JP6904975B2 - Clothes processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a garment processing device including a touch screen for displaying visual information.

The garment processing device includes a device for washing clothes, a device for drying clothes, and a device capable of both washing and drying clothes. In the clothes processing device, washing clothes is a process of removing contaminants adhering to the laundry by the action of water and detergent, and drying of clothes is included in clothes by a hot air supply device provided in the clothes processing device. This is the process of removing water.

A general garment processing device includes a main body having an outer shape and provided with a garment inlet, a garment accommodating portion provided inside the main body, a drive unit for rotating a drum constituting the garment accommodating portion, and a garment inlet. It includes a door configured to open and close, and a control unit that displays to the user visual information related to the process processed by the garment processing device and inputs the user's operation.

In such a general garment processing device, the door is designed to perform the original function of opening and closing the garment inlet to look into the garment accommodating portion. Further, the control unit is usually provided in the main body, and is provided with a plurality of buttons and knobs for easily displaying only a predetermined process by an on / off method or the like and operating the control unit.

Such dichotomy of the door and the control unit hindered the simple appearance of the garment processing device, and kept the input and output interfaces between the garment processing device and the user in a low-dimensional system.

Therefore, research is being conducted to arrange the control unit on the door and realize the control unit with a touch screen, but the door gives an integrated aesthetic feeling of the door and the touch screen and brings out a high-class sensibility at low cost. Research on the structure is still inadequate.

In addition, as the washing functions realized by the clothes processing apparatus have become more diverse, there has been a demand for separate washing in which laundry is separated and washed by type. For example, there is a user request to separate the laundry into underwear and socks, or to separate the laundry by color and wash it separately. However, since a general garment processing device has one garment accommodating portion for accommodating clothes, there is an inconvenience that the washing must be performed separately many times in order to solve the above-mentioned requirements.

In order to solve such inconvenience, research on one garment processing device equipped with a plurality of washing tubs has been conducted, but research on a user interface capable of controlling a plurality of washing tubs is still insufficient. .. Since there is a separate control unit for each washing tub, there is an inconvenience that the user has to check each control unit one by one and input a control command. Therefore, it can be said that a new form of user interface for controlling a plurality of washing tubs is an important problem from the viewpoint of improving user convenience.

Further, in consideration of cost, there is a need for a garment processing system that enables separate washing while using the garment processing device already owned by the user as it is. The user can configure a garment processing system including a plurality of garment processing devices by additionally arranging a new garment processing device in the garment processing device already owned. Also in this case, since a separate control unit exists for each garment processing device, a new form of user interface for controlling a plurality of garment processing devices is required.

An object of the present invention is a garment that can give a user an integrated aesthetic feeling when a door is provided with a window through which a garment accommodating portion can be viewed and a display for displaying information processed by a garment processing device. The purpose is to provide a door structure for a processing device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a door structure of a garment processing device capable of providing a user with a circular display using a rectangular display.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a garment processing device capable of controlling at least one of a plurality of washing tubs or a plurality of garment processing devices using one display.

Yet another object of the present invention is that when one display is used to control one of a plurality of washing tubs or a plurality of clothes processing devices, the user accurately and intuitively recognizes any of the above to be controlled. The purpose is to provide a new form of user interface that can be used.

Yet another object of the present invention is to artificially determine any washing tub (or any clothing processing device) used by the user based on the user's behavior, without the user having to add a separate input. The purpose is to provide a user interface that allows the washing tub to be used immediately.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a garment processing apparatus capable of using not only a washing function preset in the garment processing apparatus but also a new washing function developed by a third party. be.

In order to solve such a problem of the present invention, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention includes a first washing tub, a touch screen that outputs an icon associated with a function that the first washing tub can perform, and a second washing tub. A first graphic object configured to select the first washing tub and a second graphic configured to select the second washing tub when connected to an external device including a washing tub within a predetermined distance. It includes a control unit that controls the touch screen so as to output an object.

The garment processing device may further include a wireless communication unit that is wirelessly connected to an external device including the second washing tub to transmit and receive data.

The control unit may control the wireless communication unit so as to connect to or disconnect the external device including the second washing tub based on the user input.

The control unit may control the touch screen so as to erase the first and second graphic objects when the connection is released.

When any of the first and second graphic objects is touched, the control unit selects one of the first and second washing tubs, and the selected washing tub can execute the function. The touch screen may be controlled to output the associated icon.

The control unit controls the touch screen so as to output an icon included in the first group when the first washing tub is selected, and when the second washing tub is selected, the second group The touch screen may be controlled to output the icon included in.

When any icon included in the second group is touched, the control unit performs the function associated with the touched icon in an external device including the second washing tub. A washing command corresponding to the above function may be transmitted to an external device including a second washing tub.

When the control unit receives a wash-disabled message for the washing command from the external device including the second washing tub, the control unit outputs notification information warning that the function cannot be executed by the external device including the second washing tub. You may.

When the function is executed, the control unit receives a progress message notifying the progress process of the function from an external device including the second washing tub, and the progress process of the function is based on the received progress message. The touch screen may be controlled so as to output guidance information for guiding the user.

When the washing function using the first washing tub is executed while the control unit is executing the function, the first guidance information for guiding the progress process of the function to the first region of the touch screen. May be output, and the second guidance information for guiding the progress process of the washing function may be output to a second region different from the first region.

When the washing function is completed, the control unit stops outputting the first and second guidance information so as to inform that the washing function is finished, and outputs the end information of the washing function to the touch screen. A garment processing device characterized by outputting to the entire area.

When a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the washing function, the control unit resumes the output of the canceled first guide information, and even if the first guide information is output to the entire area of the touch screen. good.

When the function is completed while the control unit is outputting the end information of the washing function, the external device including the second washing tub outputs a notification accompanying the end of the function after the predetermined time has elapsed. As such, an output limiting command may be transmitted to the external device including the second washing tub.

The icon included in the second group may be different depending on the type of the external device including the second washing tub.

When the control unit is connected to an external device including the second washing tub, the control unit connects to a preset server to download an icon corresponding to the external device including the second washing tub, and downloads the downloaded icon. May be set as an icon included in the second group.

The first washing tub may rotate about a first rotation axis, and the second washing tub may rotate about a second rotation axis that intersects with the first rotation axis.

Each of the icons included in the first group is associated with a function that the first washing tub can perform according to the characteristics of the first washing tub, and each of the icons included in the second group is the second washing tub. The characteristics of the second washing tub may be associated with the functions that can be performed by the second washing tub.

When the display on which the touch screen has been turned off is turned on, the control unit may output different information depending on whether or not it is connected to an external device including the second washing tub.

When not connected to the external device including the second washing tub, an icon associated with a function that can be executed by the first washing tub is output to the touch screen and connected to the external device including the second washing tub. If so, the first and second graphic objects may be output to the touch screen.

When the child lock function is executed in the first washing tub while the control unit is connected to the external device including the second washing tub, the control unit is connected to the external device including the second washing tub. Also, a lock command may be transmitted to an external device including the second washing tub so that the child lock function is executed.

The effect of the garment processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described as follows.

According to the present invention, the door cover is formed with a non-transmissive region and a first and second translucent region separated from each other in the non-transmissive region, and a window portion is formed in the first and second translucent regions, respectively. And the display unit (or touch screen) is configured, so that a simple door appearance can be realized. In particular, when the first and second translucent regions are formed in a circular shape so as to correspond to a circular door, the user can be given an integrated aesthetic feeling.

Further, when the second translucent region is formed in a circular shape arranged so as to overlap in the rectangular display, visual information is output only to the portion corresponding to the circular second transmissive region, and the user is given a circular shape. A display unit can be provided. At this time, the control unit can save power by controlling the output of visual information in the portion of the display that does not correspond to the second translucent region.

The effects obtained in the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned above are clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the following description. Will be.

It is a perspective view which shows the garment processing apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the door shown in FIG. 1a is primarily rotated to open the clothes inlet. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the door is secondarily rotated from the state of FIG. 1b. It is an exploded perspective view of the door shown in FIG. 1a. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the state which another clothing processing apparatus is connected to the clothing processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1a. It is a flowchart which shows typical the control method of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example which applied the control method of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example which applied the control method of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example which applied the control method of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example which applied the control method of FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the garment processing apparatus which displays the 1st and 2nd graphic objects in response to the user input which satisfies a preset condition. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the 1st and 2nd garment processing apparatus in the garment processing system including the 1st and 2nd garment processing apparatus. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a method of outputting related information to a touch screen by executing a process at at least one of the first and second garment processing devices. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a method of outputting related information to a touch screen by executing a process at at least one of the first and second garment processing devices. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a method of outputting related information to a touch screen by executing a process at at least one of the first and second garment processing devices. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a method of outputting related information to a touch screen by executing a process at at least one of the first and second garment processing devices. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the method of controlling the acoustic output of each clothing processing apparatus. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the method of controlling the acoustic output of each clothing processing apparatus. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the method of controlling the information output to the touch screen based on the action of a user. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the method of controlling the information output to the touch screen based on the action of a user. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating operation about a child lock function. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the method of connecting or disconnecting the 1st clothing processing apparatus with the 2nd clothing processing apparatus based on a user input. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the clothes processing apparatus which made it possible to use not only a preset washing function but also a new washing function developed by a third party.

Hereinafter, the garment processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

A singular expression includes multiple expressions unless the context clearly expresses another meaning.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., are used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The term is used only to distinguish one component from the other.

Even in different embodiments, components that are the same as or similar to those in the previous embodiment are designated by the same or similar reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

In describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if it is determined that a specific description of the relevant known art will obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the details thereof. The explanation is omitted.

The accompanying drawings are merely for facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the attached drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification, and the present invention does not limit the technical ideas. It should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents or alternatives contained within the ideology and technical scope of.

FIG. 1a is a perspective view showing a garment processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 1b and 1c, the door 120 shown in FIG. 1a rotates primary and secondary, respectively, and the garment inlet 160a opens. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the state which was done.

Referring to the figure, the garment processing device 100 includes a main body 110 and a door 120.

The main body 110 forms the outer shape of the garment processing device 100, and includes a garment inlet 160a into which the garment is inserted. In the present embodiment, the clothes input port 160a is formed on the front surface of the main body 110 having a hexahedral shape.

Inside the main body 110, a clothes accommodating portion for accommodating laundry from the clothes inlet 160a is provided. The clothing compartment is also called a "washing tub".

As an example, when the garment processing device 100 of the present invention is composed of a device for drying laundry, the garment accommodating portion may be composed of a drum 150 rotatably provided inside the main body 110.

As another example, when the garment processing device 100 of the present invention is composed of a device capable of both washing and drying laundry, the garment accommodating portion is provided inside the main body 110 and is provided with a tab (for which washing water is stored). (Not shown) and a drum 150 rotatably provided inside the tab to accommodate the laundry.

The main body 110 is provided with a drive unit (not shown) configured to rotate the drum 150. The drive unit may include a motor that generates a driving force and a belt that rotates the drum 150 by utilizing the driving force.

The main body 110 may be provided with a detergent supply unit (not shown) in a pull-out manner so that it can be pulled out and pulled in. The cover 112 that covers the detergent supply unit may be configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction.

The main body 110 may be provided with a power button 170 and may be configured to turn on / off the power of the garment processing device 100. When the display 122 described later is composed of a touch screen, it may be configured to turn on / off the power of the garment processing device 100 by touch input to the touch screen 122. In this case, since the power button 170 is not provided, a simpler appearance can be realized.

The door 120 is rotatably provided with respect to the main body 110 by the hinge unit 140, and is configured to open and close the clothes inlet 160a. As shown in the drawing, the main body 110 may be provided with a door accommodating portion 160b having a recess formed inward from the outer surface and having a clothing inlet 160a inside. With the door 120 closed, the door 120 may be housed in the door accommodating portion 160b, and the outer surface edge of the door 120 may be arranged so as to be flush with the outer surface of the main body 110 adjacent thereto.

Since the door 120 has a structure of being housed in the door accommodating portion 160b in this way, the hinge unit 140 has two different rotation axes so that the door 120 does not get caught in the main body 110 when the door 120 is opened. It may have a double hinge structure. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 1b and 1c, the door 120 is separated from the door accommodating portion 160b by the primary rotation with respect to one of the rotation axes, and then the door 120 is rotated by the secondary rotation with respect to the other rotation axis. It may be configured to do so.

In a structure in which the hinge unit 140 is attached to one side of the door 120, a lock device for fixing or unlocking the door 120 to the main body 110 is provided on the other side of the door 120. The locking device may be configured to be a pressing type, and the door 120 may be locked by pressing the other side of the door 120 once, and the door 120 may be unlocked by pressing the other side of the door 120 once.

The door 120 is provided with a window 121 and a display 122.

With the door 120 closed, the window 121 is arranged so as to correspond to the clothes inlet 160a so that the clothes accommodating portion can be seen. Therefore, the user can confirm the state of the clothes housed in the clothes storage part through the window 121.

The display 122 displays (outputs) information processed by the garment processing device 100. For example, the display 122 may include execution screen information of a process (process of washing, dehydration, drying, etc.) driven by the garment processing device 100, or UI (User Interface) information or GUI (Graphic User Interface) corresponding to the execution screen information. ) Information may be displayed.

Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the door 120 will be described.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the door 120 shown in FIG. 1a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the door 120 includes a door frame 130, a door window 136, a display module 128 and a door cover 190. As described above, the hinge unit 140 for coupling with the main body 110 is attached to the door 120, but the hinge unit 140 is omitted in the figure.

In the present embodiment, the door 120 is formed in a circular shape (including a perfect circle and an ellipse). However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. The door 120 may be formed in a polygonal shape (square, hexagon, etc.).

The door frame 130 is rotatably coupled to the body 110, so that the hinge unit 140 is coupled to the door frame 130 and the body 110, respectively.

As shown, the door frame 130 may include an outer frame 131 and an inner frame 132. The outer frame 131 and the inner frame 132 may be made of a synthetic resin material (for example, ABS material, PC material, etc.).

The reason why the above configurations are referred to as the outer frame 131 and the inner frame 132 is that when only the door frame 130 is viewed with the door 120 closed, the outer frame 131 faces the outside of the main body 110, and the inner frame 132 is the main body 110. Because it faces the inside of. Without making such a distinction, the outer frame 131 and the inner frame 132 may be referred to as a first frame and a second frame, respectively.

The door frame 130 includes a first opening 130a facing the clothes inlet 160a with the door 120 closed, and a second opening 131b corresponding to the display module 128 mounted inside. Since the door window 136 is provided in the first opening 130a, the first opening 130a may be referred to as a door window hole, and since the display module 128 is attached to the second opening 131b, the second opening 131b May be referred to as a display hole. The second opening 131b may be arranged above the first opening 130a.

The first opening 130a may include a front opening 131a formed in the outer frame 131 and a rear opening 132a formed in the inner frame 132. The second opening 131b is formed in the outer frame 131. A communication portion 132b may be formed above the rear opening 132a of the inner frame 132, and the display module 128 can be attached to the inside of the door frame 130 through the communication portion 132b.

The door window 136 is provided in the door frame 130 so as to correspond to the first opening 130a. The door window 136 is formed of a translucent material (glass, synthetic resin material, etc.) and is arranged so as to correspond to the clothing inlet 160a in a state where the door 120 is closed.

A display module 128 is provided inside the door frame 130. The display module 128 is arranged so as to correspond to the second opening 131b, and is configured to output visual information regarding information processed by the garment processing device 100 to the display 122 provided in the display module 128.

A door cover 190 that forms the appearance of the door 120 is coupled to the door frame 130. The door cover 190 may be made of a translucent glass material or a synthetic resin material.

The door cover 190 includes a non-transmissive region 193, a first translucent region 191 corresponding to the first opening 130a and a second translucent region 192 corresponding to the second opening 131b in the non-transmissive region 193. include. The first and second translucent regions 191 and 192 are partitioned from each other by a non-transmissive region 193. In the present embodiment, the door frame 130 and the door cover 190 are formed in a circular shape so as to correspond to the circular door 120, and the first and second translucent regions 191 and 192 are formed so as to give the user an integrated aesthetic feeling. Indicates that is formed in a circle.

According to the present invention, the door cover is formed with a non-transmissive region and a first and second translucent region separated from each other in the non-transmissive region, and a window and a window are formed in the first and second translucent regions, respectively. Since the display (or touch screen) is configured, a simple door appearance can be achieved. In particular, when the first and second translucent regions are formed in a circular shape so as to correspond to a circular door, the user can be given an integrated aesthetic feeling.

The door cover 190 may be formed in a curved shape at least in part. For example, the bent portions may form the first cover portion and the second cover portion on both sides of the bent portion so as to be inclined with respect to each other. Here, the first cover portion and the second cover portion are formed into a flat shape. The door frame 130 may also be formed in a bent shape at least in part so as to correspond to such a door cover 190.

In the present embodiment, the first translucent region 191 is formed over the first cover portion and the bent portion, and the second translucent region 192 is formed in the second cover portion.

On the other hand, the second translucent region 192 is formed smaller than the second opening 131b, and is arranged so as to overlap the second opening 131b when the door cover 190 is coupled to the door frame 130.

As shown, the second opening 131b is formed in a quadrangular shape corresponding to the quadrangular display module 128, and the second translucent region 192 has a circular shape arranged so as to overlap in the second opening 131b. It may be formed. With the above configuration, visual information is output only to the portion corresponding to the circular second translucent region 192, and the circular display 122 can be provided to the user.

Circular displays are more expensive than commonly used quadrangular displays, and it is difficult to determine an accurate installation position due to their shape, so assembly defects frequently occur. However, according to the above structure, it is possible to provide the user with a touch screen 122 that looks circular while using a rectangular display that can be assembled at a lower cost and in an accurate position.

Since the second translucent region 192 is surrounded by the non-transmissive region 193, the visual information output to the portion of the touch screen 122 that does not correspond to the second translucent region 192 is invisible to the user. In consideration of this, visual information may not be output to the portion of the touch screen 122 that does not correspond to the second translucent region 192.

As an example, in the part of the touch screen 122 corresponding to the second translucent area 192, in a state where visual information regarding the information processed by the garment processing device 100 is output, the part not corresponding to the second translucent area 192 May output a frame image surrounding the visual information. The frame image is a portion that does not correspond to the second translucent region 192, and may be displayed in a specific series of colors (for example, black).

As another example, a portion of the display 122 that does not correspond to the second translucent region 192 while visual information about the information processed by the clothing processing device 100 is output to the portion corresponding to the second translucent region 192. May be configured to be off. That is, not only the visual information but also the frame image may not be output to the portion of the display module 128 that does not correspond to the second translucent region 192. In this example, since only a part of the display 122 is driven, the display 122 can be driven more efficiently than the above-mentioned example in which the entire display 122 is driven, whereby a power saving effect can be obtained.

The display 122 provided on the door cover 190 can realize the touch screen 122 by forming a layer structure or being integrally formed with the touch sensor (not shown). Such a touch screen 122 can function as a user input unit that provides an input interface between the garment processing device 100 and the user, and can also provide an output interface between the garment processing device 100 and the user. For example, the selection and change of the operation mode for performing the washing, dehydrating, drying, and the like may be realized by the user's touch input (or touch) to the display 122.

The touch screen 122 includes a touch sensor to detect the touch input.

The touch sensor detects the touch input applied to the touch screen 122 by using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistive film method, a capacitance method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, and an electromagnetic induction method.

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes such as pressure applied to a specific part of the touch screen 122 or capacitance generated at a specific part into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a position, area, touch pressure, etc. touched on the touch screen 122 by a touch means for applying a touch on the touch screen 122. Here, the touch means is an object that applies a touch to the touch screen 122, such as a finger, a touch pen or a stylus pen, and a pointer.

Thus, if there is a touch input to the touch screen 122, the corresponding signal is sent to the controller. The controller processes the signal and then transmits the corresponding data to the control unit (not shown). As a result, the control unit recognizes which area of the touch screen 122 is touched. Here, the controller may have a configuration different from that of the control unit, or may be the control unit itself.

On the other hand, the control unit may perform different control depending on the type of the touch means for touching the touch screen 122, or may perform the same control. Whether to perform different control or the same control depending on the type of the touch means may be determined by the operating state of the garment processing device 100 or the running application program.

The touch screen 122 has a short (or tap) touch (short touch), a long touch (long touch), a multi-touch (multi-touch), a drag touch (drag touch), a flick touch (flick touch), and a pinch-in touch (pinch-in). It can detect various types of touch such as touch), pinch-out touch, swipe touch, and hovering touch.

The touch screen 122 is configured to detect a touch input to a detection region including a second translucent region 192.

In the present embodiment, the touch screen 122 is attached to the back surface of the door cover 190 so as to cover a part of the second translucent region 192 and the non-transmissive region 193 surrounding the second translucent region 192. .. According to the above configuration, the touch detection region of the touch screen 122 includes not only the second translucent region 192 but also a part of the non-transmissive region 193 surrounding the second translucent region 192. Therefore, it is possible to provide various UIs or GUIs using a part of the non-transmissive region 193 surrounding the second translucent region 192.

In the above structure, the touch sensor may be formed in the form of a touch film having a touch pattern and may be arranged between the door cover 190 and the display module 128. The touch film is made of a transparent conductive film, and a known ITO film (Indium-Tin Oxide film), CNT film (Carbon Nano Tube film), or the like can be used.

The touch film may be composed of one or two layers. As an example, in the case of the method in which the touch film is composed of two layers [GFF (Glass-Film-Film)], the touch film may be mounted on the back surface of the door cover 190 or mounted on the display module 128. You may. As another example, in the case of the method in which the touch film is composed of one layer [G1F (Glass-Film)], the touch film is attached to the back surface of the door cover 190 and is formed integrally with the door cover 190. You may do it.

The touch sensor may be formed in a form in which a metal wire is directly patterned on the back surface of the door cover 190, instead of providing a separate touch film.

Alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed integrally with the display provided in the display module 128. For example, the touch sensor may be arranged on the substrate of the display (on-cell) or may be provided inside the display (in-cell).

On the other hand, the present invention is applicable not only when the touch screen 122 is provided on the door 120 but also when the touch screen 122 is arranged at a position other than the door 120. For example, the touch screen 122 may be provided on one surface of the main body 110, and the one surface may be a surface on the main body 110 on which the power button 170 is arranged. For convenience of explanation, the case where the touch screen 122 is provided on the door 120 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

On the other hand, the garment processing device is a garment processing system that goes beyond the dimension of being used alone and is connected to another garment processing device equipped with a washing tub by wire / wireless to perform processes such as washing, dehydration, and drying in conjunction with each other. Can be extended to. Hereinafter, the operation of the garment processing apparatus in the garment processing system will be specifically described.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which another clothing processing device is connected to the clothing processing device shown in FIG. 1a.

The garment processing system includes a plurality of garment processing devices. However, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 3, the description will be limited to the case where the garment processing system includes the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300. However, the present invention is not limited to the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 shown in FIG. 3, and can be applied to a garment processing system including various garment processing devices.

The first garment processing device 200 may include the features of the garment processing device 100 of FIGS. 1a to 2 or similar features.

The first garment processing device 200 is provided with a first main body 210 forming an outer shape, a first washing tub 260 provided in the first main body, a first door 220 for opening and closing the first washing tub, and a first door 220. The touch screen 222 and the window 221, the first output unit 240, the first communication unit 250, the power button 270, the first control unit 280, and the like may be included. The components shown in FIG. 3 are not essential for realizing the first garment processing device 200, and the device described in the present invention may have more components than those listed above. It may have few components.

On the other hand, the second garment processing device 300 corresponds to an "external device" based on the first garment processing device 200, and includes a second washing tub 360 different from the first washing tub 260.

The second garment processing device 300 exists in various forms. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the second garment processing device 300 may be a top-loading type washing device. The first garment processing device 200 is a washing device in which the first washing tub 260 rotates about the first rotating shaft, and the second garment processing device 300 has the second washing tub 360 with the first rotating shaft. It may be a washing device that rotates around a second rotating axis that intersects. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second garment processing device 300 may have the same structure as the first garment processing device 200, and may be deformed into various structures (not shown). May be good.

The second garment processing device 300 may be provided with at least one of a washing capacity, a volume, and a height smaller than that of the first garment processing device 200. Therefore, the user can appropriately selectively use at least one of the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 depending on the amount of laundry. In addition, the user can select at least one of the first and second clothes processing devices 200 and 300 depending on the type of laundry. For example, laundry such as baby clothes and underwear or a small amount of laundry that needs to be washed separately is washed using the second laundry processing device 300, and other laundry is washed using the first clothing processing device 200. Can be washed.

The second garment processing device 300 is provided inside the second main body 310, the drawer housing 330 that can be pulled into the second main body 310 or pulled out from the second main body 310, and the drawer housing 330 that form the appearance. It is equipped with a washing tub 360.

The drawer housing 330 is pulled into the second main body 310 and pulled out from the second main body 310 through the opening 312 formed in the second main body 310 toward the front of the second garment processing device 300.

The second washing tub 360 is rotated by a second motor provided on the outside of the second washing tub 360 inside the drawer housing 330.

Further, a cover panel 331 may be provided in front of the drawer housing 330. Such a cover panel 331 may be integrally formed with the drawer housing 330. Further, the cover panel 331 may be formed with a handle 332 for pulling in and pulling out the drawer housing 330, and a control panel 370 for operating the second garment processing device 300 may be formed on the upper surface of the cover panel 331. May be provided.

Further, in the upper part of the drawer housing 330, there is a supply hole 365 for supplying washing water into the second washing tub 360, and the laundry is put into the second washing tub 360 or from the inside of the second washing tub 360. A second door 363 may be provided for taking out the laundry. One side of the second door 363 may be provided with a handle 364 for pulling and opening the second door 363.

On the other hand, the output units 240 and 340 included in the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 are for generating outputs related to visual, auditory, tactile senses, etc., and are a display, an acoustic output unit, and a haptic. It may include one or more modules and optical outputs. For example, when the first process is completed by the first garment processing device 200, a notification sound notifying the end of the first process is output from the first output unit 240, and when the second garment processing device 300 ends the second process. , The notification sound notifying the end of the second stroke is output from the second output unit 340.

The first and second communication units 250 and 350 serve as passages for connecting the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 by wire / wireless. The first garment processing device 200 can appropriately control the connected second garment processing device 300 in response to the connection with the second garment processing device 300.

The first and second control units 280 and 380 control the general operation of the garment processing device, in addition to the operation related to the plurality of application programs (or applications) started by the respective garment processing devices. The control unit provides appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output by the above-mentioned components, or by invoking an application program stored in a memory (memory). Or it can be processed.

On the other hand, the second garment processing device 300 is arranged within a predetermined distance from the first garment processing device 200. The predetermined distance means a distance at which the first and second clothing processing devices 200 and 300 can perform wired / wireless communication with each other, and the predetermined distance differs depending on the communication method.

For example, for the convenience of the user who uses the first garment processing device 200, the second garment processing device 300 may be provided in the lower part of the first garment processing device 200. That is, the second garment processing device 300 can raise the installation position of the first garment processing device 200 and improve the convenience of the user who uses the first garment processing device 200.

On the other hand, when the second garment processing device 300 is arranged at the lower part of the first garment processing device 200, the user has to bend or bend his / her waist or bend down to operate the control panel 370 while standing. In order to eliminate such inconvenience, the garment processing system according to the present invention controls at least one of the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 by using the touch screen 222 provided in the first garment processing device 200. Provide a user interface that can be used. That is, the first garment processing device 200 can output to the touch screen 222 a graphic interface that can control the second garment processing device 300 depending on whether or not it is connected to the second garment processing device 300.

Hereinafter, the specific operation of the first garment processing device 200 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a typical control method of the present invention.

First, the first control unit 280 provided in the first clothing processing device 200 determines whether or not it is connected to an external device including a washing tub (S410).

The external device may be the "second garment processing device 300 including the second washing tub 360" described with reference to FIG. 3, and includes various types of garment processing devices including a washing tub. For convenience of explanation, the case where the external device is the second garment processing device 300 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

On the other hand, the second garment processing device 300 may be connected to the first garment processing device 200 by wire via a cable, and may be wirelessly connected to the first garment processing device 200 by wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi. May be connected with. Specifically, the first garment processing device 200 includes a first communication unit 250, the second garment processing device 300 includes a second communication unit 350, and the first and second communication units 250 and 350 provide the first and first garments. 2 The garment processing devices 200 and 300 may be connected. Further, each of the first and second control units 280 and 380 determines whether or not they are connected to each other.

The first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 so as to output visual information, but controls the touch screen 222 so as to output different information depending on whether or not it is connected to the second garment processing device 300.

The first control unit 280 can determine whether or not there is a connection with the second clothing processing device 300 periodically or irregularly so that different information can be output depending on whether or not there is a connection. As an example, when the touch screen 222 is turned on, the presence or absence of a connection is periodically determined. As another example, when the connection is made after the connection with the second garment processing device 300 is released, when the first garment processing device 200 is activated from the standby state, the power supply of the first garment processing device 200 is supplied. When a preset event occurs, such as when is turned from off to on, the presence or absence of a connection is determined irregularly.

The different information output to the touch screen 222 depending on the presence or absence of connection relates to a user interface that enables input / output between at least one of the first and second garment processing devices 200, 300 and the user.

When not connected to (or disconnected) from the second garment processing device 300, the first garment processing device 200 is a first user interface that enables input / output between the first garment processing device 200 and the user. I will provide a.

The first user interface includes icons (or icons included in the first group) associated with processes such as washing, dehydration, and drying driven by the first garment processing apparatus 200.

That is, when not connected to the second garment processing device 300, the first control unit 280 outputs an icon associated with a function that can be executed using the first washing tub 260 to the touch screen 222 (S430). While the touch screen 222 is on, the icons included in the first group are displayed.

When a touch is made during the output of the icons included in the first group, the first control unit 280 executes the function associated with the touched icon using the first washing tub 260.

On the other hand, when the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 are connected, the first garment processing device 200 provides a second user interface that enables input / output between the second garment processing device 300 and the user. .. The second user interface includes icons (or icons included in the second group) associated with processes such as washing, dehydration, and drying driven by the second garment processing apparatus 300.

The first control unit 280 can selectively output either the first or second user interface. It can selectively output either the first or second user interface. The size of the touch screen 222 is limited to display both the first and second user interfaces, and when both the first and second user interfaces are displayed, it is used from many icons displayed on the touch screen. This is because it is difficult to find the icon.

Therefore, when connected to the second garment processing device 300, the first control unit 280 selects a first graphic object configured to select the first washing tub 260 and a second washing tub 360. The second graphic object configured as described above is output to the touch screen 222 (S450).

Next, the first control unit 280 detects a touch applied to either the first or second graphic object (S470), and based on the detected touch, either one of the first and second washing tubs 260 and 360. Outputs an icon associated with a function that can be executed (S490).

More specifically, when any of the first and second graphic objects is touched, the first control unit 280 selects and selects one of the first and second washing tubs. The touch screen 222 is controlled to output an icon associated with a function that the washing tub can perform. That is, either the first or second user interface is selectively output by user input. In this way, since any one of the plurality of user interfaces configured to control different garment processing devices is selectively output, the small touch screen can be used efficiently, and the user himself / herself can use the small screen touch screen. You can conveniently select the interface used by.

For example, when the first graphic object is touched, the icon included in the first group is output, and when the second graphic object is touched, the icon included in the second group is output. Based on the detected touch, the icon included in the first group or the icon included in the second group is selectively output.

When a touch is made during the output of the icons included in the first group, the first control unit 280 executes the function associated with the touched icon using the first washing tub 260.

Unlike this, when a touch is made during the output of the icons included in the second group, the first control unit 280 causes the second garment processing device 300 to execute the function associated with the touched icon. Send a control command to.

More specifically, when any icon included in the second group is touched, the first control unit 280 includes a second garment having a function associated with the touched icon and a second washing tub 360. A washing command corresponding to the function is transmitted to the second garment processing device 300 so as to be executed by the processing device 300. In this case, the second garment processing device 300 executes the function corresponding to the received control command by using the second washing tub 360.

Although not shown, the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 may be disconnected during the display of the first and second graphic objects. In this case, the first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 so as to erase the first and second graphic objects and display the icons included in the first group.

According to this example, since the user can control a plurality of garment processing devices using the interface provided by a specific garment processing device, the control units provided in each garment processing device must be used one by one. The problem of not being able to be solved can be solved.

The control method according to the present invention described above can be embodied in various forms as shown in FIGS. 5 to 11. In the embodied examples described below, the same or similar configurations as those of the previous example are designated by the same or similar reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

5, FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b and FIG. 6c are diagrams showing an example in which the control method of FIG. 4 is applied.

As an example of the control, referring to FIG. 5, when the display of the touch screen 222 is turned from off to on, different information is output to the touch screen 222 depending on whether or not it is connected to the second garment processing device 300.

For example, when the display of the touch screen 222 is turned on without being connected to the second garment processing device 300, the first garment processing device control screen 510 is displayed on the touch screen 222. The first garment processing device control screen 510 includes an icon included in the first group as an icon associated with a function that can be executed by using the first washing tub 260. Each icon included in the first group is associated with a function of performing processes such as washing, dehydration, and drying using the first washing tub.

When any of the plurality of icons is touch-selected, the selected icon is highlighted so that the selected icon 512 is distinguished from the other unselected icons.

In the figure, an example is shown in which the icons included in the first group are arranged in a circle along the outer peripheral surface of the touch screen 222. In the center of the touch screen 222, information 514 explaining the function associated with the selected icon 512 is displayed in the form of a still image, text, moving image, or the like. For example, when the first icon is selected, a description of the first icon is displayed in the central area of the touch screen 222. After that, when the second icon is selected, the description of the first icon is switched to the description of the second icon.

According to this example, the icons arranged in a circle along the outer peripheral surface of the circular display allow the user to check various icons at a glance. Further, while the icon display is maintained as it is, the explanation of the icon that differs depending on the touch is displayed in the central area of the touch screen 222, so that the information desired by the user can be effectively transmitted without significantly changing the displayed information. be able to. That is, it is possible to provide a new form of user interface optimized for a circular display.

The first garment processing device control screen 510 may include a virtual operation button 516 that operates the first washing tub 260 with a function associated with the selected icon 512. When the virtual operation button 516 is touched for the second time with any of the icons selected by the first touch, the function associated with the selected icon is executed.

When the number of icons included in the first group is larger than a predetermined number, the first garment processing device control screen 510 may be composed of a plurality of pages, and each page may include a different icon.

When a touch input that continuously moves from the first point to the second point is added during the output of any one of the plurality of pages, the first control unit 280 is based on the touch input to any one of the above. Switch the page to another page. The other pages differ depending on the moving direction of the touch input.

The user can confirm the output related to the first garment processing device by using the information included in the first garment processing device control screen 510, and can input the control command related to the first garment processing device.

On the other hand, when the display of the touch screen 222 is turned on while connected to the second garment processing device 300, the first graphic object 520 and the second graphic object 522 are displayed on the touch screen 222.

The display positions of the first and second graphic objects 520 and 522 differ depending on the arrangement state of the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the second garment processing device 300 is arranged at the lower part of the first garment processing device 200, the first graphic object 520 is displayed relatively above the second graphic object 522. .. Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize which garment processing device each graphic object is related to.

As another example of control, with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b, when any of the first and second graphic objects 520 and 522 is touched, the icon of the group corresponding to any of the above is displayed on the touch screen 222. It is output.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6a, when the first graphic object 520 is touched, the first garment processing device control screen 510 is displayed on the touch screen 222, thereby displaying the icons included in the first group. ..

Here, each icon included in the first group is associated with a function performed by the first washing tub 260 provided in the first garment processing apparatus 200.

The first group includes icons that differ depending on the characteristics of the first washing tub 260. For example, the functions that can be executed by the first washing tub differ depending on the size of the washing tub, the rotation axis of the washing tub, the presence or absence of a heater that heats the water charged into the washing tub to a predetermined temperature, and so on. The icons included in are also different. That is, the icons included in the first group differ depending on the type of the first garment processing device 200.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6b, when the second graphic object 522 is touched, the second garment processing device control screen 610 is displayed on the touch screen 222, whereby the icons included in the second group are displayed. Is displayed.

Here, each icon included in the second group is associated with a function performed by the second washing tub 360 provided in the second garment processing apparatus 300. The icons included in the second group also differ depending on the characteristics of the second washing tub (or the type of the second clothing processing device). If the first and second garment processing devices 200, 300 are the same product, the first and second groups include the same icon.

The first control unit 280 may receive an icon included in the second group from the second garment processing device 300 and generate the second garment processing device control screen 610 using the received icon. Alternatively, one of the plurality of groups stored in the memory corresponding to the second clothing processing device 300 is determined as the second group, or a preset server corresponds to the second clothing processing device 300. The icon may be downloaded and saved in the memory, and the downloaded icon may be used to set the second group.

In conclusion, if the icon included in the first group or the icon included in the second group is selectively output by user input and the icon included in either the first group or the second group is output, the other The output of the icons contained in is limited.

On the other hand, the same icon may be commonly included in the first garment processing device control screen 510 and the second garment processing device control screen 610.

As an example, the virtual operation button 516 may be included in common. However, the virtual button included in the first garment processing device control screen 510 operates or suspends the operation of the first washing tub 260, and the virtual button included in the second garment processing device control screen 610 operates the second washing tub 260. The tank 360 is operated or the operation is paused. That is, even if the icons have the same shape, the functions associated with them relate to different washing tubs.

As another example, the virtual setting button 630 may be included in common. Regardless of whether the first garment processing device control screen 510 is displayed or the second garment processing device control screen 610 is displayed, the virtual setting button 630 is displayed together on the touch screen 222, and the virtual setting button 630 is touched. And a setting screen (not shown) are displayed on the touch screen 222.

On the other hand, when the icon included in the first group is output, the first background image is displayed on the touch screen 222, and the icon included in the first group is displayed on the first background image.

On the other hand, when the icon included in the second group is output, the touch screen 222 displays a second background image different from the first background image, and the second group is displayed on the second background image. The icon included in is displayed. The second background image means an image having a different shape, color, and the like from the first background image.

For example, the first background image may be a black-filled image, and the second background image may be a white-filled image.

Similarly, the background of the first graphic object 520 may consist of a black-filled image, and the background of the second graphic object 522 may consist of a white-filled image. Since the graphic object and the background image of the control screen consist of the same or similar colors, the user intuitively knows which group of icons are displayed on the touch screen 222 or which washing tub is selected. Can be done.

In order to more clearly convey which washing tub was selected, the first and second background images may further include text, moving images, codes, etc. corresponding to the respective washing tubs. For example, the first image may include the name of the first garment processing device 200, and the second image may include the name of the second garment processing device 300.

On the other hand, the first and second graphic objects can be transformed into various forms depending on the embodiment. The first graphic object is defined as a function of displaying an icon (or a first garment processing device control screen) included in the first group, and the second graphic object is an icon (or a second) included in the second group. It is defined as a function to display the garment processing device control screen). If the above definition is satisfied, it can be said to be a first graphic object or a second graphic object regardless of the form.

As shown in FIG. 6c, when the first garment processing device control screen 510 is output, the second graphic object 620 may be displayed together. That is, the first garment processing device control screen 510 may include the second graphic object 620.

In this case, the second graphic object 620 guides that the currently output screen is the first garment processing device control screen 510, and the first control unit receives the second graphic object 620 when the second graphic object 620 is touched. 1 The garment processing device control screen 510 is switched to the second garment processing device control screen 610. That is, the icons included in the first group are deleted, and the icons included in the second group are displayed.

Unlike this, the second garment processing device control screen 610 may include the first graphic object 622. The first graphic object 622 guides that the currently output screen is the second garment processing device control screen 610, and when the first graphic object 622 is touched, the second garment processing device control screen 610 becomes the second. 1 The screen is switched to the clothing processing device control screen 510.

On the other hand, the first and second graphic objects may be displayed on the touch screen 222 by user input satisfying preset conditions.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a garment processing device that displays the first and second graphic objects in response to user input satisfying preset conditions.

The first control unit 180 may output the first and second graphic objects when the user input satisfying the preset conditions is performed regardless of the information displayed on the touch screen 222.

For example, the user input satisfying the preset conditions may be a touch input that starts from a predetermined area of the touch screen 222 and moves in a preset direction.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the curtain window 710 covering the already output screen is formed on the upper end of the touch screen 222 by performing the touch input starting from the 12 o'clock point of the touch screen 222 and moving to the 6 o'clock point. An animation effect that descends from to the bottom may be displayed.

The curtain window 710 includes first and second graphic objects 720 and 722. The first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 are composed of transparent images, and the already output screen and the first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 may overlap. In this case, although at least a part of the screen that has already been output can be seen, the touch input to the curtain window 710 is defined as a control command to the curtain window 710.

When the X mark included in the curtain window 710 is touched, the curtain window 710 is erased and the already output screen is displayed. According to such a drive system, the user can display or erase the first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 as needed, and a simple user interface is realized. Since the first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 do not have to be always displayed on the touch screen 222, more parts for displaying information can be secured.

Further, the curtain window 710 may further include state information of the garment processing apparatus. The state information includes at least one of wireless communication on / off information, sound on / off information, child lock on / off information, information on set functions, and remote control on / off information. Not only can the user easily check the on / off of the function related to the setting of the garment processing device, but also the specific function can be easily turned on / off by using the on / off information.

On the other hand, the user input satisfying the preset conditions can be variously modified depending on the embodiment. As an example, the first and second graphic objects will be displayed when touch input is added by tapping the space where the graphic object associated with the control function is not displayed multiple times in succession on the touch screen that is turned on. You may do it. As another example, when a touch input is added that taps a predetermined area of the turned off touch screen multiple times in a row, the touch screen is turned on to display the first and second graphic objects. May be good. Therefore, even when the touch screen display is off, the touch screen touch sensor is turned on to detect touch.

Hereinafter, the respective operations of the first and second garment processing devices in the garment processing system including the first and second garment processing devices will be described more specifically.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first and second garment processing devices in the garment processing system including the first and second garment processing devices.

The garment processing system includes first and second garment processing devices 200, 300. The first garment processing device 200 outputs at least one of a first user interface for inputting / outputting the first garment processing device 200 and a second user interface for inputting / outputting the second garment processing device 300 by the touch screen 222. .. Therefore, the first garment processing device 200 operates as a master device that generates a control command by user input, and the second garment processing device 300 operates as a slave device that executes a function according to the control command generated by the master device. .. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the first garment processing device 200 is operated by the first control unit 280, and the second garment processing device 300 is operated by the second control unit 380.

First, the first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 so as to output the icon included in the second group (S810). Since the method of outputting the icon included in the second group has been described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the touch applied to any of the icons included in the second group is detected (S820), and the washing command corresponding to the function associated with the touched icon is transmitted to the second garment processing device 300 (S830). .. For example, when the first icon associated with the first function is touched, a washing command corresponding to the first function is transmitted, and when the second icon associated with the second function is touched, the second icon is touched. A washing command corresponding to the function may be transmitted. That is, the washing instruction depends on the touched icon.

The washing command is a wake-up signal for turning on the power of the second garment processing device 300 so that the function corresponding to the washing command can be executed even when the power of the second garment processing device 300 is turned off. wakeup signal) may be included. That is, the power of the second garment processing device 300 can be turned on by the washing command.

On the other hand, the second control unit 380 determines whether or not the function corresponding to the washing command can be executed in response to the received washing command (S840). For example, the second control unit 380 determines that the clothes cannot be washed when the clothes inlet for loading or unloading the clothes is not closed by the second door 363. In addition, if another process has already been executed and the function corresponding to the washing order cannot be executed, or if the function corresponding to the washing order is a function that does not match the characteristics of the second garment processing device 300 and cannot be executed, washing is performed. The case where the amount of clothes required for the function corresponding to the instruction is not contained in the second washing tub 360 corresponds to the non-washable state.

When it is determined that the washing is not possible, the second control unit 380 transmits a washing impossible message to the first clothing processing device 200 (S850). The non-washable message may include the reason for the non-washable condition.

In response to the non-washable message, the first control unit 280 outputs notification information notifying that the non-washable is not possible (S852). More specifically, notification information warning that the second garment processing device 300 cannot perform the function associated with the touched icon is output in at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile methods. ..

The notification information may include a reason for determining that the item cannot be washed. For example, when the second door 363 is open and washing is not possible, the notification information may include a message such as "Please close the door of the second garment processing device".

On the other hand, when it is determined that the washing is possible, the second control unit 380 executes the function corresponding to the washing command and transmits a progress message notifying the progress process to the first garment processing device 200 (S860). ..

For example, when the first function consisting of a plurality of steps is executed, the progress message includes which step of the plurality of steps is being performed, the progress rate of the steps being performed, energy, water, and the like. Information on the amount of detergent used may be included.

In response to the progress message, the first control unit 280 outputs guidance information for guiding the progress process (S862). Specifically, the first control unit 280 receives a progress message notifying the progress process of the function by executing the function in the second clothing processing device 300 by user input, and is based on the received progress message. It outputs guidance information that guides the progress process of the function. The guidance information is output in at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile methods.

Although not shown, the first control unit 280 can output the icons included in the first group, and when any of the icons included in the first group is touched, the function associated with the icon is displayed. It can be carried out using one washing tub 260. In this case, it is possible to output the first guide information that guides the washing progress process of the first washing tub 260.

Hereinafter, the information for guiding the washing progress process of the first washing tub 260 is referred to as "first guidance information", and the information for guiding the washing progress process of the second washing tub 360 is referred to as "second guidance information".

9a, 9b, 9c and 9d are conceptual diagrams showing a method of outputting related information to the touch screen by executing the process at at least one of the first and second garment processing devices. Specifically, FIG. 9a is a conceptual diagram showing the output of the first guide information, FIG. 9b is a conceptual diagram showing the output of the second guide information, and FIGS. 9c and 9d are the first and second guide information. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the simultaneous output of.

When the function (or process) is executed in at least one of the first and second washing tubs 260 and 360, the first control unit 280 guides the progress process of the function being executed in at least one of the first and second washing tubs 260 and 360. Is output to the touch screen 222.

For example, when the function is executed in the first washing tub 260 and the function is not executed in the second washing tub 360, the first guidance information is output.

Referring to FIG. 9a, the first control unit 280 outputs the first garment processing device control screen 510 including the icon included in the first group to the touch screen 222. When the first icon 900 is touched while the icons included in the first group are being output, the function associated with the first icon is selected, and when the virtual operation button 516 is touched, the first icon is touched. The function associated with one icon is performed using the first washing tub 260. By executing the function associated with the first icon, the first guidance information 910 is displayed on the touch screen 222.

The first guide information 910 may include information about the process performed in the first washing tub 260. It may also include a virtual pause button 914 that pauses the operation being executed.

On the other hand, the first control unit 180 counts the scheduled end time of the function using at least one of the first and second washing tubs 260 and 360, and is along the edge of the touch screen 222 based on the counted time. A progress image 912 whose size gradually changes may be output.

Therefore, the first guide information 910 may further include a progress image 912 whose size gradually changes from one point on the touch screen 222 along the outer peripheral surface as the scheduled end time changes.

The one point is the 12 o'clock point of the touch screen 222, and the progress image 912 may gradually expand in the clockwise direction as time elapses. In this way, the garment processing device notifies the user of the remaining time in a new form by a user interface matched to the characteristics of the circular display.

On the other hand, as the function progresses, the information included in the first guidance information 910 changes. Specifically, during the execution of the function, the first guidance information 910 includes information for guiding the progress process of the function, and when the function is completed, the first guidance information 910 includes information for guiding the end of the function. .. For example, when the function is terminated, the first guidance information 910 may include information regarding the amount of energy, water, detergent, and the like used.

The first background image described with reference to FIG. 6a may be displayed below the first guide information 910. For example, since the black-filled image is displayed as the background image of the first guide information 910, the user can intuitively recognize that the first guide information 910 is related to the first washing tub 260. ..

On the other hand, when the function is not executed in the first washing tub 260 and the function is executed in the second washing tub 360, the second guidance information is output.

Referring to FIG. 9b, the first control unit 280 outputs the second garment processing device control screen 610 including the icon included in the second group to the touch screen 222. When the second icon 902 is touched while the icon included in the second group is being output, the first control unit 280 selects the function associated with the second icon. After that, when the virtual operation button 516 is touched, the first control unit 280 issues a washing command to the second clothing processing device so that the function associated with the second icon is executed by the second external processing device 300. Send to 300.

When the function is executed by the second garment processing device 300, the first control unit 280 receives a progress message notifying the progress process of the function, and based on the received progress message, performs the progress process of the function. The second guidance information 920 to be guided is output to the touch screen 222.

Similar to the first guide information 910, the second guide information 920 may include information about the process being performed in the second washing tub 260 and information about the remaining time until the function is completed. Further, a virtual pause button 914 for suspending the executed operation and a progress image 922 for guiding the remaining time may be included.

As the function progresses, the information included in the second guidance information 910 also changes.

The second background image described with reference to FIG. 6a may be displayed below the second guide information 920. For example, an image filled in white is displayed as a background image of the second guidance information 920.

On the other hand, when the function is executed in one of the first and second washing tubs, the guidance information corresponding to the one of the washing tubs is displayed on the touch screen. The user can then use the graphic object to select the other washing tub and perform the function of the other washing tub. The first guide information 910 includes the second graphic object 620, and the second guide information 920 includes the second guide information 920 so that the guide information regarding one of the wash tubs can be selected so that the other wash tub can be selected. May display the first graphic object 610. By doing so, the function can be executed in any of the washing tubs, or different functions can be executed in each washing tub at the same time.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9c, when the first graphic object 622 is touched while the second guide information 920 is displayed, the first control unit 280 uses the second guide information 920 as the first garment processing device. Switch to the control screen 510. That is, when the first graphic object 622 is touched, the second guide information 920 is erased and the first garment processing device control screen 510 is displayed.

Next, the function of the first washing tub is executed by touching the first clothing processing device control screen 510. By doing so, the function of the first washing tub and the function of the second washing tub are executed at the same time. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the function that can be executed by the first washing tub is referred to as "first function", and the function that can be executed by the second washing tub is referred to as "second function".

When the first and second functions are executed, the first control unit 280 displays the first guidance information 930 regarding the first function in the first area of the touch screen 222, and the second area of the touch screen 222. The second guidance information 930 regarding the second function is displayed on the screen.

The positions of the first and second regions differ depending on the arrangement state of the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the second garment processing device 300 is arranged at the lower part of the first garment processing device 200, the first region is displayed relatively above the second region. Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize which garment processing device the guide information is related to.

Further, the first background image described with reference to FIG. 6a may be displayed in the first area, and the second background image may be displayed in the second area. Since the first guide information 930 is displayed on the first background image and the second guide information 940 is displayed on the second background image, the first and second guide information 930 and 940 can be easily distinguished. Can be done.

The first guidance information 930 includes a first virtual operation / pause button 932 that suspends or resumes the first function, and the second guidance information 940 includes a second virtual that suspends or resumes the second function. The operation / pause button 942 may be included. The user can individually control the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 by using the first and second virtual operation / pause buttons 940 and 942.

On the other hand, since the first and second functions are executed individually, one of them ends first.

When one of the first and second functions is completed, the first control unit 280 stops the output of the first and second guidance information so as to notify that one of the first and second functions has been completed, and any of the above. The end information of one of them is output to the touch screen 222.

Here, the end information includes the name of the completed function, the start time when the function was started, the end time when the function was completed, the total time when the function was executed, the amount of energy, water, detergent, etc. used, and the function is executed. Includes at least one piece of information about the garment processing equipment.

The end information of any one of them is output for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time elapses, the guidance information of the other is output to the touch screen 222. Since one of the above is finished, the output of the guidance information of the one is also finished, and the guidance information of the other is expanded and displayed in the area including the first and second areas.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 9d, the first guidance information 932 regarding the first function is displayed in the first area, and the second guidance information 942 regarding the second function is displayed in the second area, but the scheduled end time is displayed. The relatively faster second function ends before the first function.

When the second function is completed, the first and second guidance information 930 and 940 are erased from the touch screen 222, and the end information 950 of the second function is displayed in the area including the first and second areas for a predetermined time. For example, the end information 950 of the second function is displayed in the entire area of the touch screen 222.

When the predetermined time elapses, the end information 950 of the second function is erased from the touch screen 222, and the first guidance information 930'is displayed. Since the display of the second guide information 940 ends with the end of the second function, the first and second regions are integrated, and the first guide information 930'is displayed in the region including the first and second regions.

After that, when the first function is completed, the first guidance information 930'is erased, and the end information 960 of the first function is displayed on the touch screen 222 for a predetermined time. After a lapse of a predetermined time, the touch screen 222 turns off or turns on to display the first and second graphic objects 520 and 522 shown in FIG.

10a and 10b are conceptual diagrams showing a method of controlling the acoustic output of each garment processing device.

The information output from the garment processing system can be output not only by a visual method but also by a method in which a visual method and an auditory method are mixed. Since the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 have separate output units 240 and 340, the outputs may overlap. In particular, there is a problem that the outputs of the auditory method overlap.

For example, when the first function ends and the first end information is output from the first output unit 240 in an auditory manner, the second function ends and the second end information is output from the second output unit 340. May be done. Since the first and second end information are output from different output units at the same time, the problem of overlap occurs.

In order to solve such a problem, the first control unit 280 of the first garment processing device 200 corresponding to the master device is connected to the second output unit 280 when the second garment processing device 300 corresponding to the slave device is connected. The second control unit 380 and / or the second output unit 340 can be restricted so that no output is generated from the 340.

More specifically, the first control unit 280 can communicate with the second control unit 380 and detect a situation in which an output should be generated from the second output unit 380. In this case, the first control unit 280 can output the information to be output from the second output unit 340 by using the first output unit 240. The second output unit 340 is controlled by the first control unit 280 and / or the second control unit 380 so that the information is not output.

On the other hand, the first control unit 280 can output the output related to the first washing tub 260 by using the first output unit 240, and the output related to the second washing tub 360 can be output by using the second output unit 340.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 10a, when the first graphic object 520 is touched, the first washing tub 260 is selected, and the first garment processing device control screen 510 is output to the touch screen 222, but the first A notification sound notifying that the washing tub 260 has been selected may be output from the first output unit 240. When an event is generated by a touch applied to the first clothing processing device control screen 510, auditory information corresponding to the generated event is output from the first output unit 240.

As another example, when the second graphic object 522 is touched, the second washing tub 360 is selected, the second garment processing device control screen 610 is output to the touch screen 222, but the second washing tub 360 is selected. The notification sound for notifying that the notification has been made may be output from the second output unit 340. After that, when an event occurs in the second garment processing device 300, auditory information corresponding to the generated event is output from the second output unit 340.

On the other hand, when an event for outputting the second information to the second output unit 340 occurs while the first information is being output to the first output unit 240, the first control unit 280 ends the output of the first information. After that, an output restriction command is transmitted to the second garment processing device 300 so as to output the second information. The second output unit 340 outputs the second information after the output of the first information is completed according to the output restriction command.

For example, if the second function ends while the first end information is being output from the first output unit 240 in an auditory manner, the second end information is output after the output of the first end information is completed. 2 The control unit 380 and / or the second output unit 340 can be controlled.

On the contrary, when an event for outputting the first information to the first output unit 240 occurs while the second information is output to the second output unit 340, the first control unit 280 outputs the second information. The output of the first output unit 240 is limited until the end, and after the output of the second information is completed, the first output unit 240 is used to output the first information.

On the other hand, although the first and second functions are executed individually, they may be terminated at the same time, and the other may be terminated when the termination information of one of them is output. In this case, the first and second end information may be output in an overlapping manner, which is a problem.

When the first and second functions are completed at the same time, the first control unit 280 gives priority to one of the previously started end information and outputs it for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time elapses, outputs the other end information for a predetermined time. do. By doing so, the information output to the touch screen 222 does not overlap.

Since different information is prevented from being output from each output unit at the same time, the user can use the garment processing system including a plurality of garment processing devices without confusion.

On the other hand, even if there is no touch applied to either the first or second graphic object, either the first or second user interface can be selectively output by artificial intelligence. A method of selectively outputting one of the interfaces artificially based on the user's behavior will be specifically described.

11a and 11b are conceptual diagrams showing a method of controlling the information output to the touch screen based on the user's behavior.

As shown in FIG. 11a, the first control unit 280 touches the first garment processing device control screen 510 so as to output the first garment processing device control screen 510 when the state of the first door 220 provided in the first garment processing device 200 changes due to an external force. Control the screen 222. Specifically, when the first door 220 is switched from the first state to the second state by an external force, the icon included in the first group is output to the touch screen 222.

Here, the first state means an open state in which the first door 220 opens the clothes inlet, and the second state means a closed state in which the first door 220 closes the clothes inlet. means. The user switches the first door 220 to the closed state because he / she intends to use the first washing tub 260.

Regardless of the type of information being output, the first garment processing device control screen 510 is output to the touch screen 222 due to the state change of the first door 220.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11b, when a preset state change is detected while the touch screen 222 is off, the first control unit 280 turns on the touch screen 222 and responds to the state change. The touch screen 222 is controlled so as to display the information to be displayed.

For example, when the drawer housing 330 is pulled into the second main body 310 from the state of being pulled out from the second main body 310, the first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 so as to display the icons included in the second group. do. When the touch screen 222 is turned off, the first control unit 280 turns on the turned off touch screen 222 so as to display the icons included in the second group. This is because the user intends to use the second washing tub 360.

Although not shown, when the second door 363 provided in the second garment processing device 300 is switched from the open state to the closed state, the first control unit 280 outputs an icon included in the second group. Controls the touch screen 222. That is, the second garment processing device control screen 610 is output to the touch screen 222 due to the state change of the second door 63.

The second control unit 380 detects a state change of a component provided in the second clothing processing device 300 so that such control becomes possible, and the detected state change satisfies a preset condition. In this case, the state change message is transmitted to the first control unit 280. The first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 so as to display the second garment processing device control screen 610 in response to the received state change message.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation related to the child lock function.

The first control unit can execute the child lock function based on the user input.

Here, the child lock function means a function of controlling the hardware button or the software button so as not to operate to prevent a malfunction or an accident by a child. When the child lock function is executed, even if the touch screen is touched, the function execution by touch is restricted. Only the touch input that cancels the child lock function is valid, and other touch inputs are ignored.

According to the figure, when the child lock function is executed in the state where the first and second clothing processing devices 200 and 300 are connected, the first control unit 280 also performs the child lock function in the second clothing processing device 300. A lock command is transmitted to the second garment processing device 300 to be executed. The second control unit 380 executes the child lock function in response to the received lock instruction.

The user can make the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 execute the child lock function by using the touch screen 222 provided in the first garment processing device 200.

When the child lock function is executed in the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300, the indicator 1210 indicating that the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 are locked is output. Therefore, the user can recognize that both the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 are locked.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a method in which the first garment processing device connects or disconnects from the second garment processing device based on user input.

According to FIG. 13, the first control unit 280 controls the first communication unit 350 so as to connect to or disconnect from the second garment processing device 300 based on the user input.

When connected to the second garment processing device 300, the first control unit 280 outputs the connection state information 1310 for guiding the connection state with the second garment processing device 300 to the touch screen 222.

Here, the connection state information 1310 may include one or more of a name, a manufacturer, and a product number as information regarding the second clothing processing device 300, and visually determines the arrangement positions of the first and second clothing processing devices 200 and 300. The arrangement state information 1312 shown in the above may be further included.

Upon receiving a release command from the user to release the connection with the second clothing processing device 300, the first control unit 280 releases the connection. After that, the display of the icons included in the second group is restricted on the touch screen 222, and the icons included in the first group are displayed.

According to this example, the user can manage the garment processing system in an integrated manner by using the first garment processing device 200, or can use it as an individual device instead of the garment processing system, depending on the usage style.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a garment processing device capable of using not only a preset washing function but also a new washing function developed by a third party.

The first garment processing device 200 can easily install not only the washing function preset in the memory but also a new washing function developed by a third party according to the user's request.

More specifically, the first control unit 280 selects one of the first and second garment processing devices 200 and 300 included in the garment processing system based on the user input, and the selected garment processing device executes the selected garment processing device. You can download the functions that you can connect to a preset server.

For example, a function that can be executed by the second garment processing device 300 can be downloaded from a preset server based on a user request. The first control unit 280 can set the downloaded icon as an icon included in the second group. An icon corresponding to the second clothing processing device 300 can be downloaded from a preset server and saved in the memory, and the second group can be set using the downloaded icon.

Further, the first control unit 280 sets at least one of the icon type, the output order, and the output position included in the second group based on the user input, or resets the existing setting to another setting. Can be done.

For example, as shown in the first figure of FIG. 14, in the second garment processing device called "LG vertical washing machine", when the functions A to F are preset in the second group, the functions A to the function The icons corresponding to F are displayed at the preset output positions.

Upon receiving the download request for the "LG vertical washing machine", the first control unit 280 downloads the functions G to M, which are new functions that the "LG vertical washing machine" can execute from the preset server. be able to. When the download is completed, as shown in the second figure of FIG. 14, the touch screen 222 has icons corresponding to the pre-saved functions A to F and the newly downloaded functions G to M, respectively. Is displayed.

After that, the first control unit 280 may add a new icon to the second group, delete the preset icon, or change the display position of the preset icon based on the user input. can. For example, as shown in the third figure of FIG. 14, when a user input for dragging and dropping the icon L corresponding to the function L to the position where the icon C corresponding to the function C is displayed is detected, the first control is performed. In unit 280, the icon C can be deleted from the second group and the icon L can be added. The icon L is output at the position where the icon C was output.

By doing so, the user can build an interface optimized for the user himself / herself, and can install and use a new function developed by a third party in the user's own garment processing device.

The present invention described above can be realized by a computer-readable code on a program recording medium. Computer-readable media include all types of recording devices on which data readable by computer systems is recorded. Examples of computer-readable media include ROMs, RAMs, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and the like, and also include those realized in the form of a carrier (for example, transmission via the Internet). The computer may also include a control unit 180 of the terminal.

Therefore, the detailed description of the present invention is exemplary and should not be construed as restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention should be defined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included in the scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

It ’s a garment processing device.
The first washing tub and
A touch screen that outputs an icon associated with a function that the first washing tub can perform, and
A wireless communication unit that is wirelessly connected to an external device equipped with a second washing tub to send and receive data, and
The wireless communication unit is provided with a control unit for determining whether or not the wireless communication unit is connected to an external device including the second washing tub.
The control unit
When the external device is connected to the wireless communication unit, the touch screen is controlled to select a first graphic object for selecting the first washing tub and a second graphic object for selecting the second washing tub. Output a graphic object and
When the external device is not connected to the wireless communication unit, it is associated with a function that can control the touch screen and perform the first washing tub on behalf of the first graphic object and the second graphic object. A clothing processing device that outputs an icon. The control unit
Based on user input, and controls the wireless communication unit to release performed or the connection the connection to the external device including the second washing tub, laundry processing according to claim 1 Device. The control unit
The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the touch screen is controlled so as to erase the first and second graphic objects when the connection is released. The control unit
When any of the first and second graphic objects is touched, one of the first and second washing tubs is selected, and an icon associated with a function that the selected washing tub can perform is displayed. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the touch screen is controlled so as to output. The control unit
When the first washing tub is selected, the touch screen is controlled so as to output an icon included in the first group, and when the second washing tub is selected, an icon included in the second group is output. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the touch screen is controlled so as to perform the operation. The control unit
When any of the icons included in the second group is touched, the second washing tub is moved so that the function associated with the touched icon is executed by the external device including the second washing tub. The garment processing device according to claim 5 , wherein a washing command corresponding to the function is transmitted to the external device provided. The control unit
When receiving a non-washable message for the washing command from the external device including the second washing tub, it is characterized by outputting notification information warning that the function cannot be executed by the external device including the second washing tub. , The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6. The control unit
When the function is executed, a progress message notifying the progress process of the function is received from an external device including the second washing tub, and guidance information for guiding the progress process of the function based on the received progress message. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the touch screen is controlled so as to output. The control unit
When the washing function using the first washing tub is executed while the function is being executed, the first guidance information for guiding the progress process of the function is output to the first region of the touch screen, and the said The garment processing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the second guide information for guiding the progress process of the washing function is output to a second area different from the first area. The control unit
When the washing function is completed, the output of the first and second guidance information is stopped and the end information of the washing function is output to the entire area of the touch screen so as to inform that the washing function is finished. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the garment processing apparatus is characterized in that. The control unit
When a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the washing function, the output of the canceled first guidance information is restarted, and the first guidance information is output to the entire area of the touch screen. Item 10. The garment processing apparatus according to item 10. The control unit
When the function ends while the end information of the washing function is being output, the external device including the second washing tub outputs a notification accompanying the end of the function after the predetermined time has elapsed. The garment processing device according to claim 10 , wherein an output limiting command is transmitted to an external device including a second washing tub. The garment processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the icon included in the second group differs depending on the type of the external device including the second washing tub. The control unit
When connected to an external device including the second washing tub, the icon corresponding to the external device including the second washing tub is downloaded by connecting to a preset server, and the downloaded icon is used as the second group. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the icon is set as an icon included in the above. The first washing tub rotates about the first rotation axis and
The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the second washing tub rotates about a second rotation axis that intersects with the first rotation axis. Each of the icons included in the first group is associated with a function that the first washing tub can perform by the characteristics of the first washing tub.
The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein each of the icons included in the second group is associated with a function that the second washing tub can perform according to the characteristics of the second washing tub. The control unit
The first aspect of the present invention, wherein when the display in which the touch screen has been turned off is turned on, different information is output depending on whether or not the display is connected to the external device including the second washing tub. Clothes processing equipment. The control unit
When the child lock function is executed in the first washing tub while being connected to the external device including the second washing tub, the child lock function is also performed in the external device including the second washing tub. The garment processing device according to claim 1, wherein a lock command is transmitted to the external device including the second washing tub so that

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