from the user, the management server 100 generates delta data containing only the difference between the program installed in the electronic device and the program to be upgraded, and transmits or updates the delta data to the electronic device through the router along with a command. The entire program can be transmitted to an electronic device.

The electronic device may update or upgrade a program of the electronic device based on the transmitted new program.

In addition, when the management server 100 selects the automatic upgrade method, the management server 100 generates delta data including only the difference between a program installed in the electronic device and a program to be updated, and the electronic device through the router along with a command. The entire program to be transmitted or updated to the device may be transmitted to the electronic device.

When a program to be updated is downloaded to the electronic device, the electronic device or user terminal 700 may display program update or upgrade information on the display.

When a program update or upgrade request is received from the electronic device or the user terminal 700, the electronic device may update or upgrade the program of the electronic device based on the transmitted update program.

The management server 100 may switch to the normal upgrade when the automatic upgrade method is selected, but the storage capacity of the electronic device is insufficient or the automatic upgrade fails.

3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a management server according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the management server 100 may include a control unit 110 , a communication unit 810 and a storage unit 130 .

The control unit 110 may transmit program data stored in the storage unit 130 . At this time, the program data transmitted by the control unit 110 may be program data of the latest version. For example, the control unit 110 generates delta data for each electronic device based on the data stored in the storage unit 130, and transmits the delta to the electronic device (410, 420, 500, 600 in FIG. 2) through the communication unit 810. Data can also be transmitted.

When transmitting program data or delta data, the controller 110 may also transmit a command set to be executed by the controller of the electronic device (410, 420, 500, 600 in FIG. 2).

The controller 110 may determine whether to upgrade the electronic device and an upgrade method based on information about the electronic device.

The controller 110 may include at least one processing unit and/or memory. Here, the processing unit may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), and the like, It can have multiple cores. The memory may be volatile memory (eg, RAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (eg, ROM, flash memory, etc.), or a combination thereof.

The communication unit 810 may transmit a signal to the outside under the control of the control unit 110 . Also, the communication unit 810 may receive a signal from the outside and output the received signal to the control unit 110 . The communication unit 810 may transmit and receive signals by wire or wirelessly. Communication unit 810 may include a modem, network interface card (NIC), integrated network interface, radio frequency transmitter/receiver, infrared port, USB connection, or other interface for communication with other computing devices.

The storage unit 130 may store data received through the communication unit 810 under the control of the controller 110 and may store data processed by the controller 110 . For example, the storage unit 130 may store user identification information, identification information of an electronic device associated with the user identification information, program data for each version of the electronic device, and information about program data of previous versions and program data of the latest version. At least one or more of the delta data derived according to the comparison result may be stored.

4 is an operation flowchart for explaining the operation of the management server according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 4 , first, the management server 100 may receive product information from an electronic device (S11). Product information may include at least one of user identification information, electronic device identification information, and a current program version of the electronic device.

Next, the management server 100 may determine whether to upgrade or upgrade based on product information (S12).

For example, the management server 100 may check the user's authority or the service being used by using the user's identification information, and determine whether or not to upgrade accordingly. Alternatively, the management server 100 may determine whether or not to upgrade based on the identification information of the electronic device. Alternatively, the management server 100 may determine whether or not to upgrade depending on whether the current program version of the electronic device is the latest version.

In addition, the management server 100 may determine an upgrade method based on at least one of a function to be upgraded, a capacity of upgrade data, a format of the upgrade data, an expected transmission time of the upgrade data, and identification information of the electronic device. For example, the management server 100 may determine an appropriate upgrade method according to functions to be upgraded.

For example, the management server 100 may compare the capacity of the upgrade data with at least one reference capacity, and determine an upgrade method according to the result. Alternatively, the management server 100 may determine an upgrade method according to whether the upgrade data includes a command. Alternatively, the management server 100 may use the identification information of the electronic device to determine the type of electronic device or the connection state of the communication unit of the electronic device, and determine an upgrade method based on the result. Alternatively, the management server 100 may determine a transmission time required to transmit the upgrade data based on the capacity of the upgrade data and the identification information of the electronic device, and determine an upgrade method based on the result.

In one embodiment, the upgrade method includes a general upgrade method in which all data including a program to perform a function to be upgraded is transmitted to the electronic device and the electronic device is upgraded based on the entire transmitted data, and delta data is transmitted and transmitted. A delta upgrade method in which the electronic device is upgraded based on the delta data obtained, and an automatic upgrade method in which the upgrade data is transmitted to the electronic device before receiving the user's acceptance of the upgrade and then the electronic device is upgraded according to the user's acceptance of the upgrade. can

According to the normal upgrade method and the delta upgrade method, the management server 100 may transmit upgrade data after receiving the user's acceptance of the upgrade. In addition, according to the general upgrade method and the delta upgrade method, upgrade data may be transmitted to an electronic device (more specifically, a function module of the electronic device) in a state in which an inherent operation of the electronic device is stopped.

In this specification, the inherent operation of an electronic device means an operation for the electronic device to perform its original function. For example, in the case of an air conditioner, an operation of controlling a compressor or a fan to perform cooling or heating may be an inherent operation. In the case of a washing machine, an operation of controlling a motor or a valve to wash laundry may be an inherent operation. In the case of a refrigerator, an operation of controlling a compressor or a fan to adjust or maintain the internal temperature may be an intrinsic operation.

According to the automatic upgrade method, upgrade data may be transmitted to an electronic device (more specifically, a function module of the electronic device) regardless of whether the electronic device stops its own operation. That is, according to the automatic upgrade method, some or all of the upgrade data may be downloaded to the electronic device while the electronic device performs its own operation. For example, the upgrade data may be downloaded to a storage unit within a communication unit of the electronic device.

When the capacity of the upgrade data is equal to or greater than the first reference capacity, the management server 100 may determine an automatic upgrade method as an upgrade method. Alternatively, if the capacity of the upgrade data is less than the first reference capacity, the management server 100 may determine the upgrade method as a delta upgrade method.

Alternatively, the management server 100 may determine an upgrade method as a general upgrade method when the capacity of the upgrade data is less than the second reference capacity smaller than the first reference capacity. The first reference capacity may be 1 Mbyte. The second reference capacity may be 128 kbytes. This is because, when the capacity of the upgrade data is equal to or greater than the first reference capacity, it takes a lot of time to transmit the data even if the delta upgrade method is used. In addition, if the capacity of the upgrade data is less than the second reference capacity, it does not take much time to transmit the data even if the delta upgrade method is not used.

Alternatively, the management server 100 may determine an automatic upgrade method as an upgrade method when the expected transmission time of the upgrade data is greater than or equal to the first reference time. Alternatively, the management server 100 may determine a delta upgrade method as an upgrade method when the expected transmission time of the upgrade data is less than the first reference time. Alternatively, the management server 100 may determine the upgrade method as a general upgrade method when the expected transmission time of the upgrade data is less than the second reference time shorter than the first reference time. The first reference time may be 20 minutes. The second reference dose may be 2 minutes.

Alternatively, the management server 100 may determine an upgrade method as a general upgrade method or a delta upgrade method when the traffic of a communication line of an electronic device or a function module of the electronic device to be upgraded is equal to or greater than a reference ratio to the capacity of the communication line. . Alternatively, the management server 100 may determine an automatic upgrade method as an upgrade method when the traffic of a communication line of an electronic device or a function module of the electronic device to be upgraded is less than a reference ratio to the capacity of the communication line. This is because it takes a lot of time to transmit the upgrade data even if the automatic upgrade method is used when traffic on the communication line is usually high.

Alternatively, the management server 100 may determine an automatic upgrade method as an upgrade method when the upgrade data does not include a command. The management server 100 may determine an upgrade method by complexly considering two or more of the various determination criteria described above.

Next, the management server 100 may provide upgrade information to the electronic device or user terminal 700 and receive upgrade acceptance from the electronic device or user terminal 700 (S13). In addition, the management server 100 may transmit upgrade data to the electronic device (S14).

The order of steps S13 and S14 may be changed. That is, as described above, the management server 100 may perform step S14 after performing step S13 when upgrading according to the normal upgrade method or the delta upgrade method. Alternatively, when upgrading according to the automatic upgrade method, the management server 100 may perform step S14 and then step S13.

Then, the management server 100 may request the electronic device to perform an upgrade operation.

5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 5 , an electronic device 800 according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a communication unit 810, a control unit 820, a third storage unit 830, a plurality of fans 91 and 92, a sensing unit ( 93), and a display unit 900.

The communication unit 810 may include a storage unit 811, a transmission/reception unit 812, and a communication control unit 813, and the control unit 820 includes a processing unit 821, a first storage unit 822, and a second storage unit 822. A storage unit 823 may be included. Each of the electronic devices 410 , 420 , 500 , and 600 of FIG. 2 may include the configuration shown in FIG. 5 . Also, an electronic device according to an embodiment may not include some of the first storage unit 822 , the second storage unit 823 , and the third storage unit 830 .

The communication unit 810 may receive data from the management server (100 in FIG. 1 or 2) and transmit the received data to the control unit 820. The data received from the management server (100 in FIG. 1 or 2) may include at least one of program data, delta data described above, and commands executed by the control unit 820. The communication unit 810 may include a radio frequency transmitter/receiver, an infrared port, a USB connection, or other interface. For example, the communication unit 160 may include a short-range communication module for transmitting and receiving signals according to a communication standard such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

The storage unit 811 may store data received from the management server (100 in FIG. 1 or 2). The storage unit 811 may be a non-volatile memory. For example, the storage unit 811 may be a flash memory.

The transceiver 812 may transmit data stored in the storage 811 to the controller 820 .

The communication control unit 813 may control the transmission/reception unit 812 and the storage unit 811 . The communication controller 813 may correspond to a microcomputer for controlling communication. The communication controller 813 may operate based on firmware.

The communication control unit 813 may store data received from the transmission/reception unit 812, particularly program data, in the storage unit 811. Also, the communication control unit 813 may transmit program data stored in the storage unit 811 to the control unit 820 through a local bus.

When the predetermined upgrade reservation time arrives, the communication control unit 813 may perform the upgrade or delay the reservation time according to the operating state of the control unit 820 . The communication control unit 813 may manage reservation time through time synchronization with the management server 100 .

The control unit 820 stores a program for implementing the function of the electronic device 800, and executes the stored program to perform a predetermined function, thereby allowing the electronic device 800 to perform a specific function. You can control it. Also, the controller 820 may update a stored program based on data received from the communication unit 810 .

The processing unit 821 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), and the like, and the first A program stored in the storage unit 822 or the second storage unit 823 is executed or an operation for program execution is performed. The processing unit 821 may have a single core or multiple cores.

The first storage unit 822 may be a non-volatile memory. For example, the first storage unit 822 may be a flash memory. The first storage unit 822 may store programs.

The second storage unit 823 may be a volatile memory. For example, the second storage unit 823 may be RAM. Part of the program data stored in the first storage unit 822 may be loaded into the second storage unit 823, and the program data stored in the second storage unit 823 is stored in a specific area of the first storage unit 822. can be recorded.

The third storage unit 830 may be a non-volatile memory. The third storage unit may be one of flash memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage. Programs for performing functions of the electronic device 800 may be stored in the third storage unit 830 .

The electronic device 800 includes a plurality of fans 91 and 92 . In one embodiment of the present specification, the electronic device 800 may be an air purifier, and the fans 91 and 92 may be fans provided inside the purifier and discharging cooled air or heated air to the outside. Although only two fans 91 and 92 are shown in FIG. 5 for convenience of explanation, the number of fans included in the electronic appliance 800 may vary depending on the embodiment.

The controller 820 may control driving of the fans 91 and 92 according to a program loaded or recorded in the first storage unit 822 or the second storage unit 823 .

The sensing unit 93 senses the driving state of the plurality of fans 91 and 92 . For example, the sensing unit 93 may be a sensor that detects whether or not the plurality of fans 91 and 92 are driven or the driving speed. Data related to the driving state of the plurality of fans 91 and 92 detected by the sensor 93 is transmitted to the controller 820 .

The control unit 820 may determine whether the driving state of each of the fans 91 and 92 is normal or abnormal based on data transmitted from the sensing unit 93 . For example, the controller 820 may determine that the fan 91 is abnormal when the speed of the fan 91 is equal to or less than a predetermined reference speed (eg, 50 rpm) for a predetermined period of time (eg, 50 seconds).

The display unit 900 displays information related to driving of the electronic device 800 . For example, when the electronic device 800 is an air conditioner, the display unit 900 displays a target temperature value or a target air volume value set by a user, a current temperature value of a room in which the air conditioner is installed, or a current air volume value of the air conditioner, Alternatively, a message related to upgrading of a program for controlling the air conditioner may be displayed.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of upgrading an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the electronic device 800 and the management server 100 convert a program previously installed in the electronic device 800 (hereinafter, a first program) into a program for a new function of the electronic device 800 (hereinafter, a first program). A preliminary process is performed to upgrade to the second program) (S21).

The electronic device 800 and the management server 100 may be connected to enable mutual communication, and upgrade-related information may be stored in the storage unit 130 of the management server 100, including an upgrade cycle, an upgrade reservation, and the like. An upgrade schedule may be set. In addition, the upgrade schedule may include a notification schedule for notifying the user after the upgrade so that he/she can be aware of it.

In addition, a program file or data file (upgrade file) for upgrading the electronic device 800 is registered in the management server 100 . When an administrator uploads an upgrade file to the management server 100, the upgrade file is stored in the storage unit 130. When an upgrade file is a data file, the manager may set whether automatic download, which will be described later, is possible when the upgrade file is uploaded to the management server 100 .

In addition, the management server 100 and the electronic device 800 communicate with each other to determine the version of the program or data installed in the electronic device 800 and the version of the upgrade file (program file or data file) registered in the management server 100. Therefore, the management server or the electronic device 800 may recognize that the electronic device 800 needs to be upgraded.

The upgrade file registered in the management server 100 can upgrade only one target of a plurality of electronic devices (410, 420, 430, 440, 500, 600), or a plurality of electronic devices (410, 420, 430, 440). , 500, 600), all of the plurality of objects, for example, the 1-1 electronic device 410, the 1-2 electronic device 420, and the 1-3 electronic device 430 that are indoor units of the air conditioner. can be upgraded Accordingly, the upgraded electronic device 800 hereinafter means one or more electronic devices 800 to which an upgrade file can be applied among a plurality of electronic devices 410 , 420 , 430 , 440 , 500 , and 600 .

As a final preliminary process, the management server 100 confirms the user's consent to the download of the program file and the upgrade of the electronic device 800 . The management server 100 checks whether the user agrees to upgrade the program through the user terminal 700 or the electronic device 800 . If the user's consent to upgrade the program is not entered into the user terminal 700 or the electronic device 800, steps to be described later are not executed.

When the user agrees to upgrade the program, the management server 100 and the electronic device 800 start downloading the program file among the upgrade files (S22). The control unit 110 of the management server 100 transmits program files stored in the storage unit 130 through the communication unit 810 .

The communication unit 810 of the electronic device 800 receives the program file, and the first storage unit 822, the second storage unit 823 or the third storage unit 830 of the electronic device 800 stores the received program. file can be saved. Hereinafter, the storage units 822 , 823 , and 830 in which program files are stored refer to the first storage unit 822 , the second storage unit 823 , or the third storage unit 830 .

When the electronic device 800 completes receiving the program file, it notifies the management server 100 that the download is complete. The control unit 820 of the electronic device 800 checks the checksum of the program file stored in the storage units 822, 823, and 830, confirms that the download has been completed, and sends a download completion message to the management server 100 through the communication unit 810. send

When the program file download is completed, the electronic device 800 performs program upgrade (S23). The controller 820 of the electronic device 800 installs program files stored in the storage units 822 , 823 , and 830 to upgrade the programs stored in the storage units 822 , 823 , and 830 . The controller 820 of the electronic device 800 changes the version of the program to the version of the installed program file, stores it in the storage units 822, 823, and 830, and transmits the program to the management server 100 through the communication unit 810. Device information including version information can be transmitted.

The control unit 820 of the electronic device 800 implements new functions added by program upgrade and provides information about the new functions added to the management server 100 through the communication unit 810 . The management server 100 provides information on new functions added to the user terminal 700 .

The user terminal 700 receives user settings for the added function (S24). The user terminal 700 displays new functions added to the electronic device 800 from the management server 100 and provides a setting screen for the functions. A user sets a new function through the user terminal 700 . For example, when a function is added so that the voice guidance voice of the electronic device 800 can be selected as female or male instead of only female, the user can set the voice guidance voice as male. A detailed description thereof will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 . The user terminal 700 transmits user settings for functions to the management server 100 .

The management server 100 and the electronic device 800 initiate download of a data file corresponding to a user's setting among upgrade files (S25). In the above example, when the user sets the voice guidance voice to male, the control unit 110 of the management server 100 sends a data file corresponding to a male voice among data files to the storage unit 130 through the communication unit 810. transmit The communication unit 810 of the electronic device 800 receives the data file selected according to the user's setting, and the first storage unit 822, the second storage unit 823 or the third storage unit (823) of the electronic device 800 ( 830) may store the received data file.

The electronic device 800 notifies the management server 100 that the download is complete when the data file reception is completed. The control unit 820 of the electronic device 800 checks the checksum of the data file stored in the storage units 822, 823, and 830, confirms that the download has been completed, and sends a download completion message to the management server 100 through the communication unit 810. send When the data file download is completed, the management server 100 confirms the user's consent to the data upgrade of the electronic device 800 by the downloaded data file.

The management server 100 checks whether the user agrees to upgrade data through the user terminal 700 or the electronic device 800 . Depending on the embodiment, the user terminal 700 or the electronic device 800 may automatically upgrade data, which will be described later, without receiving consent from the user for the data upgrade.

The electronic device 800 performs data upgrade (S26). The controller 820 of the electronic device 800 upgrades the data stored in the storage units 822 , 823 , and 830 by installing data files stored in the storage units 822 , 823 , and 830 . The controller 820 of the electronic device 800 may change and install only the memory addresses of data files stored in the storage units 822 , 823 , and 830 . The control unit 820 of the electronic device 800 preserves data irrelevant to the user's setting and adds selected data according to the user's setting, or deletes data irrelevant to the user's setting and only selects the data selected according to the user's setting. can be installed

The controller 820 of the electronic device 800 changes the version of the data to the version of the installed data file, stores it in the storage units 822, 823, and 830, and transfers the data to the management server 100 through the communication unit 810. Device information including version information can be transmitted.

In the process of downloading (S22) and upgrading (S23) program files for adding new functions in the above process, and downloading (S25) and upgrading (S26) of data files selected according to the user's settings for the added functions, The order of receiving the consent of the user is different.

In the case of a program file, the user's consent for program upgrade is first input, and when the user's consent is input, the program file is downloaded (S22) and upgraded (S23).

In the case of a data file, after the data file for data upgrade is downloaded (S25), the user's consent to the data upgrade is input, and when the user's consent is entered, the data file is upgraded (S26).

According to the embodiment or setting, if the data file selected according to the user's setting is data that did not exist according to the newly added function, the data file can be downloaded (S25) and upgraded (S26) without the consent of the user.

7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of electronic devices that can be installed separately according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the 1-1 electronic device 410, the 1-2 electronic device 420, and the 1-3 electronic device 430 are indoor units of the air conditioner, and the 1-4 electronic device 440 may be an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. In addition, the 1-1 electronic device 410 and the 1-2 electronic device 420 may access the management server 100 through the access point 300 or an Internet network.

The 1-1 electronic device 410 may include a first communication unit 411 , a main control unit 412 , and a second communication unit 413 . Depending on the embodiment, the 1-1 electronic device 410 may further include at least one of a display module 414 , a voice guidance module 415 , and a sensor unit 416 .

The first communication unit 411 may receive data from the management server 100 and transmit the received data to the main control unit 412 . The first communication unit 411 may have the same configuration as the communication unit 810 of FIG. 5 and perform the same functions.

The main controller 412 may receive data from the first communication unit 411 and transmit the received data to the second communication unit 413 . When the data received from the first communication unit 411 is data used in the display module 414 or the voice guidance module 415, the main controller 412 transmits the data to the display module 414 or the voice guidance module 415. can also be sent to The main controller 412 may have the same configuration as the controller 820 of FIG. 5 and perform the same functions.

The second communication unit 413 may transmit/receive data with at least one of the 1-2 electronic device 420 , the 1-3 electronic device 430 , and the 1-4 electronic device 440 .

For example, the second communication unit 413 may transmit and receive data in an asynchronous serial communication method. The second communication unit 413 may implement hardware of the electronic device more simply by using an asynchronous serial communication method. In addition, the second communication unit 413 may transmit and receive data at a rate of 4800 bps to 4 Mbps. Preferably, the second communication unit 413 may transmit and receive data at a speed of 9600 bps.

The electronic device 410 may be an indoor unit of an air conditioner, and the first to fourth electronic devices 440 may be an outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

Considering the distance between the indoor unit of the air conditioner and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner in a general installation environment and the surrounding environment, communication reliability can be secured and the transmission speed can be increased at the same time by having the communication speed. For example, the second communication unit 413 may include a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) and may transmit/receive data using an RS485 communication method. The second communication unit 413 may include a storage unit capable of storing data.

The display module 414 may visually display various information for user's convenience. For example, the display module 414 may display at least one of information related to the operation of the electronic device, information related to the state of the electronic device, and other life information.

The display module 414 may operate under the control of the main controller 412 or may include a separate display controller. Predetermined data may be transmitted from the management server to drive the display module 414 . The display module 414 may receive the data through the main controller 412 .

The voice guidance module 415 may indicate various information by sound for user's convenience. Similar to the display module 414, the voice guidance module 415 may also display at least one or more of information related to the operation of the electronic device, information related to the state of the electronic device, and other life information through sound.

The voice guidance module 415 may operate under the control of the main controller 412 or may include a separate voice controller. Predetermined data may be transmitted from the management server to drive the voice guidance module 415 . The voice guidance module 415 may receive the data through the main controller 412 .

The sensor unit 416 may obtain information related to the operation of the electronic device. For example, when the electronic device is an air conditioner, the sensor unit 416 may detect at least one of room temperature, temperature of air discharged from the air conditioner, indoor humidity, and temperature or pressure of a circulating refrigerant. there is. When the electronic device is an air purifier, the sensor unit 416 may detect at least one of indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality. The sensor unit 416 may include one or more sensors.

The 1-2 electronic device 420 may have substantially the same configuration as the 1-1 electronic device 410 . That is, each of the first communication unit 421, the main control unit 422, the second communication unit 423, the display module 424, the voice guidance module 425, and the sensor unit 426 is the first communication unit 411, Each of the main control unit 412, the second communication unit 413, the display module 414, the voice guidance module 415, and the sensor unit 416 may be substantially the same.

The 1-3 electronic device 430 may be substantially the same as the 1-1 electronic device, except that the first communication unit is not included. That is, the main control unit 432, the second communication unit 433, the display module 434, the voice guidance module 435, and the sensor unit 436 are respectively the main control unit 412, the second communication unit 413, and the display module. 414, the voice guidance module 415, and the sensor unit 416 may be substantially the same as each other.

Each of the main control unit 442 and the second communication unit 443 of the 1-4 electronic device 440 is substantially connected to each of the main control unit 412 and the second communication unit 413 of the 1-1 electronic device 410. can be the same The first-fourth electronic device 440 may be an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. In this case, the first-fourth electronic device 440 may further include a compressor 444 and a fan 445.

The main controller 442 may control the compressor 444 or the fan 445 by using a program included in the data received from the 1-1 electronic device 410 . The 1-4 electronic device 440 may also include a sensor unit 446 that obtains information related to the operation of the electronic device. When the 1-4th electronic device 440 is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, the sensor unit 446 may sense at least one of pressure or temperature of the refrigerant, outdoor temperature, and outdoor humidity. The sensor unit 446 may include one or more sensors.

8 is a diagram for explaining an overall operation of a method of upgrading an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 8 , a method of upgrading an electronic device according to an embodiment may be applied when an upgrade is performed according to the above-described general upgrade method or delta upgrade method.

First, the communication unit 810 may request information (product information) on the electronic device from the control unit 820 (step S101).

Product information may be identification information of an electronic device. Identification information of the electronic device may include at least one of a serial number and a model name of the electronic device. In step S101, the management server 100 requests information on the electronic device from the communication unit 810, and in response, the communication unit 810 may request information on the electronic device from the controller 820.

Next, in response to the product information request, the controller 820 may return information about the electronic device (eg, identification information of the electronic device) to the communication unit 810 (step S102).

Next, the communication unit 810 may request information about whether the electronic device has details to be upgraded from the management server 100 (step S103). At this time, the communication unit 810 may transmit information about the electronic device (identification information of the electronic device) to the management server 100 .

Also, the communication unit 810 may additionally transmit user information to the management server 100 . The communication unit 810 may transmit and receive data through a relay when transmitting and receiving data with the management server 100 . The repeater may be the access point of FIG. 2 .

Next, the management server 100 may return upgrade information to the communication unit 810 (step S104).

The upgrade information may include at least one of information on whether or not there is details to be upgraded and information on items or contents to be upgraded with respect to the electronic device identified based on the information on the electronic device.

The management server 100 may determine whether to upgrade the electronic device. Also, the management server 100 may determine an upgrade method. For example, the management server 100 may determine an item to be upgraded and determine an upgrade method accordingly. The upgrade scheme may include full upgrade, differential upgrade, and background upgrade.

Also, the management server 100 may provide the upgrade information to the user terminal 700 (step S105). The management server 100 may search information about a user of an electronic device using information stored in the storage unit ( 130 in FIG. 3 ) or may receive user information from the communication unit 810 .

Next, when the user accepts the upgrade using the user terminal 700, information about the upgrade acceptance may be transmitted from the user terminal 700 to the management server 100 (step S106).

Instead of accepting the upgrade using the user terminal 700, the user may accept the upgrade using the input/output device of the electronic device.

In response to the user's acceptance of the upgrade, the management server 100 may request the start of the upgrade to the communication unit 810 (step S107). In this step, the management server 100 may determine an upgrade method. The decision on the upgrade method will be easily understood by referring to the description of step S104.

The communication unit 810 may request file transmission in response to the upgrade start request of the management server 100 (step S108).

The management server 100 may transmit a file including data for upgrading the electronic device to the communication unit 810 in response to the file transfer request of the communication unit 810 (step S109). Data for upgrade may include at least one or more of program data, delta data, and/or instruction set of the latest version.

The communication unit 810 and the control unit 820 may update the program of the electronic device using the file received from the management server 100 (step S110).

When the upgrade is completed, the communication unit 810 may return upgrade completion to the management server 100 (step S111).

The management server 100 may provide information related to upgrade completion to the user terminal in response to the upgrade completion reply received from the communication unit 810 (step S112).

9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating an upgrading process in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present specification.

9(a) is an exemplary view showing a pop-up indicating that the user terminal 700 is ready to upgrade the electronic device 800. Referring to FIG. 9(b) is an exemplary diagram in which the user terminal 700 displays information about upgrading the electronic device 800. FIG. 9(c) is an exemplary view showing a screen for inputting consent for the upgrade of the electronic device 800 on the user terminal 700 . FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram in which the user terminal 700 indicates that the upgrade of the electronic device 800 is in progress. In addition, FIG. 10 is an exemplary view in which the user terminal 700 indicates that the upgrade of the electronic device 800 is complete.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 9 , the user terminal 700 may display a pop-up 711 notifying that an upgrade of at least one electronic device 800 in the home is possible. The management server 100 transmits upgrade information including an upgrade possibility notification, a type and description of a function implemented by the upgrade, to the user terminal 700 (S11 and S105). When upgrade information is received, the user terminal 700 may display a pop-up 711 through an application (eg, LG ThinQ application).

Referring to (b) of FIG. 9 , the user terminal 700 may display types and descriptions of functions implemented by upgrade among upgrade information on an application screen. The application may display a screen 721 for selecting the type, description and function of the upgrade function of the electronic device 800 and a button 722 requesting an upgrade of the selected function.

Referring to (c) of FIG. 9 , the user terminal 700 displays a pop-up 731 asking whether to upgrade at least one function of the electronic device 800 and a button 732 for entering an agreement to upgrade on the application screen. can do. When the user selects the upgrade agreement button 732, the program file is downloaded (S12, S109).

Referring to FIG. 10 , the user terminal 700 displays a screen 741 indicating that the electronic device 800 is being upgraded on an application screen. When a screen 741 indicating that the electronic device 800 is being upgraded is displayed, downloading is performed (S12 and S109) or upgrading is performed (S13 and S110).

Referring to FIG. 10, the user terminal 700 displays a screen 751 indicating that the upgrade of the electronic device 800 has been completed on an application screen, a button 752 for reviewing and setting new functions added through the upgrade, and , it is omitted and a button 753 for completion is displayed (S112).

11 shows a fan arrangement structure inside an electronic device having two fans according to an embodiment of the present specification, and FIG. 12 shows a fan arrangement structure inside an electronic device having four fans according to an embodiment of the present specification. 13 shows a fan disposition structure inside an electronic device having three fans in one embodiment of the present specification.

In one embodiment of the present specification, the electronic device 800 may be an air conditioner and may include a plurality of fans for discharging cooled air or heated air to the outside. The number of fans disposed inside the electronic device 800 may vary according to embodiments. For example, two fans may be disposed inside the electronic device 800 as shown in FIG. 11 , four fans may be disposed as shown in FIG. 12 , or three fans may be disposed as shown in FIG. 13 . However, FIGS. 11 to 13 are merely exemplary embodiments, and the number and location of fans disposed inside the electronic device 800 may vary depending on the embodiment.

In this specification, an upper fan and a lower fan are distinguished according to positions of a plurality of fans disposed inside the electronic device 800 . For example, when two fans 91 and 92 are disposed in the vertical direction of the electronic device 800 as shown in FIG. 11, the upper fan 91 is the upper fan and the lower fan 92 is the lower fan. Each can be referred to as a fan.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 12, when two fans 93 and 95 are disposed on the upper part of the electronic device 800 and two fans 94 and 96 are disposed on the lower part, the fans 93 and 95 disposed on the upper part Each may be referred to as an upper fan, and the fans 94 and 96 disposed below may be referred to as lower fans, respectively.

As another example, when three fans 97, 98, and 99 are disposed inside the electronic device 800 as shown in FIG. 13, the two fans 97 and 98 disposed at the top are upper fans, and the remaining fans 99) may be referred to as the lower fan. In another embodiment, one fan 97 disposed at the top may be referred to as an upper fan, and the other two fans 98 and 99 may be referred to as lower fans.

14 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present specification.

5 and 14, the control unit 800 of the electronic device 800 allows the user to download a first program recorded in the first storage unit 822 or the second storage unit 823 of the electronic device 800. It is checked whether the upgrade to the second program, which is a new program, is permitted (1302). If the user does not allow the program upgrade, step 1302 is performed again.

In this specification, the first program includes instructions for performing a control in which the control unit 820 immediately stops driving all fans when it is confirmed that there are abnormal fans. In addition, the second program in this specification includes commands for the controller 820 to perform an emergency operation mode described later when it is confirmed that there is an abnormal fan.

In step 1302, if it is confirmed that the user has allowed the program upgrade, the controller 820 receives the second program transmitted from the management server 100 through the communication unit 810, and stores the first program based on the received second program. The first program recorded in the unit 822 or the second storage unit 823 is updated to a second program. In step 1304, the control unit 820 may perform a program upgrade according to any one of the aforementioned general upgrade method, automatic upgrade method, and delta upgrade method.

When the program upgrade based on the second program is completed, the control unit 820 detects the driving state of the plurality of fans 91 and 92 through the sensing unit 93 (1306).

As a result of the detection, the control unit 820 checks whether there is a fan whose driving state is abnormal (1308). As a result of the check, if there is no abnormal fan, the controller 820 maintains the driving state of each fan. That is, when all the fans are operating in a normal state, the controller 820 controls the driving of the electronic device 800 according to the target temperature value and the target air volume value set by the user. In this way, when all fans are normally driven, the electronic device 800 is driven in a normal operation mode.

However, if it is determined in step 1308 that there is a fan whose operating state is abnormal, the control unit 820 executes an emergency operation mode based on the commands included in the second program, thereby changing the operation mode of the electronic device 800 to an emergency operation mode. Change to (1310).

When the emergency operation mode is executed, the controller 820 stops the driving of the fan in an abnormal driving state and maintains the driving of the fan in a normal driving state.

In one embodiment of the present specification, when the emergency operation mode is executed, the target temperature value of the electronic device 800 is set to a value higher than or lower than the value set by the user.

For example, when the user sets the target temperature value of the electronic device 800 to 22°C, the controller 820 may lower the target temperature value to 20°C in the emergency operation mode. In the emergency operation mode, some fans are not operated, so the room temperature may not reach the target temperature value set by the user. Accordingly, the controller 820 may increase the normal fan driving speed by lowering the target temperature value to a value set by the user. Accordingly, the cooling power of the electronic device 800 may be maintained the same as in the normal operation mode.

As another example, when the user sets the target temperature value of the electronic device 800 to 22°C, the controller 820 may increase the target temperature value to 24°C in the emergency operation mode. In the emergency operation mode, since some fans are in a failure state, there is a possibility that a normal fan may also fail depending on the cause of the failure. Accordingly, the controller 820 may lower the normal fan driving speed by increasing the target temperature value. Accordingly, the possibility of failure of a normal fan may be reduced.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, when the emergency operation mode is executed, the controller 820 sets the target air volume value of the electronic device 800 to a value higher than or lower than the value set by the user. can

For example, when the user sets the target air volume value of the electronic device 800 to three stages, the controller 820 may increase the target air volume value to five stages in the emergency operation mode. In the emergency operation mode, some fans are not operated, so the room temperature may not reach the target temperature value set by the user. Accordingly, the controller 820 may increase the normal fan driving speed by increasing the target air volume value higher than the value set by the user. Accordingly, the cooling power of the electronic device 800 may be maintained the same as in the normal operation mode.

As another example, when the user sets the target air volume value of the electronic device 800 to three stages, the controller 820 may lower the target air volume value to one stage in the emergency operation mode. In the emergency operation mode, since some fans are in a failure state, there is a possibility that a normal fan may also fail depending on the cause of the failure. Accordingly, the controller 820 may lower the normal fan driving speed by lowering the target air volume value. Accordingly, the possibility of failure of a normal fan may be reduced.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, when the emergency operation mode is executed, the control unit 820 sets the target air volume value of the electronic device 800 to the maximum value or sets the target temperature value of the electronic device to the minimum value for a first predetermined time. can be set to For example, the controller 820 sets the target air volume value of the electronic device 800 to a maximum value, sets the target temperature value of the electronic device to a minimum value, or sets a target air volume value for a first predetermined time (eg, 5 minutes). It can be set as the maximum value and the target temperature value of the electronic device can be set as the minimum value. Accordingly, the indoor temperature can be lowered within a short period of time. When the first time elapses, the controller 820 may change the target air volume value or target temperature value to a value set by the user.

Also, in one embodiment of the present specification, in the emergency operation mode, the air volume increase of the lower fan when the upper fan is abnormal and the air volume increase of the upper fan when the lower fan is abnormal are set differently.

For example, when an emergency operation mode is started because an upper fan among the upper and lower fans is determined to be abnormal, the controller 820 may increase the air volume of the lower fan by 2 steps from the target air volume value set by the user. In addition, when it is determined that the lower fan among the upper fan and the lower fan is abnormal and the emergency operation mode is started, the controller 820 may increase the air volume of the lower fan by one step from the target air volume value set by the user. When cooled air is discharged from the air conditioner, the cooled air tends to sink from the upper space to the lower space, so the air volume increase when the upper fan is normal (Step 1) is the air volume increase when the lower fan is normal (Step 2). step) can be set lower.

Conversely, when heated air is discharged from the air conditioner, the air volume increase (step 1) when the lower fan is normal may be set lower than the air volume increase (step 2) when the upper fan is normal.

Also, in one embodiment of the present specification, when the emergency operation mode is executed, only the lower fans may be driven when some of the upper fans are abnormal, and only the upper fans may be driven when some of the lower fans are abnormal.

For example, in a state in which four fans are disposed in the electronic device 800 as shown in FIG. 12, the first upper fan 93 among the upper fans 93 and 95 is abnormal, the second upper fan 95 is normal, and the lower When the fans 94 and 96 are normal, only the lower fans 94 and 96 may be driven and the second upper fan 95 may not be driven when the emergency operation mode is executed. This is because when a failure occurs in the first upper fan 93, there is a high possibility that the second upper fan 95 also fails.

As another example, in a state in which four fans are disposed in the electronic device 800 as shown in FIG. 12, among the lower fans 94 and 96, the first lower fan 94 is abnormal, the second lower fan 96 is normal, and the upper When the fans 93 and 95 are normal, only the upper fans 93 and 95 may be driven and the second lower fan 96 may not be driven when the emergency operation mode is executed.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present specification, the emergency operation mode is maintained only for a predetermined second time period (eg, 10 minutes), and when the second time period elapses, even if some fans are in a normal driving state, driving of all fans may be stopped. can

15 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present specification. In the embodiment of FIG. 15 , the second program is recorded or stored in the first storage unit 822 or the second storage unit 823 of the electronic device 800 .

5 and 15 , in a state in which the electronic device 800 is driven in a normal operation mode, the controller 800 of the electronic device 800 detects a plurality of fans 91 and 92 through the sensor 93. The driving state of is detected (1402).

As a result of the detection, the controller 820 checks whether there is a fan whose driving state is abnormal (1404). As a result of the check, if there is no abnormal fan, the controller 820 maintains the driving state of each fan. That is, when all the fans are operating in a normal state, the controller 820 controls the driving of the electronic device 800 according to the target temperature value and the target air volume value set by the user.

However, if it is determined in step 1404 that there are fans whose driving state is abnormal, the controller 820 compares the number of fans with abnormal driving conditions with a predetermined reference value (eg, two) (1406).

If the number of abnormal fans exceeds the reference value in step 1406, the controller 820 may immediately stop driving all the fans.

If the number of abnormal fans is equal to or less than the reference value in step 1406, the controller 820 executes an emergency operation mode (1408). Accordingly, the driving of the abnormal fan is stopped and only the normal fan is driven.

After the emergency operation mode is executed, the controller 820 adjusts the target temperature value or the target air volume value (1410).

For example, when the user sets the target temperature value of the electronic device 800 to 22°C, the controller 820 may lower the target temperature value to 20°C in the emergency operation mode. In the emergency operation mode, some fans are not operated, so the room temperature may not reach the target temperature value set by the user. Accordingly, the controller 820 may increase the normal fan driving speed by lowering the target temperature value to a value set by the user. Accordingly, the cooling power of the electronic device 800 may be maintained the same as in the normal operation mode.

As another example, when the user sets the target temperature value of the electronic device 800 to 22°C, the controller 820 may increase the target temperature value to 24°C in the emergency operation mode. In the emergency operation mode, since some fans are in a failure state, there is a possibility that a normal fan may also fail depending on the cause of the failure. Accordingly, the controller 820 may lower the normal fan driving speed by increasing the target temperature value. Accordingly, the possibility of failure of a normal fan may be reduced.

As another example, when the user sets the target air volume value of the electronic device 800 to 3 levels, the controller 820 may increase the target air volume value to 5 levels in the emergency operation mode. In the emergency operation mode, some fans are not operated, so the room temperature may not reach the target temperature value set by the user. Accordingly, the controller 820 may increase the normal fan driving speed by increasing the target air volume value higher than the value set by the user. Accordingly, the cooling power of the electronic device 800 may be maintained the same as in the normal operation mode.

As another example, when the user sets the target air volume value of the electronic device 800 to three stages, the controller 820 may lower the target air volume value to one stage in the emergency operation mode. In the emergency operation mode, since some fans are in a failure state, there is a possibility that a normal fan may also fail depending on the cause of the failure. Accordingly, the controller 820 may lower the normal fan driving speed by lowering the target air volume value. Accordingly, the possibility of failure of a normal fan may be reduced.

As another example, the controller 820 may set a target air volume value of the electronic device 800 to a maximum value, set a target temperature value of the electronic device to a minimum value, or set a target air volume value of the electronic device 800 to a minimum value for a first predetermined time period (eg, 5 minutes). The air volume value can be set to the maximum value and the target temperature value of the electronic device can be set to the minimum value.

After the target temperature value or the target air volume value is adjusted in step 1410, the controller 820 determines whether a predetermined emergency operation mode end condition is satisfied (1412). In one embodiment of the present specification, the control unit 820 may determine that the emergency operation mode end condition is satisfied when it is confirmed that there is no abnormal fan as a result of the detection by the sensor 93 . In another embodiment, the controller 820 may determine that the emergency driving mode end condition is satisfied when a predetermined second reference time period (eg, 10 minutes) elapses.

In step 1412, if the emergency operation mode termination condition is satisfied, the controller 820 stops driving all the fans. However, if the emergency driving mode end condition is not satisfied in step 1412, the controller 820 continues to execute the emergency driving mode (1408).

16 shows information displayed on a display unit when an electronic device is driven in an emergency operation mode in one embodiment of the present specification, and FIG. 17 is a display when an electronic device is driven in an emergency operation mode in another embodiment of the present specification. Indicates the information displayed on the part.

When the electronic device 800 is driven in the emergency operation mode, the controller 820 may display information for notifying that the electronic device 800 is driven in the emergency operation mode through the display unit 900 . For example, when the display unit 900 is a display device capable of displaying various types of information, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) display device, the display unit 900 also includes As shown in FIG. 16, a message indicating that the electronic device 800 is driven in an emergency operation mode ('in emergency operation') and identification information of fans in an abnormal driving state ('fans 1 and 3') are displayed. can Also, the identification code 'CH10' of the electronic device 800 corresponding to the emergency operation mode may be displayed on the display unit 900 .

As another example, if the display unit 900 is a display device capable of displaying only a limited number of information and a limited type, such as an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) display device, the display area 902 of the display unit 900 The identification codes ('CH', '10') of the electronic device 800 corresponding to the emergency operation mode and the identification information ('_1', '_3') of the fans whose driving state is abnormal are displayed at a predetermined display interval (eg, 2 seconds) can be displayed sequentially. For example, in the emergency operation mode, in the display area 902 of FIG. 17, 'CH' -> '10' -> '_1' -> '_3' -> 'CH' -> '10' -> '_1' every 2 seconds Information such as -> '_3' -> ... can be displayed while being circulated.

Accordingly, the user can easily check which fan is in an abnormal state along with the current operation mode (normal operation mode, emergency operation mode) of the electronic device 800 and request repair of the electronic device 800 to the manufacturer. Depending on the embodiment, when the emergency operation mode starts, the electronic device 800 may request repair from the management server 100 through a communication network. Also, in the emergency operation mode, since which fan is in an abnormal state is confirmed through the display unit 900, repair of the electronic device 800 becomes easy.

As described above, the present specification has been described with reference to the drawings illustrated, but the present specification is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. In addition, even if the effects according to the configuration of the present specification are not explicitly described and described while describing the embodiments of the present specification, the effects predictable by the configuration should also be recognized.

Claims (11)

multiple fans;
a detector for detecting whether the plurality of fans are operating normally;
a storage unit storing program data including instructions for controlling driving of the plurality of fans according to a detection result of the sensing unit;
A controller configured to control driving of the plurality of fans by executing commands included in the program data;
The control unit
Upgrading the first program data stored in the storage unit to second program data according to a user's request;
The second program data includes instructions for executing an emergency operation mode when at least one fan among the plurality of fans is detected as abnormal by the sensor.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
In the emergency operation mode, the driving of the abnormal fan is stopped and the driving of the normal fan is maintained.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
In the emergency operation mode, the target temperature value of the electronic device is set to a value higher than the value set by the user or lower than the value set by the user.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
In the emergency operation mode, the target air volume value of the electronic device is set to a value higher than the value set by the user or lower than the value set by the user.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
The target air volume value of the electronic device is set to the maximum value or the target temperature value of the electronic device is set to the minimum value for a first predetermined time in the emergency operation mode, and when the first time period elapses, the target air volume value or the target air volume value or the target air volume value is set to the minimum value. The target temperature value is changed to the value set by the user.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
When the first program data stored in the storage unit is upgraded to the second program data, if the number of fans detected as abnormal is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, the emergency operation mode is executed, and the number of fans detected as abnormal If exceeds a predetermined reference value, all fans stop driving.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
In the emergency operation mode, the air volume increase of the lower fan when the upper fan is abnormal and the air volume increase of the upper fan when the lower fan is abnormal are set differently.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
In the emergency operation mode, only the lower fan is driven when some of the upper fans are abnormal, and only the upper fan is driven when some of the lower fans are abnormal.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
The emergency operation mode is maintained only for a second predetermined time, and when the second time elapses, driving of all fans is stopped.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
Further comprising a display unit for displaying information related to driving of the electronic device,
When the first program data stored in the storage unit is upgraded to the second program data, identification information of an abnormal fan in the emergency operation mode is displayed on the display unit.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
The first program data stored in the storage unit is upgraded to the second program data according to one of a normal upgrade method, an automatic upgrade method, and a delta upgrade method.
Electronics.

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