WO2020017679A1

WO2020017679A1 - Device and method for controlling air conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2020017679A1
Application number: PCT/KR2018/008277
Authority: WO
Inventors: 송석진; 정재목; 이현범
Original assignee: (주)다산지앤지
Priority date: 2018-07-17
Filing date: 2018-07-23
Publication date: 2020-01-23
Also published as: KR20200008822A; KR102165151B1

Abstract

A device for controlling an air conditioner comprises: a control signal reception unit for receiving a first control signal transmitted from a remote controller of the air conditioner in order to control the air conditioner; an air conditioner control command generation unit for generating an air conditioner control command on the basis of the first control signal; an air conditioner control command transmission unit for transmitting the air conditioner control command to a cloud server; a control information reception unit for receiving first control information generated by the cloud server to change operation information of the air conditioner; a control signal generation unit for generating a second control signal on the basis of the first control information; and a control signal transmission unit for transmitting the second control signal to the air conditioner so as to change the operation information of the air conditioner.

Description

Apparatus and method for controlling air conditioners

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling an air conditioner.

An air conditioner is a device that lowers or keeps the room temperature comfortable. The air conditioner receives the set temperature from the user through the remote controller, thereby cooling the room temperature to reach the set temperature. In general, air conditioners are not energy efficient, which can result in a large power bill. Recently, high efficiency air conditioners have been developed for energy saving.

In this regard, Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-0121468 discloses a power-saving high efficiency air conditioner.

However, in the home with air conditioner, if you want to increase the energy efficiency of the air conditioner, there is a disadvantage in that the cost of purchasing the air conditioner is the only way to replace the existing air conditioner with a high efficiency air conditioner.

By attaching an air conditioner control device to an existing air conditioner, an apparatus and method for controlling an air conditioner to implement an air conditioner of artificial intelligence without replacing the air conditioner are provided.

However, the technical problem to be achieved by the present embodiment is not limited to the technical problems as described above, and other technical problems may exist.

As a means for achieving the above-described technical problem, an embodiment of the present invention, a control signal receiver for receiving a first control signal transmitted from a remote control of the air conditioner to control the air conditioner, based on the first control signal An air conditioner control command generator for generating a control command, an air conditioner control command transmitter for transmitting the air conditioner control command to a cloud server, and receiving first control information for changing operation information of the air conditioner generated by the cloud server. A control information receiver, a control signal generator for generating a second control signal based on the first control information, and a control signal transmitter for transmitting the second control signal to the air conditioner to change operation information of the air conditioner. An apparatus for controlling the air conditioner can be provided.

Another embodiment of the present invention, receiving a first control signal transmitted from a remote control of the air conditioner to control the air conditioner, generating an air conditioner control command based on the first control signal, cloud the air conditioner control command Transmitting to a server, receiving first control information for changing operation information of the air conditioner generated by the cloud server, generating a second control signal based on the first control information, and the air conditioner And providing the second control signal to the air conditioner to change operation information of the air conditioner.

The above-described problem solving means are merely exemplary, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, there may be additional embodiments described in the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

According to any one of the problem solving means of the present invention described above, by attaching an air conditioner control device to an existing air conditioner, it is possible to provide an apparatus and method for controlling the air conditioner to implement the air conditioner of artificial intelligence without replacing the air conditioner have.

An artificial intelligence may provide an apparatus and a method for controlling an air conditioner through an air conditioner control device so as to provide an optimal indoor temperature by analyzing a usage pattern of the air conditioner of the user.

It is possible to provide an apparatus and method for controlling an air conditioner to adjust energy and room rate by controlling room temperature and humidity according to external weather.

A device and a method for controlling an air conditioner to check energy usage through an app installed in a mobile terminal and to provide a notification in advance when the energy usage is expected to be exceeded are provided.

An apparatus and method for controlling an air conditioner for remotely controlling an air conditioner in a mobile terminal through interworking with a mobile terminal of a user may be provided.

It is possible to provide an apparatus and method for controlling an air conditioner that recognizes a user's location in advance through interworking with a user's mobile terminal, and enables the user to operate cooling / heating in advance before arriving at home.

1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram of an air conditioner control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an air conditioner control device attached to an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an air conditioner in the air conditioner control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5A to 5J are exemplary diagrams for describing a process of registering an air conditioner control device and an air conditioner through an air conditioner control app in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6A to 6D are exemplary views illustrating a menu screen of an air conditioner control app in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the present invention. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in order to clearly describe the present invention, and like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is "connected" to another part, it includes not only "directly connected" but also "electrically connected" with another element in between. . In addition, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, which means that it may further include other components, without excluding other components, unless specifically stated otherwise, one or more other features It is to be understood that the present disclosure does not exclude the possibility of adding or presenting numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In the present specification, the term 'unit' includes a unit realized by hardware, a unit realized by software, and a unit realized by both. In addition, one unit may be realized using two or more pieces of hardware, and two or more units may be realized by one piece of hardware.

Some of the operations or functions described as being performed by the terminal or the device in the present specification may instead be performed in a server connected to the terminal or the device. Similarly, some of the operations or functions described as being performed by the server may be performed by a terminal or a device connected to the server.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner control system 1 may include an air conditioner control device 110, a cloud server 120, and a mobile terminal 130 that control the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner control device 110, the cloud server 120, and the mobile terminal 130 illustrate components that can be controlled by the air conditioner control system 1.

Each component of the air conditioner control system 1 of FIG. 1 is generally connected via a network. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner control device 110 may be connected to the air conditioner 100 or the cloud server 120 simultaneously or at intervals of time.

A network refers to a connection structure capable of exchanging information between nodes such as terminals and servers, and includes a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet (WWW: World). Wide Web), wired / wireless data communication network, telephone network, wired / wireless television communication network, and the like. Examples of wireless data networks include 3G, 4G, 5G, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Long Term Evolution (LTE), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth communications, Infrared communications, Ultrasound Communication, visible light communication (VLC), liFi (LiFi) and the like, but are not limited thereto.

The air conditioner 100 may directly receive the set temperature through the remote controller 105. At this time, the air conditioner 100 may receive a set temperature through the infrared communication with the remote control 105.

The air conditioner 100 may receive a control signal for changing operation information of the air conditioner 100 from the air conditioner control device 110.

The air conditioner 100 may increase or decrease the room temperature based on a set temperature input through the remote controller 105 or a control signal received from the air conditioner control device 110.

The air conditioner 100 may include a wall type air conditioner, a ceiling type air conditioner, a stand type air conditioner, or the like.

The air conditioner control apparatus 110 may receive a first control signal transmitted from the remote controller 105 of the air conditioner 100 to control the air conditioner 100. Here, the first control signal is an infrared signal, the air conditioner 100 can be operated by the first control signal. The first control signal may include on / off information, desired temperature, operation mode information, reservation information, wind strength, wind direction, and the like.

The air conditioner control apparatus 110 may generate an air conditioner control command based on the first control signal, and transmit the generated air conditioner control command to the cloud server 120. For example, the air conditioner controller 110 may provide the cloud server 120 with information about on / off information, desired temperature, operation mode information, reservation information, wind strength and wind direction included in the first control signal during a predetermined learning period. Can be sent to.

The air conditioner control apparatus 110 may receive first control information for changing operation information of the air conditioner 100 generated by the cloud server 120. In this case, the first control information may be generated based on the usage pattern of the air conditioner 100 and the room temperature.

The air conditioner control device 110 may generate a second control signal based on the first control information. Here, the second control signal may be an infrared signal, and the operation information of the air conditioner 100 may be changed by the second control signal. The air conditioner control apparatus 110 may change operation information of the air conditioner 100 by transmitting the generated second control signal to the air conditioner 100.

In addition, the air conditioner control device 110 may receive second control information for operating the air conditioner 100 from the cloud server 120.

The air conditioner control device 110 may generate a third control signal based on the second control information. Here, the second control information may be generated by the cloud server 120 based on the air conditioner control command from the user's mobile terminal 130 to the cloud server 120 or the location information of the user's mobile terminal 130. . The air conditioner control device 110 may operate the air conditioner 100 by transmitting a third control signal to the air conditioner 100. In this case, the third control signal may be an infrared signal.

The cloud server 120 may receive an air conditioner control command generated based on a control signal of the remote controller 105 to control the air conditioner 100 from the air conditioner control device 110.

The cloud server 120 analyzes a usage pattern of the air conditioner 100 based on information on on / off information, desired temperature, operating mode information, reservation information, wind strength, and wind direction transmitted during a predetermined learning period, and analyzes the result. Control information for changing the operation information of the air conditioner generated based on the usage pattern of the air conditioner 100 may be transmitted to the air conditioner control device 110.

The cloud server 120 may receive an air conditioner control command or location information from the mobile terminal 130 of the user. The cloud server 120 may generate control information for operating the air conditioner 100 based on the received air conditioner control command or location information, and transmit the generated control information to the air conditioner control device 110.

The cloud server 120 may store home information of the user. For example, the cloud server 120 may store the user's apartment name, apartment apartment, and lake information. The home information of the user is used to compare the distance with the location information of the mobile terminal 130, which will be described later, and it may be determined whether the user is located near the current home by comparing the distance. When the user is located near the home, the cloud server 120 may transmit the second control information to the air conditioner control device 110 so that the air conditioner 100 may be operated before the user arrives at the home.

The cloud server 120 monitors the power usage of each generation from an instrument or a remote inspection server (not shown) installed for each generation, and based on the monitored power usage, future power usage (eg, power usage of the corresponding month) and the estimated amount. You can estimate your electricity bill. For example, the cloud server 120 may receive a cumulative amount of electricity usage every hour or a certain time from an instrument or a remote meter reading server (not shown) to monitor power usage to predict future power usage and estimated electricity bills. have.

The cloud server 120 may derive energy saving information based on the estimated future power usage and the estimated electric charge. In this case, the cloud server 120 may generate control information based on the derived energy saving information and transmit the generated control information to the air conditioner control device 110. For example, the control information may include a temperature, air volume, etc. in which the energy saving information is reflected.

The savings information may be generated based on comparison data between future power consumption and estimated electric charges and standard power usage and standard electric charges. Here, the standard power consumption and the standard electric charge may be determined by the user or based on the power usage during the predetermined period of the household.

For example, if future power usage and estimated electricity bills are expected to exceed standard power usage and standard electricity bills, the control information includes information that the air conditioner can be controlled to save energy, and future power usage and estimated electricity bills. If the fee is expected to be less than the standard power usage and the standard electric bill, the control information may include information that can be controlled by the air conditioner to make the room comfortable without considering energy savings.

For example, if the cloud server 120 is expected to generate a lot of future power usage and estimated electric charges, the cloud server 120 generates control information that increases the set temperature, reduces the wind strength, If it is expected to occur less, it is possible to generate a control information to lower the set temperature, and to increase the wind strength to transmit to the air conditioner control device (110).

The mobile terminal 130 may receive an air conditioner control command for operating the air conditioner 100 by executing an air conditioner control related app, and transmit the input control command to the cloud server 120. In addition, when any one of a plurality of modes is selected as the user mode, the mobile terminal 130 may transmit information about the selected mode to the cloud server 120. The plurality of modes may include, for example, manual mode, normal mode, economy mode, comfort mode, and the like.

The mobile terminal 130 may check the location information of the user and transmit the identified location information of the user to the cloud server 120.

The mobile terminal 130 may receive the power usage and the estimated rate used in the air conditioner 100 from the cloud server 120 and display it on the display. In addition, the mobile terminal 130 may display the usage amount and the estimated fee for each mode according to the mode set in the air conditioner 100 on the display.

2 is a block diagram of an air conditioner control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the air conditioner control device 110 may include a control signal receiver 210, an air conditioner control command generator 220, an air conditioner control command transmitter 230, a control information receiver 240, and a control signal generator ( 250 and a control signal transmitter 260. Here, the air conditioner control device 110 may be attached to one surface of the air conditioner 100.

The control signal receiver 210 may receive a first control signal transmitted from the remote controller 105 of the air conditioner 100 to control the air conditioner 100. Here, the first control signal is an analog infrared signal, and may include an infrared code. At this time, the air conditioner 100 may be operated by the first control signal by the first control signal. The first control signal may include on / off information, desired temperature, operation mode information, reservation information, wind strength, wind direction, and the like.

The air conditioner control command generation unit 220 may generate an air conditioner control command based on the first control signal. Here, the first control signal may be communication data including an infrared code included in the first control signal.

The air conditioner control command transmitter 230 may transmit the generated air conditioner control command to the cloud server 120. For example, the air conditioner control command transmitter 230 performs wireless communication with information about on / off information, desired temperature, operation mode information, reservation information, wind strength, and wind direction included in the first control signal during a preset learning period. Through the cloud server 120 may be transmitted.

At this time, the usage pattern of the air conditioner 100 is analyzed by the cloud server 120 based on the on-off information, the desired temperature, the operation mode information, the reservation information, the wind strength and the wind direction transmitted during the predetermined learning period. Can be. For example, the usage pattern of the user's air conditioner 100 may include a time when the user uses the air conditioner 100 (for example, from 2 pm to 4 pm) and a volume of air set when the user uses the air conditioner 100 (for example, For example, it may be determined based on light wind), reservation information set at bedtime (for example, operation until 2 am), and the like. By analyzing the usage pattern of the air conditioner 100 of the user, it is possible to reduce the energy consumption according to the use of the air conditioner 100, thereby reducing the power bill.

For example, the preset learning period may be a predetermined period (for example, one week) after the air conditioner control apparatus 110 is attached to the air conditioner 100. For example, by analyzing and learning a usage pattern of the user's air conditioner 100 for about a week since the air conditioner control device 110 is first attached to the air conditioner 100, the air conditioner according to the user's use pattern of the air conditioner 100 is analyzed. 100 may be controlled.

For another example, the preset learning period may be a predetermined period (eg For example, a week). For example, when the amount of change in the usage pattern of the user's air conditioner 100 is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the cloud server 120 determines that the usage pattern of the user's air conditioner 100 is changed, and thus the usage pattern of the air conditioner 100 is changed. By re-learning the usage pattern of the user's air conditioner 100 for about a week from the time when the change amount is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the air conditioner 100 may be controlled according to the changed usage pattern of the user's air conditioner 100.

For another example, the predetermined learning period may be a predetermined period (for example, one week) from a user's re-learning request time. By re-learning the usage pattern of the user's air conditioner 100 for about a week from the user's request, the air conditioner 100 may be controlled according to the usage pattern of the user's air conditioner 100.

The control information receiver 240 may receive first control information for changing operation information of the air conditioner 100 generated by the cloud server 120. In this case, the first control information may be generated based on the usage pattern of the air conditioner 100 and the room temperature. For example, during the day, the control information receiver 240 allows the air conditioner 100 to operate at 2-4 o'clock / 24 ° C./strong wind / non-rotation based on the usage pattern and the room temperature of the air conditioner 100. The first control information may be received. For another example, in the case of night, the control information receiver 240 is operated such that the air conditioner 100 operates at 00:00 to 02: 00/28 ° C./wet/rotation at night based on the usage pattern of the air conditioner 100 and the room temperature. The first control information can be received.

The control information receiver 240 may receive second control information for operating the air conditioner 100 from the cloud server 120. For example, the second control information may be generated based on an air conditioner control command from the mobile terminal 130 to the cloud server 120. For example, when the mobile terminal 130 transmits an air conditioner control command related to driving on / off of the air conditioner 100 through the air conditioner control app to the cloud server 120, the control information receiver ( The 240 may receive the second control information for operating the air conditioner 100 in the non-operating state from the cloud server 120 or the second control information for stopping the operation of the air conditioner 100 in the operating state. By doing so, the operating state of the air conditioner 100 can be controlled. Alternatively, when the mobile terminal 130 transmits an air conditioner control command related to the air volume of the air conditioner 100 through the air conditioner control app to the cloud server 120, the control information receiver 240 controls the air volume from the cloud server 120. By receiving the second control information to be adjusted up or down, the air volume of the air conditioner 100 may be adjusted. Alternatively, when the mobile terminal 130 transmits the air conditioner control command related to the rotation of the wind direction of the air conditioner 100 through the air conditioner control app to the cloud server 120, the control information receiver 240 from the cloud server 120. By receiving the second control information for causing the wind direction of the air conditioner 100 to rotate or not rotate, it is possible to control the rotation direction of the wind direction of the air conditioner 100. In this regard, it will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

For another example, the second control information may be generated based on the location information of the mobile terminal 130. For example, when the user is out of the house, second control information for operating the air conditioner 100 at 26 ° C. in advance before a predetermined time before the user arrives home is generated by the cloud server 120 to control the receiver 240. Can be sent to.

The control signal generator 250 may generate a second control signal based on the first control information. In this case, the control signal generator 250 may generate an infrared code corresponding to the information for changing the operation information of the air conditioner 100 included in the first control information.

That is, the second control signal is an analog infrared signal, and may include an infrared code corresponding to information for changing operation information of the air conditioner 100 included in the first control information. In this case, the operation information of the air conditioner 100 may be changed by the second control signal.

The control signal generator 250 may generate a third control signal based on the second control information. In this case, the control signal generator 250 may generate an infrared code corresponding to the information for changing the operation information of the air conditioner 100 included in the second control information.

That is, the third control signal is an analog infrared signal, and may include an infrared code corresponding to information for changing operation information of the air conditioner 100 included in the second control information. In this case, the second control information may be generated by the cloud server 120 based on the air conditioner control command from the user's mobile terminal 130 to the cloud server 120 or the location information of the user's mobile terminal 130. .

The control signal transmitter 260 may transmit the second control signal to the air conditioner 100 to change the operation information of the air conditioner 100.

The control signal transmitter 260 may transmit a third control signal to the air conditioner 100 to operate the air conditioner 100.

The control signal receiver 210 and the control signal transmitter 260 may function as an infrared communication module. Such an infrared communication module follows a standard of the Infrared Data Association (IrDA), and an infrared ray may use a carrier frequency of 37.9 kHz.

The air conditioner control command transmitter 230 and the control information receiver 240 may function as a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module may be a Wi-Fi module, but is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 110 for controlling the air conditioner may further include a storage unit (not shown) that stores information necessary for operating the air conditioner 100.

The storage unit may store the air conditioner information and the infrared signal table according to the air conditioner information. The air conditioner information may include a brand name, a model name, and the like of the air conditioner 100. Since the control signal may vary according to the brand name and the model name of the air conditioner 100, the air conditioner stored in the storage unit (not shown) when the control signal generator 250 generates the second control signal or the third control signal. This is to generate a second control signal (infrared signal) suitable for a brand name and a model name based on the infrared signal table according to the information and the air conditioner information.

3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an air conditioner control device attached to an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the air conditioner control device 110 may be attached to one surface of the air conditioner 100 to control the air conditioner 100. For example, the air conditioner control device 110 may be manufactured to be detachable to the air conditioner 100 through the magnetic.

The air conditioner control device 110 may include a sensor, an infrared communication module, a wireless communication module, a processor, and the like.

The air conditioner control device 110 may detect vibration of the air conditioner 100 through a vibration sensor built in the air conditioner control device 110 and determine whether the air conditioner 100 is operating. For example, when the air conditioner control device 110 detects a vibration of the air conditioner 100 through a vibration sensor, it determines that the power of the air conditioner 100 is on and is operating, and the vibration of the air conditioner 100 is determined. If it is not detected, it can be determined that the power of the air conditioner 100 is off (operating).

The infrared communication module follows the standard specification of the Infrared Data Association (IrDA), and the infrared carrier may use a carrier frequency of 37.9 kHz.

The wireless communication module includes a Wi-Fi module for communicating with the cloud server 120, and Wi-Fi is, for example, 2412 MHz to 2472 MHz or 5180 MHz to a support standard of 802.11a / b / g / n / ac. It may have a use frequency of 5805 MHz.

In addition, the wireless communication module may include a Wi-Fi module, a short range wireless communication module, for example, a Bluetooth communication module for communicating with the user terminal 130. The air conditioner control apparatus 110 may be connected to the user terminal 130 through a wireless communication module, as described below with reference to FIG. 5, and may include setting information (registration information of the air conditioner control apparatus 110, from the user terminal 130). Wi-Fi connection information, information (brand, model name) of the air conditioner 100, location information of the air conditioner 100, remote control name information, etc.) may be received.

The processor may execute or control the overall operation of the air conditioner control device 110. For example, the processor is a central processing circuitry to control the components of the air conditioner control device 110 (eg, an infrared communication module, a wireless communication module, etc.), and to control the air conditioner control device 110. Various functions can be performed.

The processor may generate an air conditioner control command based on an infrared control signal of the remote controller 105 for controlling the air conditioner. In addition, the processor may generate an infrared control signal for changing the operation information of the air conditioner based on the control information received from the cloud server 120.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an air conditioner in the air conditioner control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method for controlling the air conditioner in the air conditioner control apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 4 includes the steps of time series processing by the air conditioner control system 1 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Therefore, although omitted below, the present invention also applies to a method for controlling the air conditioner in the air conditioner control apparatus 110 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

In operation S410, the air conditioner control apparatus 110 may receive a first control signal transmitted from the remote controller 105 of the air conditioner to control the air conditioner 100.

In operation S420, the air conditioner control apparatus 110 may generate an air conditioner control command based on the first control signal.

In operation S430, the air conditioner control apparatus 110 may transmit an air conditioner control command to the cloud server 120.

In operation S440, the air conditioner control device 110 may receive first control information for changing operation information of the air conditioner 100 generated by the cloud server 120.

In operation S450, the air conditioner control device 110 may generate a second control signal based on the first control information.

In operation S460, the air conditioner control apparatus 110 may transmit a second control signal to the air conditioner 100 to change operation information of the air conditioner 100.

In the above description, steps S410 to S460 may be further divided into additional steps or combined into fewer steps, according to an embodiment of the invention. In addition, some steps may be omitted as necessary, and the order between the steps may be switched.

5A is an exemplary diagram illustrating a login screen of an air conditioner control app in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5A, when the mobile terminal 130 executes the air conditioner control app, the mobile terminal 130 receives an ID 501 and a password 502 from the user through the login screen 500, and logs in with the user's account information 503. ) Can be performed.

5B is an exemplary diagram illustrating a registration request message for an air conditioner control device in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5B, when the air conditioner control device 110 is not registered in the air conditioner control app, the mobile terminal 130 may display a registration request message 510 for the air conditioner control device 110 on the screen. . The registration request message 150 may be displayed as, for example, "There is no registered control device. Do you want to go to the control device registration page?", And when the user receives the OK button 511, the air conditioner control device 110 may be used. Go to the registration page for) and display it on the screen.

5C to 5E are exemplary views illustrating a registration screen for an air conditioner control device in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the mobile terminal 130 may display the installation guide message 521 and the retrieved air conditioner control device 522 through the registration screen 520 of the air conditioner control device 110. The installation guide message 521 may display, for example, a phrase such as "Please select a control device to connect." The searched air conditioner controller 522 may receive one of the air conditioner controllers selected by the user when a plurality of air conditioner controllers are found.

Referring to FIG. 5D, the mobile terminal 130 may display an installation guide message 530 and a searched Wi-Fi list 531 through the registration screen 520 of the air conditioner control device 110. The installation guide message 530 may display, for example, a phrase such as "Please select Wi-Fi to connect to the air conditioning control device." The searched Wi-Fi list 531 may search for and display an access point (AP) for connecting the air conditioner control device 110 to wireless communication. At this time, when a plurality of APs are found, any one AP may be selected by the user.

Referring to FIG. 5E, the mobile terminal 130 displays the installation guide message 540 and the air conditioner controller 110 and the selected Wi-Fi cloud server 120 through the registration screen 520 of the air conditioner controller 110. A notification message 541 indicating that the registration is registered may be displayed. The installation guide message 540 may display, for example, a phrase such as, "server is connected." For example, when the air conditioner control device 110 is connected to the AP of 'NECON_07181536', the notification message 541 may display a phrase such as "Connected to the NECON_07181536 Wi-Fi network."

5F is an exemplary diagram illustrating a process of selecting an air conditioner brand name in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5F, the mobile terminal 130 may receive an air conditioner brand name 551 for controlling the air conditioner 100 from the user through the air conditioner brand setting screen 550. This is to generate an appropriate control signal according to the air conditioner brand.

5G is an exemplary view for explaining a process of testing whether a power button of an air conditioner operates in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5G, the mobile terminal 130 may test whether the power button of the air conditioner 100 is operated through the power button confirmation message 560. The power button confirmation message 560 may be displayed with the power button icon along with the message, for example, "Does the power button below work? Press the 'Activate' button if it works." Can be. In this case, when the power button icon is operated, the mobile terminal 130 may receive an 'operation' button 561 from the user. When the power button icon is not operated, the mobile terminal 130 may be moved from the user. A 'no operation' button 562 may be input.

5H is an exemplary diagram for describing a process of testing whether a rotary button of an air conditioner operates in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5H, the mobile terminal 130 may test whether the rotation button of the air conditioner 100 operates through the rotation button confirmation message 570. The rotation button confirmation message 570 may be displayed with a rotation button icon along with the message, for example, "Does the rotation button work below? Please press the 'Activate' button if it works." Can be. In this case, when the rotation button icon is operated, the mobile terminal 130 may receive an input of the 'operation' button 571 from the user. When the rotation button icon is not operated, the mobile terminal 130 may be moved from the user. A 'no operation' button 572 may be input.

5I is an exemplary view for explaining a process of setting an air conditioner position in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5I, the mobile terminal 130 may select an apartment 580, a building 581, a lake 582, a room 583 in which an air conditioner is located, and store the same through the confirmation button 584.

5J is an exemplary diagram for explaining a process of inputting a remote controller name in a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention; Referring to FIG. 5J, the mobile terminal 130 may display a name registration message 590. The name registration message 590 displays, for example, a phrase such as, "Complete the remote control search. Please enter the name you want to use." After receiving the name of the air conditioning control device 110 from the user, the confirmation button Can be stored via (591).

6A is an exemplary diagram illustrating a remote control menu screen in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6A, the mobile terminal 130 may remotely control the air conditioner 100 by the air conditioner control device 110 through the remote control menu screen 600.

The remote control menu screen 600 may display an operation button 601, a stop button 602, and a set temperature 603. For example, when the operation button 601 is input from the user, the air conditioner 100 in the non-operation state is operated, and when the stop button 602 is input from the user, You can shut down. The set temperature 603 represents a desired room temperature, and the user may raise the set temperature 603 through the '+' button 604 and the set temperature 603 through the '-' button 605. ) Can be lowered.

The remote control menu screen 600 may display the air conditioner state information 606 including information on the current temperature and humidity, cooling, blowing, dehumidification, heating, automatic, and rotation of the air conditioner 100.

The remote control menu screen 600 may display the air volume 607, increase the air volume through the '+' button, and lower the air volume through the '-' button.

The remote control menu screen 600 may receive an operation selection 608, an automatic mode 609, and a wind direction 610 through other settings.

6B is an exemplary diagram illustrating an energy management menu screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6B, the mobile terminal 130 may select an automatic driving mode for operating with artificial intelligence through the energy management menu screen 620.

For example, when the mobile terminal 130 receives the manual button 621 from the user, the mobile terminal 130 receives an air conditioner control command for a set temperature, air volume, wind direction, etc. directly from the user, and receives the set air conditioner control. The command may be sent to the cloud server 120. The cloud server 120 transmits control information to the air conditioner control device 110 based on the received air conditioner control command, and generates a control signal based on the control information received by the air conditioner control device 110 to generate the air conditioner 100. By transmitting to the air conditioner 100 can be controlled to operate according to the control command set by the user.

For another example, when the mobile terminal 130 receives the saving button 622 from the user, the mobile terminal 130 may control the air conditioner control command to operate the air conditioner 100 in the saving mode. 120). Here, the saving mode may be somewhat lower in comfort, but the energy saving may mean a higher mode. The cloud server 120 transmits control information to the air conditioner control device 110 based on the received air conditioner control command, and generates a control signal based on the control information received by the air conditioner control device 110 to generate the air conditioner 100. By transmitting the air conditioner 100, the air conditioner 100 can be controlled to operate in the saving mode.

For another example, when the mobile terminal 130 receives the normal button 623 from the user, the mobile terminal 130 is a cloud server to control the air conditioner control command to operate the operation mode of the air conditioner 100 in the normal mode Transmit to 120. Here, the normal mode may mean a mode in which comfort and energy saving are intermediate. The cloud server 120 transmits control information to the air conditioner control device 110 based on the received air conditioner control command, and generates a control signal based on the control information received by the air conditioner control device 110 to generate the air conditioner 100. By transmitting to the air conditioner 100 can be controlled to operate in the normal mode.

For another example, when the mobile terminal 130 receives the comfort button 624 from the user, the mobile terminal 130 may provide an air conditioner control command for operating the air conditioner 100 in the comfort mode to the cloud server. Transmit to 120. Here, the comfort mode may mean a mode in which comfort is increased and energy is not reduced. The cloud server 120 transmits control information to the air conditioner control device 110 based on the received air conditioner control command, and generates a control signal based on the control information received by the air conditioner control device 110 to generate the air conditioner 100. By transmitting in this manner, the air conditioner 100 can be controlled to operate in a comfortable mode.

6C is an exemplary diagram illustrating a device management menu screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6C, the mobile terminal 130 may display information on the air conditioner control device 110 registered in the air conditioner control app through the device management menu screen 640. For example, the mobile terminal 130 displays the air conditioner control device 110 registered as the first unit 641 and the air conditioner control unit 110 registered as the second unit 642 through the device management menu screen 640. can do. Here, the first unit 641 may be an air conditioner control unit 110 attached to the air conditioner of the office, the second unit 642 may be an air conditioner control unit 110 attached to the air conditioner of the home.

6D is an exemplary diagram illustrating a setting menu screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6D, the mobile terminal 130 may display a submenu including account management, function management, and the like through the setting menu screen 650.

Account management includes whether to automatically log in (651), if the automatic login is set to (on), the login may be automatically performed using the stored user's account information.

The function management includes a temperature and humidity information receiving period 652, and the temperature and humidity information receiving period 652 may be set by the user in various ways, for example, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and the like.

Others may display the S / W version information 653, the customer center information 654, and the like.

The method of controlling the air conditioner in the air conditioner control apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6D may be implemented in the form of a computer program stored in a medium executed by a computer or a recording medium including instructions executable by the computer. In addition, the method for controlling the air conditioner in the air conditioner control apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6D may be implemented in the form of a computer program stored in a medium executed by a computer.

Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. In addition, the computer readable medium may include a computer storage medium. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.

The foregoing description of the present invention is intended for illustration, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be easily modified in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. will be. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is shown by the following claims rather than the above description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

100: air conditioner

110: air conditioner control unit

120: cloud server

130: mobile terminal

210: control signal receiver

220: air conditioner control command generation unit

230: air conditioner control command transmission unit

240: control information receiver

250: control signal generator

260: control signal transmission unit

Claims

In the apparatus for controlling the air conditioner,

A control signal receiver configured to receive a first control signal transmitted from a remote controller of the air conditioner to control the air conditioner;

An air conditioner control command generation unit configured to generate an air conditioner control command based on the first control signal;

An air conditioner control command transmitter for transmitting the air conditioner control command to a cloud server;

A control information receiver configured to receive first control information for changing operation information of the air conditioner generated by the cloud server;

A control signal generator configured to generate a second control signal based on the first control information; And

Control signal transmission unit for transmitting the second control signal to the air conditioner to change the operation information of the air conditioner

That comprises a device for controlling the air conditioner.
The method of claim 1,

The apparatus for controlling the air conditioner is attached to one surface of the air conditioner.
The method of claim 1,

The first control signal and the second control signal are infrared signals,

And the first control signal and the second control signal include at least one of on-off information, desired temperature, operation mode information, reservation information, wind strength, and wind direction.
The method of claim 3, wherein

And transmitting information on at least one of the on / off information, desired temperature, operation mode information, reservation information, wind strength, and wind direction included in the first control signal to the cloud server during a predetermined learning period. Device.
The method of claim 4, wherein

A usage pattern of the air conditioner is analyzed by the cloud server based on at least one of the on / off information, desired temperature, operation mode information, reservation information, wind strength, and wind direction transmitted during the predetermined learning period. Phosphorus, air conditioning control unit.
The method of claim 5, wherein

And the first control information is generated based on the usage pattern and room temperature.
The method of claim 1,

The air conditioner is operated by the first control signal,

And the operation information of the air conditioner is changed by the second control signal.
The method of claim 1,

The control information receiver receives second control information for the operation of the air conditioner from the cloud server,

The control signal generator generates a third control signal based on the second control information,

And the control signal transmitter transmits the third control signal to the air conditioner to operate the air conditioner.
The method of claim 8,

And the second control information is generated by the cloud server based on an air conditioner control command from the user's mobile terminal to the cloud server or the location information of the user's mobile terminal.
The method of claim 1,

The first control information includes saving information derived by the cloud server,

And the savings information is generated based on a future power usage and an estimated electricity bill predicted from power usage received from a meter or remote metering server installed in each generation.
In the control method of the air conditioner performed by the air conditioner control device,

Receiving a first control signal transmitted from a remote control of the air conditioner to control the air conditioner;

Generating an air conditioner control command based on the first control signal;

Transmitting the air conditioner control command to a cloud server;

Receiving first control information for changing operation information of the air conditioner generated by the cloud server;

Generating a second control signal based on the first control information;

And transmitting the second control signal to the air conditioner to change operation information of the air conditioner.
The method of claim 11,

The air conditioner control apparatus is attached to one surface of the air conditioner.
The method of claim 11,

The first control signal and the second control signal are infrared signals,

And the first control signal and the second control signal include at least one of on-off information, desired temperature, operation mode information, reservation information, wind strength, and wind direction.
The method of claim 13,

And transmitting information on at least one of the on / off information, desired temperature, operation mode information, reservation information, wind strength, and wind direction included in the first control signal to the cloud server during a predetermined learning period. Way.
The method of claim 14,

A usage pattern of the air conditioner is analyzed by the cloud server based on at least one of the on / off information, desired temperature, operation mode information, reservation information, wind strength, and wind direction transmitted during the predetermined learning period. , Air conditioning control method.
The method of claim 15,

And the first control information is generated based on the usage pattern and room temperature.
The method of claim 11,

The air conditioner is operated by the first control signal,

And operation information of the air conditioner is changed by the second control signal.
The method of claim 11,

Receiving second control information for operating the air conditioner from the cloud server;

Generating a third control signal based on the second control information; And

And transmitting the third control signal to the air conditioner to operate the air conditioner.
The method of claim 18,

And the second control information is generated by the cloud server based on an air conditioner control command from the user's mobile terminal to the cloud server or the location information of the user's mobile terminal.
The method of claim 11,

The first control information includes saving information derived by the cloud server,

And the savings information is generated based on a future power usage and an estimated electricity bill predicted from power usage received from a meter or remote metering server installed in each generation.