Apparatus and method for controlling sleep mode of airconditioner

Abstract

 An air-conditioner and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The apparatus and method for controlling the sleep mode of the air-conditioner provides an optimum air-conditioning effect suitable for individual sleep stages in consideration of temperature characteristics of the sleep stages of a sleeping human being, such that it can provide the sleeping human being with an optimum sleep mode. The apparatus includes a room temperature sensor for detecting a room temperature; and a controller for controlling the sleep mode when the sleep mode begins, such that it executes a sleep-entrance stage for a rapid cooling mode during which the room temperature is quickly reduced to a first temperature less than a setup temperature, executes a deep-sleep stage for gradually increasing the room temperature to a second temperature higher than the setup temperature, and executes a wake-up stage for increasing the room temperature to a third temperature higher than the second temperature.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 2006-0005524, filed on January 18, 2006 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an air-conditioner, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for controlling a sleep mode of an air-conditioner to provide a sleeping environment when a user desires to sleep.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Generally, an air-conditioner has been widely used to reduce or increase a room temperature, and includes a variety of automatic operation modes to implement optimum temperature or humidity according to a room condition or user condition.

[0004] A representative example of the above-mentioned automatic operation modes is a sleep mode (also called a sleeping mode). Since the sleep mode is indicative of an operation mode capable of being selected by a user who desires to sleep the air-conditioner must sufficiently consider characteristics induced in a sleeping human being who does not move, such that it can perform an optimum air-conditioning operation suitable for the sleeping human being.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Therefore, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for controlling a sleep mode of an air-conditioner to provide an optimum air-conditioning operation suitable for individual sleep stages in consideration of temperature characteristics of the sleep stages of a sleeping human being, such that it can provide the sleeping human being with an optimum sleep mode.

[0006] Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0007] In accordance with the invention, the above and/or other aspects can be achieved by the provision of an apparatus for controlling a sleep mode of an air-conditioner comprising: a room temperature sensor for detecting a room temperature; and a controller for controlling the sleep mode when the sleep mode begins, such that it executes a sleep-entrance stage for a rapid cooling mode during which the room temperature is quickly reduced to a first temperature less than a setup temperature, executes a deep-sleep stage for gradually increasing the room temperature to a second temperature higher than the setup temperature, and executes a wake-up stage for increasing the room temperature to a third temperature higher than the second temperature.

[0008] Preferably, the controller maintains the room temperature at the first temperature for a predetermined period of time when the room temperature is reduced to the first temperature during the sleep-entrance stage.

[0009] Preferably, the controller maintains the room temperature at the second temperature for a predetermined period of time when the room temperature is increased to the second temperature during the deep-sleep stage.

[0010] Preferably, the controller repeatedly increases or reduces the room temperature in a predetermined temperature range from the setup temperature to the second temperature, when the room temperature is increased to the second temperature during the deep-sleep stage.

[0011] Preferably, the controller maintains the room temperature at the third temperature when the room temperature is increased to the third temperature during the wake-up stage.

[0012] Preferably, the controller terminates the sleep mode if a predetermined sleep mode time elapses on the condition that the room temperature is maintained at the third temperature for a predetermined period of time at the wake-up stage.

[0013] Preferably, the air-conditioner further includes a user input unit, and a total operation time of the sleep mode is determined by a user via the user input unit.

[0014] Preferably, the controller allocates a predetermined fixed time to execute the sleep-entrance stage and the wake-up stage from among a total operation time of the sleep mode, and allocates the remaining time other than operation times for the sleep-entrance and wake-up stages to an operation time of the deep-sleep stage.

[0015] Preferably, the deep-sleep stage includes: a) if the room temperature is increased to the second temperature, maintaining the room temperature at the second temperature during a predetermined period of time; b) repeatedly increasing or reducing the room temperature within a specific temperature range from the setup temperature to the second temperature; and c) if the operation time allocated to the deep-sleep stage is a short time incapable of executing the steps (a) ~ (b), omitting at least one of the step (a), the step (b), and the wake-up stage.

[0016] Preferably, the deep-sleep stage includes: d) if the room temperature is increased to the second temperature, maintaining the room temperature at the second temperature during a predetermined period of time; e) repeatedly increasing or reducing the room temperature within a specific temperature range from the setup temperature to the second temperature; and f) if the operation time allocated to the deep-sleep stage is longer than a specific time capable of executing the steps (d) ~ (e), repeatedly executing at least one of the steps (d)~(e).

[0017] Preferably, the air-conditioner further includes a variable capacity compressor, an indoor unit fan for varying a rotation number, and an outlet for varying a discharge direction and a discharge area, and the controller operates the compressor at minimum capacity, operates the indoor unit fan at a minimum rotation number, and controls the outlet to indirectly provide a user with cool air, and increases at least one of a cooling capacity of the compressor, a rotation number of the indoor unit fan, and the cool-air discharge area if the rapid cooling mode is required.

[0018] Preferably, the controller controls the room temperature in 0.5°C units for each 30 minutes during the sleep mode.

[0019] Preferably, the controller controls the room temperature in 1°C units for each 1 hour during the sleep mode.

[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a sleep mode of an air-conditioner comprising: a) if the sleep mode begins, performing a sleep-entrance stage for a rapid cooling mode during which a room temperature is quickly reduced to a first temperature less than a setup temperature; b) performing a deep-sleep stage for gradually increasing the room temperature to a second temperature higher than the setup temperature; and c) executing a wake-up stage for increasing the room temperature to a third temperature higher than the second temperature.

[0021] Preferably, the sleep-entrance stage maintains the room temperature at the first temperature for a predetermined period of time when the room temperature is reduced to the first temperature.

[0022] Preferably, the sleep-entrance stage maintains the room temperature at the second temperature for a predetermined period of time when the room temperature is increased to the second temperature.

[0023] Preferably, the deep-sleep stage repeatedly increases or reduces the room temperature in a predetermined temperature range from the setup temperature to the second temperature, when the room temperature is increased to the second temperature.

[0024] Preferably, the wake-up stage maintains the room temperature at the third temperature when the room temperature is increased to the third temperature.

[0025] Preferably, the control method further comprises: terminating the sleep mode if a predetermined sleep mode time elapses on the condition that the room temperature is maintained at the third temperature for a predetermined period of time at the wake-up stage.

[0026] Preferably, an overall operation time of the sleep mode is determined by a user.

[0027] Preferably, the control method further comprises: allocating a predetermined fixed time to execute the sleep-entrance stage and the wake-up stage from among a total operation time of the sleep mode; and allocating the remaining time other than operation times for the sleep-entrance and wake-up stages to an operation time of the deep-sleep stage.

[0028] Preferably, the deep-sleep stage (b) includes: b1) if the room temperature is increased to the second temperature, maintaining the room temperature at the second temperature during a predetermined period of time; b2) repeatedly increasing or reducing the room temperature within a specific temperature range from the setup temperature to the second temperature; and b3) if the operation time allocated to the deep-sleep stage is a short time incapable of executing the steps (a) ~ (b), omitting at least one of the step (a), the step (b), and the wake-up stage.

[0029] Preferably, the deep-sleep stage (b) includes: b4) if the room temperature is increased to the second temperature, maintaining the room temperature at the second temperature during a predetermined period of time; b5) repeatedly increasing or reducing the room temperature within a specific temperature range from the setup temperature to the second temperature; and b6) if the operation time allocated to the deep-sleep stage is longer than a specific time capable of executing the steps (b4)~ (b5), repeatedly executing at least one of the steps (b4)~(b5).

[0030] Preferably, the control method further comprises: operating a compressor at minimum capacity, operating an indoor unit fan at a minimum rotation number, and setting a cool-air discharge direction to an upper direction to indirectly provide a user with cool air; and increasing at least one of cooling capacity of the compressor, a rotation number of the indoor unit fan, and a cool-air discharge area if the rapid cooling mode is required.

[0031] Preferably, the control method further comprises: controlling the room temperature in 0.5°C units for each 30 minutes during the sleep mode.

[0032] Preferably, the control method further comprising: controlling the room temperature in 1°C units for each 1 hour during the sleep mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a controller for use in an air-conditioner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics of a sleep mode for use in an air-conditioner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a sleep mode of an air-conditioner according to temperature characteristics of the sleep mode shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics of a sleep mode for use in an air-conditioner in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a sleep mode of an air-conditioner according to sleep-mode temperature characteristics shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics of a sleep mode for use in an air-conditioner in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a sleep mode of an air-conditioner according to sleep-mode temperature characteristics shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating time- and temperature- control characteristics for use in the method for controlling the sleep mode of the air-conditioner according to sleep-mode temperature characteristics shown in FIG. 2 according to the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating other time- and temperature- control characteristics for use in the method for controlling the sleep mode of the air-conditioner according to sleep-mode temperature characteristics shown in FIG. 2 according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a controller for use in an air-conditioner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, a user input unit 104 and a room temperature sensor 106 are connected to input terminals of the controller 102 for controlling overall operations of the air-conditioner. A compressor 108, an indoor unit fan 110, and a discharge blade 112 are connected to output terminals of the controller 102. A timer is contained in the controller 102.

[0037] The user input unit 104 allows a user to enter a desired operation mode or desired temperature for the air-conditioner, such that the entered operation mode or temperature can be established. The room temperature sensor 106 detects room temperature. It is preferable that the compressor 108 may be designed in the form of a variable capacity compressor according to an inverter control scheme or tandem scheme. It is preferable that the indoor unit fan 110 may be designed to have a variable rotation speed. The discharge blade 112 is installed at an outlet via which cool air is discharged from an indoor unit, such that it variably adjusts a discharge direction or a discharge area.

[0038] If the user-selected operation mode is a sleep mode, the controller 102 basically operates the compressor 108 at minimum capacity, and operates the indoor unit fan 110 at a minimum rotation number, such that it maintains a minimum cooling capacity. The controller 102 adjusts a discharge direction of the discharge blade 112 and an opening area of the same, such that it indirectly transmits cool air to a user instead of directly transmitting the cool air. However, if a rapid cooling operation is required, at least one of the cooling capacity of the compressor 108, a rotation number of the indoor unit fan 110, and a cooling-air discharge area is increased, such that the cooling capacity of the compressor 108 is greatly increased. Preferably, if all of the cooling capacity of the compressor 108, a rotation number of the indoor unit fan 110, and a cooling-air discharge area is increased, the above-mentioned cooling capacity of the compressor 108 is more greatly increased than in the aforementioned case.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics of a sleep mode for use in an air-conditioner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a sleep mode of an air-conditioner according to temperature characteristics of the sleep mode shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As can be seen from FIGS. 2~3, the sleep mode of the air-conditioner according to the present invention includes a sleep-entrance stage 202, a deep-sleep stage 204, and a wake-up stage 206. The sleep mode shown in FIGS. 2~3 is established to have a standard execution time of 8 hours as a total execution time.

[0041] The sleep-entrance stage 202 is indicative of a predetermined period of time from a first time at which the user selects the sleep mode to a second time at which the user falls asleep, and performs a rapid cooling operation until a room temperatures reaches a first temperature T_i-z less than a setup temperature T_i at step 302. In other words, the sleep-entrance stage 202 performs the rapid cooling mode capable of rapidly lowering a room temperature from a current temperature of t₂₀ to the first temperature T_i-z equal to a specific temperature t₂₁, such that a user's skin temperature is reduced to an appropriate temperature and the central nervous system associated with a human-body temperature control function is minimized. The rapid cooling time equal to the time from t₂₀ to t₂₁ may be established in the range from a minimum of several minutes to a maximum of 1 hour. During the rapid cooling mode, the cooling capacity of the compressor 108 and the rotation number of the indoor unit fan 110 are increased, and the discharge blade 112 is controlled to adjust a discharge area and a discharge direction, such that air in the room is easily mixed. During the remaining time (i.e., a time from t₂₁ to t₂₂) of the sleep-entrance stage 202, the room temperature is maintained at the first temperature T_i-z equal to the rapid cooling temperature, such that the user's skin temperature is continuously lowered at step 304. A temperature drop range "z" at the sleep-entrance stage 202 is in the range from 1 °C to 4°C, and a total operation time of the sleep-entrance stage 202 is in the range from a minimum of 30 minutes to a maximum of 3 hours.

[0042] The deep-sleep stage 204 is indicative of a predetermined period of time during which the user falls into a deep sleep, increases a room temperature to a second temperature T_i+x higher than the setup temperature T_i at step 306, maintains the second temperature T_i+x for a predetermined period of time at step 308, and repeatedly increases or reduces the room temperature in a predetermined temperature range from the setup temperature T_i to the second temperature T_i+x at steps 310 and 312. In other words, the deep-sleep stage 204 continuously increases a room temperature during a predetermined period of t₂₂~t₂₃, such that the room temperature reaches the second temperature T_i+x. As a result, the deep-sleep stage 204 prevents the user's skin temperature from being excessively lowered, resulting in the implementation of an energy saving effect. The time from the temperature t₂₂ to the other temperature t₂₃ is in the range from 3 hours to 5 hours. During the time of t₂₃~t₂₄, the deep-sleep stage 204 constantly maintains the second temperature T_i+x. Thereafter, the reason why the deep-sleep stage 204 repeatedly increases or reduces the room temperature in a predetermined temperature range from the setup temperature T_i to the second temperature T_i+x is to prevent the user's skin temperature from being excessively increased or reduced. Furthermore, if the user's skin temperature reaches a normal or steady state, the deep-sleep stage 204 increases the room temperature to the second temperature T_i+x, resulting in the implementation of an energy saving effect. In the case of the standard execution time shown in FIG. 2, the time of t₂₃~t₂₄ is established in the range from a minimum of 1 hour to a maximum of 3 hours. A repetition time from the rising time of the room temperature to the drop time of the same is equal to or less than a total of 2 hours.

[0043] The wake-up stage 206 increases a user's temperature to facilitate physiological actions of the user. In more detail, the wake-up stage 206 gradually increases the room temperature to a third temperature T_i+y higher than the second temperature T_i+x, and maintains the third temperature T_i+y for a predetermined period of time at step 314. The time of t₂₆~ t₂₇ during which the wake-up stage 206 is executed is established in the range from a minimum of 30 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours. If the sleep mode setup time elapses during the wake-up stage 206 at step 316, the wake-up mode is terminated.

[0044] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user can directly enter a total execution time of the sleep mode using the user input unit 104. For example, if the user determines the total execution time of the sleep mode to be 8 hours equal to the standard execution time, the sleep-entrance stage 202, the deep-sleep stage 204, and the wake-up stage 206 of FIGS. 2~3 are executed for individual predetermined times, respectively. In this case, the execution time of the sleep-entrance time 202 is established in the range of a minimum of 30 minutes to a maximum of 3 hours. The execution time of the wake-up stage 206 is in the range of 30 minutes to 2 hours. The deep-sleep stage 204 is located between the sleep-entrance stage 202 and the wake-up stage 206.

[0045] If the user determines a total execution time of the sleep mode to be a specific time (e.g., 4 hours) shorter than the standard execution time, the wake-up stage 206 and some parts of the deep-sleep stage 204 are omitted. Otherwise, if the user determines a total execution time of the sleep mode to be a specific time (e.g., 12 hours) longer than the standard execution time, the deep-sleep stage 204 equal to the time of t₂₃~ t₂₆ is repeated during the above-mentioned time longer than the standard execution time. The above-mentioned respective preferred embodiments are shown in FIGS. 4~7.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics of a sleep mode for use in an air-conditioner in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a sleep mode of an air-conditioner according to sleep-mode temperature characteristics shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] As can be seen from FIGS. 4~5, if a total execution time of the sleep mode is determined to be about 4 hours less than the standard execution time (i.e., 8 hours), a sleep-entrance time 402 is executed, and then only some parts of a deep-sleep stage 404 are executed for the remaining time other than the sleep-entrance time 402.

[0048] In other words, the air-conditioner performs the rapid cooling mode during a specific time of t₄₀~t₄₁ of the sleep-entrance stage 402 until a current temperature reaches a first temperature T_i-z less than the setup temperature T_i at step 502. Thereafter, the air-conditioner maintains the first temperature T_i-z equal to the rapid cooling temperature during a specific time of t₄₁~ t₄₂, such that the user's skin temperature is continuously reduced at step 504.

[0049] The deep-sleep stage 404 increases the room temperature to a second temperature T_i+x higher than the setup temperature T_i, and constantly maintains the second temperature T_i+x at steps 506 and 508. According to the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 4~5, a total execution time of the sleep mode is short, such that the preferred embodiments cannot perform not only the wake-up stage but also the deep-sleep stage 404. Therefore, when the preferred embodiments perform the deep-sleep stage 404 during the remaining time of t₄₂~t₄₄ after executing the sleep-entrance stage 402, it terminates the sleep mode if the sleep-mode setup time (e.g., 4 hours) elapses at step 510.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics of a sleep mode for use in an air-conditioner in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a sleep mode of an air-conditioner according to sleep-mode temperature characteristics shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] As can be seen from FIGS. 6~7, if the user sets a total execution time of the sleep mode to about 12 hours, which is longer than the standard execution time, a specific time of t₆₃~t₆₆ of the deep-sleep stage 604 is repeated during the time longer than the standard execution time.

[0052] In other words, the air-conditioner performs the rapid cooling mode during a specific time of t₆₀~t₆₁ of the sleep-entrance stage 602 until a current temperature reaches a first temperature T_i-z less than the setup temperature T_i at step 702. Thereafter, the air-conditioner maintains the first temperature T_i-z equal to the rapid cooling temperature during a specific time of t₆₁□ t₆₂, such that the user's skin temperature is continuously reduced at step 704.

[0053] The deep-sleep stage 604 increases the room temperature to a second temperature T_i+x higher than the setup temperature T_i at step 706. The deep-sleep stage 604 maintains the room temperature equal to the second temperature T_i+x during a predetermined period of time at step 708, and re-reduces the room temperature to the setup temperature T_i at step 710.

[0054] A total execution time of the sleep mode selected by the user is longer than the standard execution time by 4 hours in the case of the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 6□7, such that the deep-sleep mode 604 is extended by 4 hours as compared to the deep-sleep stage of the standard execution time. As can be seen from step 608 of FIG. 6 and steps 712, 714, and 716 of FIG 7, the room temperature is repeatedly increased or reduced in the range from the setup temperature T_i to the second temperature T_i+x during the above-mentioned extended time, such that an optimum room temperature appropriate for the user's deep sleep is maintained.

[0055] The wake-up stage 606 gradually increases the room temperature to the third temperature T_i+y higher than the second temperature T_i+x in the same manner as in FIGS. 2□3, and then maintains the third temperature T_i+y during a predetermined period of time at step 718. If all of the sleep mode setup time elapses while the wake-up stage 606 is executed at step 720, the sleep mode is terminated.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating time- and temperature- control characteristics for use in the method for controlling the sleep mode of the air-conditioner according to sleep-mode temperature characteristics shown in FIG. 2 according to the present invention. FIG. 8 exemplarily shows the standard execution time of the sleep mode shown in FIGS. 2□3. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the sleep mode for the air-conditioner includes a sleep-entrance stage 202, a deep-sleep stage 204, and a wake-up stage 206. Individual stages 202, 204 and 206 are controlled in 0.5°C units for each 30 minutes. However, when the execution time of each stage is less than 30 minutes in the same manner as in the sleep-entrance stage 202 of FIG. 8 during which the room temperature is quickly reduced to the first temperature (Ti-2.5°C), individual stages are controlled in necessary time units (e.g., 10 minutes).

[0057] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating other time- and temperature- control characteristics for use in the method for controlling the sleep mode of the air-conditioner according to sleep-mode temperature characteristics shown in FIG. 2 according to the present invention. FIG. 9 exemplarily shows the standard execution time of the sleep mode shown in FIGS. 2□3. As can be seen from FIG. 9, the sleep mode for the air-conditioner includes a sleep-entrance stage 202, a deep-sleep stage 204, and a wake-up stage 206. Individual stages 202, 204 and 206 are controlled in 1 °C units for each 1 hour. In more detail, the air-conditioner detects the room temperature for each 1 hour to properly increase or reduce the room temperature. The increasing- or reducing- range of the room temperature is controlled in 1°C units, such that the example of FIG. 9 greatly reduces the number of operations of the compressor 108, the number of operations of the indoor unit fan 110, and the number of operations of the discharge blade 112, as compared to the example of FIG. 8, resulting in the implementation of the power saving effect.

[0058] As is apparent from the above description, the apparatus and method for controlling the sleep mode of the air-conditioner according to the present invention provides an optimum air-conditioning effect suitable for individual sleep stages in consideration of temperature characteristics of the sleep stages of a sleeping human being, such that it can provide the sleeping human being with an optimum sleep mode.

[0059] Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling a sleep mode of an air-conditioner comprising:

a room temperature sensor for detecting a room temperature; and

a controller for controlling the sleep mode when the sleep mode begins, such that it executes a sleep-entrance stage for a rapid cooling mode during which the room temperature is quickly reduced to a first temperature less than a setup temperature, executes a deep-sleep stage for gradually increasing the room temperature to a second temperature higher than the setup temperature, and executes a wake-up stage for increasing the room temperature to a third temperature higher than the second temperature.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller maintains the room temperature at the first temperature for a predetermined period of time when the room temperature is reduced to the first temperature during the sleep-entrance stage.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller maintains the room temperature at the second temperature for a predetermined period of time when the room temperature is increased to the second temperature during the deep-sleep stage.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller repeatedly increases or reduces the room temperature in a predetermined temperature range from the setup temperature to the second temperature, when the room temperature is increased to the second temperature during the deep-sleep stage.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller maintains the room temperature at the third temperature when the room temperature is increased to the third temperature during the wake-up stage.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the controller terminates the sleep mode if a predetermined sleep mode time elapses on the condition that the room temperature is maintained at the third temperature for a predetermined period of time at the wake-up stage.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air-conditioner further includes a user input unit, and a total operation time of the sleep mode is determined by a user via the user input unit.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the controller allocates a predetermined fixed time to execute the sleep-entrance stage and the wake-up stage from among a total operation time of the sleep mode, and allocates the remaining time other than operation times for the sleep-entrance and wake-up stages to an operation time of the deep-sleep stage.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the deep-sleep stage includes:

a) if the room temperature is increased to the second temperature, maintaining the room temperature at the second temperature during a predetermined period of time;

b) repeatedly increasing or reducing the room temperature within a specific temperature range from the setup temperature to the second temperature; and

c) if the operation time allocated to the deep-sleep stage is a short time incapable of executing the steps (a)□ (b), omitting at least one of the step (a), the step (b), and the wake-up stage.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the deep-sleep stage includes:

d) if the room temperature is increased to the second temperature, maintaining the room temperature at the second temperature during a predetermined period of time;

e) repeatedly increasing or reducing the room temperature within a specific temperature range from the setup temperature to the second temperature; and

f) if the operation time allocated to the deep-sleep stage is longer than a specific time capable of executing the steps (d)□ (e), repeatedly executing at least one of the steps (d)□(e).

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

the air-conditioner further includes a variable capacity compressor, an indoor unit fan for varying a rotation number, and an outlet for varying a discharge direction and a discharge area, and

the controller operates the compressor at minimum capacity, operates the indoor unit fan at a minimum rotation number, and controls the outlet to indirectly provide a user with cool air, and increases at least one of a cooling capacity of the compressor, a rotation number of the indoor unit fan, and the cool-air discharge area if the rapid cooling mode is required.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the room temperature in 0.5°C units for each 30 minutes during the sleep mode.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the room temperature in 1°C units for each 1 hour during the sleep mode.

14. A method for controlling a sleep mode of an air-conditioner comprising:

a) if the sleep mode begins, performing a sleep-entrance stage for a rapid cooling mode during which a room temperature is quickly reduced to a first temperature less than a setup temperature;

b) performing a deep-sieep stage for gradually increasing the room temperature to a second temperature higher than the setup temperature; and

c) executing a wake-up stage for increasing the room temperature to a third temperature higher than the second temperature.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the sleep-entrance stage maintains the room temperature at the first temperature for a predetermined period of time when the room temperature is reduced to the first temperature.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the sleep-entrance stage maintains the room temperature at the second temperature for a predetermined period of time when the room temperature is increased to the second temperature.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the deep-sleep stage repeatedly increases or reduces the room temperature in a predetermined temperature range from the setup temperature to the second temperature, when the room temperature is increased to the second temperature.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the wake-up stage maintains the room temperature at the third temperature when the room temperature is increased to the third temperature.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising:

terminating the sleep mode if a predetermined sleep mode time elapses on the condition that the room temperature is maintained at the third temperature for a predetermined period of time at the wake-up stage.

20. The method according to claim 14, wherein an overall operation time of the sleep mode is determined by a user.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising:

allocating a predetermined fixed time to execute the sleep-entrance stage and the wake-up stage from among a total operation time of the sleep mode; and

allocating the remaining time other than operation times for the sleep-entrance and wake-up stages to an operation time of the deep-sleep stage.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the deep-sleep stage (b) includes:

b1) if the room temperature is increased to the second temperature, maintaining the room temperature at the second temperature during a predetermined period of time;

b2) repeatedly increasing or reducing the room temperature within a specific temperature range from the setup temperature to the second temperature; and

b3) if the operation time allocated to the deep-sleep stage is a short time incapable of executing the steps (a) □ (b), omitting at least one of the step (a), the step (b), and the wake-up stage.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the deep-sleep stage (b) includes:

b4) if the room temperature is increased to the second temperature, maintaining the room temperature at the second temperature during a predetermined period of time;

b5) repeatedly increasing or reducing the room temperature within a specific temperature range from the setup temperature to the second temperature; and

b6) if the operation time allocated to the deep-sleep stage is longer than a specific time capable of executing the steps (b4) □ (b5), repeatedly executing at least one of the steps (b4)□(b5).

24. The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

operating a compressor at minimum capacity, operating an indoor unit fan at a minimum rotation number, and setting a cool-air discharge direction to an upper direction to indirectly provide a user with cool air; and

increasing at least one of cooling capacity of the compressor, a rotation number of the indoor unit fan, and a cool-air discharge area if the rapid cooling mode is required.

25. The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

controlling the room temperature in 0.5°C units for each 30 minutes during the sleep mode.

26. The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

controlling the room temperature in 1°C units for each 1 hour during the sleep mode.

Drawing