KR20230013344A - An appliance and method for controlling the appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a home appliance and a method for controlling the home appliance. To this end, the home appliance can acquire function information about each of at least one other home appliance in a home and can perform pairing with the at least one other home appliance. In addition, the home appliance can identify a function, which is currently being executed, and a function of the at least one other home appliance to generate operation information about the at least one other home appliance, and transmit the generated operation information to the at least one other home appliance. Therefore, the present invention can operate the home appliances in association with each other.

Description

Home appliance and method for controlling the home appliance {AN APPLIANCE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE APPLIANCE}

The present disclosure relates to a home appliance and a method for controlling the home appliance.

In general, a plurality of home appliances may exist in a home. For example, various home appliances providing convenience in life, such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, an air purifier, an induction cooker, and a robot vacuum cleaner, may exist in a home.

These home appliances operate based on their own software and may perform different functions depending on the type or model of the home appliances.

However, conventional home appliances cannot operate in conjunction with other home appliances.

Conventional prior art (eg, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2177970 B1) relates to artificial intelligence dryers, and discloses setting the drying strength of the dryer using laundry information collected from the washing machine.

However, this conventional prior art only discloses contents in which the dryer operates based on the laundry information by unidirectionally providing the washing information of the washing machine to the dryer, and controls the function of the dryer interlocked with the function of the washing machine to dry the dryer. It does not work adaptively.

In addition, the prior art only describes one-to-one control of operating a dryer based on laundry information of a washing machine, and controls a plurality of other home appliances according to one home appliance or controls a plurality of home appliances according to a plurality of home appliances. Controlling one or more home appliances is not disclosed.

In addition, in the prior art, operation logic for controlling the function of the dryer is newly created to correspond to the function currently being executed by the washing machine, and the dryer is not operated.

Accordingly, there is a need to actively operate a home appliance by actively executing a function between various home appliances by reflecting characteristics and performances of various home appliances in a home.

Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2177970 B1)

Conventionally, it was not possible to actively execute functions between various home appliances by reflecting characteristics and performances of various home appliances in a home.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance and method in which home appliances actively operate in conjunction with each other.

In addition, the present disclosure provides a home appliance and method for at least one home appliance to control a function of at least one other home appliance.

In addition, the present disclosure provides a home appliance and method for controlling at least one function of a home appliance to correspond to at least one function of another home appliance.

In addition, the present disclosure provides a home appliance device and method for generating operation information indicating an operation logic for at least one function between home appliance devices so that the home appliance devices can adaptively operate in conjunction with each other.

In addition, the present disclosure is to provide a system in which a plurality of home appliances transmit and receive operation logic for each function through a router or a server.

The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure not mentioned above can be understood by the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations indicated in the claims.

To achieve this object, according to the present disclosure, at least one home appliance may establish a communication channel to transmit/receive signals with at least one other home appliance.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, operation information may be generated so that at least one home appliance may operate in conjunction with at least one other device.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, at least one home appliance device transmits operation information to at least one other home appliance device, so that at least one other home appliance device can operate in conjunction with the at least one other home appliance device.

To this end, a home appliance device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication unit for transmitting and receiving signals, a memory for storing data generated by the home appliance or other home appliance devices, and a processor electrically connected to the communication unit and the memory. can do.

Also, the processor may acquire function information for each of at least one other home appliance in the home and perform pairing with the at least one other home appliance.

In addition, when the home appliance is currently operating, the processor may identify a currently executing function and identify a function of at least one other home appliance corresponding to the identified function of the home appliance.

Also, the processor may generate operation information for the at least one other home appliance based on a function of the at least one other home appliance and transmit the generated operation information to the at least one other home appliance.

In addition, the processor may request pairing from one or more other home appliances connected to the router within the router, and store a list of at least one other home appliance capable of being paired with in a memory.

In addition, the processor acquires the function information for each of the at least one other home appliance by requesting information on at least one function of the at least one other home appliance included in the list to the at least one other home appliance. can do.

Also, the processor may determine an operation order of the at least one other home appliance based on a priority order.

Also, the processor may obtain an image of a user using the home appliance, identify the user, and control at least one function of at least one other home appliance according to the identified user.

Also, the processor may determine whether to transmit the operation information to at least one other home appliance according to whether the identified user approves or not.

The processor may receive operation information from another home appliance, generate an operation logic for at least one function of the home appliance, and execute the at least one function of the home appliance based on the generated operation logic.

Also, when a request for at least one function of a home appliance is received from another home appliance, the processor may generate function information for at least one function of the home appliance and transmit the generated function information to the other home appliance.

Also, the processor may analyze the operation information to identify a function currently being executed by another home appliance, and determine at least one function of the home appliance corresponding to the function currently being executed by another home appliance.

In addition, the processor determines an operation logic based on at least a part of operation time, operation time period, operation start, operation stop, operation strength, and priority for at least one function of the home appliance. And, based on the determined operation logic, the home appliance may be operated.

Also, the processor may analyze the operation information to identify an execution sequence of the home appliance among a plurality of electronic devices in the home.

According to the present disclosure, at least one home appliance device establishes a communication channel to transmit/receive a signal with at least one other home appliance device, thereby enabling the home appliance device to transmit/receive information on operation logic for a function between the home appliance devices. They can operate in conjunction with each other.

In addition, the present disclosure identifies a function currently being executed when a home appliance is currently in operation, and identifies a function of at least one other home appliance corresponding to the function of the identified home appliance, so that the functions of the home appliance are mutually linked. can be linked.

Also, according to the present disclosure, by generating operation information based on a function of at least one home appliance and transmitting the generated motion information to at least one other home appliance, functions of another home appliance may be controlled.

In addition, the present disclosure provides information about functions of at least one other home appliance included in the list by requesting and obtaining information on the function of at least one other home appliance, and the home appliance controls the function of the other home appliance, so that the user can use another home appliance. It is possible to provide convenience in use without the need to additionally operate the home appliance.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, power consumption may be minimized by determining an operation sequence of at least one other home appliance based on a priority.

In addition, the present disclosure acquires an image of a user using a home appliance, identifies the user, and controls at least one function of at least one other home appliance according to the identified user, so that the child can use the home appliance proficiently. It is possible to ensure the safety of users who cannot.

In addition, the present disclosure provides an operation logic for at least one function of a home appliance by receiving operation information from another home appliance, and adaptively executing at least one function of the home appliance based on the generated operation logic. , it is possible to provide convenience for the user to use home appliances.

In addition, the present disclosure identifies a function currently being executed in another home appliance and determines at least one function of the home appliance corresponding to the function currently being executed by the other home appliance, so that the home appliances can be operated in conjunction with each other. .

In addition to the above effects, specific effects of the present disclosure will be described together while explaining specific details for carrying out the present invention.

1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a home appliance system in a home according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a sequence diagram for pairing between home appliances according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
3 is a block diagram of a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a home appliance generates motion information and transmits it to another home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a home appliance receives operation information and operates according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the home appliance receives operation information and updates operation logic by the home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of operating each of a plurality of home appliances receiving operation information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
8 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a home appliance device controls an operation of each of a plurality of home appliance devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process when a home appliance receives operation information from a plurality of other home appliances according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates according to operation information received from other home appliances and the presence or absence of occupants.

The foregoing objects, features and advantages will be described later in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly, those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs will be able to easily implement the technical spirit of the present disclosure. In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

Although first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms, of course. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component, and unless otherwise stated, the first component may be the second component, of course.

Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

Throughout the specification, when "A and/or B" is used, this means A, B or A and B unless otherwise specified, and when used as "C to D", this means unless otherwise specified Unless otherwise specified, means greater than or equal to C and less than or equal to D

Hereinafter, a home appliance and a method for controlling the home appliance according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a home appliance system in a home according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a home appliance system 100 in a home according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of home appliance devices 110, a server 120 (eg, an LG ThinQ server), and a plurality of home appliances. A network 140 that provides a communication connection between the devices 110 and the server 120, and a portable terminal that monitors and controls each of the plurality of home appliances 110 through the network 140 ( 130) may be included.

In addition, the home appliance system 100 may further include a sharer 111 that relays signals transmitted and received between the plurality of home appliance devices 110 . Each home appliance device may transmit a signal to at least one other home appliance through the router 111 or receive a signal through the router 111 . Alternatively, each home appliance may directly transmit or receive a signal to at least one other home appliance.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of home appliances 110 include a refrigerator 112, an air purifier 113, a clothes care device 114, an induction stove 115, a washing machine 116, and a smart hood disposed in a home. (117), and a robot cleaner (118). In addition, the plurality of home appliances 110 include a dryer (211 in FIG. 2), a dishwasher (212 in FIG. 2), a lighting device (214 in FIG. 2), a lightwave oven (710 in FIG. 7), and a common front door. (910 in FIG. 9), a heating/cooling device (920 in FIG. 9), and a water purifier (1010 in FIG.

The configuration of the home appliance system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is according to one embodiment, and the components of the home appliance system 100 are not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and some components are added as needed. , may be changed or deleted.

According to an embodiment, each home appliance of the plurality of home appliances 110 may transmit/receive signals or data with at least one other home appliance wirelessly or wired. For example, the home appliance device may transmit/receive signals or data with other home appliance devices through the router 111, or the network 140 from the server (eg, LG ThinQ server) 120 or the portable terminal 140. Signals or data can be transmitted and received through The signal or data may include a control signal, operation information, and pairing information.

According to an embodiment, each home appliance device of the plurality of home appliance devices 110 operates in conjunction with other home appliance devices (eg, correlation between functions, number of times and times when functions are linked, identifiers of linked home appliances, etc.) ) can be stored in memory.

According to an embodiment, the server 120 may transmit a program (eg, ThinQ application) required for a home appliance to control other home appliances to at least one home appliance through the router 111 . Alternatively, the server 120 may transmit a program (eg, ThinQ application) required for a home appliance to control other home appliances to the portable terminal 130 .

According to an embodiment, the portable terminal 130 may be installed with a program (eg, ThinQ application) capable of remotely controlling home appliances, and controls at least one home appliance through the program. Alternatively, home appliances may be controlled to be operated in conjunction with each other.

2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a sequence diagram for pairing between home appliances according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2 , each of the home appliances according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may transmit a pairing request to at least one other home appliance and receive a response to the transmitted request. After storing a list of at least one other home appliance that has transmitted the response, a channel connection request is made to at least one other home appliance included in the list, and a communication channel is established with the at least one other home appliance. can 2 shows that the clothing care device 114 transmits a pairing request to a router, but this is merely an embodiment, and each of the plurality of home appliances 110 according to the present disclosure has at least one device to be paired with itself. A pairing request may be sent to another home appliance. In the present disclosure, pairing means setting a communication channel between home appliance devices to enable function sharing and function control between home appliance devices.

In the present disclosure, a home appliance may be one of a plurality of home appliances 110 disposed in a home. Also, another home appliance may refer to a home appliance that executes at least one function associated with at least one function currently being executed by the home appliance among the plurality of home appliance devices 110 .

The term for such a home appliance or other home appliance is not limited in interpreting the present disclosure, and may be interpreted as a home appliance or interpreted as another home appliance according to various cases such as the situation of the home appliance and the execution condition of the home appliance. It can be.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, clothing care device) 114 may transmit a pairing request to the router 111 in order to pair with at least one home appliance in the home (S210). The household appliance (eg, clothing care unit) 114 periodically transmits a pairing request signal to at least one other household appliance, or, when a new household appliance is installed, sends a pairing request signal to the new household appliance. can transmit A signal for a pairing request transmitted to another home appliance may include different information according to the type, model, and function of the other home appliance. Alternatively, the same information may be included regardless of type, model, or function.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, clothing care apparatus) 114 may, when at least one function is executed, when an input is detected from a user, weather information (eg, temperature, humidity, concentration of fine dust, etc.) Based on the above, a pairing request may be transmitted to at least one home appliance.

According to an embodiment, when a pairing request is received from the home appliance device (eg, clothing care device) 114, the router 114 analyzes the pairing request and transmits the pairing request to the home appliance (eg, clothing care device). device 114). The router 114 may store information representing an identifier of a home appliance requesting pairing, a number of pairing requests, and a pairing relationship between the home appliances for each home appliance in the home.

According to an embodiment, the router 114 connects at least one other home appliance (eg, the washing machine 116 or the dryer 211 ) based on the pairing request transmitted from the home appliance device (eg, the clothing care device) 114 . ), the air purifier 113, the dishwasher 212, the door lock 213, the lighting device 214, and the refrigerator 112) may transmit a pairing request (S212, S214, S216, S218, S220, S222). , S224).

According to an embodiment, the router 114 is connected to at least one home appliance in the home by wire or wirelessly (eg, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity, WiFi), Bluetooth, or Wireless Local Area Network). , WLAN), etc.). In the present disclosure, it is not limited to wired or wireless, and may be applied to various protocols capable of transmitting and receiving signals between home appliances. The router 114 includes a home appliance (eg, a clothes care device 114) and each other home appliance (eg, a washing machine 116, a dryer 211, an air cleaner 113, a dishwasher 212, and a door). A signal for a pairing request is modulated based on a protocol (eg, a communication protocol supported by the other home appliance) according to a communication channel between the lock 213, the lighting device 214, and the refrigerator 112, so that the corresponding other home appliance device can be sent to

According to one embodiment, the at least one other home appliance (eg, washing machine 116, dryer 211, air purifier 113, dishwasher 212, door lock 213, lighting device 214, Among the refrigerators 112, devices that can be paired with the home appliances (eg, the clothing care device 114) (eg, the washing machine 116, the air purifier 113, the door lock 213, and the lighting device 214) )) may transmit a response to the pairing request to the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114) through the router 111 (S226, S228, S230, S232).

For example, a device (eg, a dryer 211, a dishwasher 212, a refrigerator 112) that cannot be paired with the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114) responds to the pairing request. may not be transmitted to the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114) through the router 111. These devices that cannot be paired (eg, dryer 211, dishwasher 212, refrigerator 112) do not provide communication, or pair with the home appliance (eg, clothing care device 114). It may be a home appliance that is not related to

According to an embodiment, a device (eg, a dryer 211, a dishwasher 212, or a refrigerator 112) that cannot be paired with the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114) is the number of pairing requests. , or may be paired according to user designation.

According to an embodiment, the router 114 modulates a signal for a pairing request based on a communication protocol supported by the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114), and modulates the signal for the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114). 114)).

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, clothing care device 114) analyzes a response received (or directly received) through the router 111, and the home appliance (eg, clothing care device 114 ))) and a list of at least one other home appliance that can be paired with can be created and stored (S234). The home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114) may update the stored list when a new home appliance is installed in the home or when pairing information is changed by periodically transmitting a pairing request.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the clothes care device 114) may include at least one other home appliance (eg, the washing machine 116, the air purifier 113, the door lock 213, And a signal requesting a channel connection with the lighting device 214) may be transmitted (S236, S238, S240, S242). The appliance (e.g., clothing care device 114) makes these channel connections directly to the corresponding appliance (e.g., washing machine 116, air purifier 113, door lock 213, and lighting device 214). or can be transmitted through the router 111.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the clothes care device 114) may include at least one other home appliance (eg, the washing machine 116, the air purifier 113, the door lock 213, And among the lighting devices 214, a signal requesting a channel connection may be transmitted only to a home appliance (eg, the washing machine 116) requiring pairing with itself.

Such a pairing request may be transmitted before or during operation of the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114).

Then, the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114) is selectively selected as a home appliance that requires a channel connection with itself (the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114)) before or during operation. can transmit

According to one embodiment, at least one other home appliance (e.g., washing machine 116, air purifier 113, and door) receiving a signal for a channel connection request in the above processes (S236, S238, S240, and S242). The lock 213 may transmit a signal indicating acceptance (eg, ACK (Acknowledge)) to the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114) in response to the channel connection request (S244, S246, S248, S250).

According to an embodiment, indicates that the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114) has requested channel connection, but does not accept the home appliance (eg, the lighting device 214) that does not accept the channel connection. A signal (eg, Non-Acknowledge (NACK)) may be transmitted to the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114).

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114) transmits a signal indicating acceptance (eg, Acknowledge (ACK)) to another home appliance (eg, the washing machine 116 or the air cleaner 113). ), and the door lock 213) and a communication channel can be established. Alternatively, the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114) transmits a signal indicating acceptance (eg, Acknowledge (ACK)) to another home appliance (eg, the washing machine 116, the air purifier 113, and the door) A communication channel may be established with another home appliance (eg, washing machine 116) capable of a pairing operation for the function of the home appliance (eg, clothes care device 114) of the lock 213.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the clothing care device 114) has priority based on a pairing operation with other home appliances (eg, the washing machine 116, the air purifier 113, and the door lock 213). A communication channel can be established by allocating a wide channel bandwidth according to the rank.

As described above, a home appliance device in a home may store a list of other electronic devices that can be paired with based on a pairing request and response received from at least one other home appliance device. In addition, the home appliance may establish a communication channel with at least one other home appliance capable of being paired with, and may generate and store operation information so as to operate in conjunction with each other.

In FIG. 2 , the home appliance that transmits the pairing request is the clothes care device 114 , and the home appliances other than the clothes care device 114 are described as other home appliances. However, these descriptions are merely examples, and any home appliance in the home may perform the operations of the above-described home appliance or other home appliances.

3 is a block diagram of a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the home appliance 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication unit 310, a display unit 320, a memory 330, a camera 340, an operation unit 350, and a processor 360. ) may be included.

The home appliance 300 of FIG. 3 includes not only a plurality of home appliances 110 disposed in a home, but also a dryer (211 in FIG. 2 ), a dishwasher (212 in FIG. 2 ), a lighting device (214 in FIG. 2 ), It may be a variety of home appliances that can be placed and used in a home, such as a lightwave oven (710 in FIG. 7), a common front door (910 in FIG. 9), an air-conditioning device (920 in FIG. 9), and a water purifier (1010 in FIG. 10).

The configuration of the home appliance 300 shown in FIG. 3 is according to an embodiment, and the components of the home appliance 300 are not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and the function, purpose of use, Some components may be added, changed, or deleted according to various conditions such as the place of placement.

According to an embodiment, the communication unit 310 may perform wired communication or wireless communication with at least one component included in the home appliance 300 . The communication unit 310 includes a router 111, at least one other home appliance (eg, a refrigerator 112, an air purifier 113, a clothes care device 114, an induction cooker 115, a washing machine 116, and a smart hood). 117, the robot cleaner 118, etc.) and at least one circuit capable of transmitting and receiving at least one signal or information through wired or wireless communication.

According to an embodiment, the communication unit 310 is based on short-range communication (eg, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), or Beacon) to at least one other home appliance in the home or an external device. (eg, server 120, mobile terminal 130) and wireless communication may be performed.

According to an embodiment, the communication unit 310 may provide information (eg, information on pairing logic, firmware information of home appliances, home appliances) about home appliances from an external server (eg, LG ThinQ server 120). Various information about home appliances, such as device applications or update information of home appliances, may be received through the router 111 .

Also, the communication unit 310 may receive weather information (eg, temperature, humidity, concentration of fine dust, etc.) from an external server (eg, a server of the Korea Meteorological Administration (not shown)) through the router 111 .

Also, the communication unit 310 may transmit/receive signals or data with the portable terminal 130 . Based on transmission/reception of signals or data with the portable terminal 130, the home appliance 300 is controlled by the portable terminal 130 or sends state information about the home appliance 300 to the portable terminal 130 or an external device. It can be transmitted to the server 120.

According to one embodiment, the display unit 320 may display the operation of the home appliance 300 . The display unit 320 may be disposed outside the home appliance 300 and may include a touch screen that receives an input by touch or hovering and displays data.

The display unit 320 may display various information about the operation of the home appliance 300 (eg, a completed operation, an operation currently in progress, an operation to be performed, an operation end time, an operation state, a function, etc.). The display unit 320 may display various types of information (eg, multimedia data or text data). The display unit 320 may include a control circuit for controlling a display that visually provides information to a user.

According to an embodiment, the display unit 320 may include a touch circuitry that senses a touch or a pressure sensor that measures the intensity of a touch pressure. The display unit 320 may be disposed on a door or an upper surface of the home appliance 300 .

According to one embodiment, the memory 330 may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. For example, the memory 330 may store information, data, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the home appliance 300 . Accordingly, the processor 360 may perform a control operation described later by referring to information stored in the memory 330 .

According to one embodiment, the memory 330 may store various platforms. The memory 330 may be, for example, a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, or a card type memory (eg SD or XD). memory, etc.), RAM (RAM), and ROM (EEPROM, etc.) may include at least one type of storage medium.

According to an embodiment, the memory 330 stores various data obtained or used by at least one component of the home appliance 300 (eg, software, applications, pairing information, a list of pairings of home appliances, home appliances). priority, control signals, etc.), and related commands may be stored. In addition, the memory 330 may store signals transmitted/received with other home appliances, data, information, and location information of other home appliances.

According to one embodiment, the camera 340 may be disposed on the exterior of the home appliance 300 to acquire an image of a user approaching to use the home appliance 300 . Alternatively, the camera 340 may be disposed inside the home appliance 300 to acquire an image of the inside of the home appliance. The camera 340 may include various image sensors such as a red green blue (RGB) camera, a vision camera, and an OCR. And, the camera 340 may transfer the obtained image to the processor 360 . The camera 340 may include at least one sensor capable of obtaining an image even in low brightness.

According to one embodiment, the operating unit 350 may include components operating to execute at least one function of the home appliance 300, control logic for controlling the components, or a program. . In addition, these components may vary according to the type and model of the home appliance 300 and the location in the home.

For example, when the home appliance 300 is the clothes care device 114, the operation unit 350 executes, stops, or holds at least one function of the clothes care device 114. component, an air discharge unit, a sterilization unit, a timer, and the like.

For example, when the home appliance 300 is the washing machine 116, the operation unit 350 is a washing water supply unit, a detergent input unit, and a door unit so that at least one function of the washing machine 116 is executed, stopped, or suspended. , components or programs that control a motor that rotates the washing bucket, a timer, and the like.

For example, when the home appliance 300 is an induction cooker 115, the operation unit 350 may include a heating unit, a heating control unit, a timer, etc. to execute, stop, or hold at least one function of the induction cooker 115. It may include components or programs that control it.

For example, when the home appliance 300 is a water purifier 1010, the operation unit 350 sets a hot water mode, a cold water mode, a timer, etc. to execute, stop, or hold at least one function of the water purifier 1010. It may include a component or program to control.

In the present disclosure, the operating unit 350 of the home appliance 300 may have various components depending on the type, model, purpose of use, and location of the home appliance. In addition, the operation unit 350 may include a program for operating components and functions that allow these various functions to be performed. As such, the operating unit 350 in the present disclosure may include components and/or programs necessary for the home appliance to execute at least one function (or controllable by itself or other devices).

In the present disclosure, in addition to the above, the operation unit 350 may include resources (eg, power, commands, data, control signals, etc.) required for the corresponding home appliance to execute at least one function.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may drive software to control at least one component connected to the processor 360 based on wired communication or wireless communication. Also, the processor 360 may perform various data processing and calculations based on the wired communication or the wireless communication.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 transmits commands or data received from the communication unit 310, the display unit 320, the memory 330, the camera 340, the operation unit 350, etc. to the memory 330. It can be loaded into and processed, and the processed data can be stored in the memory 330. Alternatively, the processor 360 may display the processed data through the display unit 320 (eg, a touch screen).

According to one embodiment, the processor 360 may have an artificial intelligence algorithm embedded therein. Alternatively, the algorithm for the artificial intelligence may be implemented by the processor 360. The artificial intelligence is a program that imitates a human brain neural network and can support a deep learning algorithm that analyzes, recognizes, infers, and judges various data by itself.

Through this, the processor 360 can not only control the home appliance 300 with artificial intelligence, but also operate logic for pairing with another home appliance and controlling at least one function of another home appliance through artificial intelligence. Generating and generating instructions for controlling at least one function of the other home appliance based on the operation logic.

Hereinafter, a home appliance that transmits motion information to another home appliance and a home appliance that receives motion information will be described.

A. Consumer Electronics Sending Motion Information

According to one embodiment, the processor 360 is connected to one or more other home appliances (eg, washing machine 116, dryer 211, air purifier 113, dishwasher 212) connected to the router 111 in the home. , The door lock 213, the lighting device 214, the refrigerator 112, etc.) generates a message requesting pairing, and transmits the generated message to the one or more other home appliances (eg, the communication unit 310). : washing machine 116, dryer 211, air purifier 113, dishwasher 212, door lock 213, lighting device 214, refrigerator 112, etc.).

According to an embodiment, in response to the transmitted request, the processor 360 operates the one or more other home appliances (eg, the washing machine 116, the dryer 211, the air cleaner 113, and the dishwasher 212). , door lock 213, lighting device 214, refrigerator 112, etc.) to analyze the response message received from at least one other home appliance capable of pairing (eg, washing machine 116, air purifier 113, door lock 213, lighting device 214, etc.) can be identified. Also, the processor 360 may store information including a list of other home appliances that have transmitted the response message in the memory 330 . The information may include various information required for pairing, such as the type, model name, identifier, and location of another home appliance.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may be used to operate the at least one other home appliance (eg, washing machine 116, air purifier 113, door lock 213, lighting device 214, etc.) included in the list. ) information about at least one function of the at least one other home appliance (eg, washing machine 116, air purifier 113, door lock 213, lighting device 214, etc.) through the communication unit 310 can be requested with The processor 360 can make a direct request to another home appliance or make a request through the router 111.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 transmits function information including information about a function that can be performed by the processor 360 from each of the at least one other home appliance based on the request for the at least one function to the communication unit 310. can be received through

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 controls the at least one other home appliance (eg, washing machine 116, air purifier 113, door lock 213, lighting device 214, etc.) based on the function information. ) and pairing information can be generated. The processor 360 may identify whether or not mutual operation is possible between at least one function performed by the home appliance 300 and at least one function performed by the at least another home appliance.

For example, if it is identified that at least one function performed by the home appliance 300 and at least one function performed by the at least one other home appliance are interoperable and operable, the processor 360 operates the home appliance ( 300) and the corresponding function of the at least other home appliance may generate pairing information to operate in conjunction with each other.

For example, the pairing information controls the operation of home appliances such as operation start, operation stop, operation end, operation time, operation time period, and operation intensity of a corresponding function to be operated in conjunction with each other. It can contain information about logic.

And, the processor 360 may store the generated pairing information in the memory 330 . [Table 1] and [Table 2] below are examples of pairing between home appliances.

Home appliance type induction function smart hood function whether to pair induction Heating function with 1st intensity Fan operation function with 1st strength O Heating function with 2nd intensity Fan operation function with second strength O - Lighting ON/OFF function X

Home appliance type smart hood function air purifier function Pairing or not smart hood Fan operation function with 1st strength Air purification function with 1st century O Fan operation function with second strength Air purification function with the second century O stop fan operation air purifier air purification function O

As shown in [Table 1] and [Table 2], each home appliance device may store whether or not the function of another home appliance that can be operated in conjunction with its own function is paired.

According to an embodiment, when the home appliance 300 is in operation (eg, when at least one function is being executed), the processor 360 uses the timer 361 to determine the current time, operating time, and remaining time. can check. Also, the processor 360 can identify which function is currently being executed among the functions that the home appliance 300 can execute based on the pairing information.

In addition, the processor 360 may identify the type, intensity, start time, operation time, scheduled end time, and the like of the function currently being executed. The type, strength, start time, operation time, and scheduled end time of these functions may differ depending on the type or model of the home appliance.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may identify at least one function currently being executed, among all functions executable by the home appliance 300, based on the pairing information. Also, the processor 360 may identify at least one function of another home appliance that corresponds to at least one function currently being executed by the home appliance 300 .

According to an embodiment, when at least one function of another home appliance that corresponds to at least one function currently being executed by the home appliance 300 is identified, the processor 360 performs at least one function of the home appliance 300. It is possible to generate operation information allowing a function of the home appliance and at least one function of the other home appliance to be operated in conjunction with each other. The operation information may include a command for executing a function of the other home appliance 300 corresponding to a function currently being executed by the home appliance 300 .

For example, the operation information may include information about at least one function being executed by the home appliance 300, an operation time (time), and operation time (time period) of at least one function of the at least one other home appliance. ), operation start, operation stop, operation intensity, and priorities for other home appliances may include at least some of them.

For example, referring to [Table 1], it is assumed that the home appliance 300 is an induction cooker 115 and the other home appliance is a smart hood 117. Further, when the induction stove 115 is heating food at the first intensity, the operation information includes the operation time, operation time, operation start, It may include various information such as operation stop and operation intensity.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may determine an operation sequence of at least one other home appliance 300 based on a priority indicating that the home appliance 300 is paired with the home appliance 300 first. Also, the processor 360 may include information about the determined operation sequence of at least one other home appliance in the operation information.

For example, referring to [Table 1], when the induction 115 heats food at the first intensity, after the smart hood 117 operates, the air purifier 113 does not operate. Therefore, the priority of the smart hood 117 is higher than that of the air purifier 113 .

Through this priority, the order of operation of other home appliances (e.g., smart hood 117 and air purifier 113) that operate later based on the preceding operation of the induction 115 can be determined according to the priority. . For example, when a corresponding function of the smart hood 117 is terminated, the smart hood 117 may transmit an end signal to the air purifier 113 so that the air purifier 113 operates.

According to one embodiment, the processor 360 may obtain an image through at least one camera 340 disposed on the exterior of the home appliance 300 . The processor 360 may acquire an image of a user using the home appliance 300 through the camera 340 .

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may identify a user by analyzing an acquired image. The processor 360 may identify whether the user included in the image is an adult (eg, parent) or a child (eg, child) through an artificial intelligence deep learning algorithm. Also, the processor 360 may generate operation information for other home appliances based on the identified user.

For example, if the user is identified as an adult, the processor 360 may generate motion information not to limit the function of other home appliances. However, if the user is identified as non-adult, the processor 360 supports pairing with the home appliance 300, but disables a function that may pose a threat to the child's safety (eg, an induction heating function, etc.). It is possible to generate motion information to limit.

In this way, the processor 360 can generate motion information according to mutual operations between the function of the home appliance 300 and the functions of other home appliance devices, as well as by user (eg, age group, adult/child classification). Operation information may be generated differently.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 transmits the generated operation information to the at least one other home appliance through the communication unit 310 so that the at least one other home appliance operates based on the generated operation information. can Alternatively, the processor 360 may transmit the generated operation information to the server (eg, LG ThinQ server) 120 through the router 111 so that the generated operation information is transmitted to at least one other home appliance.

As described above, the home appliance according to the present disclosure can control at least one function of another home appliance by transmitting operation information, and also perform at least one function based on operation information received from another home appliance. You may.

Hereinafter, a home appliance that receives motion information and performs at least one function will be described.

B. Consumer electronics receiving motion information

According to one embodiment, the processor 360 transmits operation information on the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) from at least one other home appliance (eg, the induction stove 115) to the communication unit 310. and may store the received operation information in the memory 330. Alternatively, the processor 360 may receive operation information transmitted by another home appliance (eg, induction 115) through the server (eg, LG ThinQ server) 120 and the router 111.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may obtain a message requesting pairing with at least one other home appliance (eg, induction 115) from the router 111 in the home through the communication unit 310. . Alternatively, the processor 360 may obtain a message directly transmitted by at least one other home appliance (eg, induction 115) through the communication unit 310 .

According to one embodiment, the processor 360 analyzes the message to identify whether or not pairing between the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) and the other home appliance (eg, the induction cooker 115) is possible. there is. The processor 360 identifies the type and model of another home appliance (eg, induction cooker 115) through the message, and identifies at least one function executable in the other home appliance (eg, induction cooker 115). can do. In addition, it is possible to identify whether mutual interworking between the identified at least one function and the at least one function that can be executed in the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) is possible or not possible.

According to one embodiment, the processor 360 sends a response message to the message when it is identified that the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) can be paired with another home appliance (eg, the induction cooker 115). It can be transmitted to the other home appliance (eg, induction 115) through the communication unit 310. The response message may include information indicating whether to accept the pairing request. Alternatively, the response message may include information about at least one function executable in the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113).

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) may receive a message from another home appliance (eg, the lighting device 214) that cannot be paired with itself. In this case, the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) may not perform any function based on operation information received from another home appliance (eg, the lighting device 214).

In this way, the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) may analyze operation information to identify whether or not pairing is possible, and also determine whether to perform a linked operation with another home appliance that has transmitted the message. .

According to one embodiment, the processor 360 transmits a request for at least one function executable by the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) from the other home appliance (eg, the induction cooker 115) to the communication unit ( 310) can be obtained.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may perform function information (eg, fan operation) on at least one function (eg, fan operation) of the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) based on the obtained request. operation intensity, fan operation time, fan operation time, etc.) may be generated, and the generated function information may be transmitted to the other home appliance (eg, the induction cooker 115) through the communication unit 310 .

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 transmits operation information on the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) from at least one other home appliance (eg, the induction cooker 115) to the communication unit 310. It may be received through and store the received operation information in the memory 330 .

According to one embodiment, the processor 360 analyzes the received operation information to determine at least one function of the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) and the other home appliance (eg, the induction cooker 115). One or more functions capable of interworking operation may be identified in at least one function of .

According to one embodiment, the processor 360 analyzes the received operation information, identifies a function currently being executed by the other home appliance (eg, induction 115), and identifies the other home appliance (eg, the induction 115). : At least one function of the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) corresponding to the function of the induction cooker 115 may be determined.

For example, when the processor 360 determines that the other home appliance (eg, the induction cooker 115) is performing at least one function (eg, a heating function) by analyzing the received operation information, the processor 360 analyzes the received operation information. It may be identified that at least one function (eg, a heating function) may operate in conjunction with at least one function (eg, an air purifying function) of the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113). Interworking of functions between these home appliances may be variably adjusted according to operating time, operating strength, and the like.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) may receive operation information from another home appliance (eg, the lighting device 214) that cannot be paired with itself. In this case, the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) may not perform any function based on operation information received from another home appliance (eg, the lighting device 214).

In this way, the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) analyzes the operation information to identify whether or not pairing is possible, as well as another home appliance (eg, the lighting device 214) that has transmitted the operation information. It is possible to determine whether or not to perform a linkage operation with.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may generate an operation logic for at least one function of the home appliance (eg, the air cleaner 113) by reflecting the operation information. The processor 360 is configured to operate the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) in response to at least one function currently being executed by another home appliance (eg, the lighting device 214). : Operation logic (eg, air purification intensity, start time, operation time, end time, etc.) for at least one function (eg, air purification function) of the air purifier 113 may be determined.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 determines an operating time, an operating time period, operation start, operation stop, The operation logic may be determined based on at least some of the operation intensity and priority (eg, other home appliances (eg, the smart hood 117)).

The processor 360 generates an operation logic capable of controlling a function (eg, an air purifying function) of the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) based on the operation logic, and the generated operation logic At least one function of the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) may be executed based on.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may transmit information on the generated operation logic to the other home appliance (eg, the lighting device 214) in response to receiving the operation information.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may identify an execution order of the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) among a plurality of electronic devices 110 in the home through analysis of the operation information. there is. For example, the processor 360 may identify the execution order of the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) by analyzing operation information including priorities representing the execution order of a plurality of electronic devices.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 accumulates execution sequences in which the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) is actually executed, and the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) functions (eg, the air purifier 113). : an execution interval at which the air purifying function) was executed, and an execution frequency at which the function (eg, the air purifying function) was executed during a certain period of time (eg, 30 days).

In this way, the processor 360 uses the information (eg, execution interval, execution sequence, and execution frequency) actually executed by the other home appliance (eg, induction 115) through the home appliance (eg, the air purifier (eg, the air purifier)). 113)) may analyze the rate at which the other home appliance (eg, the induction cooker 115) operates in conjunction with it.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may update the priority of the home appliance (eg, the air cleaner 113) among a plurality of electronic devices in the home based on the execution interval and the execution frequency. For example, the processor 360 may increase or decrease the priority through this ratio.

Alternatively, the processor 360 may release interlocking with the other home appliance (eg, induction 115) when the ratio is low (eg, when the ratio of other non-interlocking devices is high).

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may obtain an image included in the operation information and identify a user using the other home appliance (eg, induction 115) by analyzing the acquired image. there is. Also, the processor 360 controls the operation logic of the home appliance (eg, the air purifier 113) based on at least one function of the other home appliance (eg, the induction cooker 115) and the identified user. creation can be determined.

Assume, for example, that the appliance is a lightwave oven and the other appliance is an induction 115. In this case, for example, when the induction unit (eg, the processor 360) identifies whether the identified user is a child (eg, a child), the induction unit 115 operates based on operation information transmitted by the lightwave oven. It is possible to set the corresponding function so that no operating logic is created or the induction is not operated.

Alternatively, when the user is an approved user (eg, a parent), the processor 360 may generate the operation logic and control the operation of the induction unit 115 based on the generated operation logic.

According to one embodiment, the processor 360 acquires an image of a user using the induction unit 115 through a camera disposed on the induction unit 115, analyzes the obtained image, and identifies the user. may be Even in this case, the processor 360 may determine whether to execute at least one function (eg, heating function) of the induction 115 based on the identified user.

According to an embodiment, the processor 360 may obtain an image obtained from at least one of the plurality of home appliances 110 in the home through the communication unit 310 . The processor 360 analyzes at least one acquired image, and executes at least one function of the home appliance when a user exists in the home, and executes at least one function of the home appliance when it is determined that the user does not exist in the home. function can be stopped.

For example, when the home appliance is a water purifier, the processor 360 analyzes an image received from at least one of the plurality of home appliances 110 in the home, and when it is determined that no user exists in the home, the home appliance (eg, a water purifier) may stop at least one function (eg, cold water mode, hot water mode).

As described above, according to the present disclosure, a home appliance may perform at least one function by interoperating with another home appliance, or may not execute at least one function.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a home appliance generates motion information and transmits it to another home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4 , a home appliance (eg, at least one first home appliance) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure generates motion information to generate operation information to detect other home appliances (eg, at least one home appliance other than the first home appliance). A process of transmitting to the second home appliance) is described in detail as follows.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may transmit a pairing request message to at least one other home appliance connected to the router 111 to the router 111 (S410). The home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may transmit a pairing request message to at least one other home appliance connected to the router 111 periodically or when a new home appliance is installed.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may identify whether a response message is received (S412). The home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may receive a response message transmitted from at least one other home appliance through the communication unit 310 in response to the transmitted message.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may store a list of at least one other home appliance capable of pairing (S414). The home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may store in the memory 330 a list of at least one other home appliance that has transmitted the response message. The response message may include information on whether pairing is possible or whether pairing is accepted. The list may be updated according to a change in pairing conditions, unpairing, installation of a new home appliance, and the like.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may obtain function information for each of the at least one other home appliance (S416). The home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may transmit a disclosure request for at least one function executable by at least one other home appliance included in the list to the at least one other home appliance. Also, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may receive function information including information about a function that can be performed from at least one other home appliance, based on the transmitted request.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may generate and store pairing information with the at least one other home appliance based on the acquired function information (S418). The home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may determine whether or not interoperability between at least one function performed by the home appliance and at least one function performed by at least one other home appliance included in the function information is possible.

For example, if it is identified that at least one function performed by the home appliance and at least one function performed by the at least one other home appliance are interoperable, the processor 360 performs the at least one function of the home appliance. And at least one function of the at least other home appliance may generate pairing information including instructions for operating in conjunction with each other. And, the processor 360 may store the generated pairing information in the memory 330 .

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may identify whether the home appliance is currently operating (S420). The home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may identify a function currently being executed in the home appliance.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may identify a function of the home appliance and generate operation information based on the identified function and the function of the at least one other home appliance. Yes (S422). The home appliance (eg, the processor 360 ) may generate operation information including instructions for causing another home appliance to execute at least one function based on the currently executing function and pairing information.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may transmit the generated operation information to the at least one home appliance (S424). The home appliance (eg, the processor 360) directly transmits the generated motion information to the at least one home appliance, through a router 111, or through a server (eg, LG ThinQ server) 120 can be sent to

As described above, the home appliance may generate motion information and transmit it to other home appliances.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of operating a home appliance by receiving operation information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 5 , a home appliance (eg, at least one second home appliance) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is another home appliance (eg, at least one first home appliance excluding the second home appliance). The process of receiving and operating operation information from is described in detail as follows.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may identify whether motion information is received from another home appliance (S510). The home appliance (eg, processor 360) receives operation information transmitted by other home appliances directly from the other home appliance, through a router 111, or through a server (eg, LG ThinQ server) 120 ) can be received through The operation information includes instructions for operation logic (eg, operation start time, operation time, operation end time, strength, direction, etc.) for executing a function of the home appliance corresponding to a function currently operated by another home appliance. can do.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may analyze the received motion information (S512). The home appliance (for example, the processor 360) analyzes at least a portion of the operation information and pairing information stored in the memory 330 and transmits at least one function that is interlocked with a function currently being executed in another home appliance that has transmitted the operation information. function can be identified.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may generate operation logic of the home appliance by reflecting the analyzed operation information (S514). The home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may include operation logic (eg, operation start time, operation time, operation end time, operation logic for substantially controlling at least one function of the home appliance based on an analysis result of operation information). strength, direction, etc.)

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may operate the home appliance based on the generated operation logic (S516). The home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may execute at least one function of the home appliance by generating an operation logic capable of controlling the home appliance based on the operation logic.

As described above, the home appliance in the home may operate at least one function by receiving operation information.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the home appliance receives operation information and updates operation logic by the home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 6 , a process in which the home appliance receives operation information and updates operation logic by the home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may identify whether motion information is received from another home appliance (S610). The home appliance (eg, processor 360) may receive operation information through at least one of the router 111, the server (eg, LG ThinQ server) 120, and at least one other home appliance. The operation information may include instructions for operation logic (eg, operation start time, operation time, operation end time, strength, direction, etc.) for executing functions of the home appliance.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may identify its own accumulated execution order among a plurality of other home devices operating based on at least one operation information (S612). The home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may determine its own execution order by identifying priorities included in the operation information. Also, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may determine a home appliance that is executed before itself and a home appliance that is executed after itself. For example, when the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) completes an operation, it may transmit a signal indicating that the operation has been completed to a home appliance that is executed later than the home appliance.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may identify an execution interval and an execution frequency (S614). The home appliance (eg, processor 360) may identify an interval at which at least one function is executed and a frequency at which at least one function is executed during a unit period (eg, 30 days) based on previously received operation information.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may acquire an image and identify a user (S616). The processor 360 acquires an image of a user who wants to use the home appliance through at least one camera 340 disposed on the exterior of the home appliance, and analyzes the acquired image so that the user is an approved user. (e.g. parent) or an unauthorized user (e.g. child). The approval may be determined through a deep learning algorithm or according to a result set in advance by a user (eg, a parent) in the home.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) adds information about a function to a list based on the identified execution order, execution interval, execution frequency, and user, or the home appliance executes the function. Priority can be determined (S618). The processor 360 identifies an execution sequence of the home appliance through operation information, and assigns the function based on an interval at which at least one function of the home appliance is executed (eg, executed in 5 days) and an authorized user. information can be added to the list.

For example, functions that are frequently used may be added to the list, and functions that are not frequently used may be deleted from the list. Alternatively, the processor 360 may increase the priority of a frequently used function and lower the priority of an infrequently used function.

According to an embodiment, the home appliance (eg, the processor 360) may update an operation logic based on the determined priority (S620). The home appliance (eg, the processor 360) is configured with operation logic (eg, operation start time, operation time, operation logic for substantially controlling at least one function of the home appliance based on the priority determined in step S618). end time, motion intensity, direction, etc.) can be updated.

As described above, a home appliance device in a home may receive operation information and update an operation logic for at least one function of the home appliance device.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of operating each of a plurality of home appliances receiving operation information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 7 , a process of operating each of a plurality of home appliances receiving operation information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. For example, this is a case where the lightwave oven 710 transmits operation information to the clothes care device 114 , the induction stove 115 , and the air cleaner 113 .

According to an embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the lightwave oven 710 is currently operating (S710). The lightwave oven 710 may identify whether the lightwave oven 710 is currently executing at least one function (eg, a heating function).

According to an embodiment, the lightwave oven 710 may acquire at least one image (S712). When it is identified that the lightwave oven 710 is currently performing at least one function (eg, a heating function), the lightwave oven 710 sets at least one camera 340 disposed on the exterior of the lightwave oven 710. Through this, an image of a user using the lightwave oven 710 may be acquired.

According to an embodiment, the lightwave oven 710 may generate motion information according to motion (S714). The lightwave oven 710 may generate operation information about at least one function currently being executed by the lightwave oven 710 . The motion information may include at least one image obtained in step S712.

According to an embodiment, the lightwave oven 710 may transmit the generated operation information to the clothes care device 114, the induction 115, and the air cleaner 113 (S716, S718, and S720). The lightwave oven 710 may directly transmit the generated operation information to the clothes care device 114 , the induction cooker 115 , and the air cleaner 113 . Alternatively, the lightwave oven 710 may transmit the generated operation information to the clothes care device 114, the induction cooker 115, and the air purifier 113 through the router 111 or the server 120.

According to an embodiment, the clothes care device 114 may store operation information (S722). The clothes care device 114 may store the operation information in a memory.

According to an embodiment, the clothes care device 114 may determine whether to perform a subsequent operation based on the operation of the lightwave oven 710 (S724). The clothes care device 114 may analyze the operation information to determine whether to execute at least one function after the operation of the lightwave oven 710 is finished (or during operation). For example, the clothes care device 114 may determine whether to execute at least one function linked to at least one function of the lightwave oven 710 by analyzing the operation information and pre-stored pairing information.

According to one embodiment, the clothes care device 114 may enter a standby mode (S726). For example, if it is determined that the subsequent operation based on the operation of the lightwave oven 710 is not performed, the clothes care device 114 may maintain an existing state (eg, standby mode).

According to one embodiment, the induction cooker 115 may store operation information (S728). The induction 115 may store the operation information in a memory.

According to an embodiment, the induction unit 115 may determine whether to perform a subsequent operation based on the operation of the lightwave oven 710 (S730). The induction oven 115 may analyze operation information to determine whether to execute at least one function after the operation of the lightwave oven 710 is finished (or during operation). For example, the induction cooker 115 may determine whether to execute at least one function linked to at least one function of the lightwave oven 710 by analyzing the operation information and pre-stored pairing information.

According to one embodiment, the induction cooker 115 may enter a standby mode (S732). For example, if it is determined that the induction oven 115 does not perform a subsequent operation based on the operation of the lightwave oven 710, the existing state (eg, standby mode) may be maintained.

According to an embodiment, the induction unit 115 may determine whether to operate by analyzing an image (S734). The induction unit 115 may determine whether to perform at least one function of the induction unit 115 by analyzing at least one image included in the motion information. Alternatively, the induction unit 115 analyzes an image acquired through at least one camera 340 disposed on the exterior to predict whether a user included in the image will use the induction unit 115 or not. can Also, the induction unit 115 may determine whether to perform at least one function of the induction unit 115 based on the prediction. For example, when the user is an unauthorized user (eg, a child), the induction 115 may not operate.

According to an embodiment, the induction cooker 115 may analyze operation information to identify the remaining operation time of the lightwave oven (S736). The induction 115 may identify the remaining operation time of the lightwave oven 710 included in the operation information.

According to one embodiment, the induction unit 115 may identify whether the remaining operating time is within a predetermined time (S738). The induction cooker 115 may identify whether the remaining operation time of the induction cooker 115 is within a predetermined time in order to determine whether to perform at least one function of the induction cooker 115 now.

According to one embodiment, the induction 115 may perform an initial operation (S740). When it is identified that the remaining operation time of the lightwave oven 710 is within a predetermined time (eg, 1 minute), the induction 115 may perform an initial operation (eg, a preheating operation).

According to one embodiment, the induction unit 115 may transmit operation information according to an initial operation (S742). The induction cooker 115 may transmit operation information indicating that it is currently performing an initial operation to the lightwave oven 710 .

According to an embodiment, the air purifier 113 may store operation information (S744). The air purifier 113 may store the operation information in a memory.

According to an embodiment, the air purifier 113 may determine whether to perform a subsequent operation based on the operation of the lightwave oven 710 (S746). The air purifier 113 may analyze the operation information to determine whether to execute at least one function after the operation of the lightwave oven 710 is finished (or during operation). For example, the air purifier 113 may determine whether to execute at least one function linked to at least one function of the lightwave oven 710 by analyzing the operation information and pre-stored pairing information.

According to an embodiment, the air purifier 113 may enter a standby mode (S748). For example, if it is determined that the air purifier 113 does not perform a subsequent operation based on the operation of the lightwave oven 710, it may maintain an existing state (eg, standby mode).

According to an embodiment, the air purifier 113 may identify whether the operation of the lightwave oven is terminated (S750). The air purifier 113 may analyze the operation time of the lightwave oven 710 included in the operation information to identify whether the operation of the lightwave oven 710 is terminated.

According to an embodiment, the air purifier 113 may be operated based on the operation of the lightwave oven 710 (S752). When it is identified that the operation of the lightwave oven 710 is terminated, the air purifier 113 may execute at least one function (eg, an air purifying function).

As described above, each of a plurality of home appliances in a home may receive operation information and operate a corresponding function.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a home appliance device controls an operation of each of a plurality of home appliance devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 8 , a home appliance (eg, an induction cooker 115) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided for each of a plurality of home appliances (eg, a smart hood 117 and an air purifier 113). A process for controlling the operation will be described in detail.

According to one embodiment, the induction unit 115 may identify whether at least one function is being executed (S810). The induction 115 may identify whether a heating function for heating food has started or is currently running.

According to an embodiment, the induction cooker 115 may transmit an operation start signal to the smart hood 117 and the air purifier 113 (S812 and S814). When the induction 115 starts a heating function or is identified as currently being executed, operation information (e.g., : An operation start signal) may be transmitted to the at least one home appliance (smart hood 117 and air purifier 113).

According to an embodiment, the smart hood 117 may start the fan operation (S816). The smart hood 117 may operate a fan when operation information is received from the induction unit 115 . For example, the smart hood 117 may identify the heating intensity of the induction stove 115 by analyzing operation information. In addition, the smart hood 117 may adjust the operation of the fan in proportion to the heating intensity.

According to one embodiment, the air purifier 113 may start the operation of the air purifier (S818). When operation information is received from the induction cooker 115, the air purifier 113 may execute an air purifying function. For example, the air purifier 113 may identify the heating intensity of the induction stove 115 by analyzing operation information. In addition, the air purifier 113 may adjust the intensity of the air purification function in proportion to the heating intensity.

According to one embodiment, the induction 115 may identify whether the operation ends (S820). The induction cooker 115 may determine whether or not the heating function of heating food is finished.

According to an embodiment, when the operation of the induction cooker 115 is identified as being terminated, an operation termination signal may be transmitted to the smart hood 117 and the air purifier 113 (S822 and S824). Operation information for controlling the operation of at least one other home appliance (smart hood 117 and air purifier 113) when it is identified that the heating function of the induction cooker 115 ends or the heating time expires. (eg, an operation end signal) may be transmitted to the at least one home appliance (smart hood 117 and air purifier 113).

According to an embodiment, the smart hood 117 may stop the operation of the fan after operating the fan for a predetermined period of time (S826). When the operation termination signal is received, the smart hood 117 operates the fan for a predetermined period of time (eg, 30 minutes). In addition, the smart hood 117 may stop the operation of the fan or reduce the strength of the fan after a certain period of time (eg, 30 minutes) has elapsed.

According to one embodiment, the air purifier 113 may stop the operation of the air purifier after a predetermined time (S828). When the operation termination signal is received, the air purifier 113 operates the air purifying function for a predetermined period of time (eg, 30 minutes). In addition, the air purifier 113 may stop the air purifying function or reduce the strength of the air purifying function after a certain period of time (eg, 30 minutes) has elapsed.

As described above, each of the plurality of home appliances in the home may receive operation information to start an operation or stop an operation.

9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process when a home appliance receives operation information from a plurality of other home appliances according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 9 , an operation process when a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure receives motion information from a plurality of other home appliances will be described in detail.

According to one embodiment, the common front door 910 may authenticate entry of the common front door (S910). The common front door 910 may determine whether to approve an entrant based on an access card or an input of a password.

According to an embodiment, the common front door 910 may transmit an access schedule signal to the air conditioner 920 and the air purifier 113 (S912 and S914). When a visitor is approved, the common front door 910 may transmit an access schedule signal indicating that the visitor is scheduled to enter the home to the router 111 of the home corresponding to the access card or password. When the access schedule signal is received, the router 111 may transmit the access schedule signal to the corresponding home appliance (eg, the air conditioner 920 and the air purifier 113).

According to one embodiment, the air conditioning unit 920 may operate in a turbo mode (S916). When an access schedule signal is received from the common front door 910 (or from the router 111), the air conditioner 920 may determine that the user will visit soon. Also, the air-conditioning device 920 may operate cooling in a turbo mode in summer and heating in a turbo mode in winter, for example, based on the access schedule signal.

According to one embodiment, the heating and cooling device 920 may identify whether a certain period of time has elapsed (S918). The air-conditioning device 920 may identify whether a certain period of time (eg, 10 minutes) has elapsed while operating in the turbo mode.

According to one embodiment, the cooling and heating device 920 may stop the turbo mode operation (S920). For example, the air conditioner 920 may determine that a visitor does not visit the home when a predetermined time (eg, 10 minutes) has elapsed while operating in the turbo mode. In this way, the air conditioner 920 may stop the currently running turbo mode when it is determined that the visitor does not visit the home.

According to one embodiment, the air purifier 113 may operate in a turbo mode (S922). When an access schedule signal is received from the common front door 910 (or from the router 111), the air purifier 113 may determine that the user will visit soon. Also, the air purifier 113 may operate in a turbo mode based on the access schedule signal.

According to an embodiment, the air purifier 113 may identify whether a certain period of time has elapsed (S924). The air purifier 113 may identify whether a certain amount of time (eg, 10 minutes) has elapsed while operating in the turbo mode.

According to an embodiment, the air purifier 113 may stop the turbo mode operation (S926). For example, the air purifier 113 may determine that a visitor does not visit the home when a certain time (eg, 00 minutes) has elapsed while operating in the turbo mode. In this way, the air purifier 113 may stop the currently running turbo mode when it is determined that the visitor does not visit the home.

According to an embodiment, the door lock 213 may identify whether authentication of the door lock is completed (S928). The door lock 213 may receive an entrance/exit schedule signal from the common front door. Alternatively, the door lock 213 can authenticate an entrant through an access card or password input.

According to an embodiment, the door lock 213 may transmit an access schedule signal to the air conditioner 920 and the air cleaner 113 (S930 and S932). The door lock 213 may transmit an access signal to the air conditioner 920 and the air purifier 113 when an entrant is authenticated through an access card or password input.

According to one embodiment, the air conditioning unit 920 may operate in a preset mode (S934). The air-conditioning device 920 may determine that an entrant is present in the home, and operate by switching the mode from the turbo mode to a preset mode (eg, a mode other than the turbo mode).

According to one embodiment, the air purifier 113 may operate in a preset mode (S936). The air purifier 113 may determine that a visitor is present in the home, and operate by switching the mode from the turbo mode to a preset mode (eg, a mode other than the turbo mode).

As described above, each of a plurality of home appliances in a home may execute at least one function by receiving operation information from each of a plurality of other home appliances.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates according to operation information received from other home appliances and the presence or absence of occupants.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 10 , a process in which a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates according to operation information received from other home appliances and the presence or absence of occupants will be described in detail.

According to one embodiment, the door lock 213 may detect the opening or closing of the door (S1010). The door lock 213 may identify whether the door is open or closed through a sensor (not shown) disposed on the door.

According to an embodiment, the door lock 213 may obtain and store visual information and access information about door opening/closing (S1012). The door lock 213 may obtain a door opening time and closing time. In addition, the door lock 213 may obtain and analyze an image of a user entering or exiting through at least one camera 340 disposed on the door. In addition, the door lock 213 may store information on entry and exit in the memory 330 .

According to an embodiment, the door lock 213 may identify whether a visitor goes to work or leaves work based on the obtained information and pre-stored information (S1014). The door lock 213 can identify whether the person opened the door to go to work or to leave work by analyzing the access pattern and access time for each user.

According to an embodiment, the door lock 213 may transmit the identification result to the water purifier 1010 (S1016). The door lock 213 may transmit an identification result indicating a user going to work or leaving work to the water purifier 1010 .

According to an embodiment, the water purifier 1010 operates in a hot/cold water mode (S1018). For example, it is assumed that the water purifier 1010 is operating in hot water, cold water, or hot/cold water mode before receiving the identification result from the door lock 213 .

According to an embodiment, the water purifier 1010 may identify whether a user exists in the home (S1020). When the identification result is received, the water purifier 1010 periodically identifies (or for a certain period of time (eg, 10 minutes)) whether an occupant is present in the home through at least one camera disposed on the exterior of the water purifier 1010. can do.

For example, even if the identification result is received, if it is determined that there is an occupant in the home, the water purifier 1010 may maintain the hot water, cold water, or hot/cold water mode as in step S1018.

According to an embodiment, the water purifier 1010 may identify whether the visitor goes to work or leaves (S1022). For example, if it is determined that there is no occupant in the home, the water purifier 1010 may identify whether the visitor has gone to work or left.

According to an embodiment, the water purifier 1010 may stop the operation of the water purifier in the hot/cold water mode (S1024). For example, when a visitor goes to work and there is no current occupant in the home, the water purifier 1010 may stop the hot water, cold water, or hot/cold water mode.

According to an embodiment, the water purifier 1010 may start the hot water/cold water mode of the water purifier (S1026). For example, when a person leaves work, the water purifier 1010 may start a hot water mode, a cold water mode, or a hot/cold water mode.

As described above, the home appliance (eg, the water purifier 1010) may be actively operated according to the entry of the person into the home or the presence or absence of an occupant.

Each step in each of the flowcharts described above may be operated regardless of the order shown, or may be performed simultaneously. In addition, at least one component of the present disclosure and at least one operation performed by the at least one component may be implemented by hardware and/or software.

As described above, the present disclosure has been described with reference to the illustrated drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and various modifications are made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. It is obvious that variations can be made. In addition, even if the operation and effect according to the configuration of the present disclosure have not been explicitly described and described while describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is natural that the predictable effect of the configuration should also be recognized.

100: home appliance system 111: router
112: refrigerator 113: air purifier
114: clothing care device 115: induction
116: washing machine 117: smart hood
118: robot cleaner 120: server
130: mobile terminal 140: network
211: dryer 212: dishwasher
213: door lock 214: lighting device
310: communication unit 320: display unit
330: memory 340: camera
350: operating unit 360: processor

Claims (20)

In household appliances,
communications department;
Memory; and
It includes a processor electrically connected to the communication unit and the memory,
the processor,
Acquiring function information for each of at least one other home appliance in the home;
Based on the acquired function information, pairing information with the at least one other home appliance is generated and stored in the memory;
If the home appliance is currently operating, identify a function the home appliance is currently executing;
Identifying a function of the at least one other home appliance corresponding to the function of the identified home appliance based on the pairing information;
generating operation information for the at least one other home appliance based on the identified function of the at least one other home appliance;
A home appliance device configured to transmit the generated operation information to the at least one other home appliance through the communication unit so that the at least one other home appliance operates based on the operation information.
According to claim 1,
the processor,
Transmitting a message requesting pairing to one or more other home appliances connected to the router in the home to the one or more other home appliances through the communication unit;
A home appliance configured to analyze a response message received from the one or more other home appliances in response to the transmitted request and store a list of at least one other home appliance capable of being paired with in the memory.
According to claim 2,
the processor,
Requesting information on at least one function of the at least one other home appliance included in the list to the at least one other home appliance through the communication unit;
A home appliance device configured to receive the function information for each of the at least one other home appliance through the communication unit based on the request.
According to claim 1,
the processor,
determining an operation sequence of the at least one other home appliance based on a priority of pairing with the home appliance;
The operation information includes information about the determined operation sequence of at least one other home appliance.
According to claim 1,
The operation information,
Information on at least one function being executed by the home appliance, operation time (time), operation time (time period), operation start, operation stop, operation intensity for at least one function of the at least one other home appliance, and priorities.
According to claim 1,
At least one camera disposed on the exterior of the home appliance,
the processor,
Obtaining an image of a user using the home appliance through the camera;
Analyzing the acquired image to identify the user;
A home appliance configured to generate operation information for the at least one other home appliance based on the identified user.
According to claim 6,
the processor,
A home appliance configured to determine whether to transmit the generated motion information to the at least one other home appliance based on the identified user.
According to claim 1,
The household appliance is one of a plurality of household appliances disposed in the home;
The other home appliance device is a home appliance device that executes at least one function associated with at least one function currently being executed by the home appliance device among the plurality of home appliance devices.
In household appliances,
communications department;
Memory; and
It includes a processor electrically connected to the communication unit and the memory,
the processor,
Receiving operation information on the home appliance from another home appliance through the communication unit;
storing the received operation information in the memory;
Reflecting the operation information to generate operation logic for at least one function of the home appliance;
A home appliance configured to execute at least one function of the home appliance based on the generated operation logic.
According to claim 9,
the processor,
Obtaining a message requesting pairing with the other home appliance from the router in the home through the communication unit;
Identifying whether pairing with the other home appliance is possible based on the obtained message;
If it is identified that pairing with the other home appliance is possible, the home appliance is set to transmit a response message to the message to the other home appliance through the communication unit.
According to claim 9,
the processor,
obtaining a request for at least one function of the home appliance from the other home appliance through the communication unit;
Generating function information for at least one function of the home appliance based on the obtained request;
A home appliance set to transmit the generated function information to the other home appliance through the communication unit.
According to claim 9,
the processor,
Analyzing the received operation information to identify a function currently being executed by the other home appliance;
determining at least one function of the home appliance corresponding to the function of the identified other home appliance;
determining an operation logic based on at least some of an operation time, an operation time period, an operation start, an operation stop, an operation strength, and a priority for the determined at least one function;
A home appliance configured to operate the home appliance based on the determined operation logic.
According to claim 9,
the processor,
Analyzing the received operation information, identifying an execution sequence of the home appliance among a plurality of electronic devices in the home;
accumulate the identified order of execution;
Analyzing the accumulated execution sequence, identifying an execution interval and an execution frequency of the home appliance;
A home appliance configured to update a priority of the home appliance among a plurality of electronic devices in the home based on the identified execution interval and execution frequency.
According to claim 9,
the processor,
obtaining an image included in the received motion information;
Analyzing the acquired image to identify the user;
A home appliance configured to determine whether to generate the operation logic based on at least one function of the home appliance and the identified user.
According to claim 14,
the processor,
When the identified user is an authorized user, generating the operation logic;
If the identified user is an unauthorized user, the home appliance is configured not to generate the operation logic.
According to claim 15,
the processor,
A home appliance device configured to transmit information including the generated operation logic to a router in the home.
According to claim 9,
At least one camera disposed on the exterior of the home appliance,
the processor,
Obtaining an image of a user using the home appliance through the camera;
Analyzing the acquired image to identify the user;
A home appliance configured to determine whether to execute at least one function of the home appliance based on the identified user.
According to claim 17,
the processor,
Analyzing the acquired image and executing at least one function of the home appliance when a user exists in the home;
A home appliance configured to stop at least one function of the home appliance when it is determined that a user does not exist in the home.
A method for controlling a home appliance,
acquiring function information for each of at least one other home appliance in the home;
generating and storing pairing information with the at least one other home appliance based on the acquired function information;
identifying a function currently being executed by the home appliance when the home appliance is currently in operation;
identifying a function of the at least one other home appliance corresponding to the function of the identified home appliance based on the pairing information;
generating operation information for the at least one other home appliance based on the identified function of the at least one other home appliance; and
and transmitting the generated operation information to the at least one other home appliance so that the at least one other home appliance operates based on the operation information.
A method for controlling a home appliance,
receiving operation information about the home appliance from another home appliance;
storing the received operation information;
generating an operation logic for at least one function of the home appliance by reflecting the operation information; and
and executing at least one function of the home appliance based on the generated operation logic.

Images