KR20130014042A - Laundry machine and online system including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A home appliances and an online system including the same are provided to perform a new function or extend functions as well as natural functions of the home appliances without a change of hardware of the home appliances. CONSTITUTION: A server(10) receives information about home appliances and user information when log-in is performed. The server receives information about a specific home appliance for a service request among the home appliances after the log-in. The server determines a home appliance corresponding to the information about the home appliances and the user information. The server requests state information to the home appliance. The server receives the state information from the home appliance. The server transmits the received state information to an external terminal(40). [Reference numerals] (40) User terminal; (AA) DM information; (BB,EE) Authentication/installation environment construction; (CC,FF) Terminal management work; (DD,GG) Package download; (HH) Smart appliance; (II) Smart appliance management

Description

Home appliance and online system comprising same {laundry machine and online system including the same}

The present invention relates to a laundry machine, and to a laundry machine capable of performing additional functions as well as performing the washing machine's original function through communication with the outside. The add-on includes an extension that extends from the washing machine inherent function, and includes a new function independent of the washing machine inherent function. Such a washing machine may be referred to as a smart washing machine.

The present invention also relates to an on-line system including the smart laundry apparatus, and more particularly, to an on-line system that can use the smart washing apparatus easily and inexpensively.

The present invention also relates to a smart home appliance in a more expanded form and an online system including the same.

A washing machine is typically a washing machine for washing clothes, and a dryer for drying clothes may also be called a washing machine. Of course, a washing and drying machine capable of washing and drying clothes may also be called a washing machine.

Recently, a refresher for refreshing clothes using hot air or steam, rather than washing with water, has been released. This may also be referred to as a washing machine.

In addition, a dishwasher for washing dishes but not clothing may also be referred to as a washing machine in a broad sense, and the washing machine in the present specification includes all of the aforementioned various devices.

In the present specification, a representative example of a washing machine will be described based on a washing machine, and may be applied to other washing machines unless they are exclusive and inconsistent with other apparatuses.

1 is a control panel that can be applied to the present invention while being a control panel of a conventional washing machine.

The control panel is provided for the interface with the user. Therefore, it is common to be provided on the front of the washing machine to facilitate the access and operation of the user. The control panel may be provided with various buttons for the user's operation and may be provided with various displays for providing information to the user.

The main function of the washing machine is washing. Therefore, a course selection unit 110 or a main function selection unit for selecting various washing courses is provided, and the user selects a course through this. For example, the course selector 110 may be provided in the form of a rotary knob. To facilitate the course selection of the user, the control panel 100 may be provided with a course display unit 111, and the user may select a desired washing course by operating the course selector 110 to correspond to the course display unit.

FIG. 1 shows a course display unit 111 displaying various washing courses around the rotary knob 110. The user may select a washing course corresponding to the rotary knob 110 by rotating the rotary knob 110. A display unit 121 for displaying the selected washing course may be provided, and the user may easily grasp the selected washing course. The display unit 121 may be implemented through a flashing LED.

An option selector 120 may select an option function to be added or changed in performing the above-described main function. The option selector 120 may be provided in various ways. 1 illustrates an option selector 120 for selecting options related to washing, rinsing, dehydration, water temperature, drying, steam, and reservation as an example. An option display unit 122 indicating whether such an option is selected may also be provided, and may be implemented through an LED or the like.

The control panel 100 may include a state display unit 130 displaying a state of a washing machine. The state display unit 130 may display the current operating state of the washing machine, the user's course or option selection state, time information, and the like.

For example, if the washing machine currently performs a rinsing step, it may be displayed as “in the rinsing step”. And, if the user waits for the course input, it may be displayed as "Please enter the washing course". In addition, the current time or the time remaining until the washing machine completes the operation by performing the washing course may be displayed.

On the other hand, the control panel 100 may be provided with a power selection unit 140 for applying and releasing the power of the washing machine and the operation / pause selection unit 150 for executing or temporarily stopping the washing machine operation.

The control panel 100 and the washing machine including the same have the following problems.

Due to the space problem of the control panel 100, there is a problem that it is difficult to implement an additional user interface in addition to the configuration for the basic user interface. Of course, a complex and various user interface may be implemented in the control panel 100, but there is a problem that requires excessive concentration and prior knowledge to the user. In addition, there is a problem that the washing machine itself is excessively expensive due to the difficulty of manufacturing the control panel 100 or a high capacity memory.

In addition, the selection units 110 and 120 and the display units 111, 121, and 122 have a problem in that expansion for additional functions is not easy because the respective functions are preset or set.

In addition, the washing machine is usually located in the laundry room, which is not a place where the user's access is active. Therefore, in order to use the washing machine, the user has to approach the washing machine directly. In addition, even if various information is displayed through the display units 111, 121, 122, and 130, it may be meaningless if the user does not directly access the washing machine.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a laundry machine capable of performing not only a washing machine's original function but also an expanded function or a new function irrelevant to the washing machine's original function.

In addition, there is a need to provide a washing apparatus capable of implementing an extension function or a new function without requiring replacement or modification of the existing control panel, that is, without changing the hardware of the washing machine.

On the other hand, the problem will not be limited only to the laundry machine. The same can be said for appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, air conditioners and robotic cleaners. This is because such household appliances also have a configuration corresponding to the control panel of the laundry machine, that is, a configuration for the user interface. In addition, a selection unit for the original function and a display unit corresponding thereto are included, and the necessity of the expansion of the function and the implementation of the new function is the same as that of the washing machine.

In addition, in many home appliances, it is difficult to expand the user interface due to space or cost constraints. The need to implement such an extension through an external terminal provided separately will be the same.

Therefore, in the present specification, a representative example of a home appliance is described mainly with a washing machine, and may be applied to other home appliances unless they are exclusive and contradictory with other home appliances.

An embodiment of the present invention is to provide a home appliance that can perform an expanded or new function as well as the original function of the home appliance without changing the hardware of the home appliance.

An embodiment of the present invention, by allowing communication with the outside to easily receive a variety of information through a server or an external terminal, using the information to provide a convenient home appliances and an online system including the same to expand and use the information There is a purpose.

An embodiment of the present invention, which enables communication with the outside to transmit information of various washing apparatuses to a server or an external terminal, using the information to provide a convenient home appliance and an online system including a function expansion and use There is a purpose.

An embodiment of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use home appliance and an online system including the same by facilitating a communication connection with the outside.

An embodiment of the present invention is to provide a home appliance that can easily grasp the information of the home appliance without the user directly accessing the home appliance, and to control the home appliance and an online system including the same. .

An embodiment of the present invention is to provide a home appliance that can be easily and simply communication connection of a home appliance that is not provided with a character input means.

An embodiment of the present invention is to provide a home appliance that is easy to use by enabling the communication connection of the home appliance that is not provided with a display (display unit) for displaying various types of information and diversification of the displayed information. have.

An embodiment of the present invention is to provide a home appliance, in particular a washing machine that can increase the user's satisfaction and reliability.

An embodiment of the present invention is to provide an online system that can use an online service related to home appliances remotely using a server, and can easily use such an online service through an external terminal.

In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: logging in to the server by sending user information to an server through an external terminal; Receiving the user information and the information of the washing machine in the server during the login step, or after receiving the information of a specific laundry device for the service request of a plurality of laundry machines after the login step in the server; Requesting the server for status information of the laundry machine through an external terminal; Determining, at the server, a washing machine corresponding to the washing machine through the user information and the washing machine information, and requesting the washing machine with status information; Receiving, at the server, state information from the laundry machine and transmitting the state information to the external terminal; Receiving the status information and displaying on the external terminal may provide a method for using an online system.

One embodiment of the present invention, the step of receiving and displaying the status information of the washing machine through the server in the external terminal; When the displayed state information indicates that the washing apparatus is performing a course, a step of displaying a wrinkle prevention selector for selecting a wrinkle prevention function that prevents generation of wrinkles by driving a drum after completion of the course on the external terminal; ; When the anti-wrinkle selection unit is selected, the method of using an on-line system may be provided to allow the washing apparatus to perform the anti-wrinkle function, including transmitting the anti-wrinkle selection information to the server.

One embodiment of the present invention, the step of receiving and displaying the status information of the washing machine through the server in the external terminal; When the displayed state information indicates that the laundry machine is under reservation, displaying at least one of a time remaining until completion of operation, a selected washing course, a detailed option of a setting course, and a reservation time change selection unit on the external terminal; When the reservation time change selection unit is selected, the change information is transmitted to the washing machine through the server, and the reservation time change information is displayed on the display unit of the washing machine; After the predetermined time elapses, the display unit may provide an on-line server using method comprising the step of displaying that the washing machine is being reserved.

An embodiment of the present invention includes a control panel including a display unit for displaying operating state information, and a washing apparatus provided to enable communication with a server, the display unit displaying an operating state while performing a selected washing course. step; Receiving and setting the wrinkle prevention function setting information for preventing the occurrence of wrinkles of the laundry by driving the drum after the completion of the course from the server during the washing course to display on the display unit; And it can provide a laundry device comprising the step of performing the wrinkle prevention function after the end of the washing course.

One embodiment of the invention, the server; A laundry machine having a remote control activation input means, the laundry machine communicating with the server; And an external terminal having an application program for remotely controlling the laundry machine through the server, wherein the laundry machine is remotely controlled through the external terminal only when the remote control activation input means is selected. An online system can be provided.

In addition, an embodiment of the present invention can provide a recording medium storing the method of using the online system.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to communicate with the outside to transmit the information of the various washing apparatuses to the server or an external terminal, using the information to provide a convenient washing machine and an on-line system including the same function expansion and use The purpose is to.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user can easily grasp the state information of the washing machine without directly accessing the washing machine, and can provide a washing machine capable of remotely controlling the washing machine and an online system including the same. have.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a laundry machine and an on-line system including the same, through which a user can implement a washing machine that can be implemented only through an external terminal, thereby reducing the cost and convenience of using the laundry machine.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a home appliance, in particular a washing apparatus, which can increase user satisfaction and reliability.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to use an online service related to a laundry machine remotely using a server, and to provide an online system that can easily use such an online service through an external terminal.

1 shows a control panel of a laundry machine as an example of a household appliance;
2 shows an overall configuration in which a server, a home appliance, and an external terminal that can be implemented in an embodiment of the present invention are interworked;
3 illustrates an embodiment in which a DM client is installed on a display board of a home appliance;
4 illustrates an embodiment of a membership registration and activation procedure and configuration;
5 illustrates an embodiment of a procedure of downloading an application program from an external terminal and a procedure and configuration of a user requesting a management service;
6 illustrates an embodiment of a procedure and configuration for firmware or software upgrades;
7 illustrates an embodiment of a procedure and configuration associated with a software management service;
8 illustrates an embodiment of a procedure and configuration associated with a remote control service;
9 illustrates an embodiment of a procedure and configuration associated with a diagnostic or monitoring management service;
10 illustrates an embodiment of a procedure and configuration for communication connection of a household appliance;
11 illustrates an initial screen embodiment of a home appliance display unit;
12 illustrates a screen embodiment in a Wi-Fi setting mode;
FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a screen of an external terminal when the external terminal accesses a setting mode; FIG.
14 illustrates a screen example of a home appliance display unit when an external terminal connects to a setting mode;
15 illustrates an embodiment of a screen of the home appliance display unit when the setting mode is completed;
16 illustrates an embodiment of an initial screen for remote management of home appliances through an external terminal;
17 illustrates an embodiment of a login screen of an external terminal;
18 illustrates an embodiment of a screen when home appliances are not registered in the server;
19 illustrates an embodiment of a screen displaying a state in which a power source of a home appliance is turned on;
20 illustrates an embodiment of a screen displaying a state in which the power of the home appliance is turned off;
21 illustrates an embodiment of a screen displayed when a reservation is in progress;
FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment of a screen of a home appliance display unit corresponding to FIG. 21; FIG.
23 illustrates an embodiment of a screen for changing a reservation time;
24 illustrates an embodiment of a screen of the home appliance display unit after the reservation time is changed;
25 illustrates an embodiment of a screen displayed on an external terminal during operation of a home appliance;
FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of a home appliance display unit screen corresponding to FIG. 25; FIG.
FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of a screen of the home appliance display after the anti-wrinkle is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 25;
28 shows an embodiment of the home appliance display unit screen at the end of operation;
29 illustrates an embodiment of a screen of a home appliance display unit when performing an anti-wrinkling function;
30 illustrates an embodiment of a screen for providing a state of a home appliance in a push message to an external terminal.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail embodiments of the home appliance according to the invention and an online system including the same.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an online system that can implement the present invention, and schematically shows an overall configuration diagram in which home appliances located in each home are connected to and managed by a server.

In order to perform a remote management service, a server 10 for managing all home appliances to be managed is required. The home appliances 21 and 22 to be managed are communicatively connected to the server to execute a command transmitted from the server 10. The service request may be received by the server through the home appliance 20. In addition, separate means such as an Internet site (hereinafter referred to as a user site, see FIG. 4), an external terminal, or a user terminal 40 may be provided to receive a service request from a user through a means other than a home appliance. Specific examples of the remote management service will be described later.

Here, the external terminal 40 means a device provided separately from a home appliance or a server, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a computer, etc., and means a device having a communication module to communicate with the outside.

The operator who will manage the home appliance can perform the remote management service by building the server. And, if necessary, such a user site can be constructed.

The user can purchase the product 20 that can receive the management service by the server 10 and receive the management service as described above. Such a product may be a product having a communication module for communicating with the server 10 and a client-side protocol for executing a command transmitted from the server. Meanwhile, a separate device including the communication module and the client-side protocol as described above may be used for a product that cannot be managed by the server as an existing product. The user can receive the service by purchasing the separate device and connecting to the existing product.

The home appliance 20 to receive the remote management service by the server 10 may be registered and managed in the server 10 with its own unique device ID.

When the server 20 is accessed from the home appliance 20, the server may specify the home appliance through the device ID. The device ID may be registered with the device ID together with characteristic information (eg, product type, model information, etc.) of the home appliance. Here, the device ID may be generated regardless of product characteristic information such as product type or model information, but product characteristic information may be coded together. Therefore, the server 10 may be made to recognize the type or model information of the corresponding product with only the device ID.

The user may request and receive a service through the home appliance for the home appliance 20 registered in the server 10. For example, when a desired service is selected and input through the display window (display unit) of the refrigerator 21, the refrigerator 21 may request the corresponding service from the server 10.

On the other hand, in many cases, household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, cleaners, ovens, air conditioners, etc. are not always located close to the user. Therefore, it may not be easy to request a corresponding service to the server through the home appliance 20. Therefore, the service can be requested to the server through the external terminal 40 that the user always carries, such as a smartphone. To this end, an application program for implementing the same may be installed in the external terminal.

In addition, as will be described later, the home appliances may be remotely managed, remotely controlled, monitored, and diagnosed through the application programs. These functions may be an example of the above-described remote management service.

In this case, the external terminal 40 directly communicates with the server 10, and the server 10 communicates with the home appliances 21 and 22. Through this, the user may request a service through the external terminal 40 and easily grasp information such as service execution and completion.

However, in this case, the relationship between the external terminal 40 of the user, the home appliance 20 and the server 10 to be serviced needs to be specified. That is, in the case of accessing the server 10 through the home appliance 20, when the access is made through the ID of the home appliance, the service target may be specified in the server, but not through the home appliance 20. It may be necessary to determine how to specify the home appliances to be serviced.

For example, a user may request a service while accessing a user site (see FIG. 4) while inputting a device ID of an electronic product to be serviced. However, in this case, it is inconvenient for the user to remember all the device IDs of home appliances owned by the user.

The user site may be made to alleviate such inconvenience. A user may register as a member of the user site and receive a user ID and password. A user may log in to the user site and register all home appliances owned by the user. Home appliances registered at the user site may be registered with the corresponding user ID at the server. This may be done by automatically transmitting the information to the server at the user site.

On the other hand, the user may be given a user ID and password by joining the user site as a member through an application program installed in the external terminal 40. Of course, through this it is possible to register all of their own home appliances. The application program may be provided for a remote management service of a specific home appliance, or may be provided for a remote management service of a plurality of home appliances. Details thereof will be described later.

In addition, the above-described registration of the home appliance 20 in the server 10 may be performed through an activation procedure which will be described later.

In any case, when a user is issued an ID, the ID may be registered and managed in the server 10 together with the home appliance 20 of the user.

The service received from the user through the user site, the external terminal 40 or the home appliance 20 may be performed by the operator giving a command for the corresponding management service to the server 10. Alternatively, the user site, an external terminal, or a home appliance can directly communicate with a server and make a management request directly to the server through an open API.

The server 10 is provided with a server side protocol for a management service, and the server side protocol performs the requested management service in association with the client side management protocol of the product.

An OMA DM (Open Mobile Alliance Device Management) protocol may be used as a protocol for performing the above management service between the server 10 and the home appliance 20. Accordingly, the server side may be referred to as a DM server, and the home appliance side may be referred to as a DM client. Of course, a solution other than OMA DM may be used. In this embodiment, the OMA DM protocol is used, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The management service may include the following management contents.

Bootstrap: In order for a DM client to perform an administrative session for the first time, authentication information with a DM server and network configuration information for a network connection are required. The process for this is called Bootstrap.

Provisioning: Home appliances that perform a management session for the first time are registered with the DM server through bootstrap, and the configuration of the home appliances is updated with the latest to provide services to the home appliances. The process for this is called provisioning.

Configuration Management: Management of setting up, inquiring and changing home appliance-related setting information or service-related information is called device configuration management.

Control Management: A control task for controlling home appliances.

User Alert: The DM server sends an alert signal to the DM client to inform the user of the management task through the screen of the home appliance or to receive an approval. In other words, improved management is possible through interaction with users.

Diagnostic and Monitoring: Users may experience poor performance or failures while using appliances. It is necessary to be aware of this condition in advance and to provide users with a stable environment for using the product through appropriate actions. This task is called Diagnostic and Monitoring Management.

Firmware Update Management (Firmware Uptate Management): If a problem occurs or a change in functionality occurs after selling a home appliance from a manufacturer, there is a case where the firmware is updated.

Software Component Management: Software management is the management of installing, updating and deleting software components in consumer electronics.

Backup and Restore Management: Management of backing up and restoring home appliance data to a DM server.

On the other hand, the server 10 may be distributed in various locations. For example, server 1 may be installed in South Korea and server 2 may be installed in the United States.

In addition, the server may be divided into a plurality of servers according to the role. Figure 2 shows the server 10 is divided into a DM server (DM Server), Notification Server (Notify Server), DL Server (DL Server), ONM Server (Legacy Server), etc. To illustrate. When the servers are separated according to the role in this way, when performing a specific service, the DM server can prepare or perform for other services. Thus, processing of multiple services is possible at the same time.

The servers may directly access the target in performing the role.

Some servers may be made capable of directly accessing the consumer electronics being serviced. For example, the notification server may send a notification directly to the target home appliance, and the DL server may send the upgraded firmware directly to the target home appliance.

The server 10 may be configured differently according to the contents of the management service. For example, in the case where only the firmware update is the service content, the service may be provided by the DM server, the notification server, or the DL server, so other servers may not be necessary. In addition, a notification server may not be necessary if the user is to perform a service without notifying a user of a firmware update.

In the present embodiment, since the firmware update, software (including various content) management, home appliance diagnostics, home appliance monitoring, notification of the refrigerator expiration date, providing the refrigerator food list, washing course upgrade, server as shown in Figure 2 It is merely illustrated that is configured, the present invention is not limited to the server configuration as shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the configuration and communication environment of each online system will be described in more detail. The following may not necessarily be all required. In addition, there may be configurations added by those described elsewhere herein.

(1) The server can be configured as follows.

1) DM Server

The role of the DM server is to issue management commands to the DM client. That is, it provides a management function to remotely handle firmware update (modem firmware / OS) management work, software management work, diagnostic management work, etc. through management commands. The DM server may include a session management area, a security management area, a DM protocol process area, a SyncML protocol engine area, and the like.

2) DL Server

The DL server is sending a file to the DL client. That is, the DL client delivers the information of the file to be transmitted through the DD (Download Descriptor), thereby providing a function of accurately downloading the file. Here, the DL client means a home appliance that downloads a file. The downloaded file includes a firmware update package and a software management package. The DL server may be configured to include a session management area, a package management area, a download area, and the like.

3) ONM Server or User Portal

The role of the ONM server interfaces with the DM or DL server and the legacy server, and the business logic is implemented. The operator can issue management commands or search management information through the management web page of the ONM server.

The user portal provides some of the features of ONM to end users. At this time, it is implemented through the open API of the DM server. The user can make a management service request to the DM server through the user portal.

4) Legacy Server

Representative Legacy server to which ONM server is interworked includes a server that receives terminal information and a server that receives user information. In other words, it provides information for implementing business logic by transferring user information or information of home appliances to the ONM server.

5) Notification Server

The notification server transmits the notification message of the DM server to the home appliance. The notification server may be configured to include a session generation area, a schedule management area, and the like.

If the home appliance exists in a private network, a connection manager specially configured on the server side may be required to maintain the connection with the home appliance. The appliance can automatically request a TCP connection after booting, and the connection manager maintains the requested TCP connection. The DM server delivers a notification message through this.

6) Open API

Applications of mobile communication terminals such as smartphones can remotely manage home appliances through an open API provided by DM server. The open API is described in detail below.

(2) Home appliances may include the following configurations.

1) Communication module

The home appliance is equipped with a communication module. Such a communication module is not limited to that kind. It may be a wired communication module or a wireless communication module.

For example, the communication module may be a Wi-Fi capable module or may be a module capable of PLC communication or Zigbee communication.

2) DM Client

The primary role of the DM client is to perform management commands on the DM server. In other words, the management function of the DM server provides a management function for remotely performing firmware update management, software management, diagnostic management, and control management.

3 shows an example in which a DM client is provided in a home appliance. In the case of a home appliance having a TFT display, a DM client may be mounted on a circuit board (display board) of the TFT. In FIG. 3, the main board is a circuit board for performing an original function of the home appliance. For example, in general, a washing machine may be provided with a main controller for controlling a water supply valve to perform washing and for controlling a motor connected to a drum.

The DM client may be mounted on the main board of the home appliance, but it may be advantageous to mount the display on the display board because the display window may be widely used to request management services.

3) DL Client

The primary role of the DL client is to download package files (firmware update packages, software management packages, etc.) from the DL server. It receives the download server URL from the DM client, connects to the download server, gets a download descriptor (DD), and executes a download task.

4) Agent

According to the management service content, it plays a role of performing the requested management service command in the home appliance. For example, the update agent plays a role of generating new firmware using an update package downloaded for firmware update. Update agents can be implemented in various ways by the manufacturer.

5) Bootstrap

The home appliance may include bootstrap information. This will be described in detail in the bootstrap procedure described later.

6) Daemon

The daemon can play a role in handling home appliances periodically connecting to the server. Unless the power cord is unplugged from your home appliance, it's always a good idea to keep the daemon on. For example, even when the washing machine is turned off, the daemon can always be kept on as long as the washing machine power cord is connected to the socket. If the washing machine needs to be turned on at the request of the server, the daemon can send a command to turn on the motherboard.

7) User Interface (UI)

In order to perform the management service, it may be necessary to obtain the user's approval, and there may be a case where the user requests the management service from the home appliance. The user interface may be a TFT LCD window of the terminal. The LCD screen may be provided so that a screen for the management service may pop up. The management service screen may be provided to input a user ID and password. Here, the user ID and password may be an ID and password granted while registering through a user site. The server system can identify the user through the ID and password. When the terminal requests a service, the terminal may transmit a user ID and password, a device ID, and service request information to the server system.

However, the above-described user interface is not provided in all home appliances. This is because, in addition to the user interface for performing the functions of home appliances, implementing an interface for additional management services may require a lot of cost and space.

For example, it may not be easy to implement an input means such as a character or a display unit (display unit) displaying a lot of information in a household appliance such as a laundry machine, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, or the like.

Therefore, an external terminal such as a smart phone may be required to perform the management service of the home appliance. This is because an external terminal such as a smart phone has its own communication module, memory, OS, input means, and display unit. Recently, many external terminals having a touch LCD or LED have been widely used. Therefore, the limitation of the user interface of the home appliance can be supplemented or extended through such an external terminal. Specific examples will be described later.

(3) The following describes the communication environment between home appliances and servers.

Basically, as long as it is suitable to perform the above management service, the communication environment is irrelevant.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which a wireless Internet communication module is applied to the home appliance 20 to communicate with the server 10 via an Internet network through an access point (AP).

Considering the communication path to the server 10 with the home appliance 20 as a starting point, after the AP is a public Internet network, and before the AP corresponds to a private Internet network. Each of the home appliances 21 and 22 receives a private IP from the AP 30, and the AP 30 itself has a unique IP.

The server 10 also has an IP, which may be a unique IP. Therefore, it is preferable that the communication module of the home appliance, for example, the Wi-Fi module, has a unique IP of the server. Through the bootstrap described above, the home appliance may be connected to the IP of the server so that communication between the home appliances is performed.

Thereafter, the DM client keeps sending a signal to the DM server so that the server 10 knows and locates the home appliance 20. The AP 30 sends the port information and its unique IP information connected to the home appliance to the DM server, through which the DM server knows the location of the DM client. When the home appliance 20 transmits the device ID information together to the server, the server system knows where the home appliance is located and can access the home appliance using the information. In this case, the user ID and password may also be transmitted.

Therefore, the server 10 can know where the specific home appliance 20 of the specific user is located. Therefore, when a specific management service is requested to the server through the external terminal of the home appliance or the user, the specific home appliance can be easily determined and performed.

(4) Admin Portal

The administrator portal is not necessary, but it is intended to allow administrators to perform their tasks efficiently. For example, referring to the case of a firmware update, an administrator who updates and registers firmware and an administrator who verifies a registered firmware update file may collaborate with each other through an administrator portal. The Admin Portal can include the Firmware Upgrade Process area, the Software Upgrade Process area, the Device Management area, the System Admin area, and the Statistics area. have.

Hereinafter, the contents and procedures of the management service will be described.

(1) Membership and activation of home appliances

4 shows membership and activation of home appliances.

As described above, the user may be given a user ID and password while accessing the user site 60 and registering.

The activation of the home appliance may be referred to as a procedure of registering the home appliance 20 of the user with the server 10. A window for inputting a user ID, a password, and the like may pop up on the display screen of the home appliance, and the user may perform an activation procedure through the screen. When the user enters his or her ID and password on the screen, and enters a command for activation, the home appliance transmits the user ID, password, device ID, and characteristic information of the terminal to the user site 60. At this time, the home appliance 20 may store the input user ID and password. Thus, it may be used to authenticate a user through the user ID and password.

The device ID may be previously input to the home appliance 20, or may be automatically generated in the home appliance when the activation procedure is performed. Alternatively, the device ID may be automatically generated when the home appliance is purchased and turned on for the first time.

The characteristic information of the home appliance may include model information of the home appliance, a product code, a manufacturing date, a production product number, and the like.

In addition, in the activation process, the home appliance may transmit a password of the home appliance, a service URL, and an ID and a password of the server together. Information, except for the user ID and password, of the information transmitted to the user site 60 in the activation procedure may be automatically generated or pre-input in the home appliance 20.

When the above-mentioned information is received at the user site 60 from the home appliance 20 through the activation procedure, the user site registers the home appliance with the user ID. Thus, in the user site, the home appliances 20 used by the user are registered for each user ID.

Thereafter, the user site 60 transmits a user ID and password, a device ID, and characteristic information of the home appliance to the server 10. At this time, the ID and password of the server may be transmitted together.

The server 10 first authenticates the transmitted information. Thus, if authentication passes, the user ID and password, device ID, product characteristic information, and the like are registered in the server. In this case, the device password may also be transmitted.

This activation procedure can be performed anywhere, provided that there is a communication environment for accessing the server and the user site. For example, an activation procedure may be performed instead at the place of purchase.

(2) Service request of user

The user may make a service request on the display screen of the home appliance 20 to receive the service. For example, after popping up a screen of a desired service on a display screen of the home appliance 20, a user ID and password may be input and a service request may be performed. In this case, the corresponding home appliance may transmit a user ID, a password, and a device ID together with information related to the service request.

In addition, the user may request a desired service through the user site 60. The user site may be provided with a web page for requesting a management service, the user may request a desired management service from the web page. When a service is requested from the user, the user site may transmit information about the service request to the server system. In this case, the user ID, password, and device ID may be transmitted together.

In addition, the user can call a customer call center to request a service. The customer call center may be designed to receive managed services through the ARS system.

On the other hand, a service request can also be made through a mobile communication terminal (external terminal) such as a smartphone. Figure 5 (a) illustrates the appearance of downloading a smartphone application for the management service. And (b) of Figure 5 illustrates a state of requesting a service through a smart phone, a customer call center, and home appliances.

When the service request is made through the smartphone, the user may start the management service application installed in the smartphone and then request the service while inputting a user ID and password. The smartphone may transmit information on the service request to the server system for the service request, and may transmit the user ID, the password, and the device ID together.

(3) firmware update

Firmware update is a service for responding to an error that occurs while a manufacturer is developing a product. The firmware update can be generated through the manufacturer's update package generator, and the generated update package is delivered to the corresponding product through the DM / DL client.

The update package delivered to the product may be stored at the reserved address of the promised flash memory, where the size of the update package may be limited by the manufacturer or operator.

The service procedure for updating the firmware update package is shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the procedure shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

1. Update Package Creation: The manufacturer creates new firmware when a change in the firmware occurs. Create an update package that records the differences between the new firmware and the current version of the firmware.

2. Update Package Registration: The manufacturer registers the created update package in the operator's system.

3. Test request: The registered update package will perform its own test procedure before sending it to the appliance.

4. Request for Distribution: Update packages that have passed the test are registered on the DL server for distribution as consumer electronics.

5. Request for notification: The DM server requests to send a notification message to perform a registered operation.

6. Notification message transmission: Notification message is sent to home appliances.

7. Update package download and installation request: Restart the appliance that has downloaded the update package (in some cases, update it before restarting).

8. Firmware update: In the home appliance, update is performed using UA.

9. Firmware update result notification: The home appliance notifies the DM server of the firmware update result.

The DM client of the home appliance interworks with the DM server and the OMA DM protocol, and the firmware update updates the firmware by interworking with the DM client and the FUMO Agent in the home appliance.

The starting agent of the firmware update procedure is the DM server and the user, and the DM session mode can support both Background and Foreground.

In the case of the start by the DM server, the DM client may receive a notification message from the DM server and start it. At this time, the download and the update can be performed simultaneously. That is, immediately after downloading the update package file, an update process (FUMO Node: DownloadAndUpdate) may be performed through the UA.

In the case of starting by the user, the user may input the update progress (FUMO Node: DownloadAndUpdate) through the display screen menu item of the home appliance.

(4) software management

Software management is the administrative task of adding, updating, and deleting software. The user software may be installed in the file system area (including internal / external memory) of the terminal.

The procedure for managing the software is shown in FIG. 7, and Push-type service is possible using this. The procedure shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

1. Software management package creation: Software manufacturers create management (distribution) packages for software development and their OS.

2. Management package registration: The software manufacturer registers the generated management package with the server.

3. Test Request: Test the generated management package.

4. Request Distribution: Request distribution of the management package that has been tested.

5. Request notification: The DM server requests the notification message to be sent to perform the registered operation.

6. Send notification message: The notification message is sent to the terminal.

7. Management package download and installation request: The DM server requests the DM or DL client to download and install the management package.

8. Management Package Operation: The downloaded management package requests the installer of the corresponding OS to install with the desired option by the SCoMO Agent, and the OS installer installs / updates the management package in the user file system area.

9. Notification of management operation result: The DM client of the terminal notifies the DM server of the management operation result.

The DM client of the terminal interoperates with the DM server and the OMA DM protocol. Software management manages the software by interworking between the DM client and the SCoMO Agent in the terminal.

The start agent of the software management procedure may be a DM server, and the DM session mode may support both background and foreground. The terminal can receive the notification message from the DM server and start the DM client. Here too, download and update can proceed simultaneously. In other words, immediately after downloading the management package file, the ScoMO Agent executes the management work (SCoMO Node: DownloadInstallInactive or DownloadInstall).

(5) Home appliance control management (product control)

It is possible to control the product remotely. Control management can be initiated by the DM server and can run in the background. Therefore, interaction with the user through the MMI and generation of interrupts may not be considered.

In the case of refrigerators, refrigerator temperature, freezer temperature, converter room temperature or mode (frozen food mode, meat mode, vegetable mode, etc.), express freezer control (including on / off), refrigerator operation mode control (normal mode, test mode, LQC mode, display mode, smart diagnosis, etc.), dispenser control (flake ice mode, water mode, each ice mode, etc.) may be the control items.

In the case of a washing machine, the control items may be power on or off, operation execution, operation suspension, and the like. In addition, the control item may be a change of reservation and a detailed option of a washing course. It is also possible to control the wrinkle prevention function to be performed after the end of the washing course. Such, control management can be made through the DM server via an open API using the application of the smartphone.

A procedure for control management is illustrated in FIG. 9, which will be described in detail.

1. Control item inquiry / execution request: The operator (or user) requests the control item inquiry / execution task to the ONM server using the management screen of the ONM server.

2. Job registration and notification request: The ONM server requests a control / execution job to the DM server and a notification to the home appliance through a notification message.

3. Request notification: DM server requests product notification to Notify server.

4. Send notification message: Send notification message to home appliance.

5. Control Work Progress: The home appliance receives the notification message from the DM server and accesses the DM server to perform the control work.

The DM client of the home appliance interoperates with the DM server and the OMA DM protocol and controls management by interworking with the DM client and the control agent in the home appliance.

The start subject of the control management may be a DM server, and the DM session mode may be a background. The DM client receives the notification message from the DM server and starts it.

(6) diagnosis

Diagnosis is a service for diagnosing home appliances. For example, when it is considered that there is a problem such as a failure in the washing machine, the user can request a diagnostic service. The washing machine may start a diagnostic program when a diagnostic command is issued and collect data for diagnosis.

The home appliance may collect event data or log data during normal operation. This data can be used as diagnostic data. That is, even when there is no diagnostic request, diagnostic data may be collected. For example, when an event in which the drum of the washing machine does not rotate occurs, such event data may be recorded and stored. Therefore, when a diagnostic request is made, the collected data may be transmitted to the server system by driving the diagnostic program together with the data collected and recorded.

In the case of a washing machine, the diagnostic data may include a driving rate data of a motor, power data loaded in a washing machine, temperature data in a tub or drum, data related to an operation of a water supply valve, data related to an operation of a drain valve, and the like.

In addition, the refrigerator may include data related to the operation of the cooling fan, data relating to the operation of the refrigerator or freezer compartment temperature, data related to the operation of the compressor, data related to the operation of various valves such as expansion valves, data related to the operation of the ice maker, and the like.

In addition, the diagnostic data includes data related to the operation of the display unit or the input unit corresponding to the user interface, a water level sensor (for a washing machine), various temperature sensors (for example, a sensor for detecting a temperature in a tub of a washing machine, a refrigerator or a freezer of a refrigerator, etc.). Data such as temperature sensors, etc.).

The diagnostic data may include information on command execution time and data generation time. Such diagnostic data may be transmitted to a server, and the server may start an analysis program to produce a diagnostic result.

The request for diagnosis may be made through a smartphone, or when a user requests a customer center, the request may be made by accessing a server system in the customer center. In addition, when an error occurs in the home appliance, the error information may be transmitted to the server to perform diagnosis.

The interface of the open API for diagnosis can be designed to provide only a start interface. Thus, starting and stopping the diagnosis may not be provided.

9 shows a procedure for diagnosis, which will be described below. Since the diagnostic procedure may be the same as the monitoring procedure described later, it is shown in FIG. 9.

1. Request for diagnosis / monitoring setting: The operator (or user) requests the condition for the diagnosis / monitoring and the start of execution using the management screen of the diagnosis server.

2. Request for job registration and notification: The management server requests the DM server for conditions for diagnosis / monitoring, execution request and notification.

3. Request notification: The DM server requests a notification to the terminal from the Notify server.

4. Send notification message: Notify server sends notification message to terminal.

5. Diagnosis / Monitoring Configuration: The DM server requests the DM client to start the condition and conditions for diagnosis / monitoring.

6. Diagnosis / Monitoring Result Notification / Data Inquiry: The DM client (DiagMon Agent) of the terminal notifies the DM server of the result (Alert message) when the diagnosis / monitoring is completed.

The start subject of the diagnosis / monitoring management may be a DM server or a user, and the DM session mode may be a background.

In the case of starting the DM server, the DM client receives and starts a notification message from the DM server. In the case of user start, the user starts diagnosis / monitoring on the screen of the home appliance, and the home appliance executes the DM client after the diagnosis / monitoring is completed.

Meanwhile, another embodiment for performing diagnosis will be described. This involves the user transmitting the operation sound or diagnostic sound of the home appliance to the server. For example, the user may transmit an operation sound generated during operation of the home appliance or a diagnosis sound for diagnosis to the server system through the mobile communication terminal. The server system may diagnose the home appliance by analyzing the operation sound or the diagnosis sound. The method for transmitting the operation sound or the diagnosis sound to the server system can be implemented in various ways. For example, when a user calls a service center and transmits an operation sound or a diagnosis sound of a corresponding terminal through a handset of a mobile communication terminal, the service center may transmit it to a server.

The service center may include an ARS system for automatically transmitting the operation sound or the diagnosis sound as described above. In addition, the user may use a mobile communication terminal (eg, a smartphone) in which a program for diagnosis is installed. That is, it is conceivable to transmit the diagnostic sound for diagnosis to the server using the diagnostic program installed in the mobile communication terminal. In this case, the transmission may be directly to the server, or when the transmission is to the user site, the user site may be transmitted to the server.

The server system may have a program for performing diagnosis by analyzing the operation sound. The program may analyze the diagnosis sound sound data and convert the sound into error code or status information. Such a diagnosis result may be transmitted to the mobile communication terminal of the user or may be transmitted to the corresponding home appliance.

(7) monitoring

Monitoring is a service related to the monitoring of home appliances. When monitoring is requested, the home appliance may transmit monitoring data to the server system.

For example, when the washing machine requests monitoring data, the washing machine may start a program for monitoring, collect monitoring data, and transmit the monitoring data to the server. In this case, the monitoring data may include information of a monitoring command execution time and monitoring data generation time. And, if there is a request for monitoring execution, it can be made to repeatedly deliver the monitoring data after starting the monitoring.

In the case of the refrigerator, the monitoring items may include the state of express refrigeration, hygiene filter state (for example, on or auto state), refrigerator operation mode, dispenser state, error state, door open or closed state, and the like. have. In the case of the washing machine, the operation state, the remaining time of the running course, the initial setting time, the type of washing course, rinsing level, dehydration RPM, the temperature set for the course, reservation washing time, etc. may be included in the monitoring item.

The monitoring service may be requested through a smartphone and the inquiry of the result may be possible.

The open API's interface for monitoring can be designed to provide both a start and end interface.

The procedure for monitoring may be the same as in FIG. 9.

2 to 9 have been described in detail an embodiment of the home appliance and the on-line system including the same that can implement the present invention.

Hereinafter, a communication connection method of a home appliance and a configuration therefor will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 10.

The home appliance 20 ultimately must communicate with the server 10. To do this, first, it must communicate with the AP 30 in the home. Therefore, the home appliance 20 should be equipped with a communication module or connected. In more detail, the communication module may be a Wi-Fi communication module 25.

First, power is applied to the home appliance 20 through the power selector 140 provided in the control panel 100 of the home appliance 20. At this time, power is also applied to the Wi-Fi communication module 25.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, many home appliances are not provided with an interface for inputting characters or the like and a display unit for displaying various types of screens. Therefore, it is not easy for the home appliance 20 to communicate with the AP 30. To this end, the Wi-Fi communication module 25 preferably supports a setting mode for communication connection and a use mode that can communicate. That is, the Wi-Fi communication module 25 needs to perform a setting mode in order to connect with the communication, and when the communication is connected in the setting mode, the Wi-Fi communication module 25 is switched to the use mode. Therefore, first of all, the setting mode of the Wi-Fi communication module 25 is operated for communication connection.

Input means may be provided in the Wi-Fi communication module 25 for the operation of the setting mode. In many cases, however, the Wi-Fi communication module 25 will be embedded in the home appliance 20. Therefore, the input means may be provided in a home appliance.

However, as shown in FIG. 1, it is not easy to provide an input means only for this function in the control panel 100. This is because it may not be necessary to have an input means for selecting a specific function only for mass production. Therefore, it is preferable to operate the setting mode by selecting a specific input unit among existing input means.

For example, the control panel 100 may be provided with a reservation button 123. The user may select a time point at which the washing course ends while pressing the reservation button 123. For example, the reservation button 123 may be selected to select the washing course to end after 4 hours. The controller of the washing machine may control to stop the operation for 2 hours and to perform the washing course after 2 hours if the washing course takes 2 hours.

The reservation button may be less frequently used than other input units. Therefore, the setting mode can be activated through the reservation button. Here, the input method of the reservation button needs to be different. For example, different time periods for pressing the reservation button may be used to select a natural reservation function selection or a setting mode operation selection.

Meanwhile, the phrase "smart reservation" may be displayed on the reservation button instead of the phrase "reservation". This is to explicitly indicate that the above-described management service can be used. Therefore, after selecting the smart reservation it is possible to perform a remote control such as a change in the reservation time through the external terminal as described below.

As described above, the Wi-Fi communication module is operated in a setting mode by selecting a specific input unit. However, a separate means for setting, for example, means for displaying or inputting user information and connectable network information may not be provided in the home appliance 20.

Therefore, the setting mode is preferably to be connected through an external terminal. Here, the external terminal is preferably a device including a Wi-Fi communication module, a text input means, a display means, a central processing unit (CPU), an operating system (OS) and a storage means. For example, it may be a smart phone.

The external terminal may be provided to connect the Wi-Fi communication module with the AP 30 in place of the Wi-Fi communication module or home appliances. Therefore, the SSID (Service Set IDentifier, WLAN name) information of the access point (AP) 30 and the user information for registering the home appliance are received through the external terminal in the setting mode.

Accessible SSIDs are displayed on the external terminal, and a user selects an SSID to be continuously connected, for example, an SSID used at home. Here, when the security is set in the wireless LAN, the external terminal must also input the SSID selection and its password. Therefore, the SSID information may include a password of the SSID.

The Wi-Fi communication module is switched to the use mode by receiving the user information and the SSID information. In this case, it is preferable that such information is automatically stored in the communication module when the SSID information and the user information are input. Therefore, the communication can be continuously performed without a separate setting mode operation. That is, the information is automatically connected to the AP in the use mode. Therefore, the home appliance 20 is capable of wireless LAN communication with a specific AP (30). In other words, short-range communication is possible.

On the other hand, the communication module has the address of the server 10 to be connected. Here, the address of the server is preferably a fixed IP. Therefore, in the usage mode, the home appliance 20 may communicate with the server 10 through the AP 30. Therefore, the user information and product information previously stored in the home appliance through the AP is automatically registered in the server 10 when the use mode is switched.

Here, the user information may be information previously stored in the server 10 through the above-described user site. Therefore, the server 10 stores the previously stored user information and product information through the user site 60 in comparison with the information received when the use mode is switched. Through this, the server 10 recognizes a specific user and a specific home appliance thereof. In particular, it is possible to recognize the location of a specific home appliance.

Meanwhile, the Wi-Fi communication module 25 has a fixed address for setting mode operation. An external terminal 40 enters the fixed address to access the setting mode. The fixed address may be designated in the form of 192.1.xx.xx. Setting mode connection of the external terminal 40 means that the input means and the display means of the communication module 25 can be extended by using the external terminal 40.

Accordingly, the user can easily switch the communication module 25 from the setting mode to the use mode through the external terminal 40. This means that the home appliance 20 is made without adding or changing hardware. And since the external terminal 40 is provided separately, it is possible to prevent the price of the home appliance rises excessively.

The home appliance 20 may include a status display unit 130 as shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the setting mode connection and the use mode switching can be easily performed through the status display unit 130. This will be described.

When the power selector 140 is pressed, the status display unit 130 may display guide text for selecting a washing course as shown in FIG. 11. That is, the guidance text requesting the user's selection in the home appliance may be displayed. Of course, such a guide text display may be a text that is displayed first when power is applied.

After the operation of the setting mode, the status display unit 130, it is preferable to display that the Wi-Fi setting mode is in operation as shown in FIG. As described above, the operation of the setting mode may be performed by selection of a specific selector. For example, the setting mode may be operated by pressing the smart reservation button 123 for 3 seconds or more. The user can clearly recognize through the status display unit 130 that the operation corresponding to the command is being performed.

In addition, in the setting mode, the status display unit 130 preferably displays a fixed address for accessing the setting mode and information of the SSID to be connected. Therefore, the user can easily enter the fixed address into the external terminal.

An example of a screen connected to the setting mode by inputting the fixed address in the external terminal 40 is shown in FIG. 13. A screen for inputting a user AP, that is, SSID information (SSID name and / or SSID password) to be accessed, and a screen for inputting a user ID and password are illustrated.

The user ID and password may be information that is preset through the user site 60 described above.

Therefore, when the input is registered, the home appliance 20 is registered in the server 10.

Meanwhile, FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the status display unit 130 of the home appliance 20 after accessing the setting mode by inputting a fixed address to the external terminal 20. The home appliance, in particular, the Wi-Fi communication module 25 is connected to the external terminal 40. That is, you are connected to set up Wi-Fi. Therefore, it is preferable that the status display unit 130 displays the information that the Wi-Fi is being set.

When the Wi-Fi setting mode is completed, the screen of FIG. 14 may be switched to the screen shown in FIG. 15 as an example. That is, information indicating that the Wi-Fi setting is completed may be displayed, and a Wi-Fi icon may be displayed. The Wi-Fi icon is then displayed continuously during the communication connection.

After a set time, for example, 3 seconds, the screen of FIG. 15 is switched to the initial screen, that is, the screen shown in FIG. Of course, the Wi-Fi icon display is further added on the screen of FIG.

Through the features of the home appliance status display unit 130 and the features of the Wi-Fi module, the user can easily and quickly register the home appliance in the server 10 to use a later management service.

On the other hand, as well as using the external terminal 40 as an auxiliary means for communication connection of home appliances, it can easily use the management service of the home appliances. Similarly, since the extended input means and the display means of the external terminal 40 can be utilized.

To this end, the external terminal 40 may be provided with an application program for requesting and performing at least one of remote control, remote diagnosis, firmware or software update, and monitoring of the home appliance 20.

Upon initial execution of the application, information of a user is transmitted to a server, and communication with home appliances corresponding to the user can perform the requested service. On the other hand, the application program may display a product that can be managed services, it may be provided to select a product owned by the actual user among these products. If the user's product is not registered in the server, the product may be registered in the server through the application program. This may be substituted for performing the configuration mode of the aforementioned Wi-Fi module.

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of performing a management service, in particular, a remote control through the application program.

First, when an application program is executed, the screen shown as an example in FIG. 16 may be displayed. When the user presses the remote control, a screen for logging in to the server is displayed and an example is shown in FIG. The user enters the country selection (server selection), user ID and password to access the server. Of course, such a login screen may be displayed only in the case of initial login, and thereafter, the login screen may be automatically logged in. However, since others may execute these applications arbitrarily, it may be desirable to log in by inputting at least the user's password every time the application is executed.

After login, the server determines whether the user is registered with the server. If not registered, the external terminal may display a user site and request registration, or may be directly connected to the user site. Of course, such user site display may be displayed on the login screen.

If the user is registered, the server may know whether the home appliance of the user is registered. Therefore, if there is a registered home appliance, the external terminal displays it. If there are multiple users, the user can select a specific product to receive the service. Then, the user can request a management service of a specific product through the application program.

Meanwhile, when the user's home appliance is not registered in the server, the product may be registered in the server by selecting the product registration method illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 17. Therefore, when the user logs in, the server determines whether the user's product is registered in the server.

 The application may be for a specific product line, for example a laundry machine. It may also be for a particular product, for example a washing machine. Thus, when a user runs an application, he or she wants a specific product line or a service of a specific product. Therefore, when the user executes such an application, it means that the user logs in to the server by inputting user information of a specific product or a specific product. Therefore, after login, the server determines whether the home appliance is registered with the server along with the user information.

If a product related to the application program is not registered after user login, the product is not displayed as shown in FIG. 18 as an example. Therefore, product registration is also possible through this screen.

The user selecting the product registration method illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18 means accessing the above-described setting mode of the home appliance. That is, the Wi-Fi communication module of each home appliance may have a fixed address for a setting mode. Selecting a method of registering a product means that an application program accesses the fixed address. Subsequently, matters related to the status display unit 130 of the external terminal and the home appliance may be the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 15.

On the other hand, when registering a product on the server, the important thing is to let the server know which user's product and where it is located. Therefore, the user's information should be sent to the server when registering the product. In addition, information about the AP address should be transmitted to the server. The configuration mode connection of the aforementioned Wi-Fi communication module may be referred to to match the user's information to the product. Therefore, communication between the external terminal and the home appliance is not necessary.

That is, in the setting mode operation, the AP may be found by itself. The AP information, home appliance information (eg, a washing machine), and user information may be transmitted to a server or the fixed address site through an external terminal. Therefore, the server can determine whose home appliances are currently connected to a specific AP through which information and which home appliances. In addition, user information may be transmitted to and stored in the communication module.

Through this, protocol setting or addition of hardware for communication between the communication module of the home appliance and the external terminal is not required. Therefore, it is possible to easily register the home appliance to the server without adding costs.

Therefore, the user can register the home appliance with the server more easily by using such an application program. In addition, the above-described various management services may be performed using such an application program.

In the above, the method or procedure of registering a user and a home appliance as a server, the features of the home appliance, and the features of the online service have been described in detail.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of implementing an online service of a home appliance using an external terminal after a user and a home appliance are registered in a server will be described in detail. In particular, an embodiment of the remote control of the washing machine will be described in detail.

Remote control means to control the operation of the washing machine through an application of an external terminal, for example, a smart phone, if described easily. To facilitate this, a server is provided between the smartphone and the washing machine.

In the case of a washing machine, it is not desirable that remote control is possible. This is because the remote control is meaningless when the washing machine is not ready for operation, such as when the door of the washing machine is open or when no detergent is added to the washing machine.

Thus, the washing machine may be provided with a remote control selection to selectively enable remote control. This information can be sent to the server if a remote control selection has been made. Of course, when the user requests the status information of the washing machine through the application program, it may be received by the server.

The remote control selector may be the reservation selector 123 illustrated in FIG. 1 specifically the smart reservation selector 123. In order to activate the reservation selector 123, that is, to perform a reservation, the operation button 150 should be selected. Therefore, it is preferable that the remote control is possible through the external terminal only when the remote control activation is made in the washing machine.

Remote control activation of the washing machine may be performed by selecting a reservation function through the reservation selection unit 123 and selecting an operation button 150.

As described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, the user may log in to the server by transmitting user information to the server through an external terminal. If the application is for a service of a specific product, for example, a remote control of the washing machine, user information and washing machine information will be received at the server during the login phase.

If the application is for services of multiple products, only user information will be received at the server during the login phase. After the login phase, the user selects a particular product so that information about the particular product will be received at the server. Therefore, when the service target product is selected after the login is completed or after the login, the user can request the service of the target product.

The user requests the server for status information of the washing machine. The screen display of the external terminal for this purpose is shown in FIG. That is, the user selects the displayed remote control and requests the server for status information of the washing machine.

The server determines the washing machine corresponding to the user information and the washing machine information. That is, it determines which washing machine is currently connected to the AP. Then, the determined washing machine requests status information.

In response to the request, the washing machine transmits the status information to the sub, and the server transmits the received status information to the external terminal. The external terminal receives and displays the state information.

The state information may include whether the washing machine power is on or off. 19 and 20 illustrate examples of being displayed on the external terminal when the power is on and when the power is off.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the user may turn off the washing machine by selecting the power display unit. However, as shown in FIG. 20, when the power of the washing machine is turned off, the remote control function is not performed and it is preferable to display this. Since the remote control function is not performed, the washing machine cannot be turned on.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19, when only the power-on state is displayed, the washing machine does not perform any operation but only the power-on state. The washing machine is configured to automatically turn off when the selected operation is completed. Therefore, it can be said that the operation button is not selected after the power is turned on in order to select a washing course or the like when only the power is on. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to be configured to turn off the power of the washing machine through a remote control.

Here, turning off the power through the external terminal can also be referred to as a remote control. Therefore, the power may not be turned off when only the power is on. In other words, it is possible to simply monitor the current state.

Similarly, the current washing machine may be configured to monitor whether a washing course is being performed, a washing stroke, a rinsing rinse or a dehydration stroke, and a drying stroke of the washing course through the external terminal. In this case, the remote control activation of the above-described washing machine may not be performed.

That is, when the remote control activation of the washing machine is not made, the external terminal may simply monitor the current state of the washing machine, and remote control may not be possible.

On the other hand, when the remote control activation of the washing machine is made as well, the external terminal may monitor the state of the current washing machine and may be configured to enable remote control. Therefore, the server preferably receives the remote control activation information of the washing machine from the washing machine.

If the remote control of the washing machine is not activated and the server does not receive such information, the user cannot remotely control the washing machine through the external terminal. Of course, this content may be displayed on the external terminal, or a display for remote control may not be displayed on the external terminal.

As described above, the remote control activation may include a smart reservation input and an operation input. Thereafter, the state of the washing machine may be any one of a waiting state for performing a scheduled course, a course performing state, and a course ending state. Of course, it may be a wrinkle prevention state to be described later after the course. The power may be turned off after the course ends or the wrinkle prevention ends. More specifically, the course performing state may include a washing stroke, a rinsing stroke, a dehydration stroke, or a drying stroke.

Therefore, when the remote control is activated except when the power is turned off in the above-described state of the washing machine, the user can perform various types of remote control through the external terminal.

21 illustrates an example displayed on the external terminal when the washing machine is in a reserved state, and any one or more of the remaining time until the operation is completed, the selected washing course, the detailed option of the setting course, and the reservation time change selection unit may be displayed.

Here, the reservation state, that is, the reservation is in progress, means that the washing is completed when the time set from the present time, that is, the displayed time means that the current washing is not performed.

FIG. 22 illustrates a state display unit 130 of the washing machine corresponding to the display of the external terminal illustrated in FIG. 21. Similarly, the status display unit 130 of the washing machine may display the reservation and the remaining time, and detailed options.

When the washing machine is being reserved, the user may change the reservation time through an external terminal. That is, the reservation time can be changed by pressing the change of the reservation time shown in FIG.

When the washing machine is in the reserved state, the detailed options of the reserved washing course, that is, the detailed value of the setting course may be checked or changed. In addition, the washing machine may be turned off.

23 shows an example of a pop-up window generated when the change of the reservation time is selected. The user can change the desired reservation time through a pop-up window. In case of confirming by changing the reservation time or canceling the change, the pop-up window will disappear and the screen of FIG. 21 will be switched. At this time, the time remaining until the completion of washing will be displayed as a changed time. That is, when 3 hours is changed to 4 hours, 3 hours in FIG. 21 will be changed to 4 hours.

24 illustrates an example of the status display unit 130 when the reservation time is changed through an external terminal. Information that the reservation time has changed and the remaining time is displayed. Thereafter, after the set time has elapsed (for example, 3 seconds have elapsed), the display shown in FIG. 22 is switched. Of course, the remaining time will be displayed changed from 3 hours to 4 hours.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example displayed on the external terminal when the washing machine is in operation, and any one or more of the time remaining until the operation is completed, the detailed progress administration display, and the detailed options of the setting course may be displayed on the external terminal. That is, the screen may be displayed when a reservation is selected and a scheduled washing course is being performed. Specifically, the selected course may be displayed, and detailed strokes in the course, that is, whether it is being washed or rinsed, may be displayed.

FIG. 26 is an example of a washing machine state display unit 130 corresponding to FIG. 25. The remaining time until the end of the course and the progress of the course can be displayed. In addition, it may be displayed whether it is being washed, rinsed, or dehydrated. Of course, it can also be displayed whether it is drying.

Meanwhile, when the washing machine is in operation, that is, before the course is completed, the user may select the wrinkle prevention function through the external terminal. That is, the washing machine may be selected to perform the wrinkle prevention function.

The wrinkle prevention function means a function of preventing the occurrence of wrinkles in the laundry by driving the drum after the end of the course. When the washing or drying is finished, the laundry of the laundry in the drum is pressed under the drum by its own weight. In particular, when the laundry is finished, the water remains in the laundry and there is a high possibility of wrinkles caused by the load. In addition, when the laundry is entangled with each other, there is a greater risk of wrinkles. Therefore, it is necessary to drive the drum continuously, periodically or intermittently to prevent wrinkles from occurring in the laundry.

In the case of a dryer or washing and drying machine, cold air can be supplied to the laundry in the drum. Thus, it is also possible to supply cold air continuously, periodically or intermittently into the drum.

The wrinkle prevention function is very effective when the laundry is left in the drum for a long time after the end of the course. Therefore, the wrinkle prevention function may be selected and performed only through the external terminal. That is, the control panel of the washing machine, dryer or washing and drying machine may not be provided with a selection unit for selecting such a function. This is because, when the user performs washing by directly operating the control panel, the laundry is less likely to be left in the drum for a long time.

Therefore, it is preferable that the user selects such a function through the external terminal only when the user makes a laundry reservation by going out or going to work, that is, when the remote control is activated.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, the user may select to perform the wrinkle prevention function by selecting the wrinkle prevention function displayed on the external terminal. Preferably, the wrinkle prevention time is input by default. For example, the preset time is 4 hours. This is because, if only a short time is set, the laundry can be prevented for a long time. In addition, when a long time is set in the washing machine, the user can release the wrinkle prevention by pressing any button of the washing machine.

For example, as shown in FIG. 25, when one hour and fifty minutes remain until the end of washing, and three hours remain until the user arrives at home, the user may select the wrinkle prevention. Therefore, even if the user arrives home after 5 hours, the wrinkle prevention function is being performed, the user can stop the operation of the washing machine by pressing any button of the washing machine after arriving home.

FIG. 27 is an example displayed on the state display unit of the washing machine when the wrinkle prevention is selected on the external terminal screen shown in FIG. 25. In the previous screen shown in FIG. 26, it is displayed that the wrinkle prevention is selected instead of the information of washing. The time at which wrinkle prevention is completed may be displayed. Thereafter, after the set time has elapsed, the screen shown in FIG. 26, that is, the previous screen is preferably switched.

28 is an example of a washing machine state display unit when the course is finished. If the anti-crease function is not performed, the washing machine will be turned off after a certain time. However, when the wrinkle prevention function is performed, it may be indicated that wrinkle prevention is being performed as shown in FIG. 29. In this case, the screen shown in FIG. 28 and the screen shown in FIG. 29 may be alternately displayed for a predetermined time so that the user can more clearly grasp the state of the current washing machine.

In the above description has been made an embodiment in which the user actively checks the state information of the home appliance, in particular the laundry machine through the external terminal. That is, an embodiment in which the user executes an application and checks the state of the washing apparatus for remote monitoring or remote control has been described.

Unlike the above-described embodiment, it will be possible for the washing machine or the server to actively provide the state information of the washing machine to the user. That is, it will be possible to actively provide the state information of the washing machine of the user to the external terminal of the user.

The server stores information including the telephone number of the user. Therefore, the server will be able to provide the status information of the washing machine in the form of a message to an external terminal such as the user's smartphone.

In addition, when an application program for remote control is executed in an external terminal of the user, the external terminal, the server, and the laundry apparatus are in communication with each other. Accordingly, it may be possible to provide the washing machine status information in the form of a push message in the application.

Here, it is not preferable that the status information is provided to the user every time the washing apparatus is operated. Therefore, it is desirable to place certain restrictions on the provision of information. For this purpose, the above-described remote control activation input means can be used. That is, the external terminal can receive the state information of the washing apparatus only when the remote control activation input means is selected. The input means may be an input means such as a button provided separately in the home appliance. Of course, as described above, the washing machine may be a reservation button and an operation button.

Since home appliances such as washing machines do not always operate, an operation button is preferably included in the input means. However, a home appliance that always operates, such as a refrigerator, may be remotely activated through a single input button or input means.

The push message may be provided at set time intervals until the end of washing or the end of wrinkle prevention. Of course, the updated status information of the washing machine will be provided.

The state information of the washing apparatus may include any one of information related to the start of the washing course, information related to the end of the course, and information related to the wrinkle prevention function performed after the end of the course.

The information related to the start of the course may include any one of information indicating that washing starts after a specific time elapses and information that washing starts. The information related to the wrinkle prevention function may include any one of information indicating that the wrinkle prevention function is started after washing and information indicating that the wrinkle prevention function is finished.

The state information of the washing apparatus may include information on which of the following processes is specifically performed during washing, rinsing, dehydration, or drying during the course.

30 illustrates an example of a screen provided as a push message while executing an application program of an external terminal. Specifically, it is a push message informing that the washing is finished and wrinkle prevention is performed. The push message may be provided in the form of a popup window, and when the ok is pressed, the popup window may be closed.

On the other hand, the state information of the washing machine can be shared not only with the user but also with people associated with the user. That is, it is possible to share using social network servie (SNS).

The server may have user information and laundry device information, including SNS account information of the user. The server may store such information through the aforementioned user site or an external terminal. Therefore, if necessary, the washing apparatus or the server may provide the state information of the washing apparatus to the user's SNS account. The provision of this information can likewise be based on the input of the remote control activation input means described above.

Meanwhile, as described above, the user may remotely control the washing machine through an external terminal under the input of the remote control activation input means. For example, when a user does not perform a separate remote control after inputting the remote control activation and the remote control, the information provided through the SNS may be different.

For example, the user may change the reservation time or select a wrinkle prevention function through an external terminal. Therefore, the server can provide the remote control information to the SNS account of the user only when performing the remote control of this example.

When the user changes the reservation time through the external terminal, the server may register that the reservation time of the washing machine is changed through the smartphone in the user's SNS account. Thus, people associated with the user through the SNS can share this information.

Therefore, it is possible to share the smart function of selecting the wrinkle prevention function or changing the reservation time through the external terminal can significantly increase the satisfaction of the product.

10: server 20: home appliances
30: AP 40: external terminal
60: user site 100: control panel of home appliances
130: status display unit of home appliances

Claims (1)

Selecting, at an external terminal, a menu for remote control and sending user information to a server to log in to the server;
Receiving, at the server, the user information and the information of the home appliance during the login step, or the information of a specific home appliance for a service request among a plurality of home appliances after the login step;
Determining, by the server, the home appliance corresponding to the home appliance through the user information and the home appliance information and requesting state information from the home appliance;
Receiving, at the server, state information from the home appliance and transmitting the state information to the external terminal; And
Receiving the status information and displaying the status information on the external terminal.

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