U.S. patent application number 13/972047 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-06 for home appliance control method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Changhan Ahn, Chansung Jeon, Yanghwan Kim.
Application Number | 20140067136 13/972047 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50188565 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140067136 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Yanghwan ; et
al. |
March 6, 2014 |
HOME APPLIANCE CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
An electric appliance includes a driving unit operating on the
basis of energy information including information with respect to
an energy price, a communication unit requesting the energy
information to an external component, a memory unit for storing the
energy information received through the communication unit, and a
control unit controlling the communication unit such that the
communication unit receives first energy information corresponding
to a present time of the energy information and receives second
energy information that is information except for the first energy
information.
Inventors: |
Kim; Yanghwan; (Changwon-si,
KR) ; Ahn; Changhan; (Changwon-si, KR) ; Jeon;
Chansung; (Changwon-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG Electronics Inc. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
50188565 |
Appl. No.: |
13/972047 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/286 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 15/02 20130101;
G05F 5/00 20130101; H04L 41/0833 20130101; H04L 41/0668 20130101;
H04L 2012/285 20130101; Y04S 40/166 20130101; Y04S 40/162 20130101;
Y04S 40/00 20130101; H04L 12/2814 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/286 |
International
Class: |
G05F 5/00 20060101
G05F005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 31, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0096753 |
Aug 31, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0096772 |
Aug 31, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0096802 |
Claims
1. An electric appliance comprising: a driving unit to operate on
the basis of energy information comprising information with respect
to an energy price; a communication unit to request the energy
information to an external component; a memory unit to store the
energy information received through the communication unit; and a
control unit to control the communication unit such that the
communication unit receives first energy information corresponding
to a present time of the energy information and receives second
energy information that is information except for the first energy
information.
2. The electric appliance according to claim 1, wherein the memory
unit comprises a volatile memory in which the energy information
stored in the memory unit is lost when the electric appliance is
turned off, and when the electric appliance is turned on, the
memory unit stores new energy information received through the
communication unit.
3. The electric appliance according to claim 1, wherein the memory
unit comprises a nonvolatile memory in which the energy information
stored in the memory unit is maintained even though the electric
appliance is turned off, and when the electric appliance is turned
on, the energy information previously stored in the memory unit is
changed into new energy information received through the
communication unit if the new energy information is different from
the energy information stored in the memory unit.
4. The electric appliance according to claim 1, wherein the first
energy information and the second energy information are
successively or unilaterally received by the communication
unit.
5. The electric appliance according to claim 4, wherein, when the
first and second energy information are successively received, the
communication unit requests and receives the first energy
information, and transmits a reception confirmation signal to the
external component to thereby request and receive the second energy
information.
6. The electric appliance according to claim 4, wherein, when the
first and second energy information are unilaterally received, the
communication unit receives the first and second energy information
without transmitting a reception confirmation signal after the
first energy information is received.
7. The electric appliance according to claim 1, wherein, when the
information with respect to the energy price is changed, the
communication unit requests the energy information to the external
component at a time at which the energy price is changed or
before/after the energy price is changed.
8. The electric appliance according to claim 1, wherein the first
or second energy information comprises energy price identification
information, a start time for applying the energy price and an
energy price duration.
9. The electric appliance according to claim 1, wherein the
external component comprises a smart meter to meter an energy usage
amount of the electric appliance to transmit price information with
respect to energy to the electric appliance.
10. A method of controlling an electric appliance comprising a
communication unit communicable with an external component, the
method comprising: receiving by the communication unit first energy
price-related information from the external component; determining
by a control unit a first operation method on the basis of the
first energy price-related information; receiving by the
communication unit second energy price-related information that is
changed from the first energy price-related information before the
electric appliance operates according to the first operation
method; and causing by the control unit the electric appliance to
operate in a second operation method on the basis of the second
energy price-related information.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first energy
price-related information and the second energy price-related
information comprise low-price information and high-price
information which are classified according to price information
with respect to an energy price and control reference information,
wherein the high-price information comprises at least one of first
price information comprising on-peak information that is received
when the energy price is greater than a reference value and first
control reference information comprising curtailment information
for requesting reduction in use of energy or supply power leakage
information for informing that an amount of suppliable electricity
leaks, and the low-price information comprises at least one of
second price information comprising off-peak information that is
received when the energy price is less than the reference value and
second control reference information comprising curtailment
information for informing that the energy is capable of increasing
in use or excessive supply power amount for informing that an
amount of suppliable electricity is sufficient.
12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first operation
method comprises a power-saving mode or a normal mode according to
whether the first energy price-related information is the
high-price information or the low-price information.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the power-saving mode
is an operation mode in which an energy usage price of the electric
appliance is capable of being reduced on the basis of the energy
prices-related information received from the external component,
and the normal mode is an operation mode that operates on the basis
of a command recognized by or inputted into the electric appliance
without being based on the energy price-related information.
14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the second energy
price-related information comprises information in which a time
period with respect to the energy price in information constituting
the first energy price-related information moves.
15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the second energy
price-related information comprises information in which an
occurrence of the first energy price-related information is
cancelled.
16. An electric appliance comprising: a driving unit to operate on
the basis of energy price-related information; a communication unit
to communicate with an external component with respect to the
energy price-related information; and a control unit to control the
operation of the driving unit on the basis of the energy
price-related information received by the communication unit,
wherein, if the control unit determines that the communication unit
and the external component are in a communication failure state,
the control unit determines a cause of the communication failure
state from a plurality of preset mapping information.
17. The electric appliance according to claim 16, wherein the
plurality of mapping information comprise: first mapping
information with respect to a change of a network key using the
external component as a master device; second mapping information
with respect to a change of a communication channel that is used
for the external component and the communication unit; third
mapping information with respect to a state in which the external
component is turned off; and fourth mapping information with
respect to an initialization of a network connecting the external
component to the communication unit.
18. The electric appliance according to claim 17, wherein, when the
network key is changed in a state where the communication unit does
not receive an update message of the network key from the external
component, the control unit determines that the communication
failure cause corresponds to the first mapping information, and
when the network key is changed in a state where the communication
unit does not receive a channel change message from the external
component, the control unit determines that the communication
failure cause corresponds to the second mapping information.
19. The electric appliance according to claim 17, wherein, when the
external component is turned off due to an abnormal cause and
becomes in the communication failure state, the control unit
determines that the communication failure cause corresponds to the
third mapping information, and the abnormal cause comprises a
blackout or breakdown state.
20. The electric appliance according to claim 17, wherein, when the
control unit determines that the electric appliance has withdrawn
from the network with the external component, the control unit
determines that the communication failure cause corresponds to the
fourth mapping information.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119
and 35 U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0096753
(filed on Aug. 31, 2012), No. 10-2012-0096772 (filed on Aug. 31,
2012) and No. 10-2012-0096802 (filed on Aug. 31, 2012) which are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to home appliance and control
method thereof.
[0003] In general, electric appliances provided in homes include
washing machines, refrigerators, cookers, cleaners. and etc. In a
related art, electric appliances are driven by using an electric
power having predetermined power information. For example, a fee of
an electric power supplied into a home is constant according to
time.
[0004] However, an electric power having time-variable power
information due to energy-saving policies can be supplied in recent
years.
[0005] When driving the electric appliances on the basis of the
time-variable power information, a user should separately confirm
the power information through Internet. Then, the user should
determine an operation time or course of each of the electric
appliances on the basis of the confirmed power information.
[0006] Particularly, the user may intend to confirm power
information corresponding to the present time. Here, since the
power information provides a predetermined period, e.g., daily,
weekly, and monthly information, the user should calculate driving
types (e.g., a time, a course, and the like) of the electric
appliances one by one.
[0007] For example, it may be restricted to instinctively determine
an operation start time, an operation end time, or an operation
course of each of the electric appliances by the user on the basis
of the operation information provided periodically.
SUMMARY
[0008] Embodiments provide an electric appliance that is capable of
easily receiving power information from the outside.
[0009] In one embodiment, an electric appliance includes: a driving
unit operating on the basis of energy information including
information with respect to an energy price; a communication unit
requesting the energy information to an external component; a
memory unit for storing the energy information received through the
communication unit; and a control unit controlling the
communication unit such that the communication unit receives first
energy information corresponding to a present time of the energy
information and receives second energy information that is
information except for the first energy information.
[0010] When the electric appliance is turned on, the communication
unit may request the energy information to the external
component.
[0011] The memory unit may include a volatile memory in which the
energy information stored in the memory unit is lost when the
electric appliance is turned off.
[0012] When the electric appliance is turned on, the memory unit
stores new energy information received through the communication
unit.
[0013] The memory unit may include a nonvolatile memory in which
the energy information stored in the memory unit is maintained even
though the electric appliance is turned off.
[0014] When the electric appliance is turned on, the energy
information previously stored in the memory unit may be changed
into new energy information received through the communication unit
if the new energy information is different from the energy
information stored in the memory unit.
[0015] The memory unit may include a module memory disposed within
the communication unit or a memory separately provided with respect
to the communication unit.
[0016] The first energy information and the second energy
information may be successively or unilaterally received.
[0017] When the first and second energy information are
successively received, the communication unit may request and
receive the first energy information, and transmit a reception
confirmation signal to the external component, to thereby request
and receive the second energy information.
[0018] When the second energy information is completely received,
the communication unit may receive a transmission completion signal
from the external component.
[0019] The communication unit may receive the first energy
information together when the second energy information is received
to confirm whether the first energy information is changed.
[0020] When the first and second energy information are
unilaterally received, the communication unit may receive the
second energy information without transmitting a reception
confirmation signal after the first energy information is
received.
[0021] When the information with respect to the energy price is
changed, the communication unit may request energy information to
the external component at a time at which the energy price is
changed or before/after the energy price is changed.
[0022] The communication unit may periodically request the energy
information to the external component to confirm whether the energy
information is changed.
[0023] If the energy information is changed, the communication unit
may receive the changed energy information from the external
component without separately requesting the reception of the energy
information.
[0024] Energy price identification information, a start time for
applying the energy price, and an energy price duration may be
tabled and transmitted from or received into the first or second
energy information.
[0025] The external component may include a smart meter for
metering an energy usage amount of the electric appliance to
transmit price information with respect to energy to the electric
appliance.
[0026] In another embodiment, a method of controlling an electric
appliance including a communication unit communicable with an
external component includes: receiving first energy price-related
information from the external component; determining a first
operation method on the basis of the first energy price-related
information; receiving second energy price-related information that
is changed from the first energy price-related information before
the electric appliance operates according to the first operation
method; and allowing the electric appliance to operate in a second
operation method on the basis of the second energy price-related
information.
[0027] The first energy price-related information and the second
energy price-related information may include low-price information
and high-price information which are classified according to price
information with respect to an energy price and control reference
information.
[0028] The high-price information may include at least one of first
price information including on-peak information that is received
when the energy price is greater than a reference value and first
control reference information including curtailment information for
requesting reduction in use of energy or supply power leakage
information for informing that an amount of suppliable electricity
leaks.
[0029] The low-price information may include at least one of second
price information including off-peak information that is received
when the energy price is less than the reference value and second
control reference information including curtailment information for
informing that the energy is capable of increasing in use or
excessive supply power amount for informing that an amount of
suppliable electricity is sufficient.
[0030] The first operation method may include a power-saving mode
or a normal mode according to whether the first energy
price-related information is the high-price information or the
low-price information.
[0031] The power-saving mode may be an operation mode in which an
energy usage price of the electric appliance is capable of being
reduced on the basis of the energy prices-related information
received from the external component, and the normal mode may be an
operation mode that operates on the basis of a command recognized
by or inputted into the electric appliance without being based on
the energy price-related information.
[0032] One method of the first and second operation methods may be
one of the power-saving mode and the normal mode, and the other
method may be the other one of the power-saving mode and the normal
mode.
[0033] The second energy price-related information may include
information in which a time period with respect to the energy price
in information constituting the first energy price-related
information moves.
[0034] The time period with respect to the energy price may include
on-peak or off-peak information constituting the energy
information.
[0035] The time period with respect to the energy price may include
an on/off time period with respect to whether control reference
information is applied.
[0036] As the time period with respect to the energy price moves,
the second operation method is changed in operation time with
respect to the same operation method as the first operation
method.
[0037] The second energy price-related information may include
information in which an occurrence of the first energy
price-related information is cancelled.
[0038] The first energy price-related information may include
information in which the high-price or low-price information is
generated at a specific time period, and the second energy
price-related information include information in which the
generation of the high-price or low-price information at the
specific time period is cancelled.
[0039] The electric appliance may receive the second energy
price-related information when a difference value between an
estimated demand and an actual demand is greater or less than a set
value in a state where the electric appliance receive the first
energy price-related information.
[0040] The electric appliance may include an ordinary operating
product to which a power is applied.
[0041] In further another embodiment, an electric appliance
includes: a driving unit operating on the basis of energy
price-related information; a communication unit communicating with
an external component with respect to the energy price-related
information; and a control unit controlling the operation of the
driving unit on the basis of the energy price-related information
received by the communication unit, wherein, if the control unit
determines that the communication unit and the external component
are in a communication failure state, the control unit determines a
cause of the communication failure state from a plurality of preset
mapping information.
[0042] The electric appliance may further include a memory unit, a
communication failure cause in the communication failure state may
be determined as one of the plurality of mapping information.
[0043] The plurality of mapping information may include: first
mapping information with respect to a change of a network key using
the external component as a master device; second mapping
information with respect to a change of a communication channel
that is used for the external component and the communication unit;
third mapping information with respect to a state in which the
external component is turned off; and fourth mapping information
with respect to an initialization of a network connecting the
external component to the communication unit.
[0044] When the network key is changed in a state where the
communication unit does not receive an update message of the
network key from the external component, the communication failure
cause may be determined to correspond to the first mapping
information
[0045] When the network key is changed in a state where the
communication unit does not receive a channel change message from
the external component, the communication failure cause may be
determined to correspond to the second mapping information.
[0046] When the external component is turned off due to an abnormal
cause and becomes in the communication failure state, the
communication failure cause may correspond to the third mapping
information, and the abnormal cause may include a blackout or
breakdown state.
[0047] When it is recognized that the electric appliance withdraws
from the network with the external component, the communication
failure cause may correspond to the fourth mapping information.
[0048] When it is recognized that the communication failure cause
corresponds to the first to third mapping information, a
communication recovery program operates to convert the
communication failure state into the communicable state.
[0049] When it is recognized that the communication failure cause
corresponds to the first to third mapping information, the
communication recovery program may be configured so that a network
key update message or a channel change message is transmitted from
the external component to the electric appliance, and the electric
appliance transmits a confirmation signal with respect to the
transmission of the message.
[0050] When it is recognized that the communication failure cause
corresponds to the third mapping information, the communication
recovery program may be configured so that, after standing by until
the external component is turned on, a communication preparation
confirmation message is transmitted from the external component to
the electric appliance, and the electric appliance transmits a
confirmation signal with respect to the transmission of the
message.
[0051] When it is recognized that the communication failure cause
corresponds to the fourth mapping information, the network
connection between the external component and the communication may
be initialized, and a network participation request signal may be
transmitted from one of the external component and the
communication unit, and the other one may transmit a permission
signal with respect to the network participation request signal to
perform network re-connection, thereby converting the communication
failure state into the communicable state.
[0052] In a process of determining whether the external component
and the communication unit are communicable with each other, a
check signal may be transmitted from one of the external component
and the communication unit, and when the check signal is
transmitted in number greater than a preset number, or a response
signal is not received from the other one even though the check
signal is transmitted at a time greater than a preset time, it may
be recognized as the communication failure state.
[0053] In a process of determining whether the external component
and the communication unit are communicable with each other, a
check signal may be transmitted from one of the external component
and the communication unit, and when the intensity of a response
signal from the other one is less than the preset intensity, it may
be recognized as the communication failure state.
[0054] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] FIG. 1 is a view of an electric appliance and an external
component according to a first embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electric appliance and the
external component according to the first embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of communicably
connecting a plurality of components to each other according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of
transmission/reception power information between the plurality of
components according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0059] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of
transmission/reception power information between a plurality of
components according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0060] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating a request state of power
information according to an embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of
transmission/reception power information between a plurality of
components according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0062] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
an electric appliance according to a fourth embodiment.
[0063] FIGS. 9(a), 9(b), 10(a) and 10(b) are graphs illustrating an
energy information change according to the fourth embodiment.
[0064] FIGS. 11(a), 11(b), 12(a) and 12(b) are graphs illustrating
an energy information change according to a fifth embodiment.
[0065] FIGS. 13 to 15 are flowcharts illustrating a control method
related to a communication failure of an electric appliance
according to a sixth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0066] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in
many different forms and should not be construed as being limited
to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, that alternate
embodiments included in other retrogressive inventions or falling
within the spirit and scope of the present invention will fully
convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the
art.
[0067] FIG. 1 is a view of an electric appliance and an external
component according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block
diagram of the electric appliance and the external component
according to the first embodiment.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a network system 10 according to
a first embodiment includes an electric appliance 100 for
performing a preset function as one component constituting the
network system 10 and an external component provided communicable
with the electric appliance 100 as the other component constituting
the network system 10.
[0069] In FIG. 1, a washing machine is illustrated as an example of
the electric appliance. However, the present disclosure is not
limited to this kind of electric appliance. For example, a
refrigerator, a cooking appliance, a dryer, an air conditioner, a
cleaner, or a water purifier in addition to the washing machine may
be applied.
[0070] The electric appliance 100 includes a driving unit 180 for
performing a function thereof. The driving unit 180 may be driven
based on information related to energy supplied from the outside.
The energy-related information includes information related to
energy charge.
[0071] For example, the information related to the energy charge
may include an electric power fee. The driving unit 180 may be
driven in a time-driving manner in which the electric charge is
reduced during the operation of the electric appliance 100.
[0072] The driving unit 180 may include a motor, a compressor, a
heater, a fan and etc.
[0073] The external component 200 may be understood as a component
providing information related to energy supplied from an external
energy source to the electric appliance 100. Here, the external
energy source may include at least one of an energy generation
component (a power company), an energy distribution component (a
power distribution company), and an energy storage component (an
energy storage/supply company).
[0074] For example, the external component may include a smart
meter for metering an amount of electricity used for the electric
appliance, an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for metering
an amount of electricity used in a plurality of electric appliances
or used places, or an energy management system (EMS) for
controlling a power-saving operation of the electric appliance.
[0075] The electric appliance 100 includes a first communication
unit 110 for communicably connected to the external component 200,
a display unit 120 for displaying an operation state of the
electric appliance 100, and a first input unit 130 for inputting a
predetermined command to operate the electric appliance 100.
[0076] Also, the electric appliance 100 may further include a
memory unit 140 for storing operation information of the electric
appliance 100 or information related to energy (hereinafter,
referred to as energy information) supplied to the electric
appliance 100 and a product control unit 150 for controlling the
above-described components. For example, the energy information may
include power information. Hereinafter, a case in which a power is
the energy will be described as an example.
[0077] The first communication unit 110 may be understood as a
gateway connected to the external component 200. Also, the first
communication unit 110 may be provided as a "communication module"
inside a front panel 105 of the electric appliance 100 and be
separably mounted on the electric appliance 100. Alternatively, the
first communication unit 110 may be disposed outside the electric
appliance 100, and not built into the electric appliance 100.
[0078] Also, the first communication unit 110 receives external
information according to a control command of the product control
unit 150 to transmit the received information into the product
control unit 150 or transmits internal information of the electric
appliance 100 to the outside (for example, to the external
component 200).
[0079] The memory unit 140 may be separately disposed from the
first communication unit 110. Alternatively, when the first
communication unit 110 is provided as a module, the memory unit 140
may be provided as a memory disposed within the communication
module.
[0080] Also, a second interface 170 for transmission/reception
information (data) may be defined between the first communication
unit 110 and the product control unit 150.
[0081] The external component 200 includes a second communication
unit 210 for communicably connected to the first communication unit
110, a display unit 220 for displaying a user interface of the
external component 200, and a second input unit 230 for inputting a
predetermined command into the external component 200.
[0082] Also, the external component 200 includes a memory unit 240
for storing operation information of the electric appliance 100 and
a control unit 250 for controlling the second communication unit
210, the display unit 220, the second input unit 230, and the
memory unit 240. Here, the operation information of the electric
appliance 100 may include information with respect to an amount of
electricity used for the electric appliance.
[0083] The second communication unit 210 may transmit the power
information to the first communication unit 110 and/or receive the
operation information of the electric appliance 100 from the first
communication unit 110. A first interface 300 for communicating may
be defined between the first communication unit 110 and the second
communication unit 210.
[0084] The display unit 220 may display the operation information
of the electric appliance 100 and/or the power information of the
electric appliance 100.
[0085] A plurality of information for performing a function of the
external component 200 may be stored in the memory unit 240. The
plurality of information may include first information related to a
power supplied to the electric appliance 100 and second information
related to an operation of the electric appliance 100 and/or an
amount of electricity used for the electric appliance 100.
[0086] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of communicably
connecting a plurality of components to each other according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] FIG. 3 illustrates a communication connection process
between the plurality of components constituting the network system
10 according to the first embodiment. For example, communication
for transmission/reception information between a first component
and a second component may start.
[0088] Here, the first component may be the electric appliance 100,
and the second component may be an external component 200.
[0089] When the first component is turned on, a device code (a
first device code) of the first component is recognized in the
first component. Then, an IP (communication address) of the first
communication unit 110 may be assigned.
[0090] The device code may be a proper identification number
(character) given when the first component is manufactured,
installed, or sold. When the first component is turned on,
information related to the device code may be transmitted to the
first communication unit 110.
[0091] The IP may be set to a fixed IP or be a variable
(changeable) IP used to communicate with the second component.
Also, the IP may be assigned through a separate access point (AP)
according to a communication method or may be assigned by self set
of the first component. For example, the communication method may
include Wifi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee.
[0092] Similarly, when the second component is turned on, a device
code (a second device code) of the second component is recognized
in the second component. Then, an IP (communication address) of the
second communication unit 210 may be assigned (S11 and S12).
[0093] For communication between the first component and the second
component, a predetermined command may be inputted into the first
component or the second component. For example, a predetermined
command may be inputted into the first component. The predetermined
command may be inputted by manipulating a preset input unit or may
be automatically recognized after the first component is turned
on.
[0094] When the predetermined command is inputted, a connection
sequence for connecting the second component may occur in the first
component. The connection sequence of the first component may be
transmitted to the second component (S14).
[0095] Also, information of the first component and information of
the second component may be exchanged with each other. The
information exchanged between the first component and the second
component may include the IP address and the device code of
respective components.
[0096] The first and second components may recognize or search an
opponent component (device) to directly exchange the information
therebetween. Also, the information may be exchanged via a specific
server for storing information of the first or second component
(S15).
[0097] As the information of the first component and the second
component are exchanged with each other, the first and second
components may be communicably connected to each other. When the
first and second components communicate with each other, the
information (data) may be transmitted/received therebetween
(S16).
[0098] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of
transmission/reception of power information between the plurality
of components according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0099] When the communication connection between the first and
second components described with reference to FIG. 3 is finished
(S21), a time synchronization process between the first and second
components is performed. The time synchronization process will be
described below.
[0100] An operation time or method of the electric appliance may be
determined based on the power information of the electric
appliance. Here, the power information may include time information
and charge information. For example, the electric appliance may be
controlled so that the electric appliance operates in a time period
in which the power charge is cheap.
[0101] For this, the time information including the power
information may be required to be reflected to the first or second
component. Here, a process of matching the time information of the
first and second components may be understood as the "time
synchronization process".
[0102] When the time information of the second component, i.e., the
time information including the power information is different from
that of the first component, the operation control of the component
may be erroneously performed. For example, the component
constituting the electric appliance may operate under a state in
which the power charge is expensive.
[0103] Thus, first time information transmitted from the second
component and second time information included in the first
component may be compared to each other.
[0104] If the first time information is equal to the second time
information, it may be determined or confirmed as a state in which
the time synchronization is performed. On the other hand, if it is
recognized that the first time information is not equal to the
second time information, the second time information of the first
component is changed into the first time information.
[0105] Also, the confirmation of the synchronized state or the
result of the synchronized signal may be transmitted to the second
component. As described above, since the time information of the
first component is changed equal to the time information included
in the power information, the control of the component on the basis
of the power information may be easily performed (S22).
[0106] When the time synchronization is performed, the first
component 100 requests first power information corresponding to the
present time to the second component 200. Here, the first power
information corresponding to the present time may be understood as
power information applied when it is assumed that the electric
appliance operates at present.
[0107] In general, since the user is interested in the power charge
generated when the electric appliance immediately operates now, the
first component 100 requests first the first power information
corresponding to the present time (S23).
[0108] The second component 200 transmits the first power
information of the power information to the first component 100.
The first component 100 receives the first power information and
transmits a confirmation signal for informing that the first power
information has been received to the second component 200
(S24).
[0109] The first power information received by the first component
100 may be stored in the memory unit 140. In the current
embodiment, the memory unit 140 may be a volatile memory in which
the stored information is lost when the electric appliance 100 is
turned off.
[0110] Thus, the information stored in the memory unit 140 may be
lost when the electric appliance 100 is turned off. Then, when the
electric appliance 100 is turned on, the memory unit 140 may newly
receive and store power information from the second component 200
(S25).
[0111] Also, the first component 100 requests the second power
information to the second component 200 after receiving the first
power information. The second power information may be power
information except for the first power information of the power
information. That is, the second power information may be, for
example, power information corresponding to a time period after the
present time (S26).
[0112] The first component 100 may transmit a confirmation signal
to the second component 200 when the second power information is
received from the second component 200. Also, the received second
power information may be stored in the memory unit 140 (S27 and
S28).
[0113] Also, while the second power information is transmitted or
received, the previously transmitted/received first power
information may be transmitted or received together. Thus, while
the second power information is transmitted or received, whether
the change of the first power information occurred may be
checked.
[0114] The transmission/reception of the first and second power
information may be performed several times. Particularly, if the
power information to be transmitted/received is large in capacity,
the transmission/reception of the first or second power information
may be performed several times.
[0115] Also, whether the transmission/reception of the power
information is completed may be determined according to whether a
power information transmission completion signal is received from
the second component 200. After the transmission/reception of the
second power information is performed at least one time, when the
power information transmission completion signal is received by the
first component 100, the transmission/reception between the first
and second components may be completed (S29 and S30).
[0116] The first or second power information may include price
identification (ID) information, a start time to which a price is
applied, and a duration of the corresponding price. Here, the price
may be understood as the power charge.
[0117] The price ID information may include names for identifying
prices such as a first price, a second price, and a third price.
The first, second, and third prices may have power charges
different from each other.
[0118] Also, the price application start time may represent a start
time at which the first, second, and third prices are applied.
Also, the price duration time may represent a start time at which
the first, second, or third price is continued. For example, the
first price may have a start time (12:00 PM) and a duration (three
and half hours), the second price may have a start time (15:30 PM)
and a duration (five hours), and the third price may have a start
time (20:30 PM) and a duration (four and half hours).
[0119] The first power information or the second power information
may be tabled and transmitted to the first component 100.
[0120] When the first and second power information is transmitted
to the electric appliance 100, the electric appliance 100 may
perform a power-saving operation on the basis of the first and
second power information to reduce the power charge or recommend
one operation method with respect to the power-saving operation to
the user.
[0121] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of
transmission/reception power information between a plurality of
components according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0122] When communication connection between first and second
components 100 and 200 is completed, time synchronization is
performed. Also, the first component 100 requests first power
information to the second component 200 to receive the first power
information from the second component 200, thereby transmitting a
confirmation signal to the second component 200. Since this is
similar to that described in the first embodiment, their detailed
description will be omitted (S31 to S34).
[0123] The first component 100 compares the received first power
information with the power information previously stored in a
memory unit 140. In the current embodiment, the memory unit 140 may
be a nonvolatile memory in which the storage state of the
information is maintained even though the electric appliance 100 is
turned off.
[0124] That is, after the first component 100 is turned on, when
the first power information is received from the second component
200, the first power information may be compared with the power
information previously stored in the memory unit 140 (S35).
[0125] If the received first power information is equal to the
previously stored power information (S36), post processes are
performed. That is, the first component 100 receives request of a
second power information from the second component 200 to transmit
the confirmed signal.
[0126] As described above, the first power information may be
understood as the power information corresponding to the present
time, and the second power information may be understood as the
power information except for the first power information, e.g., the
power information corresponding to the time period after the
present time (S38 and S39).
[0127] On the other hand, if the received first power information
is not equal to the previously stored power information (S36), the
received first power information is stored in the memory unit 140.
That is, the power information stored in the memory unit 140 may be
changed or updated into the first power information. Also, the
above-described operations S38 and S39 may be performed (S37).
[0128] The first component 100 compares the received second power
information to the power information previously stored in the
memory unit 140 (S40).
[0129] If the received second power information is equal to the
previously stored power information (S41), the
transmission/reception of the second power information may be
performed until a transmission/reception completion signal is
received from the second component 200. When the
transmission/reception completion signal is received, the
transmission/reception of the power information between the first
and second components 100 and 200 may be completed (S43 and
S44).
[0130] On the other hand, if the received second power information
is not equal to the previously stored power information (S41), the
received second power information is stored in the memory unit 140.
That is, the power information stored in the memory unit 140 may be
changed or updated into the second power information. Also, the
above-described operations S43 and S44 may be performed (S42).
[0131] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating a request state of power
information according to an embodiment.
[0132] FIG. 6 illustrates power information, i.e., a variation with
respect to a power price according to time. The variation with
respect to the power price according to time will be described.
[0133] Here, an X-axis value represents a time elapsing from a
present time T0 used as a time point, and a Y-axis value represents
a power price.
[0134] The first power information corresponding to the present
time T0 may be defined as price ID information (a first price P1),
a start time T0, and a duration T1 to T0.
[0135] Also, the second power information except for the first
power information, e.g., the power information corresponding to the
time period after the present time T0 may include following
detailed information in a Table.
[0136] 1. Price ID information (a second price P2), a start time
T1, and a duration T2 to T1.
[0137] 2. Price ID information (a third price P3), a start time T3,
and a duration T3 to T2.
[0138] 3. Price ID information (a fourth price P4), a start time
T3, and a duration T4 to T3.
[0139] As described above, a plurality of time points at which the
power price is changed exist in the power information. In detail,
the price is changed at times T1, T2, and T3.
[0140] If a price of the supplied electricity is changed, the
corresponding price changing time (hereinafter, referred to as a
price changing time) may be a factor for controlling the operation
of the electric appliance 100. Thus, in the current embodiment, the
first component, i.e., the electric appliance 100 may request the
power information to the second component 200 at the price changing
time.
[0141] That is, the electric appliance 100 may request the power
information at boundary times (A), (B), and (C) in FIG. 6. For
example, a time at which the electric appliance 100 requests the
power information may be the boundary times (A), (B), and (C) or
may be times before or after a preset time from the boundary times
(A), (B), and (C).
[0142] Therefore, the electric appliance 100 may be controlled on
the basis of accurate power information to effectively prevent the
electric appliance 100 from operating in an undesired price period
due to user's erroneous power information.
[0143] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of
transmitting/receiving power information between a plurality of
components according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0144] Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment in which a first
component is controlled to periodically confirm power information
will be described below.
[0145] In detail, when first and second components are turned on to
communicate with each other, the first component 100 requests power
information to the second component 200. When the power information
is received from the second component 200, the first component
stores the power information and transmits a confirmation signal to
the second component (S51 to S54).
[0146] When a set time elapses (S55), the first component 100 may
request the power information again to the second component to
receive the power information.
[0147] Also, whether the newly received power information is
changed from the previously received power information may be
recognized. If the newly received power information is changed, the
changed power information is stored in a memory unit 140 of the
first component 100 (S56 and S57). On the other hand, if the power
information has not changed, operations followed by the operation
S55 may be repeatedly performed. Here, the change of the power
information may include one of a power price, a start time, and a
duration.
[0148] The operations S55 to S57 may be performed until an OFF
command with respect to the first and second component 100 or 200
is recognized (S58 and S59).
[0149] As described above, since the request and the reception of
the power information is performed according to a preset period, an
electric appliance may be periodically updated with accurate power
information.
[0150] Another embodiment will be proposed.
[0151] In the first and second embodiments, the first component
requests and receives the first power information, and the received
and confirmed signal is transmitted to the second component. Then,
the request of the second power information is performed
(successive transmission/reception).
[0152] However, unlike the first and second embodiments, the first
power information may be transmitted and received, and immediately,
the second power information may be transmitted and received
without performing the separate processes such as the request,
reception, and confirmed signal transmission of the first and
second power information. Also, when the transmission/reception of
the second power information is completed, the second component may
transmit the transmitted signal of the power information to the
first component.
[0153] Further another embodiment will now be described.
[0154] In FIG. 6, power information is requested at a time in which
the power information is changed. In FIG. 7, power information is
periodically requested.
[0155] On the other hand, when at least one portion of the power
information, i.e., the power price, the start time, or the duration
is changed, the second component may transmit the changed power
information to the first component without a request from the first
component.
[0156] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
an electric appliance according to a fourth embodiment. For
example, an electric appliance according to the current embodiment
may include a constantly operating product, e.g., a refrigerator,
water purifier and etc.
[0157] When the communication connection between the first and
second components described with reference to FIG. 3 is finished
(S61), a time synchronization process between the first and second
components is performed (S62).
[0158] When the time synchronization is performed, the first
component 100 may receive first information (hereinafter, referred
to as first energy change-related information) with respect to an
energy price from the second component 200. The first energy
price-related information includes time information and
price-related information.
[0159] That is, the first energy price-related information may be
power information. The power information may be provided to the
first component 100 at a predetermined period, for example, for
daily, weekly, and monthly unit. Particularly, power information
with respect to a future time period on the basis of a present time
may be provided to the electric appliance.
[0160] For example, the first energy price-related information may
include at least one of high-price information and low-price
information.
[0161] The high-price information may be understood as information
in which an energy price is relatively expensive. The high-price
information may include first price information and a first demand
response signal.
[0162] The first price information includes on-peak information.
The on-peak information may be information that is recognized when
an energy price is greater than a reference value. Also, the first
demand response signal may include curtailment information and
supply power leakage information.
[0163] The curtailment information may be understood as information
for requesting reduction in use of energy. For example, the
curtailment information may be information with respect to an
operation method in which an operation of the first component is
stopped, or a little power is used.
[0164] The supply power leakage information may be understood as a
case in which a frequency less than a reference frequency of an AC
power supplied to the first component 100 is detected, for example,
information in which an amount of electricity to be supplied from a
power company to a place of use leaks.
[0165] The low-price information may be understood as information
in which an energy charge is relatively inexpensive. The low-price
information may include second price information and a second
demand response signal.
[0166] The second price information includes off-peak information.
The off-peak information may be information that is recognized when
the energy price is less than the reference value. Also, the second
demand response signal may include energy increase information and
excessive supply power information.
[0167] The energy increase information represents information in
which an increase in energy use is allowable, for example, a state
in which surplus electricity occurs because an amount of
electricity used in the component is less than an amount of
generated electricity.
[0168] The excessive supply power information may be understood as
a case in which a frequency greater than the reference frequency of
the AC power supplied to the first component 100 is detected, for
example, information in which an amount of electricity to be
supplied from the power company to the place of use leaks.
[0169] When the first component 100 receives the first energy
price-related information, the operation method of the first
component 100 may be determined according to a first operation
method corresponding to the first energy price-related
information.
[0170] For example, when the first energy price-related information
is the high-price information, the first operation method may be a
"power-saving mode". The power-saving mode may be understood as a
mode in which the operation of the first component 100 is
controlled on the basis of the first energy price-related
information.
[0171] Also, a "normal mode" different from the power-saving mode
may be defined. The normal mode may be understood as a mode in
which the first component 100 is controlled without being based on
the first energy price-related information.
[0172] Here, the term "mode" may be understood as the concept which
includes a specific component constituting the first component 100
or a specific operation course with respect to a function to be
performed by the first component 100.
[0173] When the power-saving mode is performed, the first component
100 may be controlled so that energy usage amount or energy price
when the first component 100 is controlled on the basis of the
first energy price-related information is less than that when the
first component 100 is controlled without being based on the first
energy price-related information (i.e., the first component 100 is
controlled in the normal mode).
[0174] For example, when the power-saving mode is performed, the
operation time of the first component 100 may be shifted to a time
period in which the low-price information is applied or may adjust
an output of the first component to reduce the energy price.
[0175] For another example, when the power-saving mode is
performed, at least one component of a plurality of components
constituting the first component 100 is restricted in operation, or
at least one course of a plurality of courses constituting the
first component 100 may be restricted. Here, the term "restriction"
may represent function performance stop, function performance
delay, or output reduction (including turn-off of the output).
[0176] For further example, when the first component 100 operates
in the power-saving mode, a time period in which the energy price
is relatively inexpensive in a time period from the present time to
a predetermined time, i.e., an optimal operation time may be
recommended, or an optimal course in which the energy price is
inexpensive in an operable course may be recommended on the basis
of the first energy price-related information.
[0177] When the first component 100 is performed in the
power-saving mode, the energy price may be reduced. However, the
function performance of the first component 100 may also be
reduced.
[0178] When the first energy price-related information is the
low-price information, the first operation method may be the
"normal mode".
[0179] When the normal mode is performed, the first component 100
may operate on the basis of information recognized by the first
component 100 by itself without taking into consideration of the
first energy price-related information, for example, information
inputted through the first input unit 130 by a user (S64).
[0180] The external component 200 may change the energy
price-related information according to an amount of suppliable
(producible) electricity or a power usage amount in the place of
use to supply the electricity. In detail, when a difference between
an estimated power demand in the whole used places (homes or
companies) receiving the electricity produced by the energy
generation unit and an actual power demand in the whole used places
occurs, the external component 200 may change the energy
price-related information and provide the changed information to
the electric appliance.
[0181] That is, even though the energy price-related information
with respect to a specific time period is provided to the electric
appliance, the energy price-related information with the
corresponding time period may be changed according to the
suppliable power amount or the power usage amount in the place of
use.
[0182] As described above, when the energy price-related
information is changed before the first component 100 operates, the
first component 100 may receive second information (hereinafter,
referred to as second energy price-related information) with
respect to the energy price from the second component 200.
[0183] The second energy price-related information includes time
information and price-related information as information changed
from the first energy price-related information.
[0184] A process in which the first energy price-related
information is changed into the second energy price-related
information will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12
(S65).
[0185] When the second energy price-related information is
recognized, the first component 100 may change in operation into
the second operation method corresponding to the second energy
price-related information. Also, the first component 100 may
operate in the second operation method (S66 and S67).
[0186] For example, when the first energy price-related information
is the high-price information, the first operation method may be
the "power-saving mode". Also, when the second energy price-related
information is the low-price information, the second operation
method may be the "normal mode".
[0187] Also, when the content of the power-saving mode is the shift
of the operation time period of the first component 100 or the
component constituting the first component 100, the power-saving
mode may be called off the shift so that the first component 100 or
the component constituting the first component 100 operates in its
original operation time period, e.g., normal mode.
[0188] For example, assuming that the first component 100 is the
refrigerator, an operation time of a defrosting heater of the
refrigerator is scheduled from about 14:00 to about 14:20 in the
normal mode.
[0189] Also, if it is recognized that the high-price time period
may be in a range of a time period from about 14:00 to about 16:00
from the first energy price-related information (the high-price
information), the first operation method (the power-saving mode)
avoids the high-price time period to determine that the defrosting
heater operates in a range of a time period from about 16:00 to
about 16:20.
[0190] However, when the first energy price-related information
(the high-price information) is changed into the second energy
price-related information (the low-price information) at a time
point at which the defrosting heater of the refrigerator operates
in the normal mode or the power-saving mode, i.e., before a time of
about 14:00, the refrigerator may operate in the second operation
method (the normal mode) changed from the first operation method.
Thus, the defrosting heater of the refrigerator may operate again
at a time period of about 14:00 to about 14:20.
[0191] As described above, the operation method (the operation of
the defrosting heater for about 20 minutes) of the refrigerator are
the same in the normal or power-saving modes, but shifted in the
operation time (the time period).
[0192] It will be assumed that the case is reversed.
[0193] When the first energy price-related information is the
low-price information, and the second energy price-related
information is the high-price information, it may be determined
that the first operation method may be the normal mode, and the
defrosting heater may operate for an operation time of about 14:00
to about 14:20, and also, the second operation method may be the
power-saving mode, and the defrosting heater may be changed to
operate for an operation time of about 16:00 to about 16:20.
[0194] For another example, the content of the power-saving mode is
the restriction of the operation of the first component 100 or a
sub-component constituting the first component 100, at least one of
the first energy price-related information and the second energy
price-related information is the high-price information, the first
component may operate in the power-saving mode so that the
operation of the first component is relatively restricted than that
in the normal mode. Here, the term "restriction" may be understood
as, for example, the reduction of the output or operation time.
[0195] For example, the defrosting heater of the refrigerator may
operate at an output of about 60 W in the normal mode and at an
output of about 30 W in the power-saving mode. That is, the
operation method of the first component may be different in the
normal or power-saving modes.
[0196] The process in which the first energy price-related
information is changed into the second energy price-related
information may be the shift of the high-price or low-price time
period or the cancellation of the high-price or low-price time
period. Hereinafter, the above-described process will be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0197] FIGS. 9(a), 9(b), 10(a) and 10(b) are graphs illustrating an
energy information change according to the fourth embodiment.
[0198] FIG. 9A illustrates first energy price-related information,
and FIG. 9B illustrates second energy price-related information.
Here, the first and second energy price-related information may
represent a demand response signal. Also, an X-axis represents a
time value, and a Y-axis represents a signal ON/OFF value.
[0199] In detail, according to the first energy price-related
information, the demand response signal is turned on in a time
period of T1 to T2 and turned off in a time period after the time
T2.
[0200] In the above-described demand response signal, when the
demand response signal illustrated in FIG. 9A is curtailment
information of high-price information, a first component 100 may
perform a power-saving mode in a first operation method in a time
period of T1 to T2 at which the curtailment information is turned
on.
[0201] Also, the first component 100 may perform a normal mode in
the first operation method in a time period of T0 to T1 at which
the curtailment information is turned off and a time period after
the time T2.
[0202] However, before a start time T1 in the power-saving mode,
i.e., before the first component 100 performs the power-saving
mode, the first energy price-related information may be changed
into second energy price-related information of FIG. 9B. The second
energy price-related information may be understood as information
in which a time period in which the curtailment information is
turned on/off is changed.
[0203] That is, a time period in which the curtailment information
is turned on is changed into a time period of T1' to T2'. Also, a
time period in which the curtailment information is turned off is
changed into a time period of T0 to T1' and a time period after the
time T2'.
[0204] Thus, the first component 100 may be performed in the same
operation method as that in the power-saving mode at a time period
of T1' to T2', and may be performed in the same operation method as
that in the normal mode at a time period of T0 to T1' and a time
period after the time T2' (second operation method).
[0205] As described above, when the shift of the time information
of the first energy price-related information occurs, the operation
method may be equally maintained, but the operation time period may
be shifted.
[0206] FIG. 10A illustrates first energy price-related information,
and FIG. 10B illustrates second energy price-related information.
Here, the first and second energy price-related information may
represent the price information. Also, an X-axis represents a time
value, and a Y-axis represents a price-related signal.
[0207] In detail, a price greater than a reference value Po may be
understood as on-peak information, a price less than the reference
value Po may be understood as off-peak information.
[0208] As shown in FIG. 10A, when the first energy price-related
information is received, the first energy price-related information
may include the on-peak information and the off-peak
information.
[0209] In detail, in the on-peak information, an energy price in a
time period of T0 to T1 may be a price P1, and an energy price in a
time period of T2 to T3 may be a price P3. In detail, in the
off-peak information, an energy price in a time period of T1 to T2
may be a price P2, and an energy price in a time period after the
time T3 may be a price P4.
[0210] Thus, the first operation method of the first component may
be a power-saving mode in a time period at which the on-peak
information arrives and a normal mode in a time period at which the
off-peak information arrives.
[0211] Before the first component 100 performs the above-described
power-saving or normal modes, second energy price-related
information may be received. The second energy price-related
information may be understood that the time information of the
first energy price-related information is shifted.
[0212] The first component 100 may operate in a second operation
method to corresponding to the second energy price-related
information. In the second operation method, the power-saving mode
is performed in a time period of T0 to T1, and the normal mode is
performed in a time period of T1' to T2'.
[0213] As described above, when the second energy price-related
information corresponds that the time information of the first
energy price-related information is shifted, a corresponding mode
operation time of the first component 100 may also be shifted.
[0214] FIGS. 11(a), 11(b), 12(a) and 12(b) are graphs illustrating
an energy information change according to a fifth embodiment.
[0215] FIG. 11A illustrates first energy price-related information,
and FIG. 11B illustrates second energy price-related information.
Here, the first and second energy price-related information may
represent a demand response signal. Also, an X-axis represents a
time value, and a Y-axis represents a signal ON/OFF value.
[0216] In detail, according to the first energy price-related
information, the demand response signal is turned on in a time
period of T1 to T2 and turned off in a time period after the time
T2.
[0217] In the above-described demand response signal, when the
demand response signal illustrated in FIG. 11A is curtailment
information of high-price information, a first component 100 may
perform a power-saving mode in a first operation method in a time
period of T1 to T2 at which the curtailment information is turned
on.
[0218] Also, the first component 100 may perform a normal mode in
the first operation method in a time period of T0 to T1 at which
the curtailment information is turned off and a time period after
the time T2.
[0219] However, before a start time T1 in the power-saving mode,
i.e., before the first component 100 performs the power-saving
mode, the first energy price-related information may be changed
into second energy price-related information of FIG. 11B.
[0220] The second energy price-related information may be
understood as information in which a time period in which the
curtailment information is turned on is cancelled. That is, a time
period in which the curtailment information is turned on does not
exist. Thus, the first component 100 may perform the normal mode in
the time period of T0 to T2 (a second operation method).
[0221] As described above, when the first energy price-related
information is cancelled, the first component 100 may perform the
second operation method different from the first operation
method.
[0222] That is, when the energy price-related information is
cancelled, the first component 100 may perform the normal mode to
prevent the first component 100 from being deteriorated in function
performance if the power-saving mode is performed.
[0223] FIG. 12A illustrates first energy price-related information,
and FIG. 12B illustrates second energy price-related information.
Here, the first and second energy price-related information may
represent the price information. Also, an X-axis represents a time
value, and a Y-axis represents a price-related signal.
[0224] In detail, a price greater than a reference value Po may be
understood as on-peak information, a price less than the reference
value Po may be understood as off-peak information.
[0225] As shown in FIG. 12A, when the first energy price-related
information is received, the first energy price-related information
may include the on-peak information and the off-peak
information.
[0226] In detail, in the on-peak information, an energy price in a
time period of T0 to T1 may be a price P1, and an energy price in a
time period of T2 to T3 may be a price P3. In detail, in the
off-peak information, an energy price in a time period of T1 to T2
may be a price P2, and an energy price in a time period after the
time T3 may be a price P4.
[0227] Thus, the first operation method of the first component may
be a power-saving mode in a time period at which the on-peak
information arrives and a normal mode in a time period at which the
off-peak information arrives.
[0228] Before the first component 100 performs the above-described
power-saving or normal modes, second energy price-related
information may be received. The second energy price-related
information may be understood that the on-peak information of the
first energy price-related information is cancelled.
[0229] The process in which the on-peak information is cancelled
may occur when an actual power demand is less by a preset value or
more than that of an estimated power demand, i.e., it is
unnecessary to increase the energy price.
[0230] The first component 100 may operate in a second operation
method corresponding to the second energy price-related
information. That is, the second operation method may operate in
the normal mode in the whole time period of T0 to T3.
[0231] As described above, when the second energy price-related
information indicates that specific price information of the first
energy price-related information is cancelled, the operation method
of the first component 100 may be variable.
[0232] Although the second energy price-related information is
shown as only the first energy price-related information in which
the on-peak information is cancelled in FIG. 12(b), the present
disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, as the off-peak
information is cancelled, the second operation method may be
determined so that the whole time period of T0 to T3 operates in
the power-saving mode.
[0233] Here, the process in which the on-peak information is
cancelled may occur when an actual power demand is greater than or
less by a preset value than that of an estimated power demand,
i.e., it is necessary to increase the energy price.
[0234] As described above, since the operation method of the
electric appliance may be determined to correspond to the change of
the second energy price-related information, the electric appliance
may effectively operate.
[0235] FIGS. 13 to 15 are flowcharts illustrating a control method
related to a communication failure of an electric appliance
according to a sixth embodiment. A method of controlling an
electric appliance according to a sixth embodiment will be
described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.
[0236] When a first communication unit 110 is mounted on an
electric appliance 100 (S71), whether the first communication unit
110 is mounted or communicable is checked (S72). A check signal is
transmitted from a second communication unit 210 of an external
component 200 to the first communication unit 110 (S73).
[0237] Thereafter, whether a response signal is transmitted from
the first communication unit 110 is recognized with respect to the
transmitted check signal (S74). Alternatively, the check signal may
be transmitted from the first communication unit 110, and the
response signal may be transmitted from the second communication
unit 210.
[0238] If there is no response signal, it is determined first
whether a check signal transmission number m exceeds a
predetermined reference number n (S75).
[0239] This is done for determining whether the communication is
enabled by transmitting the check signal several times because the
determination of the communicable state of the first communication
unit 110 may have a limitation in reliability if the check signal
is transmitted only once. It may be determined that the first
communication unit 110 is in communication failure state if the
second communication unit 210 does not respond even though the
check signal has been transmitted several times.
[0240] If the transmission number m of the check signal does not
exceed the reference number n in a state where there is no response
signal, the transmission number m may be incremented, and then, the
check signal may be transmitted again (S76 and S73). If the
transmission number m of the check signal exceeds the reference
number n in the state where there is no response signal, it may be
finally recognized that the first communication unit 110 is in the
communication failure state (S77).
[0241] Also, the communication failure state may be displayed on
the external component 200 or the electric appliance 100 so that a
user quickly and easily recognizes the communication failure state
of the first communication unit 110 (S78). Here, the communication
failure state may be visibly displayed as well as being audible by
using an alarm sound.
[0242] Although whether the first communication unit 110 is
communicable is determined on the basis of the transmission number
m of the check signal in FIG. 13, the present disclosure is not
limited thereto. For example, whether the first communication unit
110 is communicable may be determined on the basis of a
transmission time of the check signal.
[0243] That is, if the check signal is continuously transmitted,
and the transmission time is greater than a preset time, it may be
determined that the first communication unit 110 is in the
communication failure state. For example, the preset time may be
about 20 seconds.
[0244] If there is a response signal with respect to the check
signal in operation S74, it may be recognized whether the intensity
of the response signal is greater than the preset intensity
(S81).
[0245] If the signal intensity is greater than the preset
intensity, it may be recognized that communication between the
first communication unit 110 and the second communication unit 210
is enabled. Thus, the communication between the electric appliance
100 and the external component 200 may be performed (S82 and
S83).
[0246] As described above, even though the response signal with
respect to the check signal is detected, if the signal intensity is
week to restrict smooth communication, it may be regarded as if
there is no response signal. Thus, it may be controlled to transmit
the check signal again once. As a result, it may be recognized as
the communicable state when the response signal is received with
the intensity greater than a predetermined intensity.
[0247] When the communication failure state is recognized in the
operation S77, causes of the communication failure may be
recognized by using a plurality of previously stored mapping
information. Then, a solution method corresponding to the
communication failure may be proposed.
[0248] In detail, a plurality of mapping information that may be
the causes of the communication failure when the communication
between the electric appliance 100 and the external component 200
has failed may be stored in the memory unit (see reference numeral
140 of FIG. 2) of the electric appliance 100 or a memory unit 240
of the external component 200. Hereinafter, a case in which the
plurality of mapping information are stored in the memory unit 140
of the electric appliance 100 will be described an example.
[0249] The plurality of mapping information stored in the memory
unit 140 will be described with reference to following Table.
TABLE-US-00001 Classification Communication failure cause First
mapping Change of network key of server in a information state
where network key update message is not received Second mapping
Change of channel of external component information in a state
where channel change message is not received Third mapping External
component is turned off information Fourth mapping New network
establish of external information component
[0250] When it is determined that the communication between the
electric appliance 100 and the external component 200 has failed
after the communication connection is performed according to a
predetermined procedure, the mapping information stored in the
memory unit 140 is checked.
[0251] The mapping information includes first mapping information
in which a key of the communication network constructed between the
electric appliance 100 and the external component 200 is changed,
as one cause of the communication failure state.
[0252] Here, the key of the network may be understood as a security
code that is necessary to connect the external component 200 to the
electric component 100. Also, the electric appliance 100 may
transmit information with respect to the key of the network to the
external component 200 at an initial communication connection stage
and thus may be linked to the network.
[0253] When the network key information provided from the external
component 200 does not accord with network key information
recognized by the electric appliance 100, a control unit 250 of the
external component 200 or the product control unit 150 may
recognize the link failure of the electric appliance 100.
[0254] If the external component 200 and the plurality of electric
appliance are connected to each other to constitute one network,
the external component 200 and the plurality of electric appliances
100 may share one network key.
[0255] Also, the network key may be updated or changed periodically
or according to a predetermined condition. The updated or changed
network key may be transmitted from the external component 200 to
the electric appliance 100.
[0256] However, when the external component 200 changes the network
key in the state where the transmission of the updated or changed
network key has failed, the electric appliance 100 and the external
component 200 may be in the communication failure state
therebetween. The information in which the communication failure
state is defined due to the above-described cause may be the first
mapping information.
[0257] The mapping information includes second mapping information
in which a communication channel used for the communication between
the electric appliance 100 and the external component 200 is
changed, as the other cause of the communication failure state.
[0258] Here, a channel used for the communication between the
electric appliance 100 and the external component 200 may be
provided in plurality. The plurality of channels may be classified
according to frequencies. That is, the plurality of channels having
frequencies different from each other may be provided.
[0259] Even though the electric appliance 100 and the external
component 200 communicate with each other by using one channel,
interference between the plurality of channels may occur during the
communication. In this case, it may be necessary to change the
channel interfering therebetween into the other channel having good
communication quality. Here, a channel change message may be
transmitted to the electric appliance 100 from the external
component 200.
[0260] However, in a state where the transmission of the channel
change message has failed, when the channel of the external
component 200 is changed, the electric appliance 100 and the
external component 200 may be in the communication failure state
therebetween. The information in which the communication failure
state is defined due to the above-described cause may be the second
mapping information.
[0261] When the channel information provided from the external
component 200 does not accord with channel information recognized
by the electric appliance 100, the control unit 250 of the external
component 200 or the product control unit 150 may recognize the
sharing failure of the channel information of the electric
appliance 100.
[0262] The mapping information may include third mapping
information in which that unexpected problems may suddenly occur to
turn the external component 200 or the electric appliance 100 off.
The unexpected problems may include an emergency situation such as
a blackout or breakdown state.
[0263] The mapping information may include fourth mapping
information in which the external component 200 deletes the
existing network to establish new network. That is, when the fourth
mapping information is recognized as the cause of the communication
failure, it may be determined that the electric appliance 100 has
withdrawn from the network.
[0264] For example, when the user makes the move to a new house,
and thus the electric appliance 100 is communicably connected to a
network depending on the new external network 200, the fourth
mapping information may be recognized.
[0265] In case of the communication failure state according to the
first to third mapping information, a recovery program provided in
the electric appliance 100 or the external component 200 may be
executed to convert the communication failure state into a
communicable state. The recovery program may be stored in the
memory unit 140 of the electric appliance 100 or the memory unit
240 of the external component 200. Alternatively, the recovery
program may be stored in all of the memory units 140 and 240.
[0266] On the other hand, in case of the communication failure
state according to the fourth mapping information, the problem
solution using the recovery program itself may be restricted. Thus,
the communication between the electric appliance 100 and the
external component 200 may be initialized, and then new network
connection may be attempted.
[0267] A process of executing the recovery program and initializing
the network connection on the basis of the mapping information with
respect to the communication failure state will be described with
reference to FIG. 15.
[0268] Referring to FIG. 15, if the communication failure state is
recognized, it is recognized whether a cause of the communication
failure state corresponds to the first mapping information. Whether
the cause corresponds to the first mapping information may be
determined as the control unit 250 of the external component 200 or
the product control unit 150 recognizes that the electric appliance
100 is not linked to the network (S91).
[0269] If the cause of the communication failure state corresponds
to the first mapping information, first communication recovery
program is executed. The first communication recovery program
transmits a network key update message to the electric appliance
100, and then, the electric appliance 100 transmits a confirmation
signal with respect to the transmission of the network key update
message to the external component 200 (S92).
[0270] When the confirmation signal is received by the external
component 200, the electric appliance 100 and the external
component 200 may be converted into a communicable state
therebetween (S93).
[0271] In the operation S91, if the cause of the communication
failure state does not correspond to the first mapping information,
it may be recognized whether the cause corresponds to second
mapping information. Whether the cause corresponds to the second
mapping information may be determined as the control unit 250 of
the external component 200 recognizes that the electric appliance
100 is not connected to the communication channel (S94).
[0272] If the cause of the communication failure state corresponds
to the second mapping information, second communication recovery
program is executed. The second communication recovery program
transmits a network channel change message to the electric
appliance 100, and then, the electric appliance 100 transmits a
confirmation signal with respect to the transmission of the network
channel change message to the external component 200 (S95).
[0273] When the confirmation signal is received by the external
component 200, the electric appliance 100 and the external
component 200 may be converted into a communicable state
therebetween (S93).
[0274] In the operation S91, if the cause of the communication
failure state does not correspond to the second mapping
information, it may be recognized whether the cause corresponds to
third mapping information. For example, the third mapping
information may be a case in which the external component 200 is
turned off due to the blackout (S96).
[0275] If the cause of the communication failure state corresponds
to the third mapping information, third communication recovery
program is executed. The third communication recovery program
stands by until the external component 200 is turned on, and if the
power is turned on, a communication preparation state message is
transmitted from the external component 200 to the electric
appliance 100, and thus, the electric appliance 100 transmits a
confirmation signal with respect to the transmission of the
communication preparation state message to the external component
200 (S97).
[0276] When the external component 200 is turned on, and the
communication preparation state message and the confirmation signal
are transmitted or received, the electric appliance 100 and the
external component 200 may be converted into a communicable state
therebetween (S93).
[0277] In the operation S96, if the cause of the communication
failure state does not correspond to the third mapping information,
it may be recognized whether the cause corresponds to fourth
mapping information. Whether the cause corresponds to the fourth
mapping information may be determined as the control unit 250 of
the external component 200 recognizes that the electric appliance
100 has withdrawn from the network (S94).
[0278] When the cause of the communication failure state
corresponds to the fourth mapping information, the network
connection of the electric appliance 100 with respect to the
external component 200 may be initialized to attempt reconnection
of the network.
[0279] When the reconnection of the network is attempted, a network
participation request signal may be transmitted from one of the
external component 200 and the electric appliance 100 to the other
one. Then, the other one receiving the network participation
request signal may transmit a permission signal with respect to the
network participation request signal to set the network environment
construction.
[0280] During the network environment construction, at least one
channel information for the network key and communication by using
the external component 200 as a server may be transmitted from the
external component 200 to the electric appliance 100 (S99).
[0281] When the network connection between the external component
200 and the electric appliance 100 is reconstructed, the electric
appliance 100 and the external component 200 may be converted into
a communicable state therebetween (S93).
[0282] As described above, the plurality of mapping information
that are confirmable with respect to the cause of the communication
failure state may be previously determined, and then, when the
communication failure state occurs, the user may search the cause
of the communication failure state from the mapping information to
recover the communication. Therefore, the control for recovering
the communication of the electric appliance may be clearly and
simply performed.
[0283] According to the proposed embodiments, the electric
appliance may receive the power information from the external
component. Then, the electric appliance may operate in the
power-saving mode for saving the power on the basis of the received
power information.
[0284] Also, the electric appliance may separately receive the
first power information corresponding to the present time and the
second power information corresponding to the time period after the
present time from the external component. Thus, whether the
operation of the electric appliance at the present time is
advantageous may be effectively recognized.
[0285] Also, the user may effectively and easily determine whether
the electric appliance operates the present time on the basis of
the first power information corresponding to the present time.
[0286] Also, when the electric appliance is turned on to
communicate with the external component, the electric appliance may
receive the power information from the external component. Thus,
the new information may be updated at the electric appliance.
[0287] Also, the electric appliance may request and receive the
power information again after the power information is changed.
Then, the received information may be compared to the existing
stored power information. There, the accuracy of the power
information may be effectively verified.
[0288] Also, when the second power information is requested and
received after the first power information is received, the first
power information may be received together. Thus, since it is
confirmed whether the first power information is changed, the
accuracy of the first power information may be verified.
[0289] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *