KR102179135B1 - Washing machine for notifying the degree of contamination of the laundry tank and a method for reporting the degree of contamination of the laundry tank using the washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, disclosed is a method for measuring the degree of contamination of a washing tub by a control unit of a washing machine. In particular, the method receives information on the degree of contamination of the washing tub from at least three contamination sensors attached to the outer surface of the washing tub, determines a color of a notification window attached to one outer surface of the washing machine and a flickering cycle of the color according to the degree of contamination, and controls the determined color to flicker per each determined cycle through the notification window.

Description

Washing machine for notifying the degree of contamination of the laundry tank and a method for reporting the degree of contamination of the laundry tank using the washing machine }

The present invention relates to a washing machine that notifies the degree of contamination of the washing tub, and a method of notifying the degree of contamination of the washing tub by using the washing machine, and more particularly, to inform a user of the degree of contamination of the washing tub using a sensor attached to one side of the washing tub. It relates to a washing machine for cycle and a method of notifying the degree of contamination of a washing tub using the washing machine.

A washing machine is a device that removes contamination of laundry through mechanical action such as friction or vibration on contaminated laundry. When washing using a washing machine, if a detergent or the like is added, contaminants of the laundry are more easily removed due to the chemical action of the detergent, and the washing effect may be improved.

Meanwhile, a washing machine for washing laundry may be contaminated due to contaminants released from contaminated laundry. In particular, in the case of a laundry tank containing laundry, there is a high possibility that mold and bacteria will proliferate due to the accumulation of contaminants that have not been drained out of the laundry and cannot be drained.

Therefore, it is recommended to clean these washing tanks about once every 6 months.

However, it is cumbersome to remember and perform cleaning of the washing tub once every 6 months. In addition, as the number of single-person households increases, washing machines for single-person households are not often used, but washing once every six months like households that frequently use washing machines is inefficient.

However, if the degree of contamination in the washing tub can be visually identified, it is desirable to visually identify it and clean the washing tub at an appropriate time.However, due to the structure of the washing tub installed in the washing machine, it is difficult to see the inside of the washing tub in detail with the naked eye. , Bacteria, mold, contamination, etc., which are caused by contamination of the washing tub due to contaminants, occur between the washing tub and the washing machine, and thus it is difficult to check the degree of contamination of the washing tub unless the washing tub is separated from the washing machine.

Accordingly, there is a demand for a method of measuring the degree of contamination of the washing tub and notifying the user.

Korean Patent Laid-Open Patent No. 10-2013-0114970 (Name: Washing machine cleaning device, 2013.10.21.)

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine for notifying the degree of contamination of the washing tub, and a method for notifying the degree of contamination of the washing tub using the washing machine.

The technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the following description. I will be able to.

In a method for measuring the pollution degree of the washing tub by the control unit of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, receiving information on the pollution degree of the washing tub from at least three pollution detection sensors attached to the outer surface of the washing tub, According to the degree of contamination, a first color of a notification window attached to an outer surface of the washing machine and a first period in which the first color blinks are determined, and the determined first color is transmitted through the notification window at each of the determined first periods. It may be characterized by controlling to blink.

In this case, the at least three contamination detection sensors may be attached with three first contamination detection sensors so as to be in a straight line from the bottom of the washing tub upward.

In addition, the first contamination detection sensors and three second contamination detection sensors may be attached to a point spaced apart in a horizontal circumferential direction of the washing tub in a straight line from the bottom of the washing tub upward.

In addition, controlling to blink through the notification window is, when contamination is detected from the first contamination detection sensor attached to the top of the first contamination detection sensors, the determined color is blinked through the notification window at each determined period. Can be controlled.

In addition, when contamination is detected only in the first contamination detection sensor attached to the bottom of the first contamination detection sensors, a first inquiry message is transmitted to the terminal through the management server, When contamination is detected by the first contamination detection sensor attached to the bottom of the first contamination detection sensor and the first contamination detection sensor attached in the middle, a detergent for cleaning the laundry tank is added to the terminal through the management server It is recommended to separate the laundry tub from the washing machine to the terminal through the management server when a second inquiry message inquiring whether to perform a washing tub rinse is transmitted, and if contamination is detected by all of the first contamination detection sensors. It may further include transmitting a recommended message.

In addition, after transmitting the recommendation message, when a command is received to allow the washing machine to perform the washing process while the degree of contamination of the washing tub is not alleviated after a certain period of time, the contamination level is greater than or equal to a first value. If it is less than the second value, a warning message indicating that washing of laundry may not be properly performed is transmitted to the terminal, and if the degree of contamination exceeds the second value, the execution command is ignored and the washing process is not performed. It may further include.

In addition, the method may further include generating an image of the degree of contamination and the distribution of contamination of the washing tub, and transmitting the generated image to the terminal.

In addition, determining a second color of the notification window and a second period in which the second color blinks, and controlling the determined second color to blink through the notification window at each of the determined second periods, The first color and the second color may be different.

According to the present invention, it is possible to clearly inform the timing of cleaning the washing tub by checking the degree of contamination of the washing tub.

The effects obtainable in the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description. will be.

1 is a diagram illustrating a washing tank contamination notification system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view for explaining a method of notifying contamination of a washing tub according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view for explaining the configuration of the washing tub according to the present invention.
4 is a diagram illustrating a notification device of a washing machine according to the present invention.
5 to 6 are diagrams for explaining the configuration of devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In order to clarify the features and advantages of the problem solving means of the present invention, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings.

However, in the following description and the accompanying drawings, detailed descriptions of known functions or configurations that may obscure the subject matter of the present invention will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals as possible throughout the drawings.

The terms or words used in the following description and drawings should not be construed as being limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, and the inventor may appropriately define the concept of terms for describing his or her invention in the best way. It should be interpreted as a meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that there is. Therefore, the embodiments described in the present specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present invention, so various alternatives that can be substituted for them at the time of application It should be understood that there may be equivalents and variations.

In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second are used to describe various elements, and are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one element from other elements, and to limit the elements. Not used. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a second component may be referred to as a first component, and similarly, a first component may be referred to as a second component.

In addition, terms used in the present specification are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, terms such as "comprises" or "have" described herein are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or a combination thereof described in the specification, but one or a combination thereof. It is to be understood that the above other features, or the possibility of the presence or addition of numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, are not preliminarily excluded.

In addition, terms such as "unit", "group", and "module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, "a or an", "one", "the" and similar related words are different from this specification in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims). Unless otherwise indicated or clearly contradicted by context, it may be used in a sense encompassing both the singular and the plural.

In addition to the above terms, specific terms used in the following description are provided to aid understanding of the present invention, and the use of these specific terms may be changed in other forms without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

In addition, embodiments within the scope of the present invention include computer-readable media having or transferring computer-executable instructions or data structures stored in the computer-readable media. Such computer-readable media may be any available media accessible by a general purpose or special purpose computer system. By way of example, such computer readable media may be in the form of RAM, ROM, EPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage, or computer executable instructions, computer readable instructions, or data structures. It may include, but is not limited to, physical storage media such as any other media that may be used to store or deliver certain program code means, and may be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system. .

In addition, the present invention relates to a personal computer, a laptop computer, a handheld device, a multiprocessor system, a microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, a network PC, a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, a pager. It can be implemented in a network computing environment having various types of computer system configurations including (pager) and the like. The invention may also be practiced in a distributed system environment where both local and remote computer systems linked through a network with a wired data link, a wireless data link, or a combination of wired and wireless data links perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in local and remote memory storage devices.

In addition, it will be appreciated that each block of the process flow diagrams and combinations of the flow chart diagrams may be executed by computer program instructions. Since these computer program instructions can be mounted on the processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer or other programmable data processing equipment, the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment are described in the flowchart block(s). It creates a means to perform functions. These computer program instructions can also be stored in computer-usable or computer-readable memory that can be directed to a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement a function in a particular way, so that the computer-usable or computer-readable memory It is also possible to produce an article of manufacture containing instruction means for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s). Computer program instructions can also be mounted on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, so that a series of operating steps are performed on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a computer-executable process to create a computer or other programmable data processing equipment. It is also possible for instructions to perform processing equipment to provide steps for executing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

In addition, each block may represent a module, segment, or part of code that contains one or more executable instructions for executing the specified logical function(s). In addition, it should be noted that in some alternative execution examples, functions mentioned in blocks may occur out of order. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order depending on the corresponding function.

In describing the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, examples of a specific system will be the main target, but the main subject matter to be claimed in this specification is the scope disclosed in the present specification to other communication systems and services having a similar technical background. It can be applied within a range that does not deviate significantly, and this will be possible at the judgment of a person with technical knowledge skilled in the art.

Now, a method for notifying contamination of a washing tank and a washing machine for the same according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

1 is a view for explaining a washing tank contamination notification system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a washing tank contamination notification system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a communication network 100, a terminal 200, a management server 300, and a washing machine 400.

Here, the terminal 200 may be interlocked with the management server 300 and the washing machine 400 through the communication network 100. In this case, the communication network 100 may be a wireless communication network. For example, the wireless communication network may be a wireless communication network using LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G (5 Generation), and WiFi.

The terminal 200 of the present invention refers to a user's device capable of transmitting and receiving various data via the communication network 100 according to the user's manipulation. The terminal 200 may perform voice or data communication through the communication network 100 and may transmit and receive information through the management server 300 and the communication network 100. For this, the terminal 200 of the present invention may include a memory for storing programs and protocols for transmitting and receiving data with the management server 300, and a microprocessor for calculating and controlling by executing various programs.

The terminal 200 preferentially accesses an application (hereinafter,'app') providing device (not shown) connected to the communication network 100, for example, an app store, and provides an app for a washing tank pollution notification service from the corresponding app store. It can be received and installed.

In addition, the terminal 200 may be implemented in various forms. For example, the terminal 200 described herein is a mobile terminal such as a smart phone, a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, etc. , A fixed terminal such as a smart TV or a desktop computer may be used.

In addition, the terminal 200 of the present invention can not be listed all because the deformation of the portable device is very diverse according to the convergence trend of the digital device, but a unit of the same level as the above-mentioned units is according to the present invention. Any device that can be used as the terminal 200 and can download and install an app related to the laundry tank contamination notification service according to the present invention can be used as the terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The management server 300 transmits and receives various data and information for providing a washing tank contamination notification service according to an embodiment of the present invention with the terminal 200 and the washing machine 400, and provides the data and information based on the various data and information. It is a server device. The management server 300 may receive information on the degree of contamination of the washing tub from the washing machine 400 and transmit information on the image and numerical values thereof to the terminal 200. In addition, a warning notification signal according to the degree of contamination of the washing tub may be transmitted to the terminal 300.

The washing machine 400 measures the pollution level of the washing tub in the washing tub pollution notification service according to an embodiment of the present invention, transmits and receives various data and information related thereto, and transmits/receives various data and information to the washing tub through a notification window installed in the washing machine 400. It is a device for displaying the degree of contamination of and controlling the washing process according to the degree of contamination of the washing tank.

Now, it is a view for explaining the degree of contamination of the washing tank according to an embodiment of the present invention based on FIGS. 2 to 4.

2 is a view for explaining the configuration of a washing machine 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, a washing machine 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit 410 for controlling an operation of the washing machine 400 and a notification window 430 for notifying the degree of contamination of the washing tub.

The controller 410 is for controlling the overall operation of the washing machine 400, and all operations of the washing machine 400 described in the present specification may be performed by the control of the controller 410.

The notification window 430 may change the color of light according to the degree of contamination of the washing tub, and may flicker or simply turn on the light of the corresponding color. At this time, the blinking cycle may be changed according to the degree of contamination of the washing tub. Details of the operation of the notification window 430 will be described later.

3 is a diagram of a washing tub and contamination detection sensors applied to the washing tub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The washing tub 500 is installed inside the washing machine 400, and the lower end of the washing tub 500 is connected to a rotating part attached to the inner bottom or the back of the washing machine 400, and when the rotating part is rotated by the rotation of a motor in the washing machine, the rotating part Together with the washing tub 500 can be installed to rotate.

A sensor attachment plate 510 having a shape of about 30 cm in a date may be attached to an inner or outer surface of the washing tub 500. In addition, the sensor attachment plate 510 may be attached to a maximum of four sensor attachment plates 510 at regular intervals along the circumference of the washing tub 500 on the inside or outside.

In addition, three contamination detection sensors 511, 513, and 515 may be attached to each sensor attachment plate 510 in a straight line. The three contamination detection sensors 511, 513, and 515 may detect how much contaminants are distributed on the surface of the washing tub 500 within a predetermined radius from each of the contamination detection sensors 511, 513, and 515. Meanwhile, the sensor attachment plate 510 may be manufactured using a transparent material so that the inside or the outside surface of the washing tub 500 can be seen. That is, the sensor attachment plate 510 may be formed in the form of a transparent window.

If the sensor attachment plate 510 is formed in a translucent or opaque shape so that the inside or outside of the washing tub 500 is invisible, the center attachment plate ( A separate transparent window (not shown) having the same shape and size as 510 may be attached. Through such a transparent window (not shown), the degree of contamination of the inner or outer surface of the washing tub 500 can be visually identified together.

4 is a diagram for explaining a method of measuring the degree of contamination of the washing tub 500 and notifying a user according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, information on the degree of contamination may be received from the three contamination detection sensors 511, 513, and 515 attached to the washing tub 500 (S405 ). In this case, the degree of contamination may be determined based on the number of contamination detection fine lines.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, three contamination detection sensors may be attached in sequence from the bottom of the sensor attachment plate 510 to the top. In this case, from the lowermost fine contamination detection wires, the first contamination detection sensor 515, the second contamination detection sensor 513, and the third contamination detection sensor 511 will be named.

Specifically, when contamination is detected only in the first contamination detection sensor 515, the washing machine 400 notifies the management server 300 that contamination is detected only in the first contamination detection sensor 515, and the management server 300 A first inquiry message for inquiring whether to wash the washing tub 500 by executing the washing of the washing tub 500 may be transmitted to the 200.

In addition, when contamination is detected by the first and second contamination detection sensors 513 and 515, the washing machine 400 indicates that contamination is detected by the first and second contamination monitoring sensors 513 and 515 to the management server 300. In response, the management server 300 may transmit a second query message to the terminal 200 to query whether to wash the washing tub 500 by performing the washing tub 500 while adding detergent for washing the washing tub.

Meanwhile, when contamination is detected in all of the first, second, and third contamination detection sensors 511, 513, and 515, the washing machine 400 sends the contamination detection sensors 511, 513, 515 to the management server 300. Informing that contamination has been detected in all, the management server 300 may transmit a recommendation message recommending that the washing tub 500 be separated from the washing machine 400 and cleaned to the terminal 200. In addition, the management server 300 may reserve a designated laundry cleaning company while transmitting a recommendation message to the terminal 200, and transmit a visit date and time according to the reservation to the terminal 200. The terminal 200 may display the received visit date and time to the user. In addition, when the user performs an allow input for the corresponding visit date and time, the terminal 200 transmits an allow message to the management server 300, and the management server 300 informs the corresponding laundry cleaning company to make a reservation procedure. Can be completed.

On the other hand, when the terminal 200 receives a request to modify a corresponding visit date and time from a user, it transmits a modification request message to the management server 300, and the management server 300 sends a modification request message to the corresponding laundry cleaning company. You can change the date and time of your scheduled visit by forwarding.

The terminal 200 may input a specific operation according to the first or second inquiry message or recommendation message as described above. For example, upon receiving the first, second, and inquiry message, the user can input an input agreeing to the first, second inquiry message through the terminal 200, and the terminal 200 manages the user's consent input. When transmitted to the washing machine 400 through the server 300, the washing machine 400 performs a rinse of the washing tub 500 according to the query message transmitted by the washing machine, or rinses the washing tub 500 while adding detergent for washing the washing tub. Can run. However, if the user does not input consent to the terminal 200, the washing machine 400 may not rinse the washing tub 500 and add detergent for washing the washing tub.

In addition, when the management server 300 transmits the recommendation message, the management server 300 may notify the washing machine 400 that the recommendation message has been transmitted to the terminal 200. After receiving the notification from the management server 300, the washing machine 400 may continuously check whether the contamination of the washing tub 500 is alleviated before a predetermined time elapses.

If the contamination of the washing tub 500 is not alleviated even after a certain period of time has elapsed, the washing machine 400 may perform the following operation despite receiving the user's instruction to perform the washing administration.

When the degree of contamination is greater than or equal to the first value and less than the second value, the washing machine 400 may transmit a warning message indicating that washing of laundry may not be properly performed to the terminal 200 through the management server 300. However, even in such a case, when the user inputs a command to perform the washing administration, the washing machine 400 may perform the washing administration.

If the degree of contamination exceeds the second value, the washing machine 400 may not perform the washing administration even though the washing machine 400 receives the user's command to perform the washing administration. That is, the washing machine 400 may not perform the washing process unless the washing tub 500 is washed to reduce the degree of contamination below the second value.

Meanwhile, the washing machine 400 may determine a first color for the notification window 430 attached to the outer surface of the washing machine 400 and a first cycle in which the first color blinks according to the determined degree of contamination (S410). . For example, if contamination is detected in the first stage of contamination only by the first contamination detection sensor 515, the first color may be set to'blue' and the first period may be determined as 1 second. If the contamination is detected in the second stage of contamination by the first and second contamination detection sensors 513 and 515, the first color may be set to'green' and the first period may be determined to be 0.5 seconds. If contamination is detected in the third stage of contamination by all of the contamination detection sensors 511, 513, and 515, the first color may be set to'red' and the first cycle may be determined to be 0.2 seconds.

The washing machine 400 may control the first color determined in the notification window 430 to blink in a first cycle (S415).

Meanwhile, when the washing machine 400 receives a washing administration command from a user and performs the washing administration, the color may not be flickered in the notification window 430 regardless of the degree of contamination. That is, the washing machine 400 may control the color to flicker in the notification window 430 only when the washing process is not performed.

This may increase the degree of contamination while performing the washing operation, and since it is difficult to wash the washing tub 500 during the washing operation, the notification window 430 is not used to prevent unnecessary tasks from being performed.

On the other hand, when the user inputs laundry into the washing tub 500 and inputs a command to perform the washing administration, the washing machine 400 additionally predicts how much more the washing tub 500 will be contaminated after the washing administration is completed, By notifying the user of this, it is possible for the user to predict the washing time and washing method of the washing tub 500.

For example, the washing machine 400 may measure the amount of laundry contained in the washing tub 500 by using a pressure sensor installed on the lower surface of the washing tub 500. In addition, the washing machine 400 injects a certain amount of water into the washing tub 500 and measures the degree of contamination of the water using a turbidity sensor attached to the washing machine 400 to measure the degree of contamination of the laundry. I can.

In addition, the washing machine 400 rotates the washing tub 500 at a speed greater than or equal to the first speed and less than the second speed, so that the laundry is in close contact with the surface of the washing tub 500 by centrifugal force, and then the washing machine 400 or the washing tub 500 The type of laundry can be estimated using the object detection sensor attached to ).

The washing machine 400 may predict an additional level of contamination indicating how much more the laundry tub 500 will be contaminated after the laundry process is completed based on the measured amount of laundry, the level of contamination of the laundry, and the type of laundry. .

In addition, the washing machine 400 may calculate a combined pollution degree by summing the pollution degree measured using the pollution monitoring sensors 511, 513, and 515 and the additional pollution degree. In addition, the washing machine 400 may determine a second color for the notification window 430 and a second cycle in which the second color blinks based on the total contamination level. Also, based on the determined second color and the second period, the second color may be controlled to blink in the notification window 430.

In this case, the first color and the second color may be different. For example, if the total pollution degree corresponds to the first stage pollution, the second color may be set to'sky blue' and the second period may be determined to be 1 second in the same manner as the first period. In addition, if the total contamination level corresponds to the second stage contamination, the second color may be set to'yellow' and the second period may be determined to be 0.5 seconds in the same manner as the first period. In addition, if the combined pollution degree corresponds to the third stage pollution, the second color may be set to'orange', and the second period may be determined to be 0.2 seconds in the same manner as the first period.

That is, the first color and the second color for each step are different, but the first cycle and the second cycle for each step may be the same.

Meanwhile, the washing machine 400 transmits information on the degree of contamination of the washing tub 500 to the management server 300, and transmits data from the washing machine 400 or the infrared sensor attached to the washing tub 500 to the management server 300. Can be transmitted together. At this time, the infrared sensor is installed to detect the surface of the washing tub 500, and the degree of contamination outside the washing tub 500 is photographed using infrared rays, and data for infrared photographing can be transmitted to the management server 300. have.

The management server 300 generates image data representing the contamination state of the washing tub 500 in the terminal 200, based on the received data on the infrared photographing and the information on the pollution degree of the washing tub 500, The degree of contamination and contamination distribution of the washing tub 500 may be calculated as numerical values and transmitted to the terminal 200.

The terminal 200 that has received the numerical value and image data may display the numerical value and image so that the user can see it.

5 to 6 are block diagrams showing the configuration of an apparatus for implementing the embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal 200 for implementing the above-described embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the terminal 200 may include a control module 210, a communication module 220, a storage module 230, an output module 240, an input module 250, and the like.

The input module 250 receives various information such as number and text information, and transmits a signal input in connection with setting various functions and controlling the functions of the terminal 200 to the control module 250. In addition, the input module 250 may include at least one of a keypad and a touch pad that generate an input signal according to a user's touch or manipulation. In this case, the input module 250 is configured in the form of a single touch panel (or touch screen) together with the output module 240 to simultaneously perform input and display functions. In addition, the input module 250 may use all types of input means that may be developed in the future, in addition to input devices such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, and joystick. Particularly, the input module 250 according to the present invention senses input information input from a user and transmits it to the control module 210.

The output module 240 displays information about a series of operation states and operation results that occur while the terminal 200 performs functions. In addition, the output module 240 may display a menu of the terminal 200 and user data input by the user. Here, the output module 240 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), an ultra-thin liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD, Thin Film Transistor LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED). OrganicLED), an active organic light emitting diode (AMOLED, Active Matrix OLED), a retina display, a flexible display, and a three-dimensional display. In this case, when the output module 240 is configured in the form of a touch screen, the output module 240 may perform some or all of the functions of the input module 250.

The storage module 230 is a device for storing data, includes a main memory device and an auxiliary memory device, and stores an application program required for functional operation of the terminal 200. The storage module 230 may largely include a program area and a data area. Here, when the terminal 200 activates each function in response to a user's request, the terminal 200 executes the corresponding application programs under the control of the control module 210 to provide each function.

The communication module 220 may transmit and receive data to and from the management server 300 through the communication network 100. In addition, the communication module 220 is an RF transmission means for up-converting and amplifying a frequency of a transmitted signal, an RF receiving means for low-noise amplifying and down-converting a received signal, and for processing a communication protocol according to a specific communication method. And data processing means. The communication module 220 may include at least one of a wireless communication module (not shown) and a wired communication module (not shown). And, the wireless communication module is a configuration for transmitting and receiving data according to a wireless communication method, and when the terminal 200 uses wireless communication, any one of a wireless network communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, and a wireless fan communication module is used. Data can be transmitted and received with the management server 300. Here, the communication module 220 may include a plurality of communication modules. When a plurality of communication modules are included in the communication module 220, one communication module may perform communication in a Personal Area Network (PAN) method including Bluetooth.

In addition, the other communication module communicates with the management server 300 through the communication network 100. Here, the other communication module may use a wireless communication method such as WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi, Wibro, Wimax, and High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA).

The control module 210 may be an operating system (OS) and a process device that drives each component.

Accordingly, the control module 210 of the terminal 200 controls to transmit the signal received through the input module 250 to the management server 300 through the communication module 220, and receives through the communication module 220 A beacon, Wi-Fi, a base station signal, or information transmitted from the management server 300 may be controlled to be exposed through the output module 240.

In addition, the control module 210 of the terminal 200 may control the overall operation process of the terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In other words, the entire operation process of the terminal 200 according to the embodiments of the present invention described above based on FIGS. 1 to 4 may be controlled by the control module 210.

6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a management server 300 for implementing embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the management server 300 may include a control module 310, a communication module 320, and a storage module 330.

The communication module 320 is for communicating with the terminal 200 and the washing machine 400, and the communication network for performing the function of the communication module 320 is WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi, and WiBro. ), Wimax, and HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) are preferred, but are not limited thereto, and depending on the system implementation method, Ethernet, xDSL (ADSL, VDSL), HFC Wired communication methods such as (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial Cable), Fiber to The Curb (FTTC), and Fiber To The Home (FTTH) may be used.

The storage module 330 is a device for storing data, includes a main memory device and an auxiliary memory device, and stores an application program required for functional operation of the management server 300. The storage module 330 may largely include a program area and a data area. Here, when the management server 300 activates each function in response to the request of the terminal 200 and the washing machine 400, the management server 300 executes the corresponding application programs under the control of the control module 310 to provide each function.

The control module 310 may be an operating system (OS) and a process device that drives each component.

Accordingly, the control module 310 of the management server 300 may control the overall operation process of the management server 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In other words, the overall operation process of the management server 300 according to the embodiments of the present invention described above based on FIGS. 1 to 4 may be controlled by the control module 310.

As explained above, the specification includes details of a number of specific implementations, but these should not be construed as limiting to the scope of any invention or claimable, but rather, which may be specific to a particular embodiment of a particular invention. It should be understood as a description of features. Certain features described herein in the context of separate embodiments may be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination. Furthermore, although features operate in a particular combination and may be initially described as so claimed, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excluded from the combination, and the claimed combination may be a subcombination. Or sub-combination variations.

Likewise, although operations are depicted in the drawings in a specific order, it should not be understood that such operations must be performed in that particular order or sequential order shown, or that all illustrated operations must be performed in order to obtain a desired result. In certain cases, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. In addition, separation of the various system components of the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and the program components and systems described are generally integrated together into a single software product or packaged in multiple software products. You should understand that you can.

Specific embodiments of the subject matter described herein have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the operations recited in the claims may be performed in a different order while still achieving desirable results. As an example, the process depicted in the accompanying drawings does not necessarily require that particular depicted order or sequential order to obtain desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous.

The present description presents the best mode of the present invention, and provides examples for describing the present invention and for enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. The thus written specification does not limit the present invention to the specific terms presented. Accordingly, although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above-described examples, those of ordinary skill in the art can make modifications, changes, and modifications to these examples without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be determined by the described embodiments, but should be determined by the claims.

The present invention relates to a washing machine that notifies the degree of contamination of the washing tub, and a method of notifying the degree of contamination of the washing tub by using the washing machine, and more particularly, to inform a user of the degree of contamination of the washing tub by using a sensor attached to one side of the washing tub. It relates to a washing machine for cycle and a method of notifying the degree of contamination of a washing tub using the washing machine.

According to the present invention, it is possible to clearly inform the timing of cleaning the washing tub by checking the degree of contamination of the washing tub.

Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the overall development of the home appliance industry through a washing machine that notifies the degree of contamination of the laundry tub and the method of notifying the degree of contamination of the washing tub using the washing machine. As it is about, it has industrial applicability.

100: communication network 200: terminal 300: management server 400: washing machine

Claims (10)

In the method of measuring the degree of contamination of the washing tub by the control unit of the washing machine,
Receiving information on the degree of contamination of the washing tub from at least three contamination detection sensors attached to the outer surface of the washing tub,
According to the degree of contamination, a first color of a notification window attached to an outer surface of the washing machine and a first period in which the first color blinks are determined,
Controlling the determined first color to blink through the notification window at each of the determined first cycles,
The at least three contamination detection sensors,
It characterized in that the three first contamination detection sensors are attached to be in a straight line from the bottom of the washing tub upward,
How to measure the degree of contamination in the washing tank. delete The method of claim 1,
Three second contamination detection sensors are attached so as to be in a straight line from the bottom to the top of the laundry tank at a point spaced apart from the first contamination detection sensors in a horizontal circumferential direction of the laundry tank,
How to measure the degree of contamination in the washing tank. The method of claim 1,
Controlling to blink through the notification window,
If contamination is detected from the first contamination detection sensor attached to the top of the first contamination detection sensors, controlling the determined color to blink through the notification window at each determined period,
How to measure the degree of contamination in the washing tank. The method of claim 1,
If contamination is detected only in the first contamination detection sensor attached at the bottom of the first contamination detection sensors, a first inquiry message is transmitted to the terminal through the management server,
When contamination is detected by the first contamination detection sensor attached to the bottom of the first contamination detection sensor and the first contamination detection sensor attached in the middle, a detergent for cleaning the laundry tank is added to the terminal through the management server Transmits a second inquiry message inquiring whether or not to execute a washing tub rinse,
When contamination is detected by all of the first contamination detection sensors, further comprising transmitting a recommendation message recommending that the washing tub be separated from the washing machine and cleaned to the terminal through the management server,
How to measure the degree of contamination in the washing tank. The method of claim 5,
After transmitting the recommendation message, when a command is received to allow the washing machine to perform the washing process while the degree of contamination of the washing tub is not alleviated for a certain period of time,
If the contamination level is greater than or equal to the first value and less than the second value, a warning message indicating that washing of laundry may not be properly performed is transmitted to the terminal,
If the contamination level exceeds the second value, further comprising disregarding the execution command and not performing the washing process,
How to measure the degree of contamination in the washing tank. The method of claim 1,
Generate an image of the degree of contamination and the distribution of contamination in the washing tank,
Further comprising transmitting the generated image to the terminal,
How to measure the degree of contamination in the washing tank. The method of claim 1,
Controlling to blink through the notification window,
When the washing machine does not perform the washing process, the determined color is controlled to blink through the notification window at each determined period,
When the washing machine performs a washing process, controlling the determined color so as not to blink through the notification window at each determined period,
How to measure the degree of contamination in the washing tank. The method of claim 1,
The amount of laundry contained in the washing tub is measured using a pressure sensor installed on the bottom of the washing tub,
The degree of contamination of the laundry is measured using a turbidity sensor attached to the washing machine,
After rotating the washing tub at a speed greater than or equal to a first speed and less than a second speed, an object detection sensor is used to estimate the type of the laundry,
After washing of the laundry is completed based on the amount of the laundry, the contamination level of the laundry, and the type of the laundry, further comprising predicting the additional contamination level of the washing tub,
How to measure the degree of contamination in the washing tank. The method of claim 9,
A second color of the notification window and a second period in which the second color blinks are determined based on the sum of the pollution degree and the additional pollution degree,
Further comprising controlling the determined second color to blink through the notification window every second determined period,
The first color and the second color are different,
How to measure the degree of contamination in the washing tank.

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