KR20110128004A - Laundry treatment apparatus and laundry treatment system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A laundry processing apparatus and system thereof are provided to select accurate washing type by determining automatically the washing type according to the state of laundry. CONSTITUTION: A communication unit(160) communicates with a portable terminal. The portable terminal includes an image recognition function. The portable terminal recognizes the state of laundry from an image through the image recognition function. The communication unit receives driving control data according to the state of the laundry from the portable terminal. A control unit(170) executes a driving program in order to control the configuration of the laundry processing apparatus according to the driving control data.

Description

Laundry treatment apparatus and laundry treatment system

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment machine and a laundry treatment system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mobile terminal having an image recognition function for recognizing a state of laundry as an image, and to a driving control data transmitted from the mobile terminal. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a laundry treatment machine and a laundry treatment system for controlling various configurations of a laundry treatment machine.

The laundry treatment apparatus is classified into a top loading method in which laundry is input from the upper side and a front loading method in which laundry is input from the front, according to the method of loading laundry. By rotating the drum containing the laundry, the laundry is rinsed, rinsed, dewatered and / or dried in a sequential or alternative manner so that the laundry is processed.

More specifically, the laundry treatment machine removes contaminants from laundry by using physics caused by friction and water flow caused by chemical reaction with detergent introduced with washing water, drum rotation or pulsator rotation. It can be divided into a washing machine, a dryer for drying laundry by applying hot or cold air, and a refresher for removing wrinkles, sterilizing and deodorizing by applying steam to clothes, and a dry washing machine which performs two or more functions recently, and a refresh function. Equipped with a washing machine can be easily seen.

Regardless of the type of laundry treatment device, various operation programs for controlling the various components of the laundry treatment device are pre-set, and the operation program is determined at the product production stage, and is operated to improve the function later. There was a problem in that it was impossible to update a program or delete a driving program that was no longer needed and add a new driving program.

In addition, for optimal washing performance, the washing should be performed in an appropriate manner according to the state of the laundry, such as the degree of contamination of the laundry or the type of material, and for this purpose, the user needs to accurately grasp the state of the laundry. However, there is a limit to accurately grasp the state of the laundry depending only on the user's sense, and even if accurate grasp is possible, it is difficult to determine the optimal washing method accordingly.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus and a laundry treatment system to accurately grasp the state of the laundry, and thus to achieve an optimal laundry treatment.

In order to achieve the above object, the laundry treatment machine of the present invention communicates with a mobile terminal having an image recognition function for recognizing the state of the laundry as an image, the communication unit for receiving the operation control data according to the state of the laundry from the mobile terminal And a control unit that executes an operation program to control various configurations of the laundry treatment device according to the operation control data input to the communication unit.

The laundry treatment system of the present invention is connected to a mobile terminal having an image recognition function for recognizing the state of the laundry as an image through a communication network, and receives the data in which the state of the laundry is recorded as an image through the mobile terminal. Extracts the state information of the laundry from the collected data, and transmits predetermined driving control data to the mobile terminal so that the laundry processing device is operated in response to the extracted state information, and is connected to communicate with the mobile terminal. And a laundry processing device receiving the driving control data from a mobile terminal and processing laundry according to the driving control data.

According to the laundry treatment machine and the laundry treatment machine control method of the present invention has one or more of the following effects.

First, the state information of the laundry can be accurately identified, and the laundry can be processed in a proper manner based on this.

Second, the laundry may be processed based on the state information of the laundry that is more accurately identified than when the user relies on the user's senses.

Third, since the washing method is automatically determined according to the state of the laundry, user convenience is improved.

Fourth, the data stored in the external server is downloaded through the mobile terminal, and the laundry processing device receives the downloaded data in communication with the mobile terminal, thereby eliminating the need for a communication means for communicating with the external server.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine shown in FIG.
3 is an enlarged view of the control panel shown in FIG. 1.
4 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a laundry treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 illustrates a signal processing performed in a laundry treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a mobile terminal communicating with a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and the general knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform the person having the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Hereinafter, a washing machine and a washing machine control method of the present invention will be described by way of example, but not limited to the laundry treatment machine and the laundry treatment machine control method of the present invention, the present invention falls within the category of the laundry treatment machine dryer, refresher, laundry combined use It can be applied to a dryer, a washing machine equipped with a refresher function, and the like.

1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine shown in FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the control panel shown in FIG. 1.

1 to 3, a washing machine (W) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 111 forming an exterior, a door 112 opening and closing one side of a cabinet to enter and exit a cabinet, and a cabinet interior. A tub 122 disposed in the tub and supported by the cabinet, a drum 124 disposed inside the tub and rotating with a cloth inserted therein, a driving part 113 providing a driving force for rotating the drum, and a detergent containing detergent The box 133 includes a control panel 114 that receives various commands for operating the washing machine from the user and provides a user interface for displaying various information on the washing machine operating state so that the user can recognize the washing machine.

The cabinet 111 has a fabric access hole 120 formed therein to allow the fabric to enter and exit. The door 112 is rotatably coupled to the cabinet 111 to open and close the gun entrance hole 120. The cabinet 111 is provided with a control panel 114. The cabinet 111 is provided with a detergent box 133 that can contain a laundry additive such as detergent, fabric softener and / or bleach.

Tub 122 is buffered by the spring 115 and the damper 117 in the cabinet 111. The tub 122 contains wash water and wash water in the tub 122 flows into the drum 124 through a plurality of through holes (not shown) formed in the drum 124 to wet the cloth.

The drum 124 is rotated by the drive unit 113. The inner wall of the drum 124 is provided with a lifter 125 for lifting the cloth to a certain height during rotation of the drum. The drum 124 may rotate in various ways according to the driving pattern of the driving unit 113. For example, when the drum 124 is rotated within a predetermined speed range, the artillery lifted by the lifter 125 is moved to reach a predetermined height and then fall off, and the impact using such a drop is The cloth is washed by. Alternatively, when the drum 125 rotates at high speed in order to dewater the fabric, dehydration occurs while the drum 124 rotates while being stuck to the inner wall of the carriage drum 124 by centrifugal force.

The gasket 128 seals between the tub 122 and the cabinet 111. The gasket 128 is disposed between the inlet of the tub 122 and the gun entrance hole 120. The gasket 128 buffers the vibration generated when the drum 124 rotates to mitigate the shock transmitted to the door 112 and prevent the wash water in the tub 122 from leaking to the outside. The gasket 128 may include a circulation nozzle 127 for circulating the washing water in the tub 122 and spraying the washing water into the drum 124.

Detergent box 133 is preferably provided to be pulled out on the front of the cabinet (111). The laundry additive in the detergent box 133 is mixed with the wash water when the wash water is supplied and introduced into the tub 122.

The cabinet 111 has a water supply valve 131 for controlling the inflow of the wash water from an external water source, a water supply passage 132 through which the wash water introduced through the water supply valve flows into the detergent box 133, and the detergent box 133. The water supply pipe 134 for guiding the washing water mixed with the detergent into the tub 122 is preferably provided.

In addition, inside the cabinet 111, a drain pipe 135 for draining the wash water in the tub 122, a pump 136 pumping the wash water flowing through the drain pipe, and the wash water pumped by the pump 136. A drain passage 138 for draining the washing machine W to the outside, and a circulation passage 137 connected to the circulation nozzle 127 to circulate the washing water in the tub to the circulation nozzle 127 are preferably provided. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the pump 136 is connected to the circulation passage 137 and the drain passage 137 in common, but is not limited thereto, and the pump for pumping the washing water on the circulation passage 137 and drainage A pump for pumping the wash water on the flow path 137 may be provided separately.

The control panel 114 includes an input unit 142 that receives various operation commands such as a washing course selection, an operation time and a reservation for each stroke, and a display unit 142 that displays an operating state of the washing machine W. It may be provided. In addition, the control panel 114 may be provided with a terminal mounting unit 140 in which the mobile terminal M is detachably mounted. Here, the mobile terminal M is preferably a mobile communication terminal having a communication function capable of mutual data communication with a server through a wired / wireless telephone network or a communication network such as the Internet, for example, a smart phone.

Smartphones are complex wireless communication devices that combine the advantages of cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). It is common to add PDA function to the function of mobile phone. It is possible to connect voice communication, PC, personal information management and wireless internet. In general, a standardized interface is provided for a developer of an application program that runs on a smartphone, and a developer can develop and supply various applications through a communication network. Hereinafter, the mobile terminal M will be described as an example of a smart phone that has an image recognition function such as a camera among the smart phones and can transmit image data through a communication network.

The washing course includes a lingerie / wool course, a boiling course, a speed wash course, a functional clothing course, and a quiet course depending on the type and function of the fabric. The operation of the washing machine is largely divided into a washing stroke, a rinsing stroke, and a dehydrating stroke, and water, washing, rinsing, draining, dehydration or drying are performed in each stroke.

4 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the washing machine W according to an embodiment of the present invention communicates with a mobile terminal M having an image recognition function for recognizing a state of laundry as an image, and from the mobile terminal M. The communication unit 160 receives driving control data according to a state, and a control unit 170 that executes a driving program to control various configurations of the washing machine W according to the driving control data input to the communication unit 160.

On the other hand, the washing machine (W) may further include a memory unit 150, the memory unit 150 is a drive unit control program for controlling the drive pattern of the drive unit 113, water supply for supplying the wash water to process the laundry It may include a water supply control program for controlling the unit, and a drainage control program for controlling the drainage for draining the wash water in the tub (122). In addition, when the laundry treatment apparatus of the present invention is a dryer or a combined drying machine, the laundry treatment device may include a drying unit including a heater and a blower fan for applying hot or cold air into the drum 124, and in this case, controlling the drying unit. It is preferable to include a drying control program. 1 to 2, the drying unit is not shown in the washing machine, but as described above, the laundry treatment apparatus of the present invention may be a dryer or a combined washing machine, and the heater 139 and the blower fan 129 are illustrated in FIG. ) Is also shown.

In particular, the driver control program may control a driving pattern including at least one of a rotation speed, a rotation direction, and an actual moving rate of the driver 113. Here, the actual driving rate is defined as the ratio of the time actually driven by the driving unit to the total time of the driving signal applied to the driving unit by the IPM driver or the like in order to control the driving pattern of the driving unit 113. An ON time section in which current is applied to the 113 and an OFF time section in which no current is applied to the motor 32 are included.

Therefore, the actual rate may be defined as in Math Room 1 below.

In Equation 1, T _ON is a signal length of a section in which current is applied to the driver 113, and T _OFF is a signal length of a section in which no current is applied to the driver 113.

In particular, the actual operation rate is closely related to the temperature control and the energy consumption of the driving unit 113, the washing machine (W) according to an embodiment of the present invention is a drive unit control program whose performance is improved by the developer server (SVC) When uploaded to the mobile terminal M, it is downloaded through the mobile terminal M, thereby controlling the temperature of the driving unit 113 more appropriately and reducing energy consumption.

The communication unit 160 includes a transmitter 162 for transmitting data to the mobile terminal M and a receiver 164 for receiving data from the mobile terminal M. FIG. The data transmitted through the transmitter 162 may include list information, version information, and the like for the driving programs stored in the memory 150, and the data received through the receiver 164 may include a memory unit ( It may include update data or new operation program data for the operation program previously stored in 150.

The controller 170 updates the memory 150 by processing various data received through the communicator 160. For example, when the data input through the communication unit 160 is update data for the driving program pre-stored in the memory unit 150, the pre-stored driving program is updated in the memory unit 150 by using the updated data. When the data input through the 160 is a new driving program, the memory unit 150 further stores the data. Of course, it is also possible to delete the operation program previously stored in the memory unit 150 and to store a new operation program.

Here, the data input from the mobile terminal (M) to the communication unit 160 is downloaded from a remote server connected to the communication network using the mobile terminal (M). The server may store various application programs related to the operation of the washing machine (W). The application programs are those developed and uploaded by developers using an open library. A user accesses the server using a mobile terminal M and performs an authentication process or a charging process in a predetermined manner. You can download the application you want.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a laundry treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the laundry treatment system S according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is connected to a mobile terminal M having an image recognition function for recognizing a state of laundry as an image through a communication network, thereby providing a mobile terminal ( M) receives data in which the state of the laundry is recorded as an image, extracts the state information of the laundry from the transmitted data, and transmits the driving control data so that the laundry processing device is operated in response to the extracted state information. A washing machine (W) which is connected to the server (SVC) for transmitting to M) and the mobile terminal (M) so as to be communicable, receives the driving control data from the mobile terminal (M), and processes laundry according to the driving control data. ). Hereinafter, since the configuration of the washing machine W is the same as the embodiment of the present invention described above, description thereof will be omitted.

Before the laundry is processed using the washing machine W, the user obtains an image of the laundry using the image recognition function of the mobile terminal M. FIG. The image image is transmitted to the server SVC through a communication network, and the server SVC analyzes the image image to obtain laundry state information. At this time, the server SVC compares and analyzes the image image transmitted from the mobile terminal M using a predetermined image analysis program and the sample image divided according to the state of the laundry in the database of the server SVC. Alternatively, the operation of analyzing the state of the laundry is performed based on the reference data for comparatively analyzing the state characteristics of the laundry. Such an analysis operation may be automatically performed by an operation operation using an image analysis program provided in the server SVC, but is not limited thereto and may be performed manually by a server SVC management personnel.

In any case, when the analysis operation of the image image transmitted from the mobile terminal M is completed, state information such as contamination state of the laundry, material properties, etc. is extracted, and the washing machine W is properly operated and controlled in response to the state information. The driving control data is transmitted from the server SVC to the mobile terminal M. FIG.

The driving control data refers to data that allows the washing machine W to be appropriately controlled according to the state information of the laundry. The driving control data includes a new driving program to be added to the memory unit 150 of the washing machine W or a memory unit. An instruction for instructing to select an operation program capable of processing laundry in an optimal state among a plurality of operation programs stored in 150 may be included. For example, the washing machine W is programmed with a cotton course for processing cotton laundry, in which case if the image image transmitted from the mobile terminal M in the server SVC is analyzed to be cotton, the server (SVC) transmits predetermined driving control data for the cotton course to be performed to the mobile terminal (M). The mobile terminal M transmits the driving control data to the washing machine W again, and the controller 170 calls and executes the driving program for performing the cotton course stored in the memory unit 150 based on the driving control data. do.

Meanwhile, a list of driving programs previously stored in the memory unit 150 may be transmitted from the washing machine W to the mobile terminal M. In this case, in the server SVC, a driving program (eg, a driving program required according to the state information of the laundry) may be transmitted. For example, if a cotton course program) does not exist in the program list, the driving control data including the same is transmitted to the mobile terminal M, and the mobile terminal M transmits the driving control data to the washing machine W, The controller 170 processes the driving control data, generates a driving program corresponding thereto, and controls the generated driving program to be executed. Of course, the driving program included in the driving control data, that is, a new driving program that does not exist in the memory unit 150, may be stored in the memory unit 150.

6 illustrates a signal processing performed in a laundry treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, after the mobile terminal M is mounted on the terminal mounting unit 140 of the washing machine W, a communication request is made from the washing machine W to the mobile terminal M (S110). In response to the communication request, an appropriate response such as acceptance or rejection is made in the mobile terminal M (S115), and a communication acceptance signal is transmitted to the washing machine W when the communication is accepted by a user's operation or automatically. (S120), the washing machine W and the mobile terminal M reach a state in which they can communicate with each other.

The control unit 170 searches for the memory unit 150 (S125), and transmits a driving program list stored in the memory unit 150 to the mobile terminal M (S130), or by a user's operation or a preset program. By the mobile terminal (M) is connected to the communication network (S135) (S135), at this time, a communication request from the mobile terminal (M) to the server (SVC) through the communication network (S140), the server (SVC) the communication In response to the request, the server rejects or accepts the communication (S145), and accepts the communication (S150) through a predetermined authentication process, thereby enabling the server SVC and the mobile terminal M to communicate with each other.

Thereafter, an appropriate operation for transmitting the image information of the laundry stored in the mobile terminal M to the server SVC is performed (S155), and the image information is transmitted to the server SVC (S160).

The server SVC extracts the state information of the laundry by analyzing the transmitted image information (S165), sets an appropriate operation program to perform an optimal laundry process according to the extracted state information (S170), and corresponds to the operation. The control data is transmitted to the mobile terminal (M). In this case, a list of driving programs stored in the memory unit 150 of the washing machine W may be transmitted from the mobile terminal M to the server SVC. In this case, the server SVC corresponds to the analyzed laundry state information. If a suitable operation program to be executed is not present in the list, new operation program data is included in the operation control data, and vice versa, data instructing to execute the operation program is included. Can be. Of course, the driving control data transmitted from the server SVC to the mobile terminal M may include data for updating a driving program previously stored in the memory unit 150.

The driving control data transmitted from the server SVC to the mobile terminal M may include various types of data as described above, and the mobile terminal M corresponds to each of the driving programs stored in the memory unit 150. Determination of an appropriate driving program, update or addition of a new driving program is determined (S180), and the corresponding driving control data S185 is transmitted to the washing machine W. FIG.

The controller 170 controls various components of the washing machine W according to the transmitted driving control data, and in some cases, updates the memory unit 150 by updating, adding a new driving program, and the like. According to the result, the washing machine W is operated.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the mobile terminal M and the communication unit 160 enter a communication mode capable of communicating with each other (S210), the controller 170 displays a list of driving programs stored in the memory unit 150. Control to be transmitted to the mobile terminal (M) through (S220). Thereafter, when driving control data is input to the communication unit 160 from the mobile terminal M (S230), the controller 170 updates the memory unit 150 and causes the washing machine W to operate according to the updated result. (S240).

8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a mobile terminal communicating with a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the mobile terminal M and the washing machine W enter a communication mode that can communicate with each other (P210), the mobile terminal M transmits an image of the laundry to the server SVC (P220). If predetermined driving control data is received according to the state information of the laundry obtained by analyzing the image image from the server SVC (P230), it is transmitted back to the washing machine W (P240).

Although the above has been illustrated and described with respect to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed in the claims. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or the prospect of the present invention.

Claims (10)

A communication unit communicating with a mobile terminal having an image recognition function for recognizing a state of laundry as an image, and receiving operation control data according to the state of laundry from the mobile terminal; And
And a control unit configured to execute an operation program to control various configurations of the laundry treatment device according to the operation control data inputted to the communication unit. The method of claim 1,
The control unit,
Laundry processing apparatus for processing the operation control data input through the communication unit to generate an operation program, and executes the generated operation program. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a memory unit for storing a plurality of operation programs for controlling various configurations of the laundry treatment machine,
The control unit,
And a corresponding driving program selected from among the plurality of driving programs according to the driving control data input through the communication unit. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a memory unit for storing an operation program for controlling various configurations of the laundry treatment machine,
The control unit,
Laundry processing apparatus for updating the operation program stored in the memory unit in accordance with the operation control data input through the communication unit. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a memory unit for storing an operation program for controlling various configurations of the laundry treatment machine,
The control unit,
Laundry processing apparatus for adding a new operation program to the memory in accordance with the operation control data input through the communication unit. The method of claim 1,
A watering unit watering the washing water to treat the laundry;
Tub for storing the wash water supplied through the water supply; And
Further comprising a drain for draining the wash water from the tub,
Driving data input through the communication unit,
Laundry treatment device comprising a water supply and drainage control program for controlling at least one of the water supply and the drain. The method of claim 1,
A drum into which laundry is loaded and rotating to process the laundry; And
Further comprising a drive for rotating the drum,
Driving data input through the communication unit,
Laundry processing apparatus including a drive control program for controlling the drive pattern of the drive. The method of claim 7, wherein
The driver control program,
Laundry processing apparatus for controlling the driving pattern including at least one of the rotational speed, the rotational direction and the actual operation rate of the drive unit. The method of claim 1,
A drum into which laundry is loaded and rotating to process the laundry; And
Further comprising a drying unit for applying the drying air into the drum to dry the laundry,
Driving data input through the communication unit,
Laundry processing apparatus comprising a drying unit control program for controlling the drying unit. Is connected to a mobile terminal having an image recognition function for recognizing the state of the laundry as an image through a communication network, receives the data recorded as the image of the laundry through the mobile terminal, the state information of the laundry from the transmitted data Extracting and transmitting a predetermined driving control data to the mobile terminal such that the laundry processing apparatus is operated in response to the extracted state information; And
And a laundry processing device connected to the mobile terminal so as to communicate with the mobile terminal and receiving the driving control data from the mobile terminal to process the laundry according to the driving control data.

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