KR102235306B1 - control method of water dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control method of a water dispensing device, comprising the steps of inputting a call word in the form of a voice spoken by a user into a microphone, and recognizing the input call word in a voice recognition module, and guiding the call word recognition through a speaker. Outputting a sound, inputting a desired water outlet amount in the form of a voice spoken by a user into a microphone, and recognizing the input desired water outlet amount in a voice recognition module, and outputting a water outlet water recognition guide sound through the speaker; and , When the user inputs the water outlet command, the water outlet valve is opened, the water outlet proceeds, and when the water outlet flow detected by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water outlet, the water outlet valve is closed and the water outlet is terminated. Includes steps.

Description

Control method of water dispensing apparatus

The present invention relates to a control method of a water dispensing device.

In general, a water dispensing device such as a water purifier or a refrigerator is a device that removes impurities by filtering water supplied from a water source by physical or chemical methods, and then supplies it.

The water dispensing apparatus as described above may be classified into a natural filtration type, a direct connection filtration type, an ion exchange resin type, a distillation type, and a reverse osmosis type according to the principle or method of water purification.

In addition, a water dispensing device is a device that filters water to remove impurities and is widely used for home use.

In the case of a household water dispensing device, it is connected to the tap water to remove floating matter or harmful components contained in tap water using a filter, and is configured to purify and extract as much water as desired according to the user's operation.

Various products capable of dispensing hot and cold water as well as purified water are on the market as such a water dispensing device. And, recently, a water dispensing device that is small in size and can be installed in various installation environments has been developed.

Conventional water dispensing devices mainly install a cup or container for water supply under a water outlet nozzle, and supply water by a manual method of pressing a water supply button, and the desired amount of water is ingested while the user holds the cup. After confirmation, the pressurization of the water supply button is stopped.

Accordingly, the user must continuously check the amount of water until the desired amount of water is dispensed, and if attention is distracted for a while during the intake, water exceeding the capacity of the cup will be discharged, causing water to flow around the water dispensing device. There is a problem of flowing down, and when hot water is ingested, there is a concern that the user's hand may be burned.

In addition, conventionally, a water dispensing device has been released that allows a certain amount of water to be dispensed when an automatic water intake button is installed. However, in the case of such a conventional water dispensing device, the size and shape of the cup are not considered, so the amount of water for one time is There was a hassle of having to press the water outlet button several times in order to get a large cup full of water.

That is, in the conventional water dispensing apparatus as described above, when a user sets a desired flow rate, water outflow proceeds as much as the set flow rate. For example, when the user sets the water outlet flow rate to 50 ml, and the user presses the water outlet button, only 50 ml water flow is performed.

However, in the case of the above, regardless of the size and height of the cup, since only water with a specified flow rate is always provided, there is a hassle of pressing the water outlet button several times in order to receive water in a large cup such as 500ml.

In addition, in the conventional case, in order to proceed with the amount of water that exceeds the set flow rate, the button that controls the amount of water to be discharged is operated first to control the water amount, and the button that commands the watering is operated the second time, so that the total number of buttons is applied to the second time. There was a hassle of having to proceed with the manipulation.

In addition, there is a problem in that a large number of button operations must be performed in order to accurately control a large amount of water out or the amount of water out.

Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2010-0091633

An object of the present invention is to solve the conventional problems as described above, after inputting the desired amount of water out by voice, and then pressing the water out button once, the desired amount of water can be proceeded, so that the operation of the device is simple. It is to provide a control method of a water dispensing device that can be dissolved.

In addition, it is to provide a control method of a water dispensing apparatus capable of improving the limit of setting the amount of water out by inputting a desired amount of water out through voice recognition.

In addition, in a state in which the amount of water out is determined through voice recognition, water out is proceeded only when the user's final operation is performed, so that it is possible to prevent an accident in which water is ejected arbitrarily when the user is not ready to receive water. That is, it is to provide a control method of a water dispensing device that can secure water outflow safety.

In addition, water dispensing that allows watering to proceed without the need for a single button operation, as the water discharge command can be input by voice when the container placed under the water discharge nozzle is detected while the desired water discharge amount is input by voice. It is to provide a method of controlling the device.

In addition, in a state where the water outlet amount is determined through voice recognition, the ease placed under the water outlet nozzle is sensed, and the water outlet proceeds only when a voice water outlet command is input from the user, and the user is not ready to receive water, It can prevent accidents in which water is discharged arbitrarily. That is, it is to provide a control method of a water dispensing device that can secure water outflow safety.

In addition, the microphone or voice recognition module is controlled to be switched to the on mode only when a container such as a cup disposed under the outlet nozzle or a user approaching the outlet nozzle of the device is sensed. Accordingly, it is an object to provide a control method of a water dispensing device capable of lowering standby power of the device and improving power consumption.

In addition, it is to provide a control method of a water dispensing apparatus capable of dispensing a desired amount of water without pressing a water dispensing button once.

A control method of a water dispensing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a microphone into which a voice uttered from a user is input, a voice recognition module for recognizing voice information input to the microphone, and a user. A speaker that outputs a guide sound, a filter that filters raw water, a water outlet nozzle through which the filtered water is discharged, a water outlet valve that regulates whether or not water is discharged, a flow sensor that detects the water flow rate, and a water discharge command from the user. A control method of a water dispensing apparatus including a water outlet button received and a controller for controlling opening and closing of the water outlet valve, the step of inputting a call word in the form of a voice spoken by a user into the microphone, and in the voice recognition module, the Recognizing an input call word, outputting a call word recognition guide sound through the speaker, inputting the desired amount of water out of the voice form uttered by the user into the microphone, and in the voice recognition module, the input Recognizing a desired amount of water outlet, outputting a water outlet amount recognition guide sound through the speaker, inputting a water outlet command by a user manipulating the water outlet button, and a step in which water outlet proceeds while the water outlet valve is opened; and And a step of closing the water outlet valve, when the water outlet flow rate sensed by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water outlet amount, and ending the water outlet.

In addition, a control method of a water dispensing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a microphone to which voice spoken from a user is input, a voice recognition module for recognizing voice information input to the microphone, and a guide sound for outputting a guide sound to the user. A speaker, a filter for filtering raw water, a water outlet nozzle through which filtered water is discharged, a water outlet valve for controlling whether water is discharged, a flow sensor for sensing a flow rate discharged through the water outlet valve, and a lower side of the water outlet nozzle A control method of a water dispensing apparatus comprising a first sensing means for sensing a container disposed in the water outlet, and a controller for controlling opening and closing of the water outlet valve, the step of inputting a call word in a voice form uttered by a user into the microphone, In the voice recognition module, the steps of recognizing the input voice call word, outputting a call word recognition guide sound through the speaker, and inputting a desired amount of water out of the voice form uttered by a user into the microphone, and the In the voice recognition module, the steps of recognizing the inputted amount of water outlet, outputting a guide sound for recognizing the amount of water outlet through the speaker, and detecting whether or not a container is placed under the outlet nozzle in the first sensing means And, when the container is sensed by the first detection means, the water outlet valve is opened while the water outlet proceeds, and when the water outlet flow detected by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water outlet amount, the water outlet valve is closed. , Including the stage at which the exit water ends.

According to the present invention as described above, there is an advantage in that the operation of the device can be simplified because the desired amount of water can be proceeded by simply pressing the water outlet button once after inputting the desired water amount by voice.

In addition, it is possible to input the desired amount of water out through voice recognition, thereby improving the limit of setting the amount of water out.

In addition, in a state in which the amount of water out is determined through voice recognition, water out is proceeded only when the user's final operation is performed, so that it is possible to prevent an accident in which water is ejected arbitrarily when the user is not ready to receive water. In other words, there is also an advantage in that the safety of water outlet can be secured.

In addition, when the desired amount of water is input by voice, when a container placed under the water nozzle is sensed, a command for watering can be input by voice, so there is an advantage that water can be proceeded without a single button operation. .

In addition, in a state where the water outlet amount is determined through voice recognition, the ease placed under the water outlet nozzle is sensed, and the water outlet proceeds only when a voice water outlet command is input from the user, and the user is not ready to receive water, It can prevent accidents in which water is discharged arbitrarily. In other words, there is also an advantage in that the safety of water outlet can be secured.

In addition, the microphone or voice recognition module is controlled to be switched to the on mode only when a container such as a cup disposed under the outlet nozzle or a user approaching the outlet nozzle of the device is sensed. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that standby power of the device can be lowered and power consumption can be improved.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the amount of water desired by the user can be discharged without pressing the water discharge button once.

1 is a perspective view of a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a diagram schematically showing an arrangement of a flow path through which water flows in a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view showing a water piping diagram in a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram showing some components of a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a water dispensing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to elements of each drawing, it should be noted that the same elements are assigned the same numerals as possible, even if they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing an embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with an understanding of an embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

1 is a perspective view of a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an arrangement of a flow path through which water flows in a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a diagram showing a water piping diagram in the water dispensing apparatus of the present invention.

<Water dispensing device>

1 to 3, the water dispensing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided as a refrigerator.

In the following description, a case where the water dispensing apparatus subject to the present invention is the refrigerator 10 is described, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention includes a water purifier, etc. May be applicable.

The refrigerator 10 may include a cabinet 11 forming a storage space, and doors 14 and 15 for opening and closing the storage space of the cabinet 10.

The storage space may include a refrigerating chamber 12 and a freezing chamber (not shown). The doors 14 and 15 may include a refrigerating compartment door 14 for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 12 and a freezing compartment door 15 for opening and closing the freezing compartment.

The refrigerating compartment door 14 and the freezing compartment door 15 can both open and close the refrigerating compartment 12 and the freezer compartment by rotation, and for this purpose, the refrigerating compartment door 14 and the freezer compartment door 15 are all hinge devices 23 ) May be connected to the cabinet 10 so as to be rotatable. In addition, the refrigerating compartment door 14 may be a French type door that can be configured to independently rotate a pair on both left and right sides.

A dispenser 20 and an ice maker 251 may be provided in a refrigerating compartment door on either side of the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 14.

The dispenser 20 is provided on the front side of the refrigerating compartment door 14, and allows a user to manipulate it from the outside to take out one or more of water and ice. In addition, an ice-making chamber is provided above the dispenser 20, and the ice maker 251 is accommodated in the ice-making chamber, and may be opened and closed by a separate door. Further, although not shown, the ice-making compartment is communicated with the freezing compartment by a cold air duct while the refrigerating compartment door 14 is closed to receive cold air required for ice-making from a freezing compartment evaporator (not shown).

The refrigerator 10 purifies, cools, or heats water supplied from an external water supply source 2 so that it can be taken out from the dispenser 20.

The refrigerator 10 may be connected to the water supply source 2 through a water supply passage 31.

The refrigerator 10 may further include an inlet valve 311 provided in the water supply passage 31 and a main body inlet flow sensor 313. The supply of raw water from the water supply source 2 may be controlled by opening and closing the intake valve 311.

The main body intake flow sensor 313 may measure the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply source (2). Of course, if necessary, the intake flow sensor 313 may be integrally configured with the intake valve 311. The intake valve 311 may be provided on the rear surface of the cabinet 10 or in a machine room in which a compressor or the like is provided.

Alternatively, the main body intake flow rate sensor 313 may measure the flow rate of cold water or purified water to be taken out.

The refrigerator 10 may further include a water purification device 40 for purifying water supplied from the water supply source 2. The water purification device 40 may include a plurality of filters for purifying water to be supplied.

As an example, the plurality of filters may be stacked up and down in the refrigerating chamber 12 to be disposed. As the plurality of filters are stacked up and down, the space of the refrigerating chamber 12 can be efficiently used. In addition, even if water leakage occurs in the water purification device 40, only a narrow area inside the refrigerating chamber 12 can be contaminated, thereby enabling an efficient and safe space configuration.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the number of the plurality of filters may be three, for example. For example, the plurality of filters may include a pre-carbon filter and a post-carbon filter, and a membrane filter disposed between the pre-carbon filter and the post-carbon filter.

Of course, the number and type of the filters are not limited, but it is preferable that different types of functional filters are applied for efficient water purification and the number that can be accommodated in the water purification device 40.

The refrigerator 10 includes a first branch part 315 provided at an outlet side of the water purification device 40, a main body cold water flow path 341 connected to the first branch part 315, and the first The body water purification flow path 331 connected to the branch part 315 may be further included.

Accordingly, the water discharged from the water purifying device 40 may flow by being divided into the main body cold water passage 341 and the main body purified water passage 331 by the first branch part 315.

A body water tank 60 may be provided in the body cold water passage 341. The main body water tank 60 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, and may be located in the refrigerating chamber 12.

The refrigerator 10 includes a main body valve 317 connected to the main body cold water passage 341 and the main body purified water passage 331, and a common passage 350 connected to an outlet side of the main body valve 317. It may contain more.

The main body valve 317 may include, for example, two inlets and one outlet. The main body purified water passage 331 and the main body cold water passage 341 may be connected to each of the two inlets, and the common passage 350 may be connected to the one outlet.

After the common flow path 350 is withdrawn from the inner case forming the refrigerating compartment 12, it extends along the outside of the cabinet 10, passes through the hinge device 23 of the refrigerating compartment door 14, and passes through the refrigerating compartment door ( 14).

The refrigerator 10 includes a second branch part 319 connected to the common flow path 350 drawn into the refrigerating compartment door 14, and a door water flow path connected to the second branch part 319 ( 333 and a door cold water passage 343 connected to the second branch part 319 may be further included.

The refrigerator 10 includes a door water tank 80 provided in the door cold water flow path 343 and a cold water valve 325 positioned at an outlet side of the door water tank 80 from the door cold water flow path 343. ) May be further included.

The door water tank 80 is for re-cooling the water cooled and supplied from the main body water tank 60. When the water cooled in the main body water tank 60 passes through the outside of the cabinet 10 while flowing along the common flow path 350, the temperature may increase. Accordingly, the door water tank 80 cools the water whose temperature has risen again so that the cold water can be taken out to the target cold water temperature when the cold water is taken out.

In particular, the unsatisfactory temperature of the water to be taken out is that when cold water is taken out for the first time without taking out cold water for a long time, the temperature of the water remaining in the common flow path 350 outside the refrigerating chamber 12 is raised for a long period of time and the temperature of the water to be taken out. May not be satisfied. However, it is possible to satisfy an appropriate cold water temperature when cold water is taken out by additional cooling in the door water tank 80 and mixing with the cooled water.

The refrigerator 10 may further include a water purification valve 321 provided in the door water purification passage 333 and an ice making passage 335 connected to the water purification valve 321.

The purified water flowing along the door water purification flow path 333 may be taken out of the dispenser 20 by the water purification valve 321 or supplied to the ice maker 251 along the ice making flow path 335.

The refrigerator 10 may further include a door connector 323 to which the door clean water passage 333 and the door cold water passage 343 are connected, and a take-out passage 352 connected to the door connector 323. I can. Cold water and purified water may be taken out of the dispenser 20 along the outlet passage 352.

The door connector 323 may include two inlets and one outlet, and the door water purification passage 333 and the door cold water passage 343 may be connected to each of the two inlets. The take-out passage 352 may be connected.

The water purification valve 321 may be a three-way valve that controls the flow direction of purified water. Accordingly, in order to take out cold water, the cold water valve 325 may be opened while the water purification valve 321 is closed. On the other hand, in order to take out purified water, the water purification valve 321 is opened while the cold water valve 325 is closed, but the water purification valve 321 may switch the flow path so that the purified water flows into the discharge flow path 352. .

According to the present invention, the refrigerator 10 includes a hot water flow path 770 for guiding purified water filtered by the filter device 40 to the dispenser 20 by bypassing the water tank 60, and the hot water flow path. A hot water inlet valve 730 provided in 770, a hot water tank 780 provided on the hot water flow path 770, a heater 710 for heating water stored in the hot water tank 780, and the A hot water temperature sensor 750 provided on the hot water flow path 770, a hot water flow rate control valve 740 provided on the hot water flow path 770, and a hot water outlet valve 327 that regulates the water out of the hot water. I can.

Accordingly, hot water from the hot water tank 780 heated by the heater 710 may be supplied to the dispenser 20.

For reference, various embodiments may occur in a range in which the heater 710 can heat water stored in the hot water tank 780.

For example, the hot water tank 780 may be made of a metal material, particularly stainless steel, and the heater 710 may heat the hot water tank 780 by an induction heating method.

As another example, the heater 710 may be provided as a planar heating element.

In addition, in this embodiment, the hot water tank 780 may be disposed outside the storage space. That is, the hot water tank 780 is disposed outside the refrigerator (outside the refrigerator), and the water stored in the hot water tank 780 is not cooled by the cold air of the storage space, and may have a temperature similar to the indoor temperature.

In this case, the water stored in the hot water tank 780 is not cooled. Therefore, when hot water is generated, the water stored in the hot water tank 780 can be immediately heated without having to separately discharge it. Accordingly, not only water can be saved, but also thermal energy required for hot water generation can be reduced, thereby increasing thermal efficiency.

In addition, when the hot water tank 780 is disposed outside the refrigerator (outside the refrigerator) as described above, the heater 710 is also disposed outside the refrigerator, and since the heat generated from the heater 710 does not affect the temperature inside the refrigerator, the heater ( Compared to the case where the 710 is provided in the storage, the efficiency of the refrigerator may be improved.

Hereinafter, in the refrigerator in which the hot water tank 780 is disposed outside the cabinet, a process in which hot water is generated and water is discharged will be described.

First, when a hot water discharge command is input from the door side, the hot water valve 730 is opened, and the inlet valve 311 is also opened. With the opening of the inlet valve 311 as described above, water from a water supply source flows into the water supply passage 31 and is supplied to the filter device 40.

The purified water filtered by the filter device 40 is transferred to the hot water passage 770 while passing through the first branch 315 and the third branch 790 in sequence. The purified water delivered to the hot water flow path 770 is stored in the hot water tank 780 after passing through the hot water valve 730.

At this time, when the heater 710 operates, the purified water stored in the hot water tank 780 is heated with hot water, and the heated hot water passes through the hot water outlet valve 327, the door connector 323, and the outlet passage 352, and then the dispenser It can be taken out with (20).

The conventional water dispensing apparatus as described above is provided with a water outlet button.

Accordingly, when the user presses the watering button, a predetermined amount of watering is proceeded.

However, in the case of such a conventional water dispensing device, since the size and shape of the cup are not considered, the amount of water taken once is small, so there is a hassle of pressing the water outlet button several times in order to fill the large cup with water.

For example, if the user presses the watering button while the basic watering flow rate is set to 50ml, only 50ml watering is proceeded. However, in the case of the above, regardless of the size and height of the cup, only water with a specified flow rate is always provided.Therefore, in order to receive water in a large cup such as 500ml, it is difficult to press the water outlet button several times (about 10 times). there was.

In addition, in the conventional case, in order to proceed with the amount of water that exceeds the set flow rate, the first operation of the water outlet control button to control the water discharge amount to control the water discharge amount, and the second operation of the water discharge command button that command the water discharge, a total of 2 There was a hassle of having to proceed with button operation across the car.

In addition, there is a problem in that a large number of button operations must be performed in order to accurately control a large amount of water out or the amount of water out.

In addition, in the conventional case, in order to discharge hot or cold water, the hot water button or the cold water button for selecting the temperature of the water is operated first, and the water outlet button for commanding the water discharge is secondarily operated, so that a total of two button operations are performed. There was also the hassle of having to proceed.

That is, in the case of a water dispensing device such as a refrigerator or a water purifier, a desired amount of water can be input, but the type of the amount of water has to be limited due to a limitation in inputting a key. In addition, there is an inconvenience of having to input a key several times in order to input a desired amount of water outlet.

In the case of the present invention, a control method of a water dispensing device capable of easily and more accurately inputting a desired amount of water out of the limit of key input through a voice recognition function is provided.

<Water dispensing device control method>

4 is a block diagram showing some components of a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 to 5, the water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention includes a microphone 110 to which voice spoken from a user is input, and a voice recognition module 120 for recognizing voice information input through the microphone 110. ), a speaker 160 for outputting a guide sound to the user, a filter for filtering raw water, a water outlet nozzle through which the filtered water is discharged, a water outlet valve 321,325,327 for controlling whether water is discharged, and the flow rate at which the water is discharged. It may include a flow sensor 150 to sense, a water outlet button 170 for receiving a water outlet command from a user, and a controller 140 for controlling the opening and closing of the water outlet valve.

In the control method of the water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention having the above configuration, the amount of water discharged can be adjusted through voice.

In detail, a method of controlling a water dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

First, a microphone and a voice recognition module wait for recognition of a call word (or a starting word). (S111)

In the standby state as described above, the user speaks the page word by voice (S121).

Then, a call word in the form of a voice spoken by the user is input to the microphone and the voice recognition module (S112).

Here, the call word (or starting word) input to the device may be set to “Hi, LG”, “Hi, Dios”, “Goodbye, water purifier”, “Goodbye, refrigerator”, and the like.

Thereafter, the voice recognition module recognizes the input call word, and outputs a call word recognition guide sound through the speaker. (S113)

The'caller recognition guide tone' output from the device may be set to a buzzer sound such as "Tiring" or a machine sound, or may be set to a voice such as "Please tell me your desired command" or "Hello".

In addition, after the caller recognition guide sound is output as described above, the microphone and the voice recognition module wait for recognition of a command in the form of a voice spoken by the user (S114).

Here, the command may correspond to a'water discharge amount' or a'water discharge temperature' desired by the user.

In the standby state (S114) as described above, the user utters the desired amount of water out through voice (S122).

In addition, the'desired water outflow amount' in the form of a voice spoken by the user is input to the microphone and the voice recognition module (S115).

As an example, the user may ignite the desired amount of water with '50ml', '100ml', or '300ml'.

Thereafter, the voice recognition module recognizes the'desired water discharge amount' input in step S115, and outputs a water discharge amount recognition guide sound through the speaker. (S116)

The'water outflow recognition guide sound' output from the device is set to a buzzer sound such as "Tiring" or a mechanical sound, or "Please press the water outlet button.", "I will discharge 50ml.", "I will proceed with the watering." It can be set to a voice such as.

Thereafter, the device waits for an input of the water outlet button from the user (S117).

In the standby state (S117) as described above, the user presses the watering button to proceed with watering (S123).

When the water outlet button is operated as described above, the water outlet valve is opened, and the water outlet proceeds (S118).

In addition, when the water outlet flow rate sensed by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water outlet amount, the water outlet valve is closed and the water outlet is terminated.

According to the present invention as described above, there is an advantage that the operation of the device can be simplified by simply pressing the water outlet button once after inputting the desired water outlet amount by voice.

In addition, it is possible to input a desired amount of water out through voice recognition, thereby improving the limit of setting the amount of water out.

For example, in the conventional case, there was no choice but to set the amount of water out in units of about 50 ml, such as 50 ml, 100 ml, and the like.

However, in the case of the present invention, when '75ml' is input as a voice, '75ml' of water can be discharged. In other words, it is possible to set the amount of water out in a smaller unit than before.

For reference, the unit to be discharged may vary according to the flow rate sensing unit (resolution) of the flow sensor.

For example, assuming that the flow rate sensing unit (resolution) of the flow sensor is 3 ml, if the user commands 50 ml of water, the amount of water can be determined as 48 ml or 51 ml, which is a multiple of 3 and close to 50 ml. In addition, watering may proceed to the nearest '51ml'.

That is, the present invention has the advantage of being able to supply the user with the amount of water closest to the amount of water that the user desires within the flow rate sensing unit (resolution) of the flow sensor.

In addition, in a state in which the amount of water out is determined through voice recognition, water out is proceeded only when the user's final operation is performed, so that it is possible to prevent an accident in which water is ejected arbitrarily when the user is not ready to receive water. That is, the safety of water outflow can be ensured.

According to the present invention, stable watering can be performed without the user pressing the watering button.

6 to 8 are flowcharts illustrating a method of controlling a water dispensing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Again, referring to FIG. 5, the water dispensing device may further include a first sensing means 180 for sensing containers such as cups, water bottles, pots, and bowls disposed under the water outlet nozzle.

Accordingly, in the case of the present invention, it is possible to control the water dispensing device so that the amount of water desired by the user is discharged without pressing the water outlet button once by using the first sensing means 180. In the case of this embodiment, it is also possible to omit the exit button.

Hereinafter, a control method of a water dispensing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

First, a microphone and a voice recognition module wait for recognition of a call word (or a starting word). (S111)

In the standby state as described above, the user speaks the page word by voice (S121).

Then, a call word in the form of a voice spoken by the user is input to the microphone and the voice recognition module (S112).

Here, the call word (or starting word) input to the device may be set to “Hi, LG”, “Hi, Dios”, “Goodbye, water purifier”, “Goodbye, refrigerator”, and the like.

Thereafter, the voice recognition module recognizes the input call word, and outputs a call word recognition guide sound through the speaker. (S113)

The'caller recognition guide tone' output from the device may be set to a buzzer sound such as "Tiring" or a machine sound, or may be set to a voice such as "Please tell me your desired command" or "Hello".

In addition, after the caller recognition guide sound is output as described above, the microphone and the voice recognition module wait for recognition of the'primary command' in the form of a spoken voice from the user (S114).

Here, the first command may correspond to a user's desired'water discharge amount' or'water discharge temperature'.

In the standby state as described above, the user utters the desired amount of water with a voice (S122).

Then, the'desired water outflow amount' in the form of a voice spoken by the user is input to the microphone and the voice recognition module (S115a).

As an example, the user may ignite the desired amount of water with '50ml', '100ml', or '300ml'.

Thereafter, the voice recognition module recognizes the input'desired water discharge amount', and outputs a guide sound for recognizing water discharge amount through the speaker. (S116a)

The'water outflow recognition guide sound' output from the device is set to a buzzer sound such as "Tiring" or a mechanical sound, or "Please press the water outlet button.", "I will discharge 50ml.", "I will proceed with the watering." It may be set to a specific voice, such as.

Thereafter, as described above, in a state in which the water outlet amount recognition guide sound is output, the first detection means 180 detects whether the container is disposed under the water outlet nozzle (S311).

For example, when the first sensing means detects a container disposed under the water outlet nozzle, water may be immediately discharged.

As another example, even if the first detecting means detects a container disposed under the water outlet nozzle, the water outlet does not proceed immediately, and the water outlet may proceed only when a user's voice command is additionally performed.

To this end, after the step S311, the microphone and the voice recognition module wait for recognition of the secondary command in the form of a voice spoken by the user (S312).

In the standby state as described above, the user utters a'secondary command' for commanding the water to be discharged with a voice (S315).

Here, the secondary command input to the device may be set to "go water out", "water out", or the like.

Then, the'outlet command' in the form of a voice spoken by the user is input to the microphone and the voice recognition module (S313).

As described above, when the voice water outlet command uttered by the user is input to the microphone, the water outlet valve is opened and water outlet proceeds (S314).

In addition, when the water outlet flow rate sensed by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water outlet amount, the water outlet valve is closed and the water outlet is terminated.

According to the present invention as described above, when a container disposed under the water outlet nozzle is sensed in a state where the desired amount of water outlet is input by voice, a water outlet command can be input by voice, so that without a single button operation, it is possible to stably There is an advantage that you can proceed with watering.

In addition, in a state where the water outlet amount is determined through voice recognition, the container disposed under the water outlet nozzle is detected, and the water outlet proceeds only when a voice outlet command is input from the user, and the user is not ready to receive water, It can prevent accidents in which water is discharged arbitrarily. That is, the safety of water outflow can also be secured.

Meanwhile, according to the present invention, in order to lower the standby power, the microphone and the voice recognition module may be kept turned off in the standby mode.

6, the microphone or the voice recognition module, in an inactive state (off mode), when the first sensing means 180 detects the container, the voice call word recognition is possible in an activated state (on mode). It can be switched (S220)

In the standby state, the microphone or the voice recognition module is in an inactive state in which power is turned off (off mode), and power is supplied to the first sensing means 180, It detects the presence or absence (S221)

In the deactivated state (off mode) as described above, the microphone or the voice recognition module does not recognize the caller spoken by the user.

Thereafter, when the first sensing means 180 detects a container, it is checked whether the container is disposed under the water outlet nozzle (S222).

If it is determined that the container is disposed under the water outlet nozzle, the microphone or the voice recognition module is switched to an on mode capable of recognizing a voice call word. That is, the microphone or the voice recognition module is converted to a standby state for recognition of the caller spoken by the user (S111).

To this end, the first sensing means 180 may separately include a sensor for detecting a container that is close to the water outlet nozzle and a sensor for detecting the position of a container disposed under the water outlet nozzle.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the water dispensing device may further include a second sensing means 190 for sensing a human body approaching the water outlet nozzle.

And, referring to Figure 6, the microphone or the voice recognition module, in an inactive state (off mode), when the second sensing means 190 detects a human body, an activated state capable of recognizing a voice caller (on mode) ) Can be converted to (S210)

In detail, in the standby state, the microphone or the voice recognition module is in a deactivated state in which power is turned off (off mode), and power is supplied to the second sensing means 190, so that a person approaches the second sensing means 190. Whether or not it is detected (S211)

In the deactivated state (off mode) as described above, the microphone or the voice recognition module does not recognize the caller spoken by the user.

Thereafter, while the user approaches the device, the second detection means 190 detects and confirms the human body detection (S212).

Then, the microphone or the voice recognition module is switched to an on mode capable of recognizing a voice caller, and enters a standby state for recognition of a caller spoken by the user (S111).

If the first sensing means 180 and the second sensing means 190 are not present, the microphone and the voice recognition module must be kept always turned on for speech recognition spoken by the user, and accordingly, power consumption is reduced. It has no choice but to grow.

For reference, in the case of a water dispensing device such as a refrigerator or a water purifier, unlike other voice recognition products, the purpose is to take out water or ice, so the actual user must carry a container close to the device to take out water or ice. In addition, a container such as a cup must be disposed under the water outlet nozzle of the device.

In the case of the present invention, power to the microphone or voice recognition module only in the state of detecting a container such as a user (human body) approaching the water outlet nozzle of the device or a cup disposed under the water outlet nozzle by using this inevitable situation. By supplying the control to switch to the voice recognition activation state (on mode). Accordingly, there is an advantage in that standby power of the device can be lowered and power consumption can be improved.

That is, in the case of home appliances such as refrigerators and water purifiers, when power consumption is a very important part, but when a voice recognition function is applied to the home appliance, standby power for standby for voice recognition is generated and power consumption increases.

However, in the case of the present invention, power consumption of the product can be lowered and electricity bills can be saved by utilizing a product characteristic that requires a voice recognition function only when water or ice is taken out.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, it is possible to control the temperature of the water discharged through the voice.

Referring to FIG. 7, in step S113, after a call word recognition guide sound is output through a speaker, in step S122, when a desired amount of water is ignited from a user, a desired water temperature may be ignited together.

For example, the user may ignite the desired water outlet temperature together with the desired water outlet quantity in the form of “50 mL of purified water”, “100 mL of cold water”, and “90° C. 200 mL”.

Thereafter, as described above, the desired water outlet temperature along with the desired water outlet amount ignited by the user is input through a microphone to a voice recognition module, and the voice recognition module recognizes the desired water outlet temperature along with the desired water outlet (S115b).

As described above, when the voice recognition module recognizes the desired water outlet amount and the desired water outlet temperature uttered by the user, the controller outputs a guide sound for recognizing the water outlet amount and the water outlet temperature through the speaker (S116b).

And, through step S123, when the user manipulates the water outlet button, the water outlet valve is opened, so that water having a temperature desired by the user may be discharged by a desired amount.

In addition, in step S311 (see Fig. 6), the first detection sensor detects the container under the water outlet nozzle, and in step S315 (see Fig. 6), when a voice outlet command is ignited from the user, the water outlet valve is opened and the user The water of the desired temperature can be discharged as much as the desired amount.

In addition, when the water outlet flow rate sensed by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water outlet amount, the water outlet valve is closed and the water outlet is terminated.

In addition, the water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention includes a hot water generation module that heats the water passing through the filter with hot water and supplies it to the water outlet nozzle side, and/or cools the water passing through the filter with cold water to the water outlet nozzle side. It may further include a supplying cold water generation module.

For example, when the user commands the outflow of "300ml of purified water" by voice, the water that has passed through the filter may flow directly to the outflow nozzle without passing through the hot water generating module or the cold water generating module, and then discharged.

As another example, when the user commands the outflow of "200ml of hot water" by voice, the water that has passed through the filter passes through the hot water generation module, is heated with hot water, flows toward the outflow nozzle, and then discharged.

In this case, the hot water generation module may generate hot water in an instantaneous hot water method (IH method) using induction heating.

As another example, when the user commands the discharge of "cold water 500ml" by voice, the water that has passed through the filter may pass through the cold water generation module, then flow toward the water outlet nozzle, and then be discharged.

In addition, according to the present invention, it is also possible to take out ice through voice.

To this end, the water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention may additionally include an ice maker that receives purified water and freezes it in the form of a piece, and then stores it in an ice bucket and a valve that regulates whether or not ice is taken out.

Further, in step S113, after the caller recognition guide sound is output through the speaker, in step S122, an ice takeout request may be ignited together with a desired amount of water from the user, or only the ice takeout request may be fired.

For example, the user may ignite ice extraction and/or a desired amount of water out in a form such as "ice", "10 ice", "ice only", "ice and purified water 100ml".

Thereafter, and, through step S123, when the user manipulates the ice takeout button, the valve is opened, and ice and/or water may be taken out.

In addition, in step S311 (see Fig. 6), when the first detection sensor detects the container under the water outlet nozzle, and in step S315 (see Fig. 6), when a voice outlet command is ignited from the user, the valve is opened. Ice and/or water can be taken out.

On the other hand, in the case of the present invention, when the user inputs the purpose of watering by voice, water suitable for the corresponding use may be discharged.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the controller may store a table 141 in which the use of water ignited by the user, and the amount of water and the temperature of water are matched accordingly.

As another example, in the server 130 communicating with the controller through a method such as wi-fi, a table in which the use of water ignited by the user, and the amount of water and the temperature of water are matched may be stored.

Then, in step S113, after the caller recognition guide sound is output through the speaker, in step S122, the desired water outlet purpose may be uttered in lieu of the desired amount of voice outlet from the user.

For example, the user may ignite the intended use of water with "one serving of cup noodles", "one cup of mixed coffee", "one cup of cold water", or the like.

As described above, when the desired watering purpose is uttered by the user, the voice recognition module recognizes the inputted desired watering purpose (S115c).

In addition, the controller compares the desired water outlet purpose recognized by the voice recognition module with the table stored in the controller or server 130, checks the water outlet quantity and water outlet temperature values matched with the desired water outlet purpose ignited by the user, and reads the value. I give you.

In addition, through the speaker, a guide sound for recognizing the use of water outlet is output. (S116c)

Thereafter, through step S123 (refer to FIG. 7 ), when the user manipulates the water outlet button, the valve is opened, so that water having a temperature suitable for a desired water outlet purpose may be discharged by a predetermined amount.

In addition, in step S311, when the first detection sensor detects the container under the outlet nozzle, in step S315, when a voice outlet command is ignited by the user, the valve is opened and water having a temperature suitable for the desired outlet purpose is determined. It can be discharged by the amount.

For example, if the user ignites the desired watering purpose as "one serving of cup noodles" and the voice recognition module recognizes this, the controller compares the table stored in the controller or server 130 and compares the watering temperature for one serving of cup noodles. And the amount of water to be discharged.

For example, for cups stored on a table, the temperature of water per serving may be 95°C, and the amount of water to be discharged may be 250ml.

Thereafter, through step S123 (see FIG. 7 ), when the user manipulates the water outlet button, the water outlet valves 321, 325, and 327 are opened, and 250 ml of water (hot water) at 95° C. may be discharged.

In addition, in step S311, when the first detection sensor detects the container under the water outlet nozzle, in step S315, when a voice outlet command is ignited from the user, the water outlet valves 321, 325, 327 are opened, and water at 95°C ( Hot water) can be discharged 250ml.

In addition, when the water outlet flow rate sensed by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water outlet amount, the water outlet valve is closed and the water outlet is terminated.

In the case of a water dispensing device having a general voice recognition water outlet function, the voice may be incorrectly recognized and unwanted water discharge may proceed. In this case, safety accidents inevitably occur, such as when hot water is drained out of a situation where the product area and the floor become dizzy or a cup or bottle is not prepared.

On the other hand, in the case of the present invention, after the desired temperature and the amount of water are determined through voice recognition, the water outlet proceeds only when the user is ready to receive water, thereby preventing a safety accident due to an incorrect water outlet.

For example, after the preparation for watering is completed, watering may proceed only when the user inputs the integrated watering button.

As another example, after placing a cup or a water bottle under the water outlet nozzle, water can be dispensed only when the customer directly ignites a water outlet command with a voice. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent water leakage due to incorrect voice recognition and prevent safety accidents.

Claims (15)

A microphone into which the voice uttered from the user is input, a voice recognition module that recognizes the voice information input into the microphone, a speaker that outputs a guide sound to the user, a water outlet nozzle through which water is discharged, and a water outlet to regulate whether water is discharged. In the control method of a water dispensing apparatus comprising a valve, a flow sensor for sensing a flow rate to be discharged, and a controller for controlling opening and closing of the water outlet valve,
Inputting a call word in the form of a voice spoken by a user into the microphone;
Recognizing the input call word by the voice recognition module, and outputting a call word recognition guide sound through the speaker;
Inputting a desired amount of water out of the voice form spoken by a user into the microphone;
Recognizing the input desired amount of water outlet by the voice recognition module, and outputting a guide sound for recognizing the amount of water outlet through the speaker;
Inputting a water outlet command by a user;
While the water outlet valve is opened, water outlet proceeds;
A step of closing the water outlet valve when the water outlet flow rate sensed by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water outlet amount, and ending the water outlet; Control method of a water dispensing device comprising a.
The method of claim 1,
The water dispensing device further includes a first sensing means for sensing a container disposed under the water outlet nozzle,
Water dispensing device that the microphone or the voice recognition module is switched to an activated state capable of recognizing a voice caller when the first sensing means detects a container in an inactive state (off mode). Control method.
The method of claim 1,
The water dispensing device further comprises a second sensing means for sensing a human body approaching the water outlet nozzle,
The microphone or the voice recognition module controls the water dispensing device to switch to an on mode capable of recognizing a voice caller when the second sensing means detects a human body in an inactive state (off mode). Way.
The method of claim 1,
After the caller recognition guide sound is output from the speaker,
When the desired water discharge temperature and the desired water discharge temperature ignited by the user are input into the microphone,
Wherein the voice recognition module recognizes the input desired amount of water and temperature, and outputs a guide sound for recognizing the amount of water and temperature through the speaker.
The method of claim 4,
The water dispensing apparatus further includes a hot water generation module that heats the introduced water with hot water and supplies it to the water outlet nozzle side or a cold water generation module that cools the introduced water with cold water and supplies it to the water outlet nozzle side,
When a user inputs a water outlet command, the water outlet valve is opened, and water having a desired water outlet temperature is discharged.
The method of claim 5,
In the controller, information in which the use of water ignited from the user, and the amount of water and the temperature of the water are matched according to the information is stored,
When the desired use of the voice in the form of speech spoken by the user is input into the microphone,
Wherein the voice recognition module recognizes the inputted desired use of water, and outputs a guide sound for recognizing the use of water through the speaker.
The method of claim 6,
The control method of a water dispensing apparatus, characterized in that when a user inputs a water outlet command, the water outlet valve is opened, and water having a water outlet temperature matched with the input desired water outlet purpose is discharged as much as the matched water outlet amount.
A microphone into which the voice uttered from the user is input, a voice recognition module that recognizes the voice information input into the microphone, a speaker that outputs a guide sound to the user, a water outlet nozzle through which water is discharged, and a water outlet to regulate whether water is discharged. A water dispenser comprising a valve, a flow sensor for sensing a flow rate discharged through the water outlet valve, a first sensing means for sensing a container disposed under the water outlet nozzle, and a controller for controlling the opening and closing of the water outlet valve In the control method of the fencing device,
Inputting a call word in the form of a voice spoken by a user into the microphone;
Recognizing the input voice call word by the voice recognition module, and outputting a call word recognition guide sound through the speaker;
Inputting the desired amount of water out of the voice form spoken by the user into the microphone;
Recognizing, by the voice recognition module, the input desired amount of water outflow, and outputting a guide sound for recognizing the amount of water outflow through the speaker;
Sensing, by the first sensing means, whether a container is disposed under the water outlet nozzle;
When the container is sensed by the first sensing means, the water outlet valve is opened, and the water outlet proceeds;
And the step of closing the water outlet valve when the water outlet flow rate sensed by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water outlet amount, and terminating the water outlet.
The method of claim 8,
In a state in which the first sensing means senses a container disposed under the water outlet nozzle,
A control method of a water dispensing apparatus, characterized in that when a voice water outlet command uttered by a user is input to the microphone, the water outlet valve is opened and water outlet proceeds.
The method of claim 8,
Water dispensing device that the microphone or the voice recognition module is switched to an activated state capable of recognizing a voice caller when the first sensing means detects a container in an inactive state (off mode). Control method.
The method of claim 8,
The water dispensing device further comprises a second sensing means for sensing a human body approaching the water outlet nozzle,
The microphone or the voice recognition module controls the water dispensing device to switch to an on mode capable of recognizing a voice caller when the second sensing means detects a human body in an inactive state (off mode). Way.
The method of claim 8,
After the caller recognition guide sound is output from the speaker,
When the desired water discharge temperature and the desired water discharge temperature ignited by the user are input into the microphone,
Wherein the voice recognition module recognizes the inputted desired amount of water and temperature, and outputs a guide sound for recognizing the amount of water and temperature through the speaker.
The method of claim 12,
The water dispensing apparatus further includes a hot water generation module that heats the introduced water with hot water and supplies it to the water outlet nozzle side or a cold water generation module that cools the introduced water with cold water and supplies it to the water outlet nozzle side,
When the water outlet valve is opened, water having the input desired water outlet temperature is discharged.
The method of claim 13,
In the controller, information in which the use of water ignited from the user, and the amount of water and the temperature of the water are matched according to the information is stored,
When the desired use of the voice in the form of speech spoken by the user is input into the microphone,
Wherein the voice recognition module recognizes the inputted desired use of water, and outputs a guide sound for recognizing the use of water through the speaker.
The method of claim 14,
When the water outlet valve is opened, water having a water outlet temperature matched with an input desired water outlet purpose is discharged as much as a matched water outlet amount.

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