KR20200032082A - control method of water dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control method for a water dispensing device, which comprises the steps of: inputting a voice-type call word spoken by a user into a microphone; recognizing, by a voice recognition module, the input call word and outputting a call word recognition guide sound through a speaker; inputting, into the microphone, a desired amount of discharge water in the form of speech uttered by the user; recognizing, by the voice recognition module, the input desired amount of discharge water, and outputting, through the speaker, a discharge water amount recognition guide sound; inputting, by the user, a water discharge command; opening a water discharge valve to discharge water; and closing the water discharge valve to terminate the water discharge when the amount of discharged water detected by a flow sensor reaches the desired water discharge amount which is input.

Description

Control method of water dispensing apparatus

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

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

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

In addition, the water dispensing device is widely used for household purposes as a mechanism for removing impurities by filtering water.

In the case of a household water dispensing device, it is connected to the water and removes suspended substances or harmful components contained in tap water using a filter, and is configured to purify and take out as much water as desired according to the user's operation.

A variety of products are available for such water dispensing devices capable of taking out hot and cold water as well as purified water. In addition, recently, a water dispensing device having a small size and capable of being installed in various installation environments has been developed.

The conventional water dispensing device mainly mounts a cup or a container desired to be supplied to the lower portion of the water discharge nozzle to supply water in a manual manner by pressing the water supply button, and the desired amount of water is taken while the user grips the cup. After checking, the pressing operation of the water supply button is stopped.

Accordingly, the user must continuously check the amount of water until the desired amount of water is taken, and if the distraction is briefly ingested during the intake, water exceeding the capacity of the cup is discharged, causing water around the water dispensing device. There is a problem of flowing down, and when taking hot water, the user's hand may be burned.

In addition, in the prior art, a water dispensing device has been released that allows a predetermined amount of water to be taken when a button is input, because an automatic water intake button is mounted. There was a hassle of pressing the water release button several times in order to fill a large cup with water.

That is, in the conventional water dispensing device as described above, when the user sets a desired flow rate, water extraction proceeds as much as the set flow rate. For example, when the user sets the water discharge flow rate to 50 ml, when the user presses the water discharge button, only 50 ml of water discharge proceeds.

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

In addition, in the conventional case, in order to proceed with the amount of water exceeding the set flow rate, the button for adjusting the amount of water for controlling the amount of water is firstly operated, and the button for commanding the water for the second time is operated for the second time. There was a hassle that had to proceed with the manipulation.

In addition, there has been a problem in that a larger number of button operations are required to accurately control a large amount of water discharged or discharged.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2010-0091633

The object of the present invention is to solve the conventional problems as described above, after inputting the desired amount of water by voice, and pressing the water extraction button only once, the desired amount of water can proceed, so that the operation of the device is easy. It is to provide a control method of a water dispensing device that can be set.

In addition, it is to provide a control method of a water dispensing device that can input the desired amount of water discharge through voice recognition, thereby improving the limitation of setting the amount of water discharged.

In addition, in the state in which the water discharge amount is determined through voice recognition, the water discharge proceeds only when the user's last operation is performed, and in the state where the user is not ready to receive water, an accident in which water is discharged at random can be prevented. That is, it is to provide a control method of a water dispensing device that can ensure the safety of water discharge.

In addition, when the desired amount of water is input by voice, when a container disposed under the water discharge nozzle is detected, a water discharge command can be input by voice, so that water dispensing can proceed without a single button operation. It is to provide a control method of the device.

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

In addition, the microphone or the voice recognition module is controlled to be switched to an on mode only when a user approaching the water outlet nozzle of the device or a container such as a cup disposed under the water outlet nozzle is detected. Therefore, it is to provide a control method of a water dispensing device that can lower the standby power of the device and improve the power consumption.

In addition, it is to provide a control method of a water dispensing device in which the amount of water desired by a user can be discharged without pressing the water discharge button.

A control method of a water dispensing device according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, a microphone to which a voice uttered from a user is inputted, a voice recognition module for recognizing the inputted voice information to the user, and a user A speaker that outputs a guide sound, a filter that filters raw water, a water discharge nozzle through which filtered water is discharged, a water discharge valve that regulates whether water is discharged, a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of water, and a water discharge command from the user. A control method of a water dispensing device comprising an input water receiving button and a controller that controls opening and closing of the water discharge valve, wherein the voice-type call language uttered by a user is input into the microphone, and in the voice recognition module, the Recognizing the input call language, and outputting a call tone recognition guide sound through the speaker, and speaks from the user The step of inputting the desired amount of water in the form of microphone into the microphone, and in the voice recognition module, recognizing the input amount of desired output and outputting a guide sound through the speaker, and a user operating the water extraction button Inputting the water discharge command, the water discharge valve is opened, the water discharge process proceeds, and when the water discharge flow rate detected by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water discharge quantity, the water discharge valve closes and the water discharge ends. It includes the steps.

In addition, the control method of the water dispensing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, a microphone to which a voice uttered by a user is input, a voice recognition module for recognizing the input information of the microphone, and a guide sound to the user A speaker, a filter for filtering raw water, an outlet nozzle through which filtered water is discharged, an outlet valve for controlling whether water is discharged, a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate through the outlet valve, and a lower side of the outlet nozzle A control method of a water dispensing device including a first sensing means for sensing a container disposed in, and a controller for controlling opening and closing of the water outlet valve, wherein the caller in a voice form uttered from a user is input into the microphone, In the voice recognition module, recognizes the input voice call language, and outputs a call tone recognition guide sound through the speaker. And, the step of inputting the desired amount of water in the form of speech uttered by a user into the microphone, Recognizing the input desired amount of water in the voice recognition module, and outputting, through the speaker, a water volume recognition guide sound, In the first sensing means, detecting whether or not a container is disposed under the outlet nozzle, and when the vessel is detected in the first sensing means, the outlet valve is opened and the outlet proceeds, and the flow sensor When the detected flow rate of water reaches the inputted desired flow rate, the water extraction valve closes, and includes the step of exiting water.

According to the present invention as described above, after inputting the desired amount of water with a voice, only the operation of pressing the water extraction button once, the amount of water desired can proceed, and there is an advantage that the operation of the device can be simplified.

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

In addition, in the state in which the water discharge amount is determined through voice recognition, the water discharge proceeds only when the user's last operation is performed, and in the state where the user is not ready to receive water, an accident in which water is discharged at random can be prevented. In other words, there is an advantage that the safety of the water can be secured.

In addition, when a desired amount of water is input by voice, and a container disposed under the water discharge nozzle is detected, a water discharge command can be input by voice, and there is an advantage in that water can be processed without a single button operation. .

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

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

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

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

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components have the same reference numerals as possible even though they are displayed on different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of related well-known configurations or functions interfere with the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

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

<Water dispensing device>

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

In the following description, a case in which the water dispensing device targeted for the present invention is the refrigerator 10 is described, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the water dispensing device according to the present invention includes a water purifier or the like. It may be applicable.

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

The storage space may include a refrigerator compartment 12 and a freezer compartment (not shown). The doors 14 and 15 may include a refrigerator compartment door 14 that opens and closes the refrigerator compartment 12 and a freezer compartment door 15 that opens and closes the freezer compartment.

Both the refrigerator compartment door 14 and the freezer compartment door 15 can open and close the refrigerator compartment 12 and the freezer compartment by rotation, and for this purpose, the refrigerator compartment door 14 and the freezer compartment door 15 are both hinged devices 23 ) Can be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10. In addition, the refrigerator compartment door 14 may be a French type door that can be configured such that a pair is independently rotated on both left and right sides.

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

The dispenser 20 is provided on the front surface of the refrigerator compartment door 14, and is operated by a user from outside to allow one or more of water and ice to be taken out. In addition, an ice-making room is provided above the dispenser 20, and the ice maker 251 is accommodated inside the ice-making room and can be opened and closed by a separate door. In addition, although not illustrated, the ice-making compartment may be supplied with cold air required for ice-making from a freezer evaporator (not shown) by communicating with the freezer compartment by a cold air duct while the refrigerator compartment door 14 is closed.

The refrigerator 10 allows water supplied from the external water supply source 2 to be taken out of the dispenser 20 after being purified, cooled, or heated.

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

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

The main body intake flow rate sensor 313 may measure the flow rate of water supplied from the water supply source 2. Of course, if necessary, the intake flow sensor 313 may be configured integrally with the intake valve 311. The inlet valve 311 may be provided in the back of the cabinet 10 or in a machine room equipped with a compressor.

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

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

The plurality of filters may be arranged to be stacked up and down in the refrigerator compartment 12, for example. As the plurality of filters are stacked up and down, the space of the refrigerator compartment 12 can be efficiently used. In addition, even if a leak occurs in the water purifying device 40, only a small area inside the refrigerating chamber 12 can be contaminated, thereby enabling an efficient and safe space configuration.

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

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

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

Therefore, the water discharged from the water purifying device 40 may be divided into the main body cold water flow path 341 and the main body water purifying flow path 331 by the first branch part 315 to flow.

A body water tank 60 may be provided in the body cold water flow path 341. The body water tank 60 may be formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and may be located in the refrigerator compartment 12.

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

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

The common flow path 350 is drawn out from the inner case forming the refrigerating chamber 12 and extends along the outside of the cabinet 10 to pass through the hinge device 23 of the refrigerating chamber door 14 to pass through the refrigerating chamber door ( 14).

The refrigerator 10 includes a second branch part 319 connected to the common flow path 350 introduced into the refrigerator compartment door 14 and a door purified water flow path connected to the second branch part 319 ( 333) and a door cold water flow path 343 connected to the second branch 319.

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

The door water tank 80 is for cooling the water supplied from the main body water tank 60 again. When water cooled in the main body water tank 60 flows along the common flow path 350, the temperature may rise when it passes through the outside of the cabinet 10. Therefore, the door water tank 80 cools the water having increased temperature again so that it can be taken out to the target cold water temperature when cold water is taken out.

Particularly, the dissatisfaction of the temperature of the water to be taken out is when the cold water is first taken out without being taken out for a long time. May not be satisfied. However, by appropriate cooling and mixing with the cooled water in the door water tank 80, it is possible to satisfy an appropriate cold water temperature when taking out the cold water.

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

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

The refrigerator 10 further includes a door connector 323 to which the door water purification passage 333 and the door cold water passage 343 are connected, and a take-out passage 352 connected to the door connector 323. You can. Cold water and purified water may be taken out of the dispenser 20 along the take-out flow path 352.

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

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

According to the present invention, the refrigerator 10, the hot water flow path 770 for bypassing the water tank 60 to the filtered water filtered by the filter device 40 to the dispenser 20, and the hot water flow path A hot water inlet valve 730 provided in 770, a hot water tank 780 provided on the hot water flow path 770, a heater 710 for heating the water stored in the hot water tank 780, and It includes a hot water temperature sensor 750 provided on the hot water flow path 770, a hot water flow control valve 740 provided on the hot water flow path 770 and a hot water discharge valve 327 to control the hot water discharge. You can.

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

For reference, various embodiments may occur in the heater 710 in a range capable of heating the water stored in the hot water tank 780.

For example, the hot water tank 780 is provided with a metal material, particularly stainless steel, and the heater 710 can heat the hot water tank 780 by induction heating.

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

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

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

In addition, when the hot water tank 780 is disposed outside the refrigerator (outside of the refrigerator) as described above, the heater 710 is also disposed outside the heater, and since the heat generated in the heater 710 does not affect the temperature in the interior, the heater ( The efficiency of the refrigerator may be improved than when the 710 is provided in the interior.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of a process in which the hot water tank 780 is generated and discharged from the refrigerator in which the hot water tank 780 is disposed outside.

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

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

At this time, when the heater 710 is operated, the purified water stored in the hot water tank 780 is heated with hot water, and the heated hot water is dispensed after passing through the hot water outlet valve 327, the door connector 323, and the take-out passage 352. (20).

The conventional water dispensing device as described above is provided with a water extraction button.

Therefore, when the user presses the water extraction button, a predetermined amount of water extraction proceeds.

However, in the case of such a conventional water dispensing device, since the size and shape of the cup are not taken into consideration, there is a hassle of pressing the water discharge button several times in order to fill the large cup with water due to a small amount of intake.

For example, with the default water flow rate set to 50 ml, when the user presses the water discharge button, only 50 ml of water flow proceeds. However, in the case described above, regardless of the size and height of the cup, only the water at the specified flow rate is always provided, so it is difficult to press the water release button several times (about 10 times) in order to receive water in a large cup such as 500ml. there was.

In addition, in the conventional case, in order to proceed with the amount of water exceeding the set flow rate, the water discharge control button for adjusting the water discharge amount is first operated to control the water discharge amount, and the water discharge command button for commanding the water discharge is operated for a total of 2 There was a hassle that had to proceed with button operation across the car.

In addition, there has been a problem in that a larger number of button operations are required to accurately control a large amount of water discharged or discharged.

In addition, in the conventional case, in order to extract hot and cold water, the hot water button or the cold water button for selecting the temperature of the water is first operated, and the water discharge button for instructing the water to be discharged is operated for the second time. There was also a hassle to proceed.

That is, in the case of a current water dispensing device such as a refrigerator or a water purifier, a desired amount of water can be inputted, but the type of the amount of water is inevitably limited due to a limitation of key input. In addition, there is an inconvenience in that a key must be input several times to input a desired water discharge amount.

In the present invention, a control method of a water dispensing device that can easily and accurately input a desired amount of water out of a key input limit through a voice recognition function is presented.

<Control method of water dispensing device>

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

4 to 5, the water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention includes a microphone 110 to which speech uttered by a user is input, and a speech recognition module 120 to recognize speech information input to the microphone 110 ), A speaker 160 for outputting a guide sound to the user, a filter for filtering raw water, an outlet nozzle through which filtered water is discharged, and an outlet valve (321,325,327) that regulates whether or not water is discharged, and the discharged flow rate. It may include a flow sensor 150 for sensing, a water discharge button 170 for receiving a water discharge command from the user, and a controller 140 for controlling opening and closing of the water discharge valve.

The control method of the water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention having the above-described configuration may control the amount of water that is discharged through voice.

In detail, the control method of the water dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

First, the microphone and the voice recognition module wait for recognition of a caller (or a starter). (S111)

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

Then, a voice-typed caller uttered by the user is input to the microphone and the voice recognition module. (S112)

Here, the caller (or starter) input to the device may be set to "Hi, LG", "Hi, Dios", "Hi, Water Purifier", "Hi, Refrigerator".

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

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

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

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

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

Then, the 'desired water quantity' of the voice form uttered by the user is input to the microphone and the voice recognition module. (S115)

For example, the user can ignite the desired amount of water with '50ml', '100ml', and '300ml'.

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

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

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

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

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

Then, when the water flow rate detected by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water flow rate, the water discharge valve closes and the water flow ends.

According to the present invention as described above, after inputting the desired amount of water with a voice, only the operation of pressing the water extraction button once, the desired amount of water can proceed, so that there is an advantage that the operation of the device can be simplified.

In addition, the desired water discharge amount can be input by voice through voice recognition, thereby improving the limitation of setting the water discharge amount.

For example, in the conventional case, it was inevitable to set the water discharge amount in about 50 ml units such as 50 ml, 100 ml, and the like.

However, in the case of the present invention, if '75ml' is input by voice, water of '75ml' can be extracted. That is, it is possible to set the water discharge amount in smaller units than in the prior art.

For reference, the water discharged unit may vary depending on the flow sensor resolution.

For example, assuming that the flow rate sensor resolution of the flow sensor is 3 ml, when the user orders 50 ml of water, the water discharge amount may be determined to be 48 or 51 ml, which is a multiple of 3 and close to 50 ml. In addition, water extraction may proceed to the nearest '51 ml '.

That is, the present invention has an advantage in that, within the flow rate resolution of the flow sensor, the user can supply the water of the closest amount to the desired amount of water to the user.

In addition, in the state in which the water discharge amount is determined through voice recognition, the water discharge proceeds only when the user's last operation is performed, and in the state where the user is not ready to receive water, an accident in which water is discharged at random can be prevented. That is, the safety of the water can be secured.

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

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

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

According to this, in the case of the present invention, by using the first sensing means 180, the water dispensing device can be controlled such that the amount of water desired by the user is discharged without pressing the discharge button once. In the present embodiment, it is also possible that the water extraction button is omitted.

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

First, the microphone and the voice recognition module wait for recognition of a caller (or a starter). (S111)

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

Then, a voice-typed caller uttered by the user is input to the microphone and the voice recognition module. (S112)

Here, the caller (or starter) input to the device may be set to "Hi, LG", "Hi, Dios", "Hi, Water Purifier", "Hi, Refrigerator".

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

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

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

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

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

Then, the 'desired water output' in the form of speech uttered by the user is input to the microphone and the voice recognition module. (S115a)

For example, the user can ignite the desired amount of water with '50ml', '100ml', and '300ml'.

Subsequently, the voice recognition module recognizes the inputted 'desired water quantity', and outputs a water volume recognition guide sound through the speaker. (S116a)

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

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

For example, when the first sensing means detects a container disposed under the water extraction nozzle, water extraction may proceed immediately.

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

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

In the standby state as described above, the user utters the 'secondary command' to command the exit. (S315)

Here, the secondary command inputted to the device may be set to "go out.", "Exit", and the like.

Then, the 'outgoing command' in the form of speech uttered by the user is input to the microphone and the voice recognition module. (S313)

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

Then, when the water flow rate detected by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water flow rate, the water discharge valve closes and the water flow ends.

According to the present invention as described above, in a state in which a desired amount of water is input by voice, when a container disposed under the water discharge nozzle is detected, a water discharge command can be input by voice, without a single button operation, stably It has the advantage of being able to proceed with water extraction.

In addition, in the state in which the water discharge amount is determined through voice recognition, the container disposed under the water discharge nozzle is detected, and the water discharge proceeds only when the voice water discharge command is input from the user, and the user is not ready to receive water, It is possible to prevent accidents in which water is randomly discharged. In other words, the safety of water extraction can also be secured.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, in order to lower the standby power, the microphone and the voice recognition module may be maintained in the standby mode.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the microphone or the voice recognition module detects a container in the first sensing means 180 in an inactive state, it is in an activated mode in which a voice caller is recognized. Can be switched. (S220)

In the standby state, the microphone or the voice recognition module is in an off mode in which power is turned off, and power is supplied to the first sensing means 180, such as a cup or a water bottle placed at the bottom of the outlet nozzle. Detect presence or absence (S221)

In the above inactive mode, the microphone or the voice recognition module does not recognize the spoken language spoken by the user.

Thereafter, when the container is detected by the first detecting means 180, it is checked whether the container is disposed under the water outlet nozzle (S222).

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

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

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

In addition, referring to FIG. 6, when the microphone or the voice recognition module detects a human body in the second sensing means 190 in an inactive state (off mode), an activated state in which a voice caller is recognized (on mode) ). (S210)

In detail, in the standby state, the microphone or the voice recognition module is in an off mode in which the power is turned off, and power is supplied to the second sensing means 190 to approach a person from the second sensing means 190. Whether it is detected (S211)

In the above inactive mode, the microphone or the voice recognition module does not recognize the spoken language spoken by the user.

Then, while the user approaches the device, the second sensing means 190 detects and detects a human body. (S212)

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

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

For reference, in the case of water dispensing devices such as refrigerators and water purifiers, unlike other speech recognition products, since the purpose is to take out water or ice, a real user must move the container near the device in order to take out water or ice. Then, a container such as a cup must be disposed under the water discharge nozzle of the device.

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

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

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

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

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

For example, the user can ignite the desired water discharge temperature along with the desired water discharge amount in the form of “50 mL of purified water”, “100 mL of cold water”, or “200 mL of 90 ° C.”.

Subsequently, the desired water discharge temperature along with the desired water discharge amount ignited from the user is input to the voice recognition module through the microphone, and the voice recognition module recognizes the desired water discharge temperature together with the desired water discharge amount (S115b).

As described above, in the voice recognition module, when recognizing the desired water discharge amount and the desired water discharge temperature ignited from the user, the controller outputs the water discharge amount and the water temperature recognition guide sound through the speaker. (S116b)

Then, through the step S123, when the user operates the water discharge button, the water discharge valve is opened, and water at a temperature desired by the user can be discharged as much as desired.

In addition, in step S311 (refer to FIG. 6), the first detection sensor detects the container under the water outlet nozzle, and in step S315 (refer to FIG. 6), when a voice outgoing command is uttered from the user, the water outlet valve is opened and the user is opened. Can be discharged in the desired amount of water at the desired temperature.

Then, when the water flow rate detected by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water flow rate, the water discharge valve closes and the water flow ends.

In addition, the water dispensing apparatus according to the present invention, by heating the water passing through the filter with hot water to supply the hot water generating module and / or the water passing through the filter with cold water to the water outlet nozzle side It may further include a cold water generating module to supply.

For example, when the user orders the water discharge of "300ml of purified water" by voice, the water that has passed through the filter may be discharged immediately after flowing to the water discharge nozzle side without going through the hot water generating module or the cold water generating module.

As another example, when the user orders the water out of "200 ml of hot water" by voice, the water that has passed through the filter may be discharged after passing through the hot water generating module, heated with hot water, and flowing to the water outlet nozzle side.

At this time, the hot water generating module may generate hot water in an instantaneous hot water method (IH method) using induction heating.

As another example, when the user orders the water of "500 ml of cold water" by voice, the water that has passed through the filter may be discharged after flowing through the cold water generating module and then flowing to the water outlet nozzle side.

In addition, according to the present invention, ice may be taken out through voice.

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

Then, in step S113, after the caller recognition guide sound is output through the speaker, in step S122, the ice extraction request is ignited with the desired water extraction amount from the user, or only the ice extraction request can be uttered.

For example, the user may ignite ice and / or the desired amount of ice in the form of “ice”, “10 ice”, “ice only”, “ice and 100ml of water”, and the like.

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

In addition, in step S311 (refer to FIG. 6), in a state in which the first detection sensor detects the container under the water outlet nozzle, in step S315 (refer to FIG. 6), when a voice outgoing command is uttered from the user, the valve is opened. Ice and / or water can be taken out.

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

Referring to FIG. 4 again, the controller may store a table 141 in which the water discharge usage and the water discharge amount and the water discharge temperature corresponding to the ignition from the user are matched.

As another example, the server 130 communicating with the controller in a manner such as wi-fi may store a table in which the water discharge usage and the water discharge temperature and the water discharge temperature corresponding to the ignition from the user are matched.

Then, in step S113, after the caller recognition guide sound is output through the speaker, in step S122, instead of the desired volume of voice output from the user, the desired volume of output may be uttered.

For example, the user can ignite the desired use of water with "cup ramen 1 serving", "1 cup of mix coffee", "1 cup of cold water", and the like.

As described above, when the desired water supply use is uttered by the user, the voice recognition module recognizes the input desired water supply use (S115c).

Then, the controller compares the desired water extraction use recognized by the voice recognition module with the table stored in the controller or server 130, checks the water discharge amount and the water temperature value matched with the desired water discharge use ignition from the user, and reads the value. I give it.

And, through the speaker, it outputs a guide sound for water extraction. (S116c)

Thereafter, through the step S123 (see FIG. 7), when the user operates the water discharge button, the valve is opened, and water having a temperature suitable for a desired water discharge use can be discharged by a predetermined amount.

In addition, in step S311, in the state in which the first detection sensor detects the container under the water extraction nozzle, in step S315, when a voice water extraction command is ignited from the user, the valve is opened and water at a temperature suitable for the desired water usage is determined. Can be dispensed by amount.

For example, if the user utters the desired water supply purpose of "one serving of cup ramen," and the voice recognition module recognizes this, the controller compares the table stored in the controller or server 130 with the water extraction temperature for one serving of cup ramen. And read the water quantity.

For example, if the cup is stored in the table, the temperature of water per serving is 95 ° C, and the amount of water can be 250 ml.

Subsequently, through the step S123 (see FIG. 7), when the user operates the water discharge button, the water discharge valves 321, 325, and 327 are opened, and 95 ml of water (hot water) can be discharged 250 ml.

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

Then, when the water flow rate detected by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water flow rate, the water discharge valve closes and the water flow ends.

In the case of a water dispensing device having a general voice recognition water discharge function, the voice may be incorrectly recognized, and unwanted water discharge may also proceed. In this case, safety accidents will inevitably occur, such as when the hot water comes out of the product around the product or when the floor becomes difficult or when a cup or water bottle is not prepared.

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

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

As another example, after placing the cup or water bottle under the water extraction nozzle, the water extraction may proceed only when the customer directly utters the water extraction command. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent water accidents caused by incorrect speech recognition and prevent safety accidents.

Claims (15)

A microphone inputting a voice uttered from a user, a voice recognition module recognizing the voice information inputted to the microphone, a speaker outputting a guide sound to the user, a water outlet nozzle, and a water outlet controlling the presence or absence of water In the control method of a water dispensing device comprising a valve, a flow sensor for sensing the flow rate of water discharge, and a controller for controlling the opening and closing of the water discharge valve,
A step in which a voice-type call language spoken by a user is input into the microphone;
In the voice recognition module, recognizing the input call language and outputting a call tone recognition guide sound through the speaker;
A step in which the desired output amount of speech form uttered by a user is input into the microphone;
In the voice recognition module, recognizing the input desired water discharge amount, and outputting a water discharge amount recognition guide sound through the speaker;
A user inputting an exit command;
As the water outlet valve is opened, the water discharge proceeds;
When the water flow rate detected by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water flow rate, the step of closing the water discharge valve, the water extraction is finished; Control method of a water dispensing device comprising a.
According to claim 1,
The water dispensing device further includes a first sensing means for sensing a container disposed under the water outlet nozzle,
The microphone or the voice recognition module, in the inactive state (off mode), when the first sensing means detects the container, the water dispensing device that is switched to an active state (on mode) capable of recognizing the voice caller Control method.
According to claim 1,
The water dispensing device further includes a second detecting means for detecting a human body approaching the water outlet nozzle,
The microphone or the voice recognition module, in the inactive state (off mode), when the second sensing means detects the human body, the control of the water dispensing device is switched to an activated state (on mode) capable of recognizing the voice caller Way.
According to claim 1,
After the caller recognition guide sound is output from the speaker,
When the desired extraction temperature with the desired extraction amount ignited from the user is input to the microphone,
The voice recognition module, the control method of the water dispensing device, characterized in that for recognizing the input desired water discharge amount and the desired water discharge temperature, and outputs the water discharge amount and the water temperature recognition guide sound through the speaker.
The method of claim 4,
The water dispensing device further includes a hot water generating module for heating the introduced water with hot water and supplying it to the water outlet nozzle, or a cold water generating module for cooling the introduced water with cold water and supplying it to the water outlet nozzle side,
When the user inputs the water discharge command, the water discharge valve is opened, and the control method of the water dispensing device, characterized in that the water of the desired discharge water temperature is discharged.
The method of claim 5,
In the controller, information matching the water discharge usage and the water discharge amount and the water discharge temperature that are ignited from the user are stored,
When the desired outflow usage of the voice form uttered by the user is input into the microphone,
The voice recognition module, the control method of the water dispensing device, characterized in that for recognizing the input desired water usage, and outputting the water usage recognition guide sound through the speaker.
The method of claim 6,
When the user inputs the water discharge command, the water discharge valve is opened, and the water dispensing apparatus control method, characterized in that the water of the desired water discharge rate matched with the desired water discharge rate is discharged as much as the matched water discharge amount.
A microphone inputting a voice uttered from a user, a voice recognition module recognizing the voice information inputted to the microphone, a speaker outputting a guide sound to the user, a water outlet nozzle, and a water outlet controlling the presence or absence of water A water display comprising a valve, a flow sensor for sensing a flow rate discharged through the discharge valve, a first detection means for detecting a container disposed under the discharge nozzle, and a controller for controlling opening and closing of the discharge valve. In the control method of the fencing device,
A step in which a voice-type call language spoken by a user is input into the microphone;
In the voice recognition module, recognizing the input voice call language, and outputting a call sound recognition guide sound through the speaker;
Inputting the desired amount of water in the form of speech uttered by a user into the microphone;
In the voice recognition module, recognizing the input desired water discharge amount, and outputting a water discharge amount recognition guide sound through the speaker;
In the first detecting means, detecting whether or not a container is disposed under the outlet nozzle;
When the container is detected by the first sensing means, the water extraction valve is opened, the water extraction proceeds;
Controlling the method of dispensing water, characterized in that it comprises; when the flow rate detected by the flow sensor reaches the input desired water flow rate, the water discharge valve is closed, and the water flow is terminated.
The method of claim 8,
In the first detecting means, in a state in which the container disposed under the water outlet nozzle is detected,
The control method of the water dispensing device, characterized in that when the voice water discharge command uttered by the user is input to the microphone, the water discharge valve is opened and water discharge proceeds.
The method of claim 8,
The microphone or the voice recognition module, in the inactive state (off mode), when the first sensing means detects the container, the water dispensing device that is switched to an active state (on mode) capable of recognizing the voice caller Control method.
The method of claim 8,
The water dispensing device further includes a second detecting means for detecting a human body approaching the water outlet nozzle,
The microphone or the voice recognition module, in the inactive state (off mode), when the second sensing means detects the human body, the control of the water dispensing device is switched to an activated state (on mode) capable of recognizing the voice caller Way.
The method of claim 8,
After the caller recognition guide sound is output from the speaker,
When the desired extraction temperature with the desired extraction amount ignited from the user is input into the microphone,
The voice recognition module, the control method of the water dispensing device, characterized in that for recognizing the input desired water discharge amount and the desired water discharge temperature, and outputs the water discharge amount and the water temperature recognition guide sound through the speaker.
The method of claim 12,
The water dispensing device further includes a hot water generating module for heating the introduced water with hot water and supplying it to the water outlet nozzle, or a cold water generating module for cooling the introduced water with cold water and supplying it to the water outlet nozzle side,
When the water outlet valve is opened, the control method of the water dispensing device, characterized in that the water of the desired desired water outlet temperature is discharged.
The method of claim 13,
In the controller, information matching the water discharge usage and the water discharge amount and the water discharge temperature that are ignited from the user are stored,
When the desired outflow usage of the voice form uttered by the user is input into the microphone,
The voice recognition module, the control method of the water dispensing device, characterized in that for recognizing the input desired water usage, and outputting the water usage recognition guide sound through the speaker.
The method of claim 14,
When the water outlet valve is opened, the control method of the water dispensing device, characterized in that the water of the water outlet temperature matched with the desired desired water discharge purpose is discharged as much as the matched discharge amount.

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