RU2697036C1 - Linen processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: personal articles and house appliances.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to a linen processing device having a touch screen for displaying visual information. Linen processing device comprises a first washing tank, a touch screen which outputs icons associated with functions performed by the first washing tank, and a control unit which controls the touch screen such that when the present invention is connected within a predetermined distance to an external device having a second washing tank, the first graphic object and the second graphic object are output, wherein the first graphic object is configured to select a first washing tank, and the second graphic object is configured to select a second washing tank.

EFFECT: linen processing device is proposed.

18 cl, 14 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus having a touch screen for displaying visual information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A laundry treating apparatus includes a laundry or laundry washing apparatus, a laundry drying apparatus, and a laundry washing and drying apparatus. In the laundry treating device, washing the laundry is a process of removing contaminants from the laundry due to the reaction between water and detergents, and drying the laundry is a process of removing moisture contained in the laundry by using the hot air supply device located in the laundry treating device.

A known device for processing linen includes a main body that determines the appearance and has an inlet for linen, a compartment for accommodating laundry formed in the main body, a drive unit for rotating the drum forming a compartment for accommodating laundry, a door for opening and closing the inlet for linen and a control unit for outputting visual information related to the processes carried out in the device for processing linen, the user and receiving user commands.

In the device for processing linen, the door is configured to perform its initial function of opening and closing the laundry inlet and to provide the user with a view of the laundry compartment. In addition, the control unit is usually located in the main body and contains many buttons and knobs for a brief display of only the specified modes when turning on / off the power and control modes.

This distinction between the door and the control unit spoiled the simple appearance of the laundry treating device, and the input and output interfaces between the laundry treating device and the user are not selectable and remain small in size.

Therefore, studies were conducted to locate the control unit on the doors and to execute the control unit in the form of a touch screen. However, studies of the design of the door, which can cause a single feeling regarding the door and the touch screen and a great sense of relatively low cost, are still not actively conducted.

In addition, since the washing functions performed in the laundry treating apparatus are diverse, there is a need for washing the laundry, which needs to be sorted according to the type of laundry. For example, there is a need for a user to wash the laundry to be washed by sorting the laundry into underwear and socks, or by color. However, since the known laundry treating apparatus has only one compartment for accommodating laundry therein, there is an inconvenience that the laundry needs to be washed separately several times to eliminate this inconvenience.

To eliminate this inconvenience, a study is being carried out on a single laundry treatment device having a plurality of washing tanks, but a user interface study for controlling such a plurality of washing tanks has not yet been actively conducted. Since a separate control unit is provided for each washing tub, the user must individually check each control unit and enter a separate control command. Therefore, a new type of user interface for managing a plurality of washing tanks may be an important issue in terms of enhancing user convenience.

In addition, there is a need for a laundry processing system that enables a user to do such washing with sorting, even using a laundry processing device that the user already has, taking into account costs. The user can assemble a laundry treatment system including a plurality of laundry treating devices by arranging a new laundry treating apparatus in addition to an existing laundry treating apparatus belonging to the user. Even so, since a separate control unit is provided for each laundry treating device, a new type of user interface is required to control a plurality of laundry treating devices.

Detailed disclosure

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a door structure for a laundry treating device providing the user with a single aesthetic feeling when the door is provided with a window through which the user can see the laundry holding compartment and an indicator for displaying information processed in the laundry treating device.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a door structure for a laundry treating device comprising a circular indicator for a user by using a rectangular indicator.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a laundry treating apparatus for controlling at least one of a plurality of laundry tubs for washing a laundry treating apparatus by using a single indicator.

Another aspect of the present invention is the creation of a new type of user interface that provides the user with accurate and intuitive recognition of one of a plurality of washing tubs or a plurality of laundry treating devices to be controlled while controlling one using a single indicator.

Another aspect of the present invention is the creation of a user interface that enables the definition of one washing tub (or one laundry processing device) that the user wants to use with artificial intelligence based on the user's actions, and ensuring the use of one washing tub immediately without a separate user input.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a laundry treating device that utilizes a new washing function created by a third-party manufacturer, as well as a washing function available in the laundry treating apparatus.

To achieve the aforementioned aspects and other advantages of the present invention, there is described a laundry treating apparatus including a first washing tub, a touch screen for displaying icons associated with functions performed using the first washing tub, and a control unit for controlling a touch screen for outputting the first a graphic for selecting a first washing tub and a second graphic for selecting a second washing tub when an external device having a second washing tub is connected to thinning a predetermined distance.

The device may further include a wireless communication device connected wirelessly to an external device having a second washing tub for transmitting and receiving data.

The control unit may control the wireless device to form or disconnect a connection to an external device having a second washing tub based on user input.

The control unit can control the touch screen so that the first and second graphic objects disappear when the connection is disconnected.

The control unit can select one of the first and second washing tanks when a touch is applied to one of the first and second graphic objects and control the touch screen to display icons related to the functions performed in the selected washing tank.

The control unit can control the touch screen to display the icons included in the first group when selecting the first wash tank, and to display the icons included in the second group when selecting the second wash tank.

When swinging is applied to one of the icons included in the second group, the control unit may transmit a washing command corresponding to a function associated with the icon to which the touch is applied to an external device having a second washing tub, so that the function is performed in an external device having second tank for washing.

The control unit may output notification information warning that the function is not performed in an external device having a second washing tank when a message about the impossibility of washing for the washing command from an external device having a second washing tank is received.

The control unit may receive a message informing about the progress of the function from an external device having a second washing tub during the execution of the function and control the touch screen to display control information to control the progress of the function.

The control unit may output the first control information in the first area of the touch screen to control the progress of the first function and the second control information in the second area to control the progress of the second function when performing the first function using the first washing tub while the function is being executed.

Upon completion of the washing function, the control unit may suspend the output of the first and second control information to control the completion of the washing function and output completion information regarding the washing function in the entire area of the touch screen.

The control unit may restart the paused output of the first control information after a predetermined time after the completion of the washing function and display the first control information in the entire area of the touch screen.

Upon completion of the function, while information about completion of the washing function is output, the control unit may transmit an output restriction command to an external device having a second washing tank, so that a notification is displayed in accordance with the completion of the function in an external device having a second washing tank, after a given time.

The icons included in the second group may vary depending on the type of external device having a second washing tub.

When connecting an external device having a second washing tank, the control unit can access a predetermined server to download icons corresponding to an external device having a second washing tank, and set downloaded icons for icons included in the second group.

The first washing tub may rotate centered on the first rotating shaft, and the second washing tub may rotate centered on the second rotating shaft intersecting with the first rotating shaft.

Each of the icons included in the first group may be associated with a function performed in the first washing tub, in accordance with the characteristics of the first washing tank, and each of the icons included in the second group may be associated with a function performed in the second a washing tub, in accordance with the characteristics of the second washing tub.

The control unit may output different information depending on the connection or disconnection with respect to an external device having a second washing tub when the touch screen indicator that has been turned off is turned on.

Icons associated with the functions performed in the first washing tub may be displayed on the touch screen when an external device having a second washing tub is not connected, and the first and second graphic objects may be displayed on the touch screen when the external apparatus having the second washing tub connected.

The lock command may be transmitted to an external device having a second washing tub, so that the child lock function is performed even in the external device having a second washing tub when the child lock function is performed relative to the first washing tub in a connected position with an external device having second tank for washing.

Disclosure result

The results of the laundry treating device according to the present invention will be described as follows.

According to the present invention, an opaque region may be formed on the door lid, the first and second light transmitting regions may be formed insulated in the opaque region, and a window and indicator (or touch screen) may be located in the first and second light transmitting regions, respectively, thus realizing the simple appearance of the door. In particular, when the first and second light transmitting regions are made in a circular shape to fit a round door, the user may experience a general aesthetic feeling.

In addition, when the second light-transmitting region is made in a circular shape located in a rectangular indicator with overlapping, visual information can only be provided on the area corresponding to the circular second light-transmitting region to form a circular indicator for the user. At the same time, the control unit can control the output of visual information in the area that does not correspond to the second light transmitting region, thereby saving energy.

The results obtained by the present invention are not limited to the results mentioned above, and other, unmentioned results may be understood by those skilled in the art from the following description to which the present invention relates.

Brief Description of the Drawings

1A is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a conceptual view illustrating a state in which the first door of FIG. 1A is initially rotated to open a laundry inlet;

FIG. 1C is a conceptual view illustrating a state in which the first door is rotated a second time from the position shown in FIG. 1B;

figure 2 is a perspective view with a spatial separation of the elements of the first door in figa;

FIG. 3 is a conceptual view of another laundry treating device connected to the laundry treating apparatus of FIG. 1A;

4 is a sequence diagram of a typical control method in accordance with the present invention;

5, 6A, 6B and 6C are view examples illustrating an example in which the control method of FIG. 4 is used;

Fig.7 is a conceptual view of a device for processing linen, which displays the first and second graphic objects in accordance with user input that satisfies a given condition;

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a first and second laundry treating device in a laundry treating system including a first and second laundry treating device;

9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are conceptual views illustrating a method for outputting relevant information to a touch screen when performing a cycle in at least one of the first and second laundry treating devices;

10A and 10B are conceptual views illustrating a method for controlling an audio output device of each laundry processing device;

11A and 11B are conceptual views illustrating a method for controlling the output of information on a touch screen based on user action;

12 is a conceptual view illustrating an operation associated with a child lock function;

13 is a conceptual view illustrating a method for pairing or steaming a first laundry treating device and a second laundry treating device based on user input;

Fig. 14 is a conceptual view of a laundry treating device that can use a new washing function created by a third-party manufacturer, in addition to a predetermined washing function.

Best Embodiment

Below, a laundry treating apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Singular expressions include plural expressions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms are usually used only to distinguish one element from another.

The same or equivalent components may contain the same or similar reference numerals even in different embodiments, and their description will not be repeated.

In the description of the present disclosure, if a detailed explanation of the corresponding known function or design is deemed to be an unjustified departure from the essence of the present disclosure, such an explanation is omitted, but should be understood by specialists in this field of technology.

The accompanying drawings are used to facilitate an easy understanding of the technical idea of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that the idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the accompanying drawings. The idea of this disclosure should be construed as including any changes, equivalents, and replacements along with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views illustrating positions in which door 120 of FIG. 1A is primary and secondary, respectively, rotated. , and thus, the first laundry inlet 160a is open.

As shown in these figures, the laundry treating apparatus 100 includes a main body 110 and a door 120.

The main body 110 forms the outer shape of the laundry treating apparatus 100 and has a laundry inlet 160a into which laundry is loaded. In this embodiment, it is shown that the laundry inlet 160a is formed in the front portion of the main body 110 having a hexagonal shape.

The main body 110 comprises a laundry compartment for accommodating laundry or laundry through the laundry inlet 160a. The laundry compartment may be referred to as a “washing tub”.

For example, when the laundry treating apparatus 100 of the present invention is configured as a laundry drying apparatus, the laundry compartment may be configured as a first drum 150 rotatably mounted in the main body 110.

As another example, when the laundry treating apparatus 100 of the present invention is configured as a laundry washing and drying apparatus, the laundry compartment may include a tub (not shown) located in the main body 110 for containing laundry water, and a first drum 150 rotatably disposed in the tub for receiving laundry therein.

The main body 110 includes a drive unit (not shown) for rotating the drum 150. The drive unit may include an electric motor for generating a driving force and a belt for rotating the drum 150 using the driving force.

The main body 110 may include a detergent supply device (not shown) made in the form of a drawer that can be inserted into and removed from the main body 110. A cover 112 closing the detergent supply device may be rotatable up and down.

The main body 110 may include a power button 170 for turning on / off the laundry treating device 100. When the indicator 122, which will be described later, is made in the form of a touch screen, the laundry treatment device 100 can be turned on / off via a touch input applied to the touch screen 122. In this case, the power button 170 is not provided, which can lead to a simpler implementation the appearance of the device for processing linen.

The door 120 is rotatably mounted on the main body 110 with a hinge assembly 140 to open and close the laundry inlet 160a. As shown, the main body 110 may include a door receiving portion 160b recessed inward from its outer surface and having a laundry inlet 160a. When the door 120 is closed, the door 120 is placed on the door receiving portion 160b, and the outer edge portion of the door 120 may be flush with the outer surface of the main body 110.

In order to prevent the door 120 from stopping by the main body 110 when the door 120 is open due to the structure in which the door 120 is located on the door receiving portion 160b, the hinge assembly 140 may have a double hinge structure having two different rotating axes. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the door 120 may be located at a distance from the portion 160b to accommodate the door due to a primary rotation centered on one of the rotating axes and then secondary rotation centered on another rotating axis.

In a design in which the hinge assembly 140 is mounted on one side of the door 120, a locking device for securing or locking the door 120 on the main body 110 or for disengaging or unlocking the fixed / locked door 120 is located on the other side of the door 120. The locking device may be configured pressure, so that the door 120 is locked when pressed on the other side of the door 120 once, and unlocked when pressed on the other side of the door 120 again.

Door 120 comprises a window 121 and an indicator 122.

When the first door 120 is closed, the window 121 is configured to correspond to the laundry inlet 160a, so that the user can see the inside of the laundry compartment. Accordingly, the user can check the position of the laundry housed in the laundry compartment through the window 121.

The indicator 122 displays (outputs) information processed in the device 100 for processing linen. For example, the indicator 122 may display information on the screen about the cycles (washing, removing moisture, drying, etc.) carried out in the device 100 for processing linen or user interface (UI) and graphical user interface (GUI) information corresponding to the information about running on screen.

The detailed construction of door 120 will be described below.

Figure 2 is a perspective view with a spatial separation of the elements of the door 120 shown in figa.

As shown in FIG. 2, door 120 includes a frame 130, a window 136, an indication unit 128, and a door cover 190. As described above, the hinge assembly 140 for connecting the door 120 to the main body 110 is mounted on the doors 120, but the hinge assembly 140 omitted from this drawing.

In this embodiment, it is shown that the door 120 is made in a circular shape (including a regular circular shape and an elliptical shape). However, the present invention is not limited to this. The door 120 may be made in a polygonal shape (square, hexagonal, etc.).

The door frame 130 is rotatably connected to the main body 110. For this purpose, the hinge assembly 140 is connected to the door frame 130 and the main body 110, respectively.

As shown, the door frame 130 may include an outer frame 131 and an inner frame 132. The outer frame 131 and the inner frame 132 may be made of synthetic resin (e.g., ABS, polycarbonate, and the like).

For reference, the reason why the above components are called the outer frame 131 and the inner frame 132 is because the outer frame 131 is facing the outer side of the main body 110, and the inner frame 132 is facing the inner part of the main body 110, when only the door frame 130 is considered in the closed position of the door 120. Without this difference, the outer frame 131 and the inner frame 132 may also be called the first frame and the second frame, respectively.

The door frame 130 includes a first opening 130a facing the laundry inlet 160a in the closed position of the door 120, and a second opening 131b corresponding to the indicating unit 128 installed inside. The first hole 130a may also be called the hole for the door window in which the door window 136 is located, and the second hole 131b may also be called the indicator hole in which the display unit 128 is installed in the second hole 131b. The second hole 131b may be located above the first hole 130a.

The first hole 130a may include a front hole 131a formed on the outer frame 131, and a rear hole 132a formed on the inner frame 132. A second hole 131b is formed on the outer frame 131. A connection portion 132b may be formed on the rear hole 132a of the inner frame 132 and an indication unit 128 may be installed in the door frame 130 through the connecting portion 132b.

A door window 136 is mounted on the door frame 130 to correspond to the first hole 130a. The door window 136 is made of a transparent material, such as glass or synthetic resin, and is configured to fit the laundry inlet 160a in the closed position of the door 120.

An indication unit 128 is mounted in the door frame 130. The indication unit 128 is adapted to correspond to a second hole 131b. Visual information related to information processed in the device 100 for processing linen is displayed on the indicator 122 located on the block 128 of the display.

Door cover 190, which forms the appearance of door 120, is connected to door frame 130. Door cover 190 may be made of light-transmitting glass or synthetic resin.

The door cover 190 includes an opaque region 193 and a first light transmission region 191 corresponding to the first hole 130a and a second light transmission region 192 corresponding to the second hole 131b in the opaque region 193. The first and second light transmission regions 191 and 192 are separated from each other by the opaque region 193 In this embodiment, the door frame 130 and the door lid 190 are formed in a circular shape to correspond to a circular door 120, and the first and second light transmitting regions 191 and 192 are formed in a circular shape for bonding a general aesthetic sense of the user.

According to the present invention, the door cover may comprise an opaque region and first and second light transmitting regions that are separated from each other in the opaque region, and a window and indicator (or touch screen) may be located in the first and second light transmitting regions, respectively, for realizing simple appearance of the door. In particular, when the first and second light transmission regions are formed in a circular shape to correspond to a round door, the user may have a common aesthetic feeling.

Door cover 190 may have at least one portion in a curved shape. For example, by using a curved portion, the first cap portion and the second cap portion on both sides of the curved portion can be tilted relative to each other. In this document, the first portion of the lid and the second portion of the lid are made in a flat shape. To fit door cover 190, door frame 130 may also have at least one portion in a curved shape.

In this embodiment, the first light transmission region 191 is formed in the first portion of the lid and the curved portion, and the second light transmission region 192 is formed in the second portion of the lid.

On the other hand, the second light transmission region 192 is formed smaller than the second hole 131b, so that the door cover 190 overlaps with the second hole 131b when the door cover 130 is connected to the door frame 130.

As shown, the second hole 131b can be made in a rectangular shape corresponding to the rectangular display unit 128, and the second light transmitting region 192 can be made in a circular shape for overlapping in the second hole 131b. In the case of the above configuration, visual information can only be provided through the area corresponding to the circular second light transmitting region 192, and, accordingly, the user can have a circular indicator 122.

A round indicator is more expensive than a commonly used rectangular indicator, and is difficult to set to the exact position due to its shape, leading to frequent assembly defects. However, in accordance with this design, the user can be provided with a touch screen 122, which is less expensive and is visible to the user in a round shape using a rectangular indicator, which can be assembled in the exact position.

Since the second light transmission region 192 is surrounded by an opaque region 193, visual information outputted to a portion of the touch screen 122 that does not correspond to the second light transmission region 192 is not visible to the user. With this in mind, visual information may not be output to a portion of the touch screen 122 that does not correspond to the second light transmitting region 192.

For example, in a position in which visual information related to information processed in the laundry processing apparatus 100 is outputted to a portion of the touch screen 122 corresponding to the second light transmitting region 192, an external image surrounding the visual information may be displayed on a portion that does not correspond the second light transmitting region 192. The outer image may be a portion that does not correspond to the second light transmitting region 192, and may be filled with a specific color (for example, black).

As another example, in a position in which visual information related to information processed in the laundry treating apparatus 100 is outputted to the indicator portion 122 corresponding to the second light transmitting region 192, the portion that does not correspond to the second light transmitting region 192 may be turned off. That is, neither the external image nor the visual information is output to a portion of the display unit 128 that does not correspond to the second light transmitting region 192. In this example, since only a portion of the indicator 122 is driven, the indicator 122 can be effectively driven compared to the above an example in which the entire indicator 122 is actuated, thereby providing an energy saving effect.

The indicator 122, located on the door cover 190, may be located on the touch screen or is integral with the touch screen (not shown), thereby realizing the touch screen 122. The touch screen 122 can act as a user input device to provide an input interface between a laundry treating device 100 and a user, and simultaneously provide an output interface between the laundry treating device 100 and the user. For example, the selection and change of the operating mode for performing several cycles, such as washing, removing moisture, drying and the like, can be done using the touch input of the user (or touch) applied to the indicator 122.

Touch screen 122 includes a tactile sensor for detecting touch input.

The tactile sensor senses a touch input applied to the touch screen 122 using at least one of various touch methods, such as a resistive method, a capacitive method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, a magnetic method, and the like.

By way of example, a tactile sensor may be configured to convert a pressure change applied to a particular portion of the touch screen 122, or a capacitance generated at a particular portion, into an electrical input signal. The tactile sensor may be configured to determine a position, a region, a touch pressure applied to the touch screen 122 by a touch object with which such a touch is applied to the touch screen 122. In this document, the touch object may be an object applying a touch to the touch screen 122, and examples of the touch object may include a finger, a stylus for a touch screen, a touch pen, a pointer, or the like.

Thus, if the touch input is applied to the touch screen 122, the signal (s) corresponding to the touch input is transmitted to the controller. The controller processes the signal (s) and transmits data corresponding to the processed signal to a controller (not shown). Thus, the controller can know which areas of the touch screen 122 have been touched. In this document, the controller may be a component separate from the control unit, or may be the control unit itself.

In this case, the control unit may perform another control or the same control in accordance with the type of touch object applying a touch to the touch screen 122. Whether to perform another control or the same control in accordance with the type of touch object may be determined in accordance with the operating state of the device 100 for processing laundry or currently running application program.

The touch screen 122 can detect various types of touch inputs, such as a short touch, a long touch, a multiple touch, a slow touch, a quick touch, a touch touch, a sliding touch, a horizontal finger touch, a hover touch and the like.

The touch screen 122 is configured to detect a touch input applied to a touch area including a second light transmitting area 192.

In this embodiment, it is shown that the touch screen 122 is mounted on the rear surface of the door cover 190 to close the second light transmitting region 192 and the part of the opaque region 193 surrounding the second light transmitting region 192. According to this construction, the touch region of the touch screen 122 includes not only a second light transmitting region 192, but also a part of the opaque region 193 surrounding the second light transmitting region 192. Accordingly, various user interfaces can be provided faces or graphical user interfaces using a portion of the opaque region 193 surrounding the second light transmission region 192.

In this design, the tactile sensor may be in the form of a sensor film having a touch pattern, and may be located between the door cover 190 and the display unit 128. The sensor film can be made of a transparent conductive film, and the well-known indium tin oxide film (ITO) or carbon nanotube film (CNT) can be used as the sensor film.

The sensor film can be made with a single or double layer. For example, in the case of a type in which the sensor film consists of two layers (glass-film-film (GFF)), the sensor film can be fixed to the rear surface of the door cover 190 or fixed to the display unit 128. As another example, in the case of a type in which the sensor film consists of one layer (glass film (GIF)), the sensor film can be attached to the rear surface of the door cover 190 and is made integrally with the door cover 190.

The tactile sensor can also be made in the form in which the metal wire is directly made with a pattern on the rear surface of the door cover 190 without a separate sensor film.

Alternatively, the tactile sensor may be integral with the indicator located on the display unit 128. For example, a tactile sensor may be located on the indicator substrate (on the cell) or located on the indicator (on the cell).

On the other hand, the present invention can also be applied in the case where the touch screen 122 is located in a different position and not on the door 120, as well as in the case where the touch screen 122 is located on the door 120. For example, the touch screen 122 may be located on one surface of the main body 110, and one surface may correspond to the surface on which the power button 170 is located on the main body 110. However, for convenience of explanation, the case in which the touch screen 122 is located on the door 120 is described as an example, n The present invention is not limited thereto.

On the other hand, the laundry treating device may be connected to another laundry treating device having a washing tub, by wire or wirelessly, without restricting individual use, to expand the laundry treating system jointly performing cycles such as washing, water removal, drying and the like. Below, the operation of the laundry treating apparatus in the laundry treating system will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual view of another laundry treating device connected to the laundry treating apparatus shown in FIG. 1A.

The laundry processing system includes a plurality of laundry processing devices. However, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 3, a description will only be made if the first and second laundry treating devices 200 and 300 are included in the laundry treating system. However, the present invention is not limited to the first and second laundry treating devices 200 and 300 shown in FIG. 3, and can also be applied to a laundry treating system including various types of laundry treating devices.

The first laundry treating device 200 may include features of the laundry treating apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1A-2 or the like.

The first laundry treating device 200 may include a first main body 210 forming an outer shape, a first washing tub 260 located in the first main body, a first door 220 opening and closing the first washing tub, a touch screen 222 and a window 221, located on the first door 220, a first output device 240, a first communication device 250, a power button 270, a first control unit 280, and the like. These components shown in FIG. 3 are not critical to the implementation of the first laundry treating device 200, and the first laundry treating device may include fewer or more components compared to the components mentioned above.

Meanwhile, the second laundry treating device 300 corresponds to an “external device” based on the first laundry treating device 200 and includes a second laundry tub 360 different from the first laundry tub 260.

The second laundry treating device 300 may take various forms. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the second laundry treating device 200 may be configured as a top-loading washing machine. The first laundry treating device 200 may be a washing machine in which the first laundry tub 260 is rotated centered on a first rotating shaft, while the second laundry treating device 300 may be a washing machine in which the second laundry tub 360 rotates center on the second rotating shaft intersecting with the first rotating shaft. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second laundry treating device 300 may have the same construction as the first laundry treating device 200, or may be modified into various designs not shown in the drawings.

The second laundry treating device 300 may be configured such that at least one of its washing ability, volume and height is less than one of the washing ability, volume and height of the first laundry treating device 200. Accordingly, the user can selectively use at least one of the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 in accordance with the amount of laundry. In addition, the user can select at least one of the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 according to the type of laundry. For example, it is necessary to separately wash children's products, underwear, etc., or a small amount of laundry can be washed using the second laundry treatment device 300, and other washing can be done using the first laundry treatment device 200.

The second laundry treating device 300 includes a second main body 310 that forms an appearance, a drawer body 330 that can be retracted into or removed from the second main body 310, and a second washing tub 360 located in the body 330 drawer.

The drawer body 330 can be pushed into the second main body 310 or pulled out of the second main body 310 through an opening 312 formed in the second main body 310 on the front side of the second laundry treating device 300.

The second washing tub 360 may be rotated by a second electric motor located on the outside of the second washing tub 360 in the drawer body 330.

The cover panel 331 may be located on the front side of the drawer body 330. The cover panel 331 may be integrally formed with the drawer body 330. The cover panel 331 may comprise a handle 332 for insertion into and out of the drawer body 330. A control panel 370 for driving the second laundry treating device 300 may be located on the upper surface of the lid panel 331.

A supply opening 365, through which washing water is supplied to the second washing tub 360, and a second door 363, through which laundry is loaded into the second washing tub 360, can be located on top of the drawer body 330. A handle 364 for opening the second door 363 by removal may be located on one side of the second door 363.

On the other hand, output devices 240 and 340 included in the first and second laundry processing devices 200 and 300, respectively, can generate a visual, acoustic, or touch output and may include at least one of an indicator, an audio output device , a tactile sensation transmission unit and an optical output unit. For example, upon completion of the first cycle in the first laundry treating device 200, a sound notification announcing the end of the first cycle may be output through the first output device 240. Upon completion of the second cycle in the second laundry treatment device 300, a sound notification announcing the end of the second cycle may be issued through the second output device 340.

The first and second communication devices 250 and 350 serve as a channel for connecting (or pairing) the first and second devices 200 and 300 for processing the laundry to each other in a wired / wireless manner. The first laundry treating device 200 may perform corresponding control related to the second laundry treating device 300 in accordance with the connection (pairing) with the second laundry treating device 300.

The first and second control units 280 and 380 typically control all operations of the laundry treating devices, as well as the work related to a plurality of application programs (or applications) driven in the respective laundry treating devices. The control units can provide or process relevant information or functions for the user by processing signals, data, information and the like input / output through these components or by activating the application programs stored in memory.

Meanwhile, the second laundry treating device 300 is located within a predetermined distance from the first laundry treating device 200. The predetermined distance is the distance at which the first and second laundry treating devices 200 and 300 can perform mutual wireless communication, and may differ in accordance with the communication method.

For example, for the convenience of a user who uses the first laundry treating device 200, the second laundry treating device 300 may be located below the first laundry treating device 200. That is, the second laundry treating device 300 may allow the first laundry treating device 200 to be installed in a higher position to facilitate the user using the first laundry treating device 200.

When the second laundry treating device 300 is located below the first laundry treating device 200, the user must control the control panel 370 by tilting or squatting. To eliminate this inconvenience, the laundry treatment system 100 in accordance with the present invention may include a user interface for controlling at least one of the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 using a touch screen 222 located on the first device 200 for processing linen. In other words, the first laundry treating device 200 may provide a graphical interface to the touch screen 222 for controlling the second laundry treating device 300 depending on whether it is connected to the second laundry treating device 300.

Below, the operation of the first laundry treating device 200 will be described in detail.

4 is a sequence diagram of a typical control method in accordance with the present invention.

First, the first control unit 280 of the first laundry treating device 200 determines whether the first laundry treating device 200 is connected to an external device having a washing tub (S410).

The external device may be a “second laundry treatment device 300 having a second laundry tub 360” described in FIG. 3, and includes various types of laundry treatment devices, each having a laundry tub. For convenience of explanation, a description will be given by way of example in which the external device is a second laundry treatment device 300, but the present invention is not limited to this.

In this case, the second laundry treating device 300 may be connected to the first laundry treating device 200 by cable or wirelessly connected to the first laundry treating device 200 using wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the like like that. The first laundry treating device 200 includes a first communication device 250, and the second laundry treating device 300 includes a second communication device 350. The first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 may be connected to each other using the first and second communication devices 250 and 350. The first and second control units 280 and 380 may determine whether or not they are connected to each other.

The first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 to output visual information. The first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 to output different information in accordance with whether or not the second laundry treatment device 300 has been connected.

The first control unit 280 may periodically or non-periodically determine whether or not the first laundry treating device 200 is connected to the second laundry treating device 300, so that different information may be output in accordance with the connection or disconnection. For example, a connection or disconnection may be periodically determined when the touch screen 222 is turned on. As another example, the connection or disconnection may also be determined non-periodically when a predetermined situation occurs, such as when the first laundry treating device 200 that was disconnected from the second laundry treating device 300 is connected to the second laundry treating device 300 when the first device The laundry treating apparatus 200 is put into operation when the first laundry treating apparatus 200 is turned off.

Various information displayed on the touch screen 222 depending on the connection or disconnection relates to a user interface that provides input and output between at least one of the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 and the user.

The first laundry treating device 200 comprises a first user interface for providing input and output with respect to the user when a connection to the second laundry treating device 300 is not established (or the connection to the second laundry treating device 300 is disconnected).

The first user interface includes icons (or icons included in the first group) associated with cycles, such as washing, moisture removal, drying, etc., operated in the first device 200 for processing linen.

In other words, if no connection is made with the second laundry treatment device 300, the first control unit 280 provides icons associated with functions that can be performed by the first washing tub 260 to the touch screen 222 (S430). Icons included in the first group are displayed while the touch screen 222 is turned on.

When applying a touch to the icon, while the icons included in the first group are displayed, the first control unit 280 performs the function associated with the icon that was touched by the first washing tub 260.

Meanwhile, when the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 are connected, the first laundry treating device 200 may include a second user interface for providing input and output between the second laundry treating device 300 and the user. The second user interface includes icons (or icons included in the second group) associated with cycles, such as washing, water removal, drying, etc., driven in the second device 300 for processing linen.

The first control unit 280 may selectively provide one of the first and second user interfaces. It can selectively issue one of the first and second user interfaces. The touch screen 222 is limited in size to display both the first and second user interfaces. If both the first and second user interfaces are displayed, it is difficult to find the icon to be used among the many icons displayed on the touch screen.

For this purpose, when a connection with the second laundry treating device 300 is established, the first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 to output a first graphic to select a first washing tub 260 and a second graphic to select a second washing tub 360 (S450).

Then, the first block 280 may determine a touch applied to one of the first and second graphic objects (S470) and provide icons associated with functions that are performed using one of the first and second washing tubs 260 and 360, based on the specific touch ( S490).

More specifically, when a touch is applied to one of the first and second graphic objects, the first control unit 280 selects one of the first and second washing tubs and controls the touch screen 222 to display icons related to functions that the selected washing tub can perform. That is, one of the first and second user interfaces can be selectively issued using user input. As described above, since one of the plurality of user interfaces configured to control different laundry treating devices is selectively outputted, the touch screen with a small screen can be effectively used, and the user can conveniently select an interface to use.

For example, the icons included in the first group are issued when a touch is applied to the first graphic, and the icons included in the second group are displayed when the touch is applied to the second graphic. Icons included in the first group and icons included in the second group are selectively issued based on a specific touch.

When a touch is applied to the icon, while the icons included in the first group are displayed, the first control unit 280 performs the function associated with the icon that was touched by using the first washing tub 260.

Alternatively, when a touch is applied to the icon while the icons included in the second group are displayed, the first control unit 280 transmits a control command such that the function associated with the icon that has been touched is executed in the second device 300 for processing linen.

More specifically, when a touch is applied to one icon included in the second group, the first control unit 280 transmits a washing command corresponding to a function associated with the touched icon to the second laundry treating device 300 having a second washing tub 360, so that the function can be performed in the second device 300 for processing linen. In this case, the second laundry treating device 300 performs a function corresponding to the transmitted control command using the second washing tub 360.

Although not shown, the connection between the first and second laundry treating devices 200 and 300 can be disconnected while the first and second graphic objects are displayed. In this case, the first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 so that the first and second graphic objects disappear and the icons included in the first group appear.

According to this embodiment, since the user can control a plurality of laundry treating devices using the interface provided in the particular laundry treating device, the problem is that the control units located in the respective laundry treating devices must be used separately, can be resolved.

The control method related to the present invention described above can be implemented in various forms, as shown in FIGS. 5-11. Below, in the following embodiments, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components as the reference numerals of the above embodiment, and the description is replaced by the first explanation.

5, 6A, 6B and 6C are examples of views illustrating examples in which the control method of FIG. 4 is applied.

As one example of such a control, as shown in FIG. 5, when the indicator of the touch screen 222 is turned off on, different information is displayed on the touch screen 222 depending on whether or not a connection is made to the second laundry treating device 300.

For example, when the indicator of the touch screen 222 is turned on in a position in which a connection to the second laundry treating device 300 is not established, the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device is displayed on the touch screen 222. The control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device includes icons included in the first group, as icons associated with functions that can be performed using the first tub 260 for washing. The icons included in the first group are associated with the functions of performing cycles such as washing, removing water, drying and the like, using the first washing tub.

When one of the icons is selected by touching, the selected icon 512 is brightly lit to distinguish it from the other icons that were not selected.

This drawing shows an example in which the icons included in the first group are arranged circularly on the outer peripheral surface of the touch screen 222. Information 514 describing the functions associated with the selected icon 512 may be displayed in the center of the touch screen 222 as images, text and dynamic images. For example, when the first icon is selected, a description related to the first icon may be displayed in the central area of the touch screen 222. After that, when the second icon is selected, the description related to the first icon switches to the description related to the second icon.

In accordance with this example, the user can check various icons with a quick overview of the icons arranged circularly on the outer peripheral surface of the circular indicator. In addition, since the description of the other icon is displayed in the central area of the touch screen 222 in accordance with the touch, while the icons are kept displayed, the user can receive effectively the desired information without significantly changing the displayed information. In other words, a new type of user interface optimized for a circular indicator can be provided.

The control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device may include a virtual control button 516 for forcing the first tub 260 to wash the function associated with the selected icon 512. When applying a second touch to the virtual control button 516 in a position in which one icon is selected on Based on the first touch, the function associated with the selected icon is executed.

If the number of icons included in the first group is more than a predetermined number, the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device may include multiple pages, and each of the pages may include different icons.

When a touch input is applied that continuously moves from a first point to a second point while one of the pages is output, the first control unit 280 can switch one page to another based on the touch input. The other page may differ in accordance with the direction of movement of the touch input.

The user can confirm the output associated with the first laundry treating device using the information included in the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device, and output a control command related to the first laundry treating device.

Moreover, when the indicator of the touch screen 222 is turned on in the connection position with the second laundry treatment device 300, the first graphic object 520 and the second graphic object 522 are displayed on the touch screen 222.

The positions of the displays of the first and second graphic objects 520 and 522 may vary depending on the location of the first and second laundry treatment devices 200 and 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the second laundry treating device 300 is located below the first laundry treating device 200, the first graphic 520 is displayed relatively above the second graphic 522. This allows the user to intuitively recognize with which the laundry treating device every graphic object.

As an example of another control, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when a touch is applied to one of the first and second graphic objects 520 and 522, the icons of the group corresponding to one graphic object can be displayed on the touch screen 222.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when a touch is applied to the first graphic object 520, the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device is displayed on the touch screen 222, and accordingly, icons included in the first group are displayed.

In this document, the icons included in the first group relate to functions performed using the first washing tub 260 located in the first laundry treating device 200.

Different icons may be included in the first group depending on the characteristics of the first washing tub 260. For example, the functions to be performed using the first washing tub may vary in accordance with the size of the washing tub, the rotating shaft of the washing tub and the presence or absence of a heater to heat the water supplied to the washing tub to a predetermined temperature, and thus Thus, the icons included in the first group also change. That is, the icons included in the first group change depending on the type of the first laundry treating device 200.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, when a touch is applied to the second graphic object 522, the control screen 610 of the second laundry treating device is displayed on the touch screen 222, and thus, icons included in the second group are displayed.

In this document, icons included in the second group are associated with functions performed using the second washing tub 360 located in the second laundry treating device 300. The icons included in the second group also change depending on the characteristics of the second washing tub (or the type of the second laundry treating device). If the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 are the same product, the first and second groups include the same icons.

The first control unit 280 may receive icons included in the second group from the second laundry treating device 300 and may generate a control screen 610 of the second laundry treating device using the received icons. Alternatively, a group corresponding to the second laundry treatment device 300 from among a plurality of groups stored in the memory may be defined as a second group, or icons corresponding to the second laundry processing device 300 may be loaded from the predetermined server into the memory for installation the second group using uploaded icons.

As a result, the icons included in the first group or the icons included in the second group are selectively displayed in accordance with user input. When the icons included in one of the first and second groups are displayed, the output of the icons included in the other group is limited.

Meanwhile, the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device and the control screen 610 of the second laundry treating device may generally include the same icons.

By way of example, the virtual control button 516 can typically be turned on. However, a virtual button included in the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device causes the first washing tub 260 to work or pause, and a virtual button included in the control screen 610 of the second laundry treating device causes the second washing tub 260 to work or pause. That is, even for icons with the same shape, the functions associated with the icons can relate to different washing tanks.

As another example, a virtual configuration button 630 can typically be enabled. A virtual setting button 630 may be located together on the touch screen 222, regardless of whether any of the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device and the control screen 610 of the second laundry treating device are displayed. When a touch is applied to the virtual setup button 630, a setup screen (not shown) is displayed on the touch screen 222.

On the other hand, when the icons included in the first group are displayed, the first background image is displayed on the touch screen 222, and the icons included in the first group are displayed on the first background image.

On the other hand, when the icons included in the second group are displayed, the touch screen 222 displays a second background image different from the first background image, and the icons included in the second group are displayed on the second background image. The second background image refers to an image having a shape, color or the like different from the shape, color or the like of the first background image.

For example, the first background image may be an image filled with black, and the second background image may be an image filled with white.

Similarly, the background of the first graphic 520 can be set for an image filled with black, and the background of the second graphic 522 can be set for an image filled with white. Since the background images of graphical objects and control screens have the same or similar color, the user can intuitively recognize which group of icons is displayed on the touch screen 222, or which washing tank has been selected.

For a more understandable notification of the selected washing tub, the first and second background images may further include text, dynamic images, codes, etc., corresponding to respective washing tubs. In one example, the first image may include the name of the first laundry treating device 200, and the second image may include the name of the second laundry treating device 300.

In this case, the first and second graphic objects can be modified in various forms in accordance with the options for implementation. The first graphic object can be defined as a function for displaying icons included in the first group (or a control screen of the first laundry processing device), and the second graphic object can be defined as a function for displaying icons included in the second group (or a control screen of the second processing device linen). When the definitions are complete, any shape of the graphic may correspond to the first graphic or to the second graphic.

As shown in FIG. 6C, when the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device is displayed, the second graphic object 620 may be displayed simultaneously. In other words, the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device may include a second graphic object 620.

In this case, the second graphic object 620 indicates that the currently displayed screen is the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device. When a touch is applied to the second graphic object 620, the first control unit switches the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device to the control screen 610 of the second laundry treating device. That is, the icons included in the first group may disappear, and the icons included in the second group may appear.

Alternatively, the control screen 610 of the second laundry treating device may include a first graphic object 622. When the first graphic object 622 indicates that the currently displayed screen is the control screen 610 of the second laundry treating device. When a touch is applied to the first graphic object 622, the control screen 610 of the second laundry treating device switches to the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device.

In this case, the first and second graphic objects can be displayed on the touch screen 222 due to user input that satisfies a given condition.

7 is a conceptual view of a device for processing linen, which displays the first and second graphic objects in accordance with user input that satisfies a given condition.

The first control unit 180 may output the first and second graphic objects, in the case when a user input is entered that satisfies a given condition, regardless of the information displayed on the touch screen 222.

For example, user input satisfying a given condition may be a touch input that starts in a predetermined area of the touch screen 222 and moves in a predetermined direction.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when touch input is introduced starting from the 12 o’clock position of the touch screen and moving to the 6 o’clock position, an animation effect may be generated in which the barrier window 710 covering the pre-displayed screen is lowered from top to bottom of the touch screen 222 .

The barrier window 710 includes first and second graphic objects 720 and 722. The first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 may be transparent images and displayed with the possibility of overlapping a previously displayed screen. In this case, even if at least a portion of the previously displayed screen appears, touch input to the barrier window 710 may be defined as a control command for the barrier window 710.

When a touch is applied to the X mark included in the barrier window 710, the barrier window 710 disappears and a pre-displayed screen appears. According to such an actuation method, a user can cause the first and second graphic objects to appear or disappear if necessary, thereby providing a simple user interface. Furthermore, since the first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 need not always be displayed on the touch screen 222, large portions of the touch screen can be provided for displaying information.

In addition, the barrier window 710 may further include status information related to the laundry treating device. The status information may include at least one of information on turning on / off wireless communication, information on turning on / off the sound, information on turning on / off the child lock, information on the setting function, and information on turning on / off the remote management. The user can simply check whether the function related to the installation of the laundry treating device is turned on or off, and can also easily turn the specific function on or off using the on / off information.

At the same time, user input satisfying a given condition can be modified in various ways in accordance with embodiments. For example, the first and second graphical objects may be displayed when touch input is applied by touching an empty space without a graphical object associated with a control function, sequentially multiple times. In another example, when touch input is applied by touching a predetermined area of the touch screen in the off state multiple times sequentially, the touch screen may turn on and the first and second graphic objects may be displayed. For this purpose, the tactile touchscreen sensor can be turned on to detect touch, while the touchscreen indicator is off.

Below, a description will be given in detail of the operations of each of the first and second laundry treating devices in the laundry treating system including the first and second laundry treating devices.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a first and second laundry treating device in a laundry treating system including a first and second laundry treating apparatus.

The laundry processing system includes first and second laundry treating devices 200 and 300. The first laundry treating device 200 outputs at least one of a first user interface for inputting / outputting the first laundry treating device 200 and a second user interface for inputting / outputting the second laundry treating device 300 to the touch screen 222. Accordingly, , the first laundry treating device 200 operates as a control device that generates a control command in accordance with the user input, and the second laundry treating device 300 lya operates as a controlled device which performs the function in accordance with the control command generated in the control device. Below, it is assumed that the first laundry treating device 200 is driven by the first control unit 280, and the second laundry treating device 300 is driven by the second control unit 380.

First, the first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 to display icons included in the second group (S810). Since the method for displaying the icons included in the second group has been described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Then, the touch applied to one of the icons included in the second group is determined (S820), and the washing command corresponding to the function associated with the touched icon is transmitted to the second laundry treating device 300 (S830). For example, when a touch is applied to the first icon associated with the first function, a wash command corresponding to the first function may be transmitted. On the other hand, when a touch is applied to the second icon associated with the second function, a washing command corresponding to the second function can be transmitted. That is, the wash command depends on the icon to which the touch is applied.

The washing command may include an activation signal for turning on the second laundry treating device 300, so that a function corresponding to the washing command can be performed even when the second laundry treating device 300 is in the off state. That is, the second laundry treating device 300 may be turned on by a washing command.

In this case, the second control unit 380 determines that a function corresponding to the washing command in accordance with the transmitted washing command can be performed (S840). For example, when the laundry inlet through which the laundry is loaded and unloaded is not closed by the second door 363, the second control unit 380 may define this as a washing inability (inaccessible to washing) state. In addition, the inability to execute the washing condition may correspond to a case in which the function corresponding to the washing command cannot be executed since another cycle is already running, a case in which the function corresponding to the washing command is a function that cannot be executed because it does not corresponds to the characteristic of the second laundry treating device 300, a case in which the laundry is not contained in the second washing tub 360 in the amount required by the function corresponding to the washing command, and like.

When it is determined that the washing is not possible, the second control unit 380 transmits a message about the impossibility of washing the first laundry treatment device 200 (S850). The message about the impossibility of washing may include the reason why the determination was made as the condition of the impossibility of washing.

The first control unit 280 provides notification information notifying that the washing cannot be carried out in accordance with the message that the washing was not possible (S852). More specifically, notification information warning that a function associated with an icon that has been touched cannot be performed in the second laundry treating device 300 may be output in at least one of a visual, acoustic, and tactile manner.

The notification information may include the reason why the determination was made as a condition of impossibility of washing. For example, when washing cannot be performed because the second door 363 is open, the notification information may include a message such as “close the door of the second laundry treating device”.

Otherwise, when it is determined that the washing is not possible, the second control unit 380 performs a function corresponding to the washing command, and transmits a progress message to the first laundry processing apparatus 200 for progress notification (S860).

For example, when the first function is performed, which includes many processes, a progress message may include information related to the process currently being executed from among the many processes, the progress rate of the currently executing process, and the amounts of electricity, water, detergents used funds and the like, etc.

According to the progress message, the first control unit 280 outputs control information for controlling the progress (S862). Specifically, the first control unit 280 receives a progress message informing about the progress of the function when the function is executed in the second laundry treating device 300 based on user input, and provides control information for controlling the progress of the function based on the received progress message . Control information may be provided by at least one of visual, acoustic and tactile methods.

Although not shown, the first control unit 280 may provide icons included in the first group. When a touch is applied to one of the icons included in the first group, the corresponding function can be performed using the first washing tub 260. In this case, first control information may be provided to control the washing progress of the first washing tub 260.

Below, information for controlling the washing progress of the first washing tub 260 is called “first control information”, and information for controlling the washing progress of the second washing tub 360 is called “second control information”.

9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are conceptual views illustrating a method for outputting relevant information to a touch screen when performing a cycle in at least one of the first laundry treating device and the second laundry treating device. More specifically, FIG. 9A is a conceptual view illustrating the output of the first control information, FIG. 9B is a conceptual view illustrating the output of the second control information, and FIGS. 9C and 9D are conceptual views illustrating the simultaneous output of the first and second control information.

When a function (or cycle) is performed using at least one of the first and second washing tubs 260, 360, the first control unit 280 provides control information to the touch screen 222 to control the progress of the function in at least one tank for washing.

For example, when a function is performed in the first washing tub 260 and a function is not performed in the second washing tub 360, the first control information is output.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the first control unit 280 may output a control screen 510 of a first laundry treatment device including icons included in a first group to a touch screen 222. When a touch is applied to the first icon 900, while the icons included in the first group are displayed, the function associated with the first icon is selected. When a touch is applied to the virtual button 516 for actuation, the function associated with the first icon is performed using the first washing tub 260. When performing the function associated with the first icon, the first control information 910 is displayed on the touch screen 222.

The first control information 910 may include information related to the process carried out in the first washing tub 260. In addition, the pause virtual button 914 to pause ongoing work may be enabled.

On the other hand, the first control unit 180 can calculate the expected time of completion of the function using at least one of the first and second washing tubs 260 and 360 and display a progress image 912, the size of which gradually changes along the edge of the touch screen 222 to based on the calculated time.

Accordingly, the first control information 910 may further include a progress image 912, the size of which gradually changes along the outer peripheral surface from one point of the touch screen 222 when the expected completion time changes.

One point corresponds to the 12 o'clock position of the touch screen 222, and the progress image 912 may gradually expand or open in accordance with the passage of time. Thus, the laundry treating device can inform the user about the remaining time in a new way through the user interface corresponding to the characteristics of the circular indicator.

On the other hand, when performing the function, the information included in the first control information 910 changes. Specifically, the first control information 910 includes information for controlling the progress of the function while the function is being executed, but the first control information 910 includes information for controlling the completion of the function upon completion of the function. For example, upon completion of the function, the first control information 910 may include information on the amounts of use of electricity, water, detergents, and the like.

The first background image described in FIG. 6A may be displayed under the first control information 910. For example, since the image filled in black is displayed as a background image of the first control information 910, the user can intuitively understand that the first control information 910 relates to the first tank 260 for washing.

On the other hand, the second control information is output when the function is not performed in the first washing tub 260, and the function is executed in the second washing tub 360.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the first control unit 280 may output a control screen 610 of a second laundry processing device including icons included in the second group to the touch screen 222. When a touch is applied to the second icon 902, while the icons, included in the second group are output, the first control unit 280 selects a function associated with the second icon. Thereafter, when a touch is applied to the virtual actuation button 516, the first control unit 280 transmits a washing command to the second laundry treating device 300, so that the function associated with the second icon is executed in the second laundry treating device 300.

When performing the function in the second laundry treating device 300, the first control unit 280 receives a progress message notifying the progress of the function, and outputs the second control information 920 to the touch screen 222 to control the progress of the function based on the received progress message.

Like the first control information 910, the second control information 920 may include information related to the process being performed in the second washing tub 260 and information related to the remaining time until the function is completed. In addition, the second control information 920 may include a virtual pause button 914 for pausing work in progress, and a progress image 922 for controlling the remaining time.

When the function is executed, the information included in the second control information 920 also changes.

The second background image described in FIG. 6A may be displayed under the second control information 920. For example, a white-filled image may be displayed as a background image of the second control information 920.

On the other hand, when performing a function in one of the first and second washing tubs, control information corresponding to one washing tub is displayed on the touch screen. After that, the user can select a different washing tub using a graphical object and perform the function for another washing tub. The first control information 910 may include a second graphic object 620, and the second control information 920 may include a first graphic object 610, so that another washing tub may be selected, while control information relating to one washing tub is displayed. Thus, the function may first be performed in one of the washing tanks, and then other functions may be simultaneously performed in the respective washing tanks.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9C, when a touch is applied to the first graphic 622, while the second control information 920 is displayed, the first control unit 280 switches the second control information 920 to the control screen 510 of the first laundry processing device. That is, in accordance with the touch applied to the first graphic object 622, the second control information 920 may disappear, and the control screen 510 of the first laundry processing device may appear.

Then, the function with respect to the first washing tub may be performed by touching applied to the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device. Thus, the function for the first washing tub and the function for the second washing tub can be performed simultaneously. Below, for convenience of explanation, the function performed in the first washing tub will be called the "first function", and the function performed in the second washing tub will be called the "second function".

When performing the first and second functions, the first control unit 280 displays the first control information 930 for the first function in the first area of the touch screen 222, and the second control information 930 for the second function in the second area of the touch screen 222.

The positions of the first and second regions may vary depending on the location of the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the second laundry treating device 300 is located below the first laundry treating device 200, the first region is displayed correspondingly above the second region. Thus, the user can intuitively understand which device for processing laundry each control information.

In addition, the first background image shown in FIG. 6A can be displayed in the first area, and the second background image can be displayed in the second area. Since the first control information 930 is displayed on the first background image, and the second control information 940 is displayed on the second background image, the first and second control information 930 and 940 can be easily distinguished from each other.

The first control information 930 may include a first virtual button 932 for activating / pausing to suspend or restrict the first function, and the second control information 940 may include a second virtual button 942 for actuating / pausing to suspend or restrict the second function . The user can separately control the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 using the first and second virtual buttons 940 and 942 for actuating / pausing.

On the other hand, since the first and second functions are performed separately, one of them ends with the first.

When one of the first and second functions is completed, the first control unit 280 can stop the output of the first and second control information related to one function on the touch screen 222, to indicate the completion of one function.

In this document, completion information may include at least one of the name of the completed function, time of commissioning at which the function started, time of completion, at which the function was completed, total time during which the function was performed, usage electricity, water, detergents, etc., and information related to the device for processing linen that performs one function.

The completion information related to one function is output for a predetermined time. After the set time has elapsed, control information related to another function is displayed on the touch screen 222. Since one function has ended, control information related to one function is output, and control information related to another function is displayed by passing to an area including in both the first and second areas.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9D, the first control information 932 for the first function is displayed in the first area, and the second control information 932 for the second function is displayed in the second area. The second function, which has a relatively short (fast) expected completion time, ends earlier than the first function.

Upon completion of the second function, the first and second control information 930 and 940 disappears from the touch screen 222, and the completion information 950 related to the second function is displayed for a predetermined time in the area including the first and second areas. For example, completion information 950 related to the second function may be displayed in the entire area of the touch screen 222.

After a predetermined time, the completion information 950 related to the second function disappears from the touch screen 222, and the first control information 930 ′ is displayed. Since the output of the second control information 940 is completed in accordance with the completion of the second function, the first and second areas are combined, and the first control information 930 'is displayed in the area including the first and second areas.

Then, upon completion of the first function, the first control information 930 ′ disappears, and completion information 960 related to the first function is displayed on the touch screen 222 for a predetermined time. After a predetermined time, the touch screen 222 may turn off or display the first and second graphic objects 520 and 522, shown in FIG. 5, in the on state.

10A and 10B are conceptual views, each of which illustrates a method for controlling an audio output device of each laundry processing device.

Information displayed on the system for processing linen can be displayed not only in a visual way, but also in a mixed way of visual and acoustic methods. Since the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 have separate output devices 240 and 340, the information output to them may overlap with each other. In particular, the acoustic findings can in all likelihood overlap with each other.

For example, when the first function is completed, the second function is completed, while the first completion information is acoustic output through the first output device 240, and the second completion information can be output through the second output device 340. Since the first completion information and the second completion information are output from different output devices at the same time, this information overlaps.

To solve this problem, the first control unit 280 of the first laundry treatment device 200 corresponding to the control device may limit output generation to the second control unit 380 and / or the second output device 340 via the second output device 340 when the second laundry treatment device 300 corresponding to the controlled device connected.

More specifically, the first control unit 280 may determine the position at which the output should be generated through the second output device 380 in communication with the second control unit 380. In this case, the first control unit 280 may output information to be output through the second output device 340 using the first output device 240. The second output device 340 is controlled by the first control unit 280 and / or the second control unit 380, so that the corresponding information is not output.

On the other hand, the first control unit 280 can output information related to the first washing tub 260 using the first output device 240 and information related to the second washing tub 360 using the second output device 340.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when a touch is applied to the first graphic object 520, a first washing tub 260 may be selected, and the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device may be displayed on the touch screen 222. In this case, a notification sound indicating that a first washing tub 260 has been selected may be output through the first output device 240. When generating an event by touching applied to the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device, acoustic information corresponding to the generated event can be output through the first output device 240.

As another example, when a touch is applied to the second graphic object 522, a second washing tub 360 may be selected, and the control screen 610 of the second laundry treating device may be displayed on the touch screen 222. In this case, a notification sound indicating that a second washing tub 360 has been selected, may be dispensed through a second output device 340. Thereafter, when generating an event in the second laundry treatment device 300, acoustic information corresponding to the generated event can be output through the second output device 340.

In this case, when an event occurs in which the second information is output through the second output device 340, while the first information is output through the first output device 240, the first control unit 280 transmits an output restriction command to the second laundry processing device 300, so that the second information may be output after completion of the output of the first information. The second output device 340 outputs the second information after completion of the output of the first information in accordance with the output restriction command.

For example, when the second function is completed, while the first completion information is acoustically output through the first output device 240, the second control unit 380 and / or the second output device 340 can be controlled so that the second completion information can be output after the output is completed first completion information.

On the contrary, when an event occurs in which the first information is output through the first output device 240, while the second information is output through the second output device 340, the first control unit 280 restricts the output of the first output device 240 until the output of the second information will be completed, and then outputs the first information through the first output device 240 after completion of the output of the second information.

On the other hand, although the first and second functions are performed separately, the first and second functions can be completed simultaneously, or one function can be completed, while completion information related to another function is output. In this case, the first and second completion information can probably overlap with each other when they are output.

When the first and second functions are completed simultaneously, the first control unit 280 first outputs completion information related to one of the functions that started earlier within a predetermined time and then outputs completion information related to the other function after a predetermined time for the earlier function started. This results in preventing overlapping information displayed on the touch screen 222.

Since the simultaneous output of different information through the respective output devices is limited, the user can use a laundry processing system including a plurality of laundry processing devices without confusion.

In this case, one of the first and second user interfaces can be selectively displayed by artificial intelligence, even without touching, applied to one of the first and second graphic objects. Below, a method for selectively outputting one of the interfaces using artificial intelligence based on user actions will be described in detail.

11A and 11B are conceptual views illustrating a method for managing information displayed on a touch screen based on a user action.

As shown in FIG. 11A, when the position of the first door 220 located on the first laundry treating device 200 is changed by external force, the first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 to display the control screen 510 of the first laundry treating device. Specifically, when the first door 220 is moved from the first position to the second position under the influence of an external force, the icons included in the first group are displayed on the touch screen 222.

Herein, the first position may be an open position in which the first door 220 opens the laundry inlet, and the second position may be the closed position in which the first door 220 closes the laundry inlet. The reason the user moves the first door 220 to the closed position is because the user wants to use the first washing tub 260.

The control screen 510 of the first laundry treatment device is displayed on the touch screen 222 in accordance with the change in position of the first door 220, regardless of the type of information displayed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11B, when a change in the set position is detected while the touch screen 222 is turned off, the first control unit 280 turns on the touch screen 222 and controls the touch screen 222 to display information corresponding to the change in position.

For example, when a drawer body 330 that has been pulled out of the second main body 310 is inserted into the second main body 310, the first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 to display icons included in the second group. When the touch screen 222 has been turned off, the first control unit 280 includes a touch screen 222 that has been turned off, so that the icons included in the second group are displayed. The reason is that the user wants to use the second washing tub 360.

Although not shown, when the second door 363 located on the second laundry treating device 300 is moved from the open position to the closed position, the first control unit 280 can control the touch screen 222 to display icons included in the second group. That is, the control screen 610 of the second laundry treating device may be displayed on the touch screen 222 in accordance with a change in position of the second door 363.

To provide such control, the second control unit 380 detects a change in the position of the component included in the second laundry treatment device 300. When the detected position change meets a predetermined condition, the second control unit 380 transmits a position change message to the first control unit 280. The first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 to display the control screen 610 of the second laundry treating device in accordance with the received position change message.

12 is a conceptual view illustrating an operation related to a child lock function.

The first control unit may perform a child lock function based on user input.

In this document, the child lock function refers to the function of preventing a malfunction or damage caused by a child by operating a hardware button or soft button so as not to operate. When the child lock function is performed, the performance of the function by touching is limited, even if the touch is applied to the touch screen. Only touch input to cancel the child lock function is possible, and other touch inputs are skipped. According to the illustrated example, when the child lock function is performed in a position in which the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 are connected to each other, the first control unit 280 transmits the lock command to the second laundry treating device 300, so that the child lock function is performed even in the second laundry treating device 300. The second control unit 380 performs a child lock function in accordance with the received lock command.

The user can perform the child lock function in the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 using the touch screen 222 located on the first laundry treating device 200.

When the child lock function is performed in the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300, an indicator 1210 may be output to control the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 in the locked position. Accordingly, the user can understand that both the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 are in a locked position.

13 is a conceptual view illustrating a method for pairing or steaming a first laundry treating device and a second laundry treating device based on user input.

As shown in FIG. 13, a first control unit 280 controls a first communication device 350 for pairing or steaming with a second laundry treatment device 300 based on user input.

When the second laundry treating device 300 is in a paired (connected) position, the first control unit 280 may output the twin position information 1310 to the touch screen 222 to control the connection position with the second laundry treating device 300.

Herein, the mating position information 1310 may include at least one of the name, manufacturer and product number as information related to the second laundry treating device 300, and may further include location information 1312, visually indicating the location of the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300.

When the steaming command for steaming with the second laundry treating device 300 is received from the user, the first control unit 280 may steal the second laundry treating device 300. After that, the touch screen 222 is limited from the output of the icons included in the second group, and can display the icons included in the first group.

According to this example, the user can control the entire laundry treatment system by using the first laundry treatment device 200 in accordance with the usage method, or use the laundry treatment system as a separate device and not the laundry treatment system.

14 is a conceptual view of a laundry treating device that can use a new washing function developed by a third-party manufacturer, as well as a predetermined washing function.

The first laundry treating device 200 can easily set a new washing function developed by a third-party manufacturer, as well as a predetermined washing function stored in the memory in accordance with a user request.

More specifically, the first control unit 280 may select one of the first laundry treating device 200 and the second laundry treating device 300 included in the laundry treating system 100 based on user input and have access to a predetermined server for loading functions performed in the selected laundry the car.

For example, the first control unit 280 may download functions performed in the second laundry treatment device 300 from a predetermined server based on a user request. The first control unit 280 may set downloaded icons as icons included in the second group. The first control unit 280 may load icons corresponding to the second laundry treating device 300 from a predetermined server into memory and establish a second group using the downloaded icons.

In addition, the first control unit 280 may set at least one of the types, output commands, and output positions of the icons included in the second group based on user input or re-install the existing installation on another installation.

For example, as shown in the first drawing in FIG. 14, when the AF functions are reinstalled as a second group with respect to the second laundry treating device called “LG top-loading washing machine”, icons corresponding to the AF functions are respectively displayed in predetermined output positions .

When a download request is received for the “LG vertical loading washing machine”, the first control unit 280 may download the G-M functions, which are new functions performed by the LG vertical loading washing machine, “from a predetermined server. When the download is completed, as shown in the second drawing in FIG. 14, icons corresponding to the previously stored functions A-F and icons corresponding to the newly loaded functions G-M are displayed on the touch screen 222.

After that, the first control unit 280 may add a new icon to the second group, delete the specified icon, or change the display position of the specified icon based on user input. For example, as shown in the fourth drawing of FIG. 14, when user input is found to move the L icon corresponding to the L function and drag it to the output position of the C icon corresponding to the C function, the first control unit 280 may remove the C icon from the second group and add the L icon. The L icon is displayed at the position where the C icon was displayed.

Thus, the user can create an interface optimized for him, and can install and use a new function created by a third-party manufacturer in his device for processing laundry.

The present invention described above can be implemented in the form of computer-readable codes on a recorded medium. A computer-readable medium includes all types of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable media include read-only memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical storage device, and the like, and can also be implemented as a carrier wave (e.g., transmission over the Internet) . In addition, the computer may also include a terminal control unit 180.

The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all aspects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a rational interpretation of the attached claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (25)

1. A device for processing linen, containing: first wash tank; wireless device; a touch screen for displaying icons related to functions performed using the first washing tub; and control unit for: determining whether the wireless device is connected to an external device having a second washing tub; if the external device is connected to a wireless communication device, controlling a touch screen to output a first graphic to select a first washing tub and a second graphic to select a second washing tub; and,  if the external device is not connected to the wireless communication device, control the touch screen to display icons associated with the functions performed in the first washing tub, instead of the first and second graphic objects. 2. The device according to claim 1, in which the control unit controls a wireless device to establish or disconnect a connection with an external device having a second washing tank, based on user input. 3. The device according to claim 2, in which the control unit controls the touch screen so that the first and second graphic objects disappear when the connection is disconnected. 4. The device according to claim 1, in which the control unit selects one of the first washing tub and the second washing tub when applying a touch to one of the first and second graphic objects and controls the touch screen to display icons associated with the functions performed in the selected tank for washing. 5. The device according to claim 4, in which the control unit controls the touch screen to display the icons included in the first group, when selecting the first wash tank, and display the icons included in the second group, when selecting the second wash tank. 6. The device according to claim 5, in which the control unit, when applying a touch to one of the icons included in the second group, transmits a washing command corresponding to the function associated with the icon to which the touch is applied to an external device having a second wash tank, so that the function is performed in an external device having a second washing tub. 7. The device according to claim 6, in which the control unit displays notification information warning that the function is not performed in an external device having a second washing tank, upon receipt of a message about the impossibility of washing for a washing command from an external device having a second tank for washing. 8. The device according to claim 6, in which the control unit receives a message about the progress of the function from an external device having a second washing tub when the function is performed and controls the touch screen to display control information for controlling the progress of the function. 9. The device of claim 8, in which the control unit displays the first control information in the first area of the touch screen to control the progress of the first function and the second control information in the second area to control the progress of the second function when the first function is performed using the first tank for washing, while this function is performed. 10. The device according to claim 9, in which the control unit upon completion of the washing function suspends the output of the first and second control information to control the completion of the washing function and displays completion information regarding the washing function in the entire area of the touch screen. 11. The device of claim 10, in which the control unit re-starts the paused output of the first control information after a predetermined time after the completion of the washing function and displays the first control information in the entire area of the touch screen. 12. The device according to claim 10, in which the control unit upon completion of the function, while the completion information of the washing function is displayed, transmits an output limiting command to an external device having a second washing tank, so that a notification is displayed in accordance with the completion of the function in an external device having a second washing tub after a predetermined time. 13. The device according to claim 5, in which the icons included in the second group vary depending on the type of the external device having a second washing tub. 14. The device according to item 13, in which the control unit, when connecting an external device having a second washing tank, has access to a predetermined server for downloading icons corresponding to an external device having a second washing tank, and sets downloaded icons for icons included into the second group. 15. The device according to claim 5, in which the first washing tub rotates with centering on the first rotating shaft and the second washing tub rotates with centering on the second rotating shaft intersecting with the first rotating shaft. 16. The device according to clause 15, in which each of the icons included in the first group is associated with a function performed in the first tank for washing, in accordance with the characteristics of the first tank for washing, and each of the icons included in the second group is associated with the function performed in the second washing tub, in accordance with the characteristics of the second washing tub. 17. The device according to claim 1, in which the control unit displays different information depending on the connection or disconnection with respect to an external device having a second washing tub when the touch screen indicator that has been turned off is turned on. 18. The device according to claim 1, in which the lock command is transmitted to an external device having a second washing tank, so that the child lock function is performed even in an external device having a second washing tank when the child lock function is performed relative to the first tank for washing in connection with an external device having a second tub for washing.

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