KR20070002635A - Washing machine having avatar image processing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing apparatus with an avatar image part is provided to recognize the present operating status through the motions of the selected avatars by containing the display part having an avatar image part by the control of the system micro computer. A washing apparatus with an avatar image part comprises: a system micro computer(20) for controlling the loads of the washing apparatus containing a motor(27) and controlling the display of the avatar image; and a display part(23) having an avatar image part(23a) for displaying the avatar image selected by corresponding to the load and operating progress status of the washing machine by the control of the system micro computer. The display part contains an operating display part(23b) for displaying the operating progress information of the apparatus.

Description

Washing machine having an avatar image unit

1 is a block diagram illustrating a general washing apparatus

2 is a block diagram of a laundry device having an avatar imager according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a block diagram illustrating a laundry machine having an avatar imager according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram showing an example of a laundry machine having an avatar image unit according to the present invention

Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

20. System Micom 21. Key Input

22. Display driver 23. Display

24. Avatar information storage unit 25. External device

26. Sensor 27. Motor

28. Other load drive unit 30. Display microcomputer

The present invention relates to a laundry apparatus, and more particularly, to a laundry apparatus having an avatar image unit capable of displaying information according to operation progress and control in the form of using an avatar, thereby enhancing information transfer characteristics.

In general, a drum washing machine is a method of washing by using a friction force of a rotating drum and the laundry by receiving the driving force of the motor unit in a state in which detergent, washing water, and laundry are put into the drum. It doesn't get tangled, knocks and rubs to give the laundry effect.

In addition, in accordance with the trend of improving and upgrading the functions of the drum washing machine, there is a trend of increasing the demand for a combined drum washing machine capable of performing not only washing and dehydrating functions of laundry but also a drying function.

Hereinafter, a laundry machine according to the related art will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a general washing apparatus.

The washing machine according to the related art has a key input unit 1 for selecting a function desired by a user, a system micom 2 for controlling the stroke of the washing machine according to a function selected through the key input unit 1, and the system micom ( The motor 3 driven according to the control signal of 2), the other load driver 4 for driving various loads such as a water supply valve and a drain valve according to the control signal of the system microcomputer 2, and the system microcomputer ( In accordance with the control signal of 2) comprises a display unit 5 for displaying the operation state or error occurrence of the selected function through the key input unit (1).

In the washing machine according to the related art configured as described above, when a user inputs a washing instruction by pressing a key of the key input unit 1, the system microcomputer 2 performs the motor 3 and other load driving units according to a preset washing administration sequence. The control signal is applied to (4) to sequentially drive the motor 3, the water supply valve (not shown), the drain valve (not shown), and the like to perform washing.

In addition, when the user inputs a washing command, the system microcomputer 2 outputs a control signal such that the setting items selected by the user are displayed on the display unit 5, and the display unit 5 outputs the system microcomputer 2. According to the control signal of the washing course for each washing, rinsing, and displays the operation time and the remaining time of washing for each dehydration function.

Such a washing machine is sold to consumers and used for a long time by the operation of consumers in the home, which directly affects the reliability of the manufacturer and the apparatus, and various means for accurately conveying product information to various layers of consumers are provided. Is being presented.

Here, the product information includes information on how to use the device, how to deal with errors, and the operation state displayed while the product is in use.

Current home appliances are usually produced in the form of a booklet (manual) to provide the consumer to the consumer during the product release stage.

However, such manuals generally do not tend to be read by consumers except when an abnormality occurs, and due to the difficulty of storage, they are not a means of providing appropriate information when necessary.

In addition, the display of the current state according to the operation progress and control of the washing apparatus is also a display of information using the blinking or text on the small screen rather than the large screen.

Such a prior art information transmission method presupposes the concentration of the user, and the power of information transmission is not great.

In particular, in the case of a laundry apparatus that performs a large number of types of washing courses according to the user's selection and the type of the laundry object, the operation progress must be accurately transmitted to the user, but it is difficult to implement due to the limitation of the display function.

The present invention is to solve the problem of the information delivery method of the conventional laundry machine, and to display the information according to the progress and control operation of the laundry machine in the form of using the avatar image to enhance the information transfer characteristics It is an object of the present invention to provide a laundry apparatus having a portion.

In the laundry apparatus having the avatar image unit according to the present invention for achieving the above object, a laundry apparatus including a drum for receiving laundry and a motor for driving the drum, the load control of the laundry apparatus including the motor and A system microcomputer for controlling the display of the avatar image; A display unit having an avatar image unit for displaying the avatar image selected in response to the load state, the operation progress state of the laundry machine under the control of the system micom.

Here, the system microcomputer is characterized in that the movement of the avatar in response to the operating state of the laundry apparatus including washing, dehydration, drying.

And the system microcomputer is characterized in that for controlling the movement of the avatar in response to the state change of the load portion of the washing apparatus including the motor.

The laundry machine having the avatar image unit according to the present invention for achieving another object of the present invention includes a drum accommodating laundry and a motor for driving the drum, the load of the laundry machine including the motor. A system micom for controlling a display of an avatar image; a display micom for controlling a display of an avatar image; a display unit having an avatar image unit configured to display an avatar image selected in response to a load state and an operation progress state of a laundry apparatus under control of the display micom; It features.

The display unit may further include an operation display unit displaying operation progress information of the washing apparatus.

The screen display of the operation display unit and the avatar image unit may be implemented in one display panel, and the avatar image and the operation display content may be displayed at the same time by dividing the area of the display panel or sequentially repeatedly displayed in the entire area of the panel. It features.

The screen display of the operation display unit and the avatar image unit may be divided into display panels, and the display unit of the avatar image unit may use an LCD panel, and the screen display of the operation display unit may use an LED panel. .

The apparatus may further include first and second display drivers for driving the avatar image unit and the operation display unit, respectively.

The apparatus may further include a key input unit having an avatar control key for inputting a user selection signal for processing the avatar image.

And an avatar information storage unit for storing the avatar implemented in the avatar image unit.

And a communication interface block for accessing an external device to download the avatar information.

The display micom controls the movement of the avatar in response to an operation state of the washing apparatus including washing, dehydration and drying.

The display microcomputer controls the movement of the avatar in response to a change in the state of the load unit of the washing apparatus including the motor.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments.

A preferred embodiment of the laundry machine having the avatar image unit according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a laundry apparatus having an avatar image unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a laundry apparatus having an avatar image unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram showing an example of a laundry machine having an avatar image unit according to the present invention.

The present invention is applied to the laundry machine to improve the information transmission characteristics by increasing the visibility by using a three-dimensional character, that is, an avatar to display the status according to the usage and operation of the product.

In this manner, the information transmission method using the avatar can emphasize the entertainment factor according to the current consumer trend in addition to improving the visibility, thereby increasing the affinity for the product.

Avatar refers to an alter ego and incarnation, and refers to an animated character that takes the place of a user in cyberspace. As the Internet age opens, it points to graphic icons that represent oneself in 3D, virtual reality games, or chatting on the web.

In other words, an avatar is a virtual body representing itself in a graphic-oriented virtual society. Currently, avatars are being used for cyber shopping malls, virtual education, and virtual offices as well as chatting and online games.

The present invention provides a laundry apparatus having an avatar image unit that can adopt such an avatar as a helper function and a subject of information transmission in the information transmission process.

The avatar according to the present invention has a form in which a specific operation of the laundry apparatus is performed or a specific information is transmitted.

The washing apparatus having the avatar image unit according to the present invention comprises a display system for controlling a display of an avatar having a motion display different from that of the system microcom used as a main control means of the washing apparatus and an operation or an independent movement associated with the display; The avatar image unit for processing and displaying the avatar image under the control of the microcomputer, the operation display unit, and storage means for storing information related to the avatar.

Here, the display micom is configured as a first control unit for controlling the avatar image unit and a second control unit for controlling the operation display unit so that control of the display is performed more efficiently.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the display microcomputer is not configured separately, and the system microcomputer 20 controls the entire system of the washing apparatus and displays the avatar type by the user's selection of the operation state of the device and the displayed information. It may be configured to control the processing of the avatar-related video according to the type.

2 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention, in which the system microcomputer controls the washing apparatus and the avatar display.

First, a drum (not shown) for accommodating laundry, and a control signal is applied to the motor 27 and the other load driving unit 28 for driving the drum of the washing apparatus. ), The drain valve (not shown) is sequentially driven to proceed with washing, to control the entire system of the washing apparatus, and to display the avatar type by the user's selection according to the operation state of the apparatus and the type of information displayed. A user input signal for processing the avatar image through the system microcomputer 20, including a system microcomputer 20 for controlling the processing of the avatar-related image, and key input means for user selection such as setting of a washing course. For example, a key input unit 21 having an avatar control key for inputting an avatar selection / release signal, a sensor unit 26 for sensing detection values such as water level and temperature for washing progression, and washing Selection of an operation for washing by a display driver 22 which outputs a driving signal for displaying menus and status information according to the progress of the operation of the device and displaying an avatar image, and a driving signal of the display driver 22. And a display unit 23 for displaying a menu of the city and status information according to progress and an avatar image, and an avatar information storage unit 24 for storing various types of avatar image information.

Here, the display unit 23 includes an avatar image unit 23a for displaying an avatar image and an operation display unit 23b for displaying an operation mode, remaining time, etc. of the corresponding device.

The avatar image unit 23a and the operation display unit 23b may be configured in one display panel or may be divided in each panel.

When the avatar image unit 23a and the operation display unit 23b are divided into respective panels, the avatar image display unit 23a is configured as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, and the operation display unit 23b is a light emitting diode (LED). ; luminescent diode).

When the avatar image unit 23a and the operation display unit 23b are configured on a single display panel, the avatar display unit 23a and the operation display unit 23b may be divided into the avatar display area and the operation display area at the same time, or may be viewed in serial by selection.

In addition, the display unit 23 may change the atmosphere color in various ways by the user's selection.

In addition, the laundry machine having the avatar image unit according to the present invention includes a communication interface block (not shown), and the system microcomputer 20 includes an external device 25 such as a PC, a wireless notebook, and a mobile phone connected to a wireless network. Is connected to download avatar information, and store the avatar information in the avatar information storage unit 24.

Of course, a laundry apparatus having a function of wirelessly connecting to a home network may perform a function of searching, downloading, and storing avatar information without using a connection cable.

3 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a control unit is divided into a system micom that controls driving of a laundry apparatus and a display micom that controls an avatar display.

First, a drum (not shown) for accommodating laundry, and a control signal is applied to the motor 27 and the other load driving unit 28 for driving the drum of the washing apparatus. O), the drain valve (not shown), etc. are sequentially driven to proceed with washing, and the system microcomputer 20 for controlling the entire system of the washing apparatus, and the display of the avatar type by the user's selection are displayed. Display microcomputer 30 for controlling the processing of the avatar-related image according to the type of information to be displayed, and key input means for user selection, such as setting the washing course, processing the avatar image through the display microcomputer 30 For example, a key input unit 21 having an avatar control key for inputting an avatar selection / release signal, and detection values such as a water level and a temperature for washing progress. A sensor unit 26 for sensing, a display driver 22 for displaying a menu when selecting an operation of the laundry apparatus, a display of status information according to the progress, and a driving signal for displaying an avatar image, and the display driver 22 A display unit 23 for displaying a menu when the operation of the home appliance is selected, a status information according to the progress and an avatar image by a driving signal of the home appliance, and an avatar information storage unit 24 for storing various kinds of avatar image information. And are configured.

The display microcomputer 30 displays the first control unit 30a for controlling the display operation of the avatar image unit 23a for displaying the avatar image, and the operation display unit 23b for displaying the operation mode, remaining time, etc. of the laundry machine. It is divided into a second control unit (30b) for controlling the.

In this case, it is preferable that the display driver 22 is divided into a first display driver for driving the avatar image unit 23a and a second display driver for driving the operation display unit 23b.

The reason for configuring the display driving unit in this way is to increase the driving control characteristics of each.

The display unit 23 includes an avatar image unit 23a for displaying an avatar image, and an operation display unit 23b for displaying an operation mode, a remaining time, and the like of the corresponding device.

The avatar image unit 23a and the operation display unit 23b may be configured in one display panel or may be divided in each panel.

When the avatar image unit 23a and the operation display unit 23b are divided into respective panels, the avatar image display unit 23a is configured as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, and the operation display unit 23b is a light emitting diode (LED). ; luminescent diode).

When the avatar image unit 23a and the operation display unit 23b are configured on a single display panel, the avatar display unit 23a and the operation display unit 23b may be divided into the avatar display area and the operation display area at the same time, or may be viewed in serial by selection.

In addition, the display unit 23 may change the atmosphere color in various ways by the user's selection.

In addition, the laundry machine having the avatar image unit according to the present invention includes a communication interface block (not shown), and the system microcomputer 20 includes an external device 25 such as a PC, a wireless notebook, and a mobile phone connected to a wireless network. Is connected to download avatar information, and store the avatar information in the avatar information storage unit 24.

The display of information using the avatar of the laundry machine having the avatar image unit having the above configuration is as shown in FIG. 4.

4 illustrates that the avatar image unit 23a and the operation display unit 23b are configured on one display panel.

Downloading of avatar information in the laundry apparatus having the avatar image unit according to the present invention is performed as follows.

When the system microcomputer 20 is connected to the external device 25 by the user's selection through the key input unit 21, a search for a desired avatar and generation of a new avatar are performed. The downloaded avatar information is stored in the avatar information storage unit 24.

Various types of avatars are stored in the avatar information storage unit 24, and the stored avatars may be selected according to a specific operation state and course by the user's selection using the key input unit 21.

The avatars selected as described above are controlled and displayed in response to changes in the washing and drying progress state of the washing apparatus and the operating states of the motor 27 and other load driving units 22.

The search and generation of such avatar information may be performed in various ways as follows.

First, any one of the external devices is connected to a server providing an avatar through a network such as the Internet, and a new avatar is created according to the user's taste and stored in the external device itself. There may be a method of downloading to the avatar information storage unit 24 through 21.

The other is not a server that provides an avatar, but accesses a server operated by a home appliance manufacturer, searches for or creates a new avatar according to a user's taste and stores it in the external device itself. There may be a method of downloading to the avatar information storage unit 24 through).

Of course, it is natural that the avatar can be searched, generated and stored while directly accessing the external server using the key input unit 21 of the home appliance and viewing the information displayed on the display unit, rather than using the external device to search and generate.

To this end, the system microcomputer 20 or the display microcomputer 30 includes a program for optimizing and displaying the avatar image according to the progress and control of the laundry device.

Such a program can be updated by connecting to a server operated by a laundry apparatus manufacturer and downloading it.

The avatars downloaded as described above and stored in the avatar information storage unit 24 are selected by the user through the key input unit 21, and the selected avatar is displayed while the moving shape, color and shape are changed according to the operation state of the washing apparatus.

Of course, different avatars may be set according to the type of information to be displayed, and the status display according to the basic usage of the washing apparatus and the progress and control of the washing apparatus may be displayed by the dynamic character.

Although not shown, the basic usage of the laundry apparatus may be described by linking the voice output using the voice output unit with the movement of the avatar.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

 Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the embodiments, but should be defined by the claims.

The laundry machine having the avatar image unit according to the present invention has the following effects.

It is possible to display the status display according to the basic usage of the washing machine and the operation progress and control by the dynamic character.

This can increase the visibility in providing information, enhance the information delivery characteristics, and emphasize the entertainment factor according to the current consumer trend.

In particular, since the selected avatars are controlled in response to changes in the washing and drying progress state of the washing apparatus and the operating states of the motor and other load driving units, the user can grasp the current operation progress state of the washing apparatus in a short time.

In addition, various expressions are possible by downloading and storing a new avatar through a server connection using an external device.

This makes it possible to implement a variety of operating conditions according to the operating conditions has the effect of increasing the competitiveness of the product.

Claims (25)

A laundry apparatus comprising a drum for receiving laundry and a motor for driving the drum, A system microcomputer for controlling loads of a washing apparatus including the motor and controlling display of an avatar image; And a display unit having an avatar image unit for displaying an avatar image selected in response to a load state of the washing apparatus and an operation progress state under the control of the system microcomputer. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display unit is The laundry apparatus having an avatar image unit, further comprising: an operation display unit for displaying operation progress information of the laundry apparatus. The laundry machine according to claim 2, wherein the screen display of the operation display unit and the avatar image unit is implemented on one display panel. The laundry machine according to claim 3, wherein the avatar image and the operation display contents are displayed at the same time by dividing the area of the display panel or are repeatedly displayed sequentially in the entire area of the panel. The laundry machine according to claim 2, wherein the screen display of the operation display unit and the avatar image unit are divided into display panels, respectively. The laundry machine according to claim 2, wherein the screen display of the avatar image unit uses an LCD panel, and the screen display of the operation display unit uses an LED panel. The laundry machine of claim 5, further comprising first and second display drivers for driving the avatar image unit and the operation display unit, respectively. The laundry machine according to claim 1, wherein the system microcomputer controls the movement of the avatar in response to an operation state of the laundry apparatus including washing, dehydration, and drying. The laundry machine of claim 8, wherein the system microcomputer controls the movement of the avatar in response to a change in the state of the load unit of the laundry apparatus including the motor. The laundry machine according to claim 1, further comprising a key input unit having an avatar control key for inputting a user selection signal for processing the avatar image. The laundry machine of claim 1, further comprising an avatar information storage unit configured to store an avatar implemented in the avatar image unit. The laundry machine according to claim 1, further comprising a communication interface block for connecting to an external device to download avatar information. A laundry apparatus comprising a drum for receiving laundry and a motor for driving the drum, A system microcomputer for controlling the loads of the washing apparatus including the motor; A display micom for controlling a display of an avatar image; And a display unit having an avatar image unit for displaying an avatar image selected according to the load state and the operation progress state of the laundry apparatus under the control of the display micom. The method of claim 13, wherein the display unit, The laundry apparatus having an avatar image unit, further comprising: an operation display unit for displaying operation progress information of the laundry apparatus. The laundry machine according to claim 14, wherein the screen display of the operation display unit and the avatar image unit is implemented on one display panel. The laundry machine according to claim 15, wherein the avatar image and the operation display contents are displayed at the same time by dividing an area of the display panel or are repeatedly displayed in sequence on the entire area of the panel. The laundry machine according to claim 14, wherein the screen display of the operation display unit and the avatar image unit is divided into display panels. The laundry machine according to claim 14, wherein the screen display of the avatar image unit uses an LCD panel, and the screen display of the operation display unit uses an LED panel. 19. The laundry machine according to claim 18, further comprising first and second display drivers for driving the avatar image unit and the operation display unit, respectively. The laundry machine according to claim 13, wherein the display micom controls the movement of the avatar in response to an operation state of the laundry machine including washing, dehydration, and drying. 21. The laundry machine of claim 20, wherein the display micom controls the movement of the avatar in response to a change in the state of the load of the laundry machine including the motor. The laundry machine according to claim 13, further comprising a key input unit having an avatar control key for inputting a user selection signal for processing the avatar image. The laundry machine of claim 13, further comprising an avatar information storage unit configured to store an avatar implemented in the avatar image unit. The laundry machine of claim 13, further comprising a communication interface block for accessing an external device to download avatar information. The laundry machine according to claim 13, wherein the display micom comprises a first control unit for controlling a display operation of the avatar image unit and a second control unit for controlling a display of the operation display unit.

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