KR100765575B1 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner displaying various types of avatars (images).

The present invention provides an air conditioner including a display unit 256 capable of displaying an avatar image and a display control unit 250 for controlling the display unit 256; The display unit 256 may display a standby mode 300 waiting for input of a power on signal to perform an air conditioning function and an image that is already set when the air conditioning function is being performed. The driving display mode 320 is sequentially implemented, and the standby mode 300 and the driving display mode 320 are operated between the standby mode 300 and the driving display mode 320 according to a power on signal and a power off signal. A mode conversion step 315 is further provided for controlling any one of the display modes 320 to be displayed. Therefore, according to the air conditioner according to the present invention having such a configuration, there is an advantage that a more active image is displayed to the outside according to the execution state of the air conditioner.

Air Conditioner, Avatar, Standby Mode, Driving Display Mode, Mode Conversion

Description

Air Conditioner {Air conditioner}

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of various display modes implemented in the display window of a preferred embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Figure 7 is a use state showing a state in which the clock mode is implemented on the display window of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

8 is a use state showing a state in which the character operation mode is implemented on the display window of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

9 is a use state showing the setting state of the operation function of the function selection mode in the air conditioner according to the present invention.

10 is a use state showing the setting state of the additional function of the function selection mode in the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Figure 11a is a use state showing a state of setting a reservation in the air conditioner according to the present invention.

11B is a partial state diagram showing an information window display state when a reservation is set in an air conditioner according to the present invention;

12 is a use state of the album function of the function selection mode in the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Figure 13 is a block diagram showing a menu displayed when the environment setting in the air conditioner according to the present invention.

14 is a state diagram showing a process of executing the environment setting in the album function in the air conditioner according to the present invention.

15A is a use state showing an error pop-up window is displayed on the display window constituting a preferred embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

15b is a use state showing a state in which the wind direction control pop-up window is displayed on the display window constituting a preferred embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Figure 15c is a use state showing a state in which the volume control pop-up window is displayed on the display window constituting a preferred embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

Figure 15d is a use state showing the state that the temperature control pop-up window is displayed on the display window constituting a preferred embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present invention.

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

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed execution process of the 'standby mode' shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed execution process of the 'operation mode' illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19A is a flowchart illustrating a schematic setting process of the function selection mode shown in FIG. 16. FIG.

FIG. 19B is a flowchart illustrating a detailed setting process of the 'album function' illustrated in FIG. 19A.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

100. Indoor unit 110. Front panel

112. Hinged 120. Display Window

130. Button part 132. Run / stop key

134. Temperature Key 135. Volume Key

136. Airflow key 137. Plasma key

138. Left key 139. Right key

140. Remote control receiver 150. Display device

160.USB memory 170.Air purifier

200. Main Microcomputer 202. Main Memory

210. Main input unit 220. Compressor

250. Display control unit 252. Display memory

254. Display input unit 256. Display unit

258. Data input section 300. Standby mode

302. Screen off mode 304. Clock mode

306. Screen Save Mode 308. User Setting Mode

310. Automatic cleaning 315. Mode conversion step

320. Operation display mode 322. Real operation mode

324. User operation mode 326. Character operation mode

340. Function Selection Mode 342. Operation / Additional Functions

344. Album function 360. Popup function

The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner displaying various types of avatars (images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More specifically, as shown, the display unit 30 is configured to display the wind direction and the degree of strength and weakness, the room temperature and the desired temperature is also displayed. That is, the display unit 30 expresses the state of the air conditioner set by the user to the outside by the LED (LED).

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

The display unit 30 simply turns on / off a screen composed of LEDs to express the current temperature or the operating state statically. Therefore, there is a problem that the user is difficult to easily recognize the air conditioning or air clean state, there is a problem that can not provide a variety of information or additional functions in addition to the air conditioner.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and to provide an air conditioner that can implement various types of avatars.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner in which various types of images (avatars) are displayed according to the operating condition (operation mode) of the air conditioner.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner further comprising a mode conversion step between the standby mode and the operation display mode.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner including a display unit capable of displaying an avatar image and a display controller configured to control the display unit; In the display unit, a standby mode for waiting for input of a power on signal for performing an air conditioning function and a driving display mode for displaying an image already set when the air conditioning function is being executed are sequentially performed. And a mode conversion step for controlling any one of the standby mode and the operation display mode to be displayed according to a power on signal and a power off signal between the standby mode and the operation display mode. It features.

The standby mode may be a screen off mode in which nothing is displayed on the screen.

The standby mode is characterized in that the clock mode for displaying the current time.

The standby mode is characterized in that the screen saver mode in which the screen saver program is executed.

The standby mode may be a user setting mode in which any image set by a user is displayed.

In the mode conversion step, it is determined whether the input signal is a signal for turning on or turning off the air conditioner.

The signal for turning on the air conditioner is input when the air conditioner is in an off state.

Further, the signal for turning off the air conditioner is input when the air conditioner is on.

The driving display mode is a user driving mode in which an image or a video uploaded by the user is displayed.

The driving display mode may be a character driving mode in which a character is displayed.

According to the air conditioner according to the present invention having such a configuration, there is an advantage that an active image is implemented according to the execution state of the air conditioner.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the other hand, the volume keys 135 located on the left and right of the operation / stop key 132 are for adjusting the volume of sound. That is, to adjust the sound generated from the speaker (not shown) provided in the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner, the button on the left is a button for reducing the sound, the button on the right for increasing the sound Button. The volume key 135 may also be used as a movement key for moving in the left and right directions as the temperature key 134.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In more detail, the main microcomputer 200 is provided with a main memory 202. The main memory 202 is a storage medium basically built in the air conditioner, and various data are stored therein.

The main microcomputer 200 is connected to the main input unit 210, the sensor unit 212, the receiver 214, the indoor motor 216, the outdoor motor 218, and the compressor 220, respectively.

The main input unit 210 is a part in which a user inputs a signal for the operation of the air conditioner through the button unit 130, and the input signal through the main input unit 210 is transmitted to the main microcomputer 200. do.

The sensor unit 212 is provided with various sensors installed in the air conditioner, in particular, a plurality of sensors such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a dust sensor, and a gas sensor, and is a part for measuring the air condition and pollution degree. Therefore, the measured value detected by the sensor unit 212 is transmitted to the main microcomputer 200.

The receiver 214 is a part for receiving an external signal, such as the remote controller receiver 140, and the signal received by the receiver 214 is also transmitted to the main microcomputer 200. Of course, the receiver 214 may be configured to receive data (signal) by computer (including the Internet) or wireless communication in addition to the remote controller receiver 140.

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, the air purification device 170 may be automatically adjusted to the strength and weakness by the main microcomputer (200). That is, the main microcomputer 200 detects a degree of pollution (dust, gas, etc.) in the air measured by the sensor unit 212 according to a user's setting, and then, according to the degree of contamination, the air purifier 170 It can be configured to automatically adjust the intensity of).

The sound output unit 222 is a part for outputting sound, and is configured to output various sounds, such as a buzzer, a melody, and music, including a speaker. For example, depending on the operation status of each part of the air conditioner, a buzzer may sound when an error occurs, or various melodies may be output depending on the image of each avatar, or music may be output depending on the execution of the music file.

In addition, the main microcomputer 200 is configured to transmit and receive a signal to and from the display control unit 250 provided in the display apparatus 150. That is, an air conditioner operation signal such as the operation / stop key 132 of the main input unit 210 transmitted to the main microcomputer 200 is also transmitted to the display control unit 250, thereby suitable for operation of the air conditioner. Implement the display screen.

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

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

The display memory 252 is embedded in the display apparatus 150 to store various materials (avatars such as pictures or characters) for display.

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

The display unit 256 is an external display unit for displaying avatars such as various pictures, videos, or characters according to the command of the display controller 250.

The data input unit 258 is a portion in which data (signal) is input from the outside through a removable storage device such as the USB memory 160 described above, and through the data input unit 258 to the display window 120. The displayed photo or image or a music file (including an MP3 file) to be output through the sound output unit 222 is input.

6 schematically illustrates an example of various types of display modes displayed on the display window 120 by the display controller 250.

As shown, the display mode implemented by the display unit 256 is a standby mode 300 depicting a waiting state before the air conditioning function is largely executed, and an operation indication indicating that the air conditioning function is being performed. Mode 320 and a function selection mode 340 for selecting various functions.

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

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

Of course, the standby mode 300 may be changed by a user. That is, the user selects a desired mode from the screen off mode 302, the clock mode 304, the screen saver mode 306, and the user setting mode 308 to display the display unit 256 when booting. It is also possible to be implemented in the display window 120 through.

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

In the watch mode 304, as shown in FIG. 7, the current time is displayed on the display window 120, and the year and month are displayed together with the time, and the value measured from the temperature sensor or the humidity sensor is simultaneously displayed. It may be displayed.

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

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

The operation display mode 320 is a mode for displaying an image already set when the air conditioning function is being performed. That is, when the air conditioner is operated by inputting the operation / stop key 132 in the standby mode 300 state, this refers to the state of the image implemented through the display unit 256. 320 is divided into a live operation mode 322, a user driving mode 324 and a character driving mode 326.

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

In the live action mode 322, a real picture (picture) pre-stored in the main memory 202 or the display memory 252 is displayed. The real picture (real picture) is made of a still picture or a moving picture. Can be.

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

The character driving mode 326 is a mode in which a character (avatar) stored in advance is displayed. The character (avatar) may be composed of a still image or a dynamic character (avatar).

8 illustrates an example in which the character driving mode 326 as described above is executed. As shown, the skiing character is implemented in the display window 120, the character is preferably displayed as a video.

In addition, an information window 328 for informing the state of the air conditioner and the current indoor state is further formed at the lower side of the display window 120. Therefore, the information window 328 displays whether or not to perform the air cleaning function (plasma function), including the indoor temperature or the desired temperature, and the operating state (artificial intelligence) of the current air conditioner.

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

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

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

The standby mode 300 and the driving display mode 320 are sequentially implemented through the display unit 256. That is, when the air conditioner operates, the standby mode 300 and the operation display mode 320 are implemented in the order. On the contrary, when the air conditioner stops, the operation display mode 320 and the standby mode 300 are performed in the order. Is implemented.

Meanwhile, a mode conversion step 315 is further provided between the standby mode 300 and the operation display mode 320. That is, when the standby mode 300 and the operation display mode 320 are being performed, the standby mode and the operation display mode depend on whether a signal input from the outside is a power on signal or a power off signal. A mode conversion step 315 for controlling any one of the display is further provided.

In more detail, the mode conversion step 315 is a step of determining whether a signal input from the outside is a signal for turning on or turning off the air conditioner. The signal for turning on the air conditioner is input when the air conditioner is in an off state, and the signal for turning off the air conditioner is input when the air conditioner is in an on state.

For example, when the user inputs the operation / stop key 132, it is determined whether the key input is turned on or off. This is because a key for turning on / off an air conditioner is composed of the single operation / stop key 132.

Therefore, when the operation / stop key 132 is input when the air conditioner is in an off state, the mode conversion step 315 recognizes the key input as a signal for turning on the air conditioner. Allow the air conditioner to operate.

On the other hand, if the operation / stop key 132 is input while the air conditioner is on, the mode conversion step 315 recognizes the key input as a signal for turning off the air conditioner. To stop the air conditioner.

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

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

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

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

9, the left key 138 is pressed when the character driving mode 326 is executed as shown in (a). In this case, a cooling state, which is a current operating state, is shown.

At this time, to change the operation of the air conditioner to dehumidification, press the left key ◀ of the volume key 135 as shown in (b). In this case, as shown in (c), a screen for selecting a dehumidification function is displayed, and when the operation / stop key 132 is pressed, a dehumidification function is selected. (In this case, the above power key acts as a selection key.)

After the dehumidification function is selected as described above, the air volume selection screen is displayed as shown in (d). Next, select the desired airflow position and press the operation / stop key 132 to complete the airflow selection. In the state as shown in (e), pressing the right key (139) to close the operation function selection is completed.

Next, an example of a method of setting an additional function will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

As in the case of the operation function setting, the left key 138 is first pressed on the screen as shown in (a) in which the character operation mode 326 is executed. In this case, as shown in (b), a cooling state which is a current operating state is shown.

At this time, press the right key (▶) of the volume key 135 twice. In this case, a screen for setting the additional function is displayed as shown in (c), wherein the operation / stop key 132 is selected to select the additional function. (In this case, the above power key also works as a selection key.)

10D illustrates each menu when the additional function is selected. Here, the user sets each menu using the navigation keys (◀, ▶, ▲, ▼), and then selects the operation / stop key 132 (selection key) by pressing. Each function is toggled between on and off once selected.

Various functions can be set in the screen as shown in (d). For example, as shown in the figure, when the 'manual' icon is selected, the screen is converted to a manual screen, and at this time, a page can be moved by using the navigation keys (◀, ▶). Pressing the right key 139 (back key) returns to the previous additional function selection screen.

In addition, if the user selects 'power saving', the main microcomputer 200 determines whether to save power or cancel the power transmission to the display controller 250, and the display controller 250 receives the display. Device 150 does this (displayed in the display window).

The state of setting 'reservation' is shown in FIG. 11A. When entering the reservation screen as shown in (d) of FIG. 10 to set a reservation, the reservation menu is represented in dark blue when a reservation has already been set.

If the reservation is not set, the time of the reserved portion is set on the screen as shown in FIG. 11A and the operation / stop key 132 is stored.

The reservation has an on reservation and an off reservation, and such a reservation function can be set through the button unit 130 or by a remote control.

When the reservation function is set, an icon is displayed on the information window 328 of the display window 120. That is, as shown in FIG. 11B, a small clock icon 328a is displayed at the upper right portion of the information window 328. When the clock icon 328a is displayed, it means that a reservation function is being performed.

On the other hand, the icon on the left of the clock icon 328a is the outdoor start display 328b, the icon on the right is the plasma display 328c, that is, the air purifier 170 is operated to purify the air. It means that there is.

In addition, the 'automatic cleaning' function is to perform the cleaning operation automatically when the air purifier is turned off, that is, when the operation is stopped. When the 'automatic cleaning' function is selected, an indoor fan (not shown) ) Rotates to remove moisture from the indoor heat exchanger (not shown).

In addition, various functions such as 'wind up and down', 'wind direction left and right', 'turbo Z', and 'password setting' are further provided, and when these functions are set, a signal is transmitted to the main microcomputer 200. And the display unit 256 is displayed through the display window 120 as the value processed by the main microcomputer 200.

12 illustrates an example in which the album function 344 is selected among the function selection modes 340.

First, when the right key 139 is pressed in the function selection mode 340 as in (a), an album function is selected and a screen as shown in (b) is displayed. At this time, the menu is selected by selecting the shift keys (◀, ▶, ▲, ▼), and then the corresponding menu is selected by pressing the operation / stop key 132.

Here, the case of selecting the album view menu is shown in (c). At this time, a picture stored in the display memory 252 or the USB memory 160 is displayed, and when the left key 138 is pressed in this state, various menus are listed as shown in (d). .

The menu is composed of 'import picture', 'rotate picture', 'screen saver', 'select delete', 'delete all' and the like.

The 'import picture' is for downloading a picture from an external storage device such as the USB memory 160, and the 'rotating picture' is a function of rotating the selected picture at a predetermined angle. The rotated picture can be stored in the rotated state.

The above 'screen saver setting' is used when a stored picture is selected and used as a screen saver.

The 'Delete All' and 'Delete Selected' are intended to delete stored pictures. When selecting 'Delete All', all stored pictures are deleted at once, and when 'Selected Delete' is selected, a part of the stored pictures is selected and deleted. It becomes possible.

13 shows various menus for setting the environment.

These preferences are configured to be set on the album function 344 screen described above.

That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 14, in the function selection mode 340, the right side key 139 is selected to select the album function 344, and then the (b) and the shift keys (◀, ▶) are used. Select 'Preferences' In this case, as shown in (c), each menu that can be set is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 13, the 'environmental setting' menu is largely referred to as' screen saver 'and' operation mode ',' date / time setting ',' alarm setting ', stop mode setting', 'effect sound setting /' Screen brightness setting '.

The submenu of 'Screen Saver' includes 'Theme Selection' which can be specified by selecting 'Album' and 'Landscape', 'Size Selection' which selects the size of the screen, 'Frame Selection' and 'Time Setting', etc. There is this.

The 'size selection' includes a menu for positioning the screen to 'stretch', 'middle', and 'crop' menu. The 'frame selection' is configured to select various types of picture frames, such as 'steel', 'wood', 'butterfly'.

As the 'time setting', various time menus such as 'after 1 minute', 'after 5 minutes', 'after 10 minutes' and 'not used' are available, and when the time set in the 'time setting' menu elapses, Screen saver mode.

The 'operation mode' has a submenu such as 'theme selection', 'background music setting', 'temperature display selection'.

The 'theme selection' is configured to select 'character' and 'landscape' as a theme. Of course, in addition to the 'character' and 'scenery' it will be possible to configure a variety of images, such as your own photos to choose the theme.

The 'background music setting' is configured to select the on (off) / off (off) of the background music, it is configured to adjust the volume of the background music.

The 'temperature display selection' includes sub-menus such as 'normal' and 'funny'. 'Normal' refers to displaying the temperature in a general form, and 'Funny' refers to displaying the temperature in a funny way, such as by changing the font of a character.

The 'date / time setting' is made to change the time by selecting the date (year, month, day) and time (am / pm, hour, minute), press the right key (139) 'close' The settings will be saved and you will return to the previous menu.

The 'alarm setting' is provided with submenus such as 'on / off' and 'alarm time', 'duration time', 'repeat time', and 'sound setting' of the alarm.

The 'alarm time' menu is configured to be divided into AM / PM, hour, minute, etc., and the 'duration time' is '30 seconds', '1 minute', '3 minutes', etc., and the' repeat ' 'Setting' is made to select 'Monday-Friday', 'Monday-Saturday', 'Daily', etc. The 'sound setting' is configured to select various ring tones.

The 'stop mode setting' is to set a screen displayed on the display window 120 when the operation of the air conditioner is terminated (off), and means a screen setting in the standby mode 300.

The 'stop mode setting' includes submenus such as 'stop mode on / off', 'expression element selection' and 'background selection'. Therefore, when the stop mode is set to off, the screen of the display window 120 is turned off in the standby mode 300.

The 'expression element selection' is made to select 'time', 'temperature and humidity', 'calendar', etc., one of the elements set on the display window 120 in the standby mode (300) do. That is, when the 'time' is selected, the current time is displayed on the display window 120 in the standby mode 300.

The background screen selection is to select which background screen to display on the display window 120 in the standby mode 300. Here, various images may be additionally configured and used.

The 'effect sound setting / screen brightness setting' includes submenus such as 'on / off', 'volume adjustment', 'sound setting', and 'screen brightness setting' of the effect sound.

If the sound effect is set to 'off', the 'volume control' and 'sound setting' are configured to be deactivated. In other words, it is not necessary to set the volume or type of sound when the effect sound is set so as not to sound.

The 'sound setting' is to be able to set a variety of sound types, such sound setting is preferably configured so that the user can use any sound effect added.

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

Various types of popup displays will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15D.

First, FIG. 15A illustrates a case in which an error message is displayed. That is, when an error signal is transmitted from the main microcomputer 200 to the display controller 250, an error popup window 362 is displayed on the display window 120 as shown in FIG. 15A.

The error popup window 362 may be controlled to be executed only in the operation display mode 320 and the standby mode 300 described above. The error popup window 362 may disappear for a while while another popup window is displayed.

FIG. 15B illustrates an example of the wind direction control pop-up window 364 displayed on the display window 120 when the wind direction control signal is received from the main microcomputer 200. The wind direction control can be adjusted up and down or left and right, and the wind direction control popup window 364 immediately disappears when another popup window is displayed.

15C shows an example of the volume control popup window 366. That is, the popup is displayed when the volume is adjusted, and the volume control popup window 366 disappears as soon as another popup window is brought up like the wind direction control popup window 364. In addition, the volume control popup window 366 may be controlled to pop up only in the case of the driving display mode 320 or the environment setting.

15D shows an example of the temperature control popup window 368, and this temperature control popup window 368 is displayed only when the temperature key 134 is pressed. That is, when the temperature key 134 is pressed, the set temperature data stored in the main memory 202 is transmitted from the main microcomputer 200 to the display controller 250 to transmit to the display window 120. Allow the desired temperature to be displayed.

In addition, the temperature control popup window 368 is not displayed when the temperature is controlled by a remote control, and 5 seconds after the temperature key 134 is finally applied, the temperature control popup window 368. Is preferably controlled to disappear. The temperature control popup window 368 is controlled to disappear as soon as another popup window is raised, similar to the wind direction control popup window 364 and the volume control popup window 366.

On the other hand, although not shown, when the air volume key 136 of the button unit 130 is pressed, the air volume control pop-up window is displayed, and the air volume control pop-up window is also displayed when the air volume is controlled by a remote control. It is controlled so as not to be displayed and disappears 5 seconds after the air volume key 136 is applied.

Various pop-up windows may be implemented in addition to the pop-up windows as described above. That is, various pop-up windows such as an HL pop-up window that is displayed when the input key or the remote control signal are blocked may be further provided.

The pop-up window is controlled to close the previous pop-up window and display the final pop-up window when each event is duplicated. In addition, under the condition that the error popup window 362 is displayed, it is controlled to return to the error popup window 362 5 seconds after another popup window is displayed.

Hereinafter, a process of executing each mode having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19B.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic flow of the standby mode 300, the operation display mode 320, and the function selection mode 340. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the 'standby mode' shown in FIG. 16 in more detail, and FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the 'operation mode' shown in FIG. 16 in more detail. 19B is a flowchart showing in more detail the flow of the function selection mode shown in FIG. 16.

First, as shown in FIG. 16, the display controller 250 determines whether power is supplied (S400). When the power is supplied, the standby mode 300 is executed (S410), and if no power is supplied, no action is taken.

The process of executing the standby mode 300 is illustrated in FIG. 17. In this case, the display controller 250 reads a predetermined set value (S411). Therefore, it is first determined whether the read-in setting value is set to the 'clock screen' (S412).

As a result of the determination, if the set value is 'clock screen', the watch screen is displayed on the display window 120 (S413). At this time, if the set value is set to 'screen saver' to execute the 'screen save mode' (S415), otherwise the screen is off (OFF) (S416).

Next, returning to FIG. 16 again, it is determined whether the operation / stop key 132 is input (S420). In this case, when the operation / stop key 132 is input, the signal is transmitted to the main microcomputer 200 to operate an air conditioner (S421). That is, the main microcomputer 200 operates the air conditioning components such as the indoor motor 216 and the outdoor motor 218 to perform air conditioning of the indoor space (S421).

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

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

When the air conditioning function is executed as described above (S421), the operation display mode 320 is executed on the display window 120 (S440), and the process at this time is shown in detail in FIG.

First, the main microcomputer 200 reads sensor values (temperature, etc.) and setting values set for executing the operation display mode 320 through the sensor unit 212 (S442) (S444).

When the set value read is 'user operation mode' (S450), the user inputs data to be read (S452) and is displayed on the display window 120 (S454).

On the other hand, when the set value read is the 'dual operation mode' (S460), the real picture data stored in advance is read (S462). The real picture data is displayed through the display window 120 (S454).

If the set value read is not the 'user driving mode' or 'real operation mode', the character data stored in advance is read (S464) through the display window 120 of the display device 150. It is displayed (S454).

Returning to FIG. 16 again, the next process will be described.

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

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

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

If it is determined that the time value T is equal to or greater than the time set value, the screen protection mode 306 is executed (S470). The screen protection mode 306 ends when an arbitrary key is input (S472).

19A schematically illustrates an operation S480 of executing the function selection mode 340.

First, the display control unit 250 determines whether the key input value is the 'operation part function' (S481). If it is determined that the 'operation part function' determines whether the 'cooling selection' (S482). At this time, in the case of 'cooling selection', it is first determined whether the 'air volume' is set to 'weak' (S483), and if it is set to 'weak', weak air cooling is performed (S484).

At the same time, the display controller 250 causes the image (avatar) related to the 'weak air cooling' operation to be displayed on the display window 120, while the main microcomputer 200 is already set. Sound / music relating to the operation of the 'wind cooling' is output through the sound output unit 222 (S484 ').

On the other hand, if the 'wind volume' is not 'weak' as a result of the determination, it is again determined whether the 'wind volume' is selected as 'river' (S485). If the 'wind volume' is selected as 'strong', strong wind cooling is performed (S486), otherwise, power cooling is executed (S487).

In this case, the display controller 250 causes the image (avatar) related to the 'strong wind cooling' / 'power cooling' operation to be displayed on the display window 120, respectively, and the main microcomputer ( In operation 200, the sound / music related to the 'strong wind cooling' / 'power cooling' operation is output through the sound output unit 222 (S486 ') (S487').

On the other hand, as a result of determining whether the 'cooling selection' as described above, if the 'non-cooling selection' is switched to the 'dehumidification mode', at this time, it is determined whether the 'air volume' is 'weak' (S490). If the 'air volume' is 'weak', 'weak air dehumidification' is executed (S491), and if the 'air volume' is 'river' (S492), 'strong wind dehumidification' is executed (S493), and the 'air volume' is If the 'weak' or 'strong' is not 'power dehumidification' (S494).

As described above, when the display control unit 250 executes 'weak dehumidification' (S491), an image (avatar) relating to the already set 'weak dehumidification' driving is displayed on the display window 120. On the other hand, the main microcomputer 200 is to be output through the sound output unit 222, the sound / music related to the 'weak air dehumidification' driving is already set (S491 ').

Similarly, the image (avatar) and sound / music related to the operation of the strong wind dehumidification or the power dehumidification, which are already set as described above, are performed in the 'strong dehumidification' execution (S493) and the 'power dehumidification' execution (S494). The display is displayed / output through the display window 120 and the sound output unit 222 (S493 ') (S494').

In addition, if it is determined that the key input value is the 'driving function', the 'album function' is executed if it is not the 'driving function' (S500).

19B shows a flowchart when such an 'album function' is executed.

As shown here, first, it is determined whether the key input value is 'download' (S502). If the input value is 'download' as a result of the determination, the download of the picture is executed from the USB memory 160 or the like (S504).

On the other hand, if the key input value is not 'download', it is again determined whether the key input value is 'view album' (S510). If the determination result is that the input value is 'album view', the album view function is executed (S512), otherwise, 'environmental setting' is executed (S520).

Execution of the 'view album' function and the execution of the 'environment setting' are as described above with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

Returning to FIG. 16 again, the next process will be described.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then, it is determined whether the power is cut off (S560), and when the power is cut off, all display execution is terminated (S570), and when the power is not cut off, the screen returns to the standby mode execution screen.

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

As described above, in the air conditioner according to the present invention, each display mode according to the state of the air conditioner is selectively adopted through the display window.

Therefore, there is an advantage that the air-conditioning state or the indoor environment and various information are more easily recognized / delivered to the user. In addition, since various additional functions can be used in addition to the main functions such as air conditioning, the convenience of using the air conditioner is improved and the product purchase desire is expected to be improved.

Claims (16)

delete delete delete delete delete Indoor unit; A front panel formed vertically on the front of the indoor unit to form a front appearance; A display window for displaying the avatar to the outside in the center of the upper half of the front panel; A display device installed at a rear side of the front panel and including a display unit capable of displaying an avatar image and a display control unit controlling an avatar image displayed on the display unit; The display unit, A standby mode awaiting input of a power on signal for allowing the air conditioning function to be performed, and a driving display mode for displaying an image already set when the air conditioning function is being executed; Between the standby mode and the driving display mode, And a mode conversion step of determining whether an input signal is a signal for turning on or turning off an air conditioner and controlling one of the standby mode and the operation display mode to be displayed. Air conditioner. delete delete delete delete The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the front panel includes: a button unit having a run / stop key; The mode conversion step, If the operation / stop key is input while the air conditioner is in an off state, the air conditioner is operated by recognizing a key input as a signal for turning on the air conditioner; When the operation / stop key is input while the air conditioner is on, the air conditioner is stopped by recognizing a key input as a signal for turning off the air conditioner. . The method of claim 6 or 11, wherein the standby mode and the operation display mode, When the air conditioner is operating, the air conditioner is implemented in the order of the standby mode and the operation display mode, when the air conditioner is stopped, the air conditioner, characterized in that implemented in the order of the operation display mode and standby mode. The method of claim 12, wherein the standby mode, An air conditioner, characterized in that the screen off mode in which nothing is displayed on the screen or the watch mode to display the current time. The method of claim 12, wherein the standby mode, And a screen saver mode in which a screen saver program is executed or a user set mode in which any image set by a user is displayed. The method of claim 12, wherein the operation display mode, Air conditioner characterized in that the user operating mode in which the user uploaded image or video is displayed. The method of claim 12, wherein the operation display mode, Air conditioner characterized in that the character driving mode in which the character is displayed.

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