U.S. patent application number 16/777532 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-06 for laundry treating apparats and control method of on-line system containing the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Yonggyung Bae, Baekeun Kwon.
Application Number | 20200248361 16/777532 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004672699 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-06 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200248361 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bae; Yonggyung ; et
al. |
August 6, 2020 |
LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATS AND CONTROL METHOD OF ON-LINE SYSTEM
CONTAINING THE SAME
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus
providing a plurality of courses or options for a wash cycle or a
dry cycle that may request a user's feedback and allow the user to
change a setting of the course or option and reflect the feedback
by changing the setting based on the feedback, and an online system
including the same.
Inventors: |
Bae; Yonggyung; (Seoul,
KR) ; Kwon; Baekeun; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004672699 |
Appl. No.: |
16/777532 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 2105/02 20200201;
D06F 34/04 20200201; D06F 33/68 20200201; D06F 2105/52 20200201;
D06F 34/32 20200201; D06F 2101/20 20200201 |
International
Class: |
D06F 34/32 20060101
D06F034/32; D06F 33/68 20060101 D06F033/68; D06F 34/04 20060101
D06F034/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 1, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0013430 |
Claims
1. A control method of a laundry treating apparatus including a
controller configured to store a plurality of courses or options
for performing one or more of a wash cycle to remove foreign
substances from laundry and a dry cycle to remove moisture from the
laundry; an input part configured to receive a command for
implementing a specific one of the plurality of courses or options
or for changing a setting of the specific course or option; and a
display configured to display the setting or whether to change the
setting of the course or option, the control method comprising: a
feedback requesting step displaying one and more change information
or whether to change the setting based on that the wash cycle or
the dry cycle is completed; a feedback inputting step receiving an
input of the change information from the input part; and a changing
step changing the setting of the specific course or option stored
in the controller based on the input of the change information.
2. The control method of claim 1, wherein the laundry treating
apparatus comprises a laundry accommodating part that accommodates
laundry and a drive part that is configured to rotate the laundry
accommodating part, and the change information is provided to
increase or decrease one or more of the repetition frequency, the
total duration time, the drive part RPM, and the drive part moving
rate that are set in the course or option.
3. The control method of claim 2, wherein the laundry treating
apparatus further comprises a water supply valve that is configured
to supply water to the laundry accommodating part, and the change
information is provided to increase or decrease one or more of the
opening time of the water supply valve and the water level inside
the laundry accommodating part.
4. The control method of claim 3, wherein the change information
comprises: washing change information that is provided to increase
or decrease one or more of the repetition frequency, the total
duration time, the drive RPM, the drive part moving rate, the
opening time of the water supply valve, and the water level inside
the laundry accommodating part; rinsing change information that is
provided to increase or decrease one or more of the repetition
frequency, the total duration time, the drive part RPM, the drive
part moving rate, the opening time of the water supply valve, and
the water level inside the laundry accommodating part; and
hydrate-spinning information that is provided to increase or
decrease one or more of the repetition frequency, the total
duration time, the drive part RPM, the drive part moving rate, the
opening time of the water supply valve, and the water level inside
the laundry accommodating part.
5. The control method of claim 4, wherein the feedback requesting
step displays one and more of the washing change information, the
rinsing change information, and the dehydrate-spinning information
as respective icons on the display, and the feedback inputting step
receives an input for each displayed icon corresponding to one and
more the washing change information, the rinsing change
information, and the dehydrate-spinning information, and the
changing step changes the setting of the specific course or option
corresponding to the one and more washing change information,
rinsing change information, and dehydrate-spinning information
based on the input of each displayed icon.
6. The control method of claim 5, wherein the icons include: a
washing performance increase/decrease icon that is configured to
increase or decrease the washing performance during the washing
process by changing the washing change information; a rinsing
performance increase/decrease icon that is configured to increase
or decrease rinsing performance during the rinsing process by
changing the rinsing change information; and a dehydrate-spinning
performance increase/decrease icon that is configured to increase
or decrease dehydrate-spinning performance during the
dehydrate-spinning process by changing the dehydrate-spinning
change information.
7. The control method claim 6, wherein the changing step increases
or decreases one and more of the repetition frequency, the total
duration time, the drive part RPM, the drive part moving rate, the
opening time of the water supply valve, and the water level inside
the laundry accommodating part step by step, when at least one of
the washing performance increase/decrease icon, the rinsing
performance increase/decrease icon, or the dehydrate-spinning
performance increase/decrease icon is input.
8. The control method of claim 1, further comprising: a previewing
step for reflecting the changed setting of the specific course or
option based on an input of the specific change information, when
the feedback inputting step is performed.
9. The control method of claim 8, further comprising: an approving
step for receiving an input of a command to approve or deny the
changed setting of the specific course or option from the input
part.
10. A control method of an online system including a server; a
laundry treating apparatus comprising a communication module
configured to communicate with the server, wherein a plurality of
courses or options for performing one or more of a wash cycle
configured to remove foreign substances from laundry and a dry
cycle to remove moisture from the laundry are stored; an external
terminal configured to remotely control the laundry treating
apparatus by communicating with the server and including a display
panel for displaying information to a user or receiving an input of
a command, the control method comprising: a transmitting step
performed via the communication module, to transmit a setting of a
specific course or option of the plurality of courses or options
wherein the setting is based on that the wash cycle or the dry
cycle is completed in the laundry treating apparatus; a requesting
step displaying change information, that is provided to change the
setting of the specific course or option, on a display panel of the
external terminal, when the setting is received; an inputting step
receiving an input of the change information via the display panel;
a receiving step receiving the specific course or option having the
changed setting based on the change information via the
communication module; and a replacing step replacing the setting of
the specific course or option stored in the laundry treating
apparatus with the received setting of the specific course or
option from the communication module.
11. The control method of claim 10, further comprising: a second
transmitting step for transmitting the change information to the
server, when the change information is input in the inputting step;
and a determining step for controlling the server to change the
setting of the specific course or option based on the change
information, wherein the receiving step receives the setting of the
specific course and option transmitted from the server.
12. The control method of claim 10, further comprising: a checking
step for displaying the setting of the specific course or option
that is changed based on the input of the specific change
information, when the inputting step is performed.
13. The control method of claim 12, further comprising: a checking
step for receiving an input of a command for approving or denying
the changed setting of the specific course or option via the
display panel.
14. The control method of claim 10, wherein the laundry treating
apparatus comprises a laundry accommodating part that accommodates
laundry; and a drive part that is configured to rotate the laundry
accommodating part, and wherein the change information increases or
decreases one and more of the repetition frequency, the total
duration time, the drive part RPM, and the drive part moving rate,
which are set in the course or option.
15. The control method of the online system of claim 11, wherein
the laundry treating apparatus further comprises a water supply
valve configured to supply water to the laundry accommodating part,
and the change information comprises one and more of washing change
information that is provided to increase or decrease one and more
of the repetition frequency, the total duration time, the drive
RPM, the drive part moving rate, the opening time of the water
supply valve, and the water level inside the laundry accommodating
part; rinsing change information that is provided to increase or
decrease one and more of the repetition frequency, the total
duration time, the drive part RPM, the drive part moving rate, the
opening time of the water supply valve, and the water level inside
the laundry accommodating part; and hydrate-spinning information
that is provided to increase or decrease one and more of the
repetition frequency, the total duration time, the drive part RPM,
the drive part moving rate, the opening time of the water supply
valve, and the water level inside the laundry accommodating part,
and the requesting step displays one and more of the washing change
information, the rinsing change information, and the
dehydrate-spinning information as respective icons on the display,
and the inputting step receives an input for each displayed icon
corresponding to one and more of the washing change information,
the rinsing change information, and the dehydrate-spinning
information, and the determining step changes the setting of the
specific course or option corresponding to one and more of the
washing change information, the rinsing change information, and the
dehydrate-spinning information based on the input of each displayed
icon.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2019-0013430, filed on Feb. 1, 2019 in the
Republic of Korea, the entire contents of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Field of the Disclosure
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a laundry
treating apparatus and a control method of an on-line system
containing the same.
Background of the Disclosure
[0003] In general, a laundry treating apparatus is a home appliance
configured to perform such diverse treating processes that are
related with clothes (e.g., washing, drying, deodorizing,
wrinkle-removing and the like). The laundry treating apparatus
means a concept including a washing machine for washing clothes, a
dryer for drying wet clothes and a refresher for deodorizing the
bad smell pervaded in clothes or removing wrinkles of clothes.
[0004] Also, laundry treating apparatuses can be classified into a
top loading type and a front loading type based on a direction of
laundry loading/unloading. A typical example of such a front
loading type laundry treating apparatus is a drum washer or
dryer.
[0005] In the case of the front loading type, an introduction port
through which the laundry is introduced is provided at the front
side (or lateral side) of the cabinet and a drum shaft is
horizontal or tilted a preset angle with respect to the ground. In
the case of the top loading type, the introduction port through
which the laundry is introduced is vertically provided on the top
of the cabinet with respect to the ground.
[0006] Such the laundry treating apparatus has a plurality of
preset courses and options that are configured to implement a wash
cycle for removing foreign substances from clothes (hereinafter,
laundry) and a dry cycle for removing moisture or water elements
from the laundry. Accordingly, a user is able to designate a
specific desired course or option out of the courses and options so
as to perform washing or drying for the laundry.
[0007] However, the user is likely not to feel satisfied with at
least one of the washing, rinsing or drying performance in the
specific course or options, even if selecting the specific course
and option.
[0008] Even under the circumstances, there is no replaceable course
or option such that the user cannot help selecting to perform the
specific course and option.
[0009] Even when thinking that the washing, rinsing, spinning or
drying performance is excessive or insufficient in the specific
course or option, the user is able to correct the duration time of
the specific course or option, the water level, the drum drive
speed and the water temperature directly.
[0010] However, the user has to correct the above-noted conditions
whenever tried to perform the specific course and option
inconveniently.
[0011] In addition, the user has no professional knowledge that is
needed to determine which conditions have to be changed, even
unless satisfied with the specific course and option, and cannot
improve the conditions disadvantageously.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0012] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to
address the above-noted and other problems and provide a laundry
treating apparatus which may request a user's feedback once a
certain course and option for performing a series of wash cycles
configured to remove dirt or foreign substances from laundry and a
series of dry cycles configured to remove moisture from the
laundry, and store or transmit the feedback therein or to a
server.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a
laundry treating apparatus which may change the course and option
based on the feedback after receiving and reflecting a feedback of
the course and option.
[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a
laundry treating apparatus which may receive the feedback for the
course and option by requesting increase or decrease in the
performances of the wash and dry cycles, and change a specific
condition based on customized learning to drive a corresponding
course and option to the request, and an online system.
[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a
laundry treating apparatus which may re-correct the feedback for
whether the user's requirements are reflected and improved based on
the feedback for the course and option, and provide an optimized
course and option.
[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a control
method of a laundry treating apparatus comprising: a controller
that is configured to store a plurality of courses or options for
performing one or more of a wash cycle configured to remove foreign
substances from laundry and a dry cycle configured to remove
moisture from the laundry; and an input part that is configured to
input a command for implementing a specific one of the courses or
options or a setting of the specific course or option; and a
display that is configured to display whether to change the setting
of the course or option, the control method comprising: a feedback
requesting step for displaying one or more pieces of information
that is used in changing the setting or whether to change the
setting, when the wash cycle or the dry cycle is completed; a
feedback inputting step for receiving an input of the change
information from the input part; and a changing step for changing
for changing the setting of the specific course or option stored in
the controller based on the input of the change information.
[0017] The laundry treating apparatus may include a laundry
accommodating part that accommodates laundry and a drive part that
is configured to rotate the laundry accommodating part, and the
change information is provided to increase or decrease one or more
of the repetition frequency, the total duration time, the drive
part RPM and the drive part moving rate that are set in the course
or option.
[0018] The laundry treating apparatus may further comprise a water
supply valve that is configured to supply water to the laundry
accommodating part, and the change information is provided to
increase or decrease one or more of the opening time of the water
supply valve and the water level inside the laundry accommodating
part.
[0019] The change information may include washing change
information that is provided to increase or decrease one or more of
the repetition frequency, the total duration time, the drive RPM,
the drive part moving rate, the opening time of the water supply
valve and the water level inside the laundry accommodating part,
which are related with the washing process of the specific course
or option; rinsing change information that is provided to increase
or decrease one or more of the repetition frequency, the total
duration time, the drive part RPM, the drive part moving rate, the
opening time of the water supply valve and the water level inside
the laundry accommodating part, which are related with the rinsing
process of the specific course or option; and hydrate-spinning
information that is provided to increase or decrease one or more of
the repetition frequency, the total duration time, the drive part
RPM, the drive part moving rate, the opening time of the water
supply valve and the water level inside the laundry accommodating
part, which are related with the dehydrate-spinning process of the
specific course or option.
[0020] The feedback requesting step may display one or more of the
washing change information, the rinsing change information and the
dehydrate-spinning information as respective icons on the display,
and the feedback inputting step receives an input of each icon and
input one or more of the washing change information, the rinsing
change information and the dehydrate-spinning information, and the
changing step changes the setting of the specific course or option
corresponding to one or more of the washing change information, the
rinsing change information and the dehydrate-spinning information
based on the input of each icon.
[0021] The icons may include a washing performance
increase/decrease icon that is configured to increase or decrease
the washing performance during the washing process by changing the
washing change information; a rinsing performance increase/decrease
icon that is configured to increase or decrease rinsing performance
during the rinsing process by changing the rinsing change
information; and a dehydrate-spinning performance increase/decrease
icon that is configured to increase or decrease dehydrate-spinning
performance during the dehydrate-spinning process by changing the
dehydrate-spinning change information.
[0022] The changing step may increase or decrease one or more of
the repetition frequency, the total duration time, the drive part
RPM, the drive part moving rate, the opening time of the water
supply valve and the water level inside the laundry accommodating
part step by step, when at least one of the washing performance
increase/decrease icon, the rinsing performance increase/decrease
icon or the dehydrate-spinning performance increase/decrease icon
is input.
[0023] The control method of the laundry treating apparatus may
further include a previewing step for reflecting the changed
setting of the specific course or option based on an input of the
specific change information, when the feedback inputting step is
performed.
[0024] The control method of the laundry treating apparatus may
further include an approving step for receiving an input of a
command that is configured to approve or deny the changed setting
of the specific course or option from the input part.
[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure ma also provide a
control method of an online system comprising a server; a laundry
treating apparatus comprising a communication module that is
configured to communicate with the server, wherein a plurality of
courses or options for performing one or more of a wash cycle
configured to remove foreign substances from laundry and a dry
cycle configured to remove moisture from the laundry are stored; an
external terminal that is configured to remotely control the
laundry treating apparatus by communicating with the server and
comprises a display panel for displaying information to a user or
receiving an input of a command, the control method comprising: a
transmitting step for a setting of a specific course or option of
the a plurality of courses or options performed via the
communication module, when the wash cycle or the dry cycle is
completed in the laundry treating apparatus; a requesting step for
displaying change information that is provided to change the
setting of the specific course or option on a display panel of the
external terminal, when the setting is received; an inputting step
for receiving an input of the change information via the display
panel; a receiving step for receiving the specific course or option
having the changed setting based on the change information via the
communication module; and replacing step for replacing the setting
of the specific course or option stored in the laundry treating
apparatus with the received setting of the specific course or
option from the communication module.
[0026] The control method of the online system may further include
a transmitting step for transmitting the change information to the
server, when the change information is input in the inputting step;
and a determining step for controlling the server to change the
setting of the specific course or option based on the change
information, wherein the receiving step receives the setting of the
specific course and option transmitted from the server.
[0027] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the
laundry treating apparatus has following effects.
[0028] First, the laundry treating apparatus is capable of
requesting a user's feedback once a certain course and option for
performing a series of wash cycles configured to remove dirt or
foreign substances from laundry and a series of dry cycles
configured to remove moisture from the laundry, and storing or
transmitting the feedback therein or to a server.
[0029] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus is capable of
changing the course and option based on the feedback after
receiving and reflecting a feedback of the course and option.
[0030] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus is capable of
receiving the feedback for the course and option by requesting
increase or decrease in the performances of the wash and dry
cycles, and changing a specific condition based on customized
learning to drive a corresponding course and option to the request,
and an online system.
[0031] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus is capable of
re-correcting the feedback for whether the user's requirements are
reflected and improved based on the feedback for the course and
option, and providing an optimized course and option.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying
drawings, which are given by illustration only, and thus are not
limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating examples of a laundry
treating apparatus according to the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an inner structure of the
laundry treating apparatus;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an online system for the
laundry treating apparatus;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control panel that is
configured to control the laundry treating apparatus;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment for
receiving an input of the feedback by means of the control
panel;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment for
receiving an input of the feedback by means of an external terminal
that is configured to control the laundry treating apparatus
remotely;
[0039] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a control method for the
laundry treating apparatus; and
[0040] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a control method for an
online system including the laundry treating apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Referring to the accompanying drawings, exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.
Regardless of numeral references, the same or equivalent components
may be provided with the same reference numbers and description
thereof will not be repeated. If the terms disclosed in this
specification conflict with general terms, the terms may be
understood on the basis of their meanings as used in this
specification. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily
understand various technical features and it should be understood
that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the
accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be
construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes
in addition to those which are particularly set out in the
accompanying drawings. A singular representation may include a
plural representation unless it represents a definitely different
meaning from the context. The accompanying drawings are used to
help easily understand various technical features and it should be
understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by
the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should
be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and
substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in
the accompanying drawings.
[0042] A laundry treating apparatus may typically provide diverse
courses and options according to a user's convenience. Such courses
and options may include both a washing course that is used in a
washer and a drying course that is used in a dryer.
[0043] Hereinafter, the present disclosure is described based on
the courses that include the washing course that is applied to the
washer and that is only to make the description easier. The course
has to be understood to be a concept that includes a drying course
used for a dryer as well.
[0044] The course is a series of drives configured of a wash cycle
for removing foreign substances from clothes, a rinse cycle for
separating the foreign substances from a washing detergent and a
spin cycle for removing moisture from the clothes in the laundry
treating apparatus. Also, the course may be an algorithm or control
method that is preset to perform a start to the end of the washing.
At this time, the course may also include dry cycle.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates various examples of the laundry treating
apparatus according to the present disclosure.
[0046] The laundry treating apparatus 1 according to the present
disclosure may include an opening for loading and unloading clothes
(hereinafter, the laundry); a cabinet 21 that defines an exterior
design; and a door 22 that is configured to open and close the
opening.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 1 (a), the laundry treating apparatus 1
may be provided as a top load type including the opening 1 and the
door 22 that are formed in a top of the cabinet 21.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 1 (b), the laundry treating apparatus
according to the present disclosure may be provide as a front load
type including the opening and the door 22 that are provide in a
front of the cabinet 21.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 1 (c) or FIG. 1 (d), the laundry treating
apparatus 1 may be configured of a front type and a top load type
that are mounted vertically to perform washing and drying. As on
example, the laundry treating apparatus 1 may include a front load
type and a top load type that is mounted on the front load type
(see FIG. 1 (c)) or a front load type and a top load type that is
mounted under the bottom of the front load type (see FIG. 1
(d)).
[0050] In case the laundry treating apparatus 1 is configured of
such plural apparatuses that are multilayered, the apparatuses may
share one cabinet 21 and the cabinet 21 may have a plurality of
openings. Then, doors 22 and 22a may be provided to open and close
the plurality of the openings.
[0051] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may include a
control panel 100 that is configured to receive, display or perform
inputs of preset operation commands such operation commands may
include a plurality of courses or options that are preset to
perform a wash cycle configured to remove foreign substances or
dirt from laundry or a dry cycle configured to remove moisture or
water elements from the laundry.
[0052] A controller 100 may be installed in the control panel 100
to control all of the elements provided in the laundry treating
apparatus so as to perform the a plurality of courses or
options.
[0053] In the controller 110 may be stored the a plurality of
courses or options for providing a series of control methods
configured to perform at least one of the wash cycle for removing
foreign substances from the laundry or the dry cycle for drying the
laundry containing moisture.
[0054] When the laundry treating apparatus 1 is a washing machine,
the predetermined course may include at least one or combination of
a washing step configured to remove foreign substances from the
laundry; a rinsing step configured to separate the foreign
substances a washing detergent from the laundry; and a spinning
step for removing moisture from the laundry. When the laundry
treating apparatus 1 is a dryer, the predetermined option may be
provided as a plurality of drying steps for removing moisture or
water elements from the laundry.
[0055] Meanwhile, the predetermined options may include a series of
control methods for changing additional conditions of the course
when the course is performed.
[0056] In case the laundry treating apparatus 1 is provided as a
washing machine, the predetermined options may be a series of
control methods that are configured to adjust one or more of the
duration and the drum rotation speeds (the drum RPMs) of the
washing, rinsing and spinning steps, the rate of the drum rotation
time (the moving rate) for a preset time period, the opening time
of a water supply valve or the water amount (level), the
electricity usage, the water temperature, presence of steam supply
and the duration time of each step.
[0057] When the laundry treating apparatus 1 is provided as the
dryer, the predetermined options may be a series of control methods
that are configured to adjust one or more of the drying step
frequency, the drum RPM during the drying step, the rate of the
drum rotation time (the moving rate) for a preset time period, the
electricity usage, presence of steam supply and the duration time
of the drying step.
[0058] Meanwhile, the control panel 100 may include a display 130
configured to display a state of the laundry treating apparatus 1;
a power unit 120 configured to input a power to the laundry
treating apparatus; and an input unit 150 configured to receive an
input of a command for driving the laundry treating apparatus.
[0059] Meanwhile, the display 130 and the input part 150 are
independently provided in the control panel 100. The display 130
may be provided as a display liquid crystal and the input part 150
may be provided as an additional button (see FIG. 1 (a), FIG. 1 (b)
and FIG. 1 (c)). Alternatively, the control panel 100 may be
provided as a touch display and the functions of the display 130
and the input part 150 may be realized on one screen (see FIG. 1
(b)).
[0060] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus 1 may further
include a microphone 300 configured to recognize a user's voice;
and a camera 200 configured to recognize the user's movement.
[0061] The camera 200 may be implemented to recognize the user's
movement so as to implement the course or option. The microphone
300 may be implemented to recognize the user's voice to implement
the course or option.
[0062] In addition, it may be recognized by using the microphone
300 and the camera 200 that a child or an infant comes into the
cabinet 21 so as to notify the user or release the door locking.
Accordingly, a safety accident may be prevented.
[0063] The laundry treating apparatus 100 may further include a
speaker. Accordingly, the user may be notified of a state of
laundry treating apparatus by a sound signal.
[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates an inner structure of the laundry
treating apparatus according to one embodiment.
[0065] Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a specific structure of the
laundry treating apparatus that is shown in FIG. 1 (d).
[0066] That is only for description. When the laundry treating
apparatus is the front load type, the top load type or the dual
type having the front load type and the top load type that are
mounted in a multi-layered structure, only some elements of the
basic structure shown in FIG. 2 may be used or only the
installation position may be changed.
[0067] In other words, FIG. 2 illustrates the structure shown in
FIG. 1 (d) as one example to avoid repeated description and any
structures may be applicable only if capable of performing the
functions of the laundry treating apparatus.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 2, the laundry treating apparatus 1 may
include a cabinet 21 that defines an exterior design; and a laundry
accommodation part provided in the cabinet to accommodate the
laundry.
[0069] In case the laundry treating apparatus is provided as the
washing machine, the laundry accommodation part may include a tub
23 provided in the cabinet 21 and configured to hold water; and a
drum 24 rotatably mounted in the tub 23.
[0070] The laundry treating apparatus 1 may include a drive part 25
coupled to the tub 23 and configured to rotate the drum 24; a water
supply part 26 configured to supply water to the tub 23; and a
water discharge part 27 configured to discharge water from the tub
23.
[0071] Meanwhile, in case the laundry treating apparatus 1 is
provided as the dryer, the laundry accommodation part may include
only the drum 24 rotatably mounted in the cabinet 21.
[0072] Here, the laundry treating apparatus 1 may further include a
hot air supply part or a heater 29 configured to supply hot air to
the tub 23. In addition, it may include a door 22 provided to open
and close the opening of the tub 23 and the opening of the cabinet
21.
[0073] The water supply part 26 may include a water supply valve
262 and a water supply pipe 261. The water discharge part may
include a water discharge pump 271 and a water discharge pipe
272.
[0074] The drive part 25 may include a stator 251 coupled to the
tub 23 and configured to generate a rotation magnetic field; a
rotor 252 that is rotatable by the rotation magnetic field; and a
shaft 253 that is rotatable together with the rotor 252 so rotate
the drum 24.
[0075] The tub 23 may be supported to the cabinet 21 by a support
portion 28 and vibration of the tub 23 may be damped by the support
portion 28. The support portion 28 may include a damper 282 and a
spring 281 that are configured to connect the cabinet 21 and the
tub to damp the vibration.
[0076] Meanwhile, in case it is provided as the combined dual type,
the laundry treating apparatus 1 may include a second tub 23a
provided under or above the tub 23 and configured to hold water; a
second drum 24a rotatably mounted in the second tub 23a; a second
drive part 25a coupled to the second tub and configured to rotate
the second drum 24a; a second water supply part 26a configured to
supply water to the second tub 23a; and a second water discharge
part 27a configured to discharge water from the second tub 23a.
[0077] When it is provided under the tub 23 as the top load type,
the second the second tub 23a may be mounted in a drawer 21b that
may freely enter and exit with respect to the cabinet 21.
[0078] The second water supply part 26a may include a second water
supply valve 262a and a second water supply pipe 261a. The second
water discharge part 27a may include a second water discharge pump
271a and a second water discharge pipe 272a.
[0079] The second drive part 25a may include a second stator 251a
coupled to the second tub 23a and configured to generate a rotation
magnetic field; a second rotor 252a that is rotatable by the
rotation magnetic field; and a second shaft 253a that is rotatable
together with the second rotor 252a to rotate the second drum
24a.
[0080] The second tub 23a may be supported to the cabinet 21 by a
second support portion 28a and vibration of the tub 23 may be
damped by the second support portion 28.
[0081] The controller 110 of the control panel 100 may be
configured to control the second water supply unit 26a, the second
water discharge part 27a and the second drive part 25a.
[0082] Specifically, the controller 110 may be configured to
integrally control the laundry treating apparatus including the tub
23 and another laundry treating apparatus that is mounted on or
under the tub 23 as the integrated controller.
[0083] As one example, the drive unit 25, 25a, the water supply
unit 26, 26a, the water discharge unit 27, 27a and the hot air
supply unit 29 may be configured to repeat drive and pause based on
at least one of the courses and options that are preset in the
control panel 100 or the controller 110 of the laundry treating
apparatus.
[0084] As one example, the water supply valve 261, 261a may be
opening based on the input course or option and the water discharge
pup 261, 261a may be operated by rotating the drive unit 25, 25a.
however, the control panel 100 may further include an auxiliary
panel 100a additionally provided in the drawer 21b and configured
to control the second water supply part 26a, the second water
discharge part 27a and the second drive unit 25a respectively.
[0085] The auxiliary panel 100a may further include an additional
controller independently provided from the controller 100 to
independently control another laundry treating apparatus provided
on or under the tub 23.
[0086] Meanwhile, the laundry treating apparatus 1 may further
include a communication module 60 that is communicable with at
least one of a server 10 or an external terminal 40 which will be
described later.
[0087] When the laundry treating apparatus is provided as the
combined type, the control panel 100 may be divided into a control
panel configured to control the top laundry treating apparatus and
a second control panel configured to control the bottom laundry
treating apparatus. Alternatively, one control panel 100 may be
provided to control the overall operation of the combined type
laundry treating apparatus.
[0088] FIG. 3 illustrates an online system that is configured to
control the laundry treating apparatus 1.
[0089] As shown in the drawing, a wireless internet communication
module is applied to the laundry treating apparatus 1 to allow
communication with a server 10 on an internet network via AP 30
(Access Point).
[0090] The laundry treating apparatus 1 may communicate with the
server 10 to be remotely controlled by the external terminal 40 or
update data. For that, the laundry treating apparatus 1 has to
communicate with AP in the home first. Accordingly, the laundry
treating apparatus 1 may further include a communication module 60
that is configured to directly communicate AP. As one example, the
communication module may be a Wi-Fi module.
[0091] For the communication connecting of the laundry treating
apparatus, the communication module 60 may be configured to support
an enable mode that is communicable with a setting mode for the
communication connecting.
[0092] The setting mode may be a mode for allow communication with
AP. Accordingly, it may be referred to as AP mode. In addition, the
enable mode may be a state where the laundry treating apparatus can
communicate with the server via AP, in other words, a state where
data can be transceived to perform the remote control server at any
time. Specifically, it may be a standby state for the remote
control service. Accordingly, the enable mode may be referred to as
a connection mode or a standby mode.
[0093] In other words, an initial setting mode has to be performed
to communication-connect the communication module 60. Once the
communication is connected in the setting mode, the current mode
may be always converted into the enable mode.
[0094] Input means for implementing the setting mode may be
provided in the communication module 60. However, the communication
module 60 may be embedded in the laundry treating apparatus 1 in
many cases or mounted in the laundry treating apparatus as simple
type. Accordingly, the input means may be the input part 150 of the
laundry treating apparatus 1.
[0095] When communication-connected with the server 10 via AP 30,
the communication module 60 may maintain a power-on state to
consistently communicate with the server 10.
[0096] Meanwhile, considering a communication path from the laundry
treating apparatus 1 to the server 10, a public internet network
follows AP and AP follows a private internet network. The laundry
treating apparatus 1 is granted a private IP and AP 30 may have a
unique IP.
[0097] The server 10 may have IP and such IP may be a unique one.
Accordingly, the unique IP of the server may be stored in the
communication module 60 of the laundry treating apparatus (e.g.,
the Wi-Fi module) in advance. The communication module 60 of the
laundry treating apparatus may be connected by the server IP
through the activation process using the external terminal and
mutual communication may be enabled.
[0098] In that process, AP 30 may transmit information about a port
connected with the corresponding laundry treating apparatus and the
unique IP. The server 10 may figure out the location of the laundry
treating apparatus based on the information. Meanwhile, when the
laundry treating apparatus 1 also transmits the unique device IP to
the server, the server may figure out which and where laundry
treating apparatus is located and have access to the laundry
treating apparatus based on the information. In this instance, when
a user ID and passwords are input, such information may be also
transmitted to the server 10.
[0099] Accordingly, the server 10 may match a specific user'
specific laundry treating apparatus 1 with the location. When the
user sends a request for a specific service to the server via the
external terminal 40, the server 10 may specify one laundry
treating apparatus 1 and perform the service.
[0100] Meanwhile, the server 10 may connect the communication with
the external terminal 40 by the unique IP and network. A remote
communication module for connecting the communication with the
server and an application (APP) may be selectively installed in the
external terminal 40.
[0101] The external terminal 40 may be connected to the server 10
via the application by the remote communication module and control
the laundry treating apparatus 1 remotely. The user may receive
state information of the laundry treating apparatus 1 from the
server 10 through the display panel provided as the touch panel and
transmit an operation command of the laundry treating apparatus 1
to the server 10.
[0102] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of the control panel 100 that
is provided in the laundry treating apparatus 1.
[0103] Referring to FIG. 4 (a), only the display 130 may be a
display panel and the input part 150 may be a physical button that
pressed additionally.
[0104] The input part 150 may include a course input unit
configured to receive an input for selecting one of the a plurality
of courses for performing a series of washing processes that are
configured to include the wash cycle, the rinse cycle and the spin
cycle; and an option select unit 160 configured to receive an input
for selecting one of the predetermined options that are configured
to adjust the strength and degree of the course.
[0105] As one example, when the laundry treating apparatus 1 is
provided as the washing machine, the courses may include a first
course that is configured of a normal washing method or combination
of the washing methods for removing foreign substances from the
laundry; a second course that is configured of a washing method or
combination of the washing methods for sterilizing the laundry; and
a third course that is configured of a washing method or
combination of the washing methods for removing foreign substances
in consideration of laundry fabric.
[0106] The options may include a first option configured to adjust
a washing degree in the selected course; a second option configured
to adjust the frequency of the rinsing; a third option configured
to adjust a spinning degree; and a fourth option configured to
determine the temperature of the water inside the tub holding the
laundry and water. The adjusting of the washing strength and the
spinning strength may mean the adjusting of the drum RPM and the
period of the drum rotation direction variation in the wash cycle
and the spin cycle.
[0107] The first course may be a normal course for washing clothes
and referred to as `Daily course`. The second course may be
classified as a course that is strong in sterilizing and referred
to as `Sanitation course`. The third course may be a course that
considers the laundry fabric and amount and referred to as
`Customized course`.
[0108] When the course select unit 140 is repeated selected, the
courses sequentially set or displayed may be displayed and
selected.
[0109] The course select unit 140 may include a first course
configured to select one of the first courses; a second course
select unit 142 configured to select one of the second courses; and
a third course select unit 143 configured to select one of the
third courses.
[0110] The option select unit 160 may be configured to select the
courses that are sequentially set or displayed after being
repeatedly input like the course select unit 140. In addition, the
option select unit 160 may include a first option select unit 161
configured to adjust the washing strength in the selected course; a
second option select unit 162 configured to adjust the ringing
frequency; a third option select unit 163 configured to adjust the
spinning strength; and a fourth option select unit 164 configured
to determine the water temperature inside the tub holding water and
laundry. The option select unit 160 may be provided to sequentially
input the option select units and select a desired one.
[0111] The display 130 may be a display liquid crystal, a light
that reflect light or a speaker that emits sound. The display 130
may include a first display unit 131 configured to display the
course selected in the course input part; and a second display unit
132 configured to display the option selected in the option select
part 160.
[0112] The first display unit 131 may be configured to display the
selected course. As one example, an area corresponding to the
selected course may flicker or the title of the course may be
displayed on the display.
[0113] The second display unit 132 may be configured to display the
selected option. As one example, an area corresponding to the
selected option may flicker or the title of the option may be
displayed on the display.
[0114] Specifically, the first display unit 131 may flicker a
corresponding course when the course input part 140 is selected. It
may display the corresponding course on the liquid crystal display
or emit a sound, when the course input unit is selected. The first
display unit 131 may be a display panel or a lamp configured to be
luminescent near the content of the course.
[0115] Once the user clicks the daily course 141, the normal course
may flick sequentially to notify the user of the corresponding
course.
[0116] In addition, once the user clicks the satiation course, the
corresponding course to the satiation course may sequentially
flicker. Then, when the user clicks the customized course, the
corresponding course to the customized course may sequentially
flicker.
[0117] The second display unit 132 may be configured to flicker a
corresponding option when the option selection part 160 is input.
Or, it may be configured to display the corresponding option on the
liquid crystal display or emit a predetermined sound when the
option select part 160 is input. The second display unit 132 may be
configured of a display panel or a lamp provided near the
characters reading the option content.
[0118] The option select part 160 may sequentially flicker the
first, second, third and fourth options by repeated clicking or
touching. Accordingly, the user may select a desired option.
[0119] Meanwhile, the option select part 160 may further include a
switch or a touch area that is configured to perform an additional
function of the laundry treating apparatus 1 rather than the
washing, the rinsing, the dehydrate-spinning and the water
temperature.
[0120] The option select part 160 may further include a steam
adjusting unit 160a configured to supply additional steam to the
inside of the laundry treating apparatus 10; a reservation unit
160b configured to determine an operation time of the laundry
treating apparatus; an auxiliary setting unit 160d configured to be
clicked to add laundry during the operation of the laundry treating
apparatus; a turbo unit 160e configured to add an option for
forming strong water currents by accelerating the drum RPM; a turbo
drying unit 160f configured to add an option for supplying strong
hot air; a wind-drying unit 160g configured to add an option for
supplying not the hot air but warm or cold air; and a time drying
unit 160h configured to add an option for performing natural drying
by rotating only the drum at a preset RPM.
[0121] The second display unit 132 may display specific details of
the options selected for the course when the course or option is
determined. In the other cases except inputting the course or
option when the dry cycle or the wash cycle is performed or the
reservation setting is performed or when the dry cycle or the wash
cycle ends, the second display unit 132 may be configured of the
display which may display information about a state of the laundry
treating apparatus 1.
[0122] The above-noted structure is one of the examples. The
control panel 100 may be configured of any display types only if
including the input part 150 configured to receive the input of the
command for driving the laundry treating apparatus 1 and the
display part 130 configured to display a state of the laundry
treating apparatus.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 4 (b), once performing a specific course
and an specific option for performing one of the series of wash
cycles for removing foreign substances from the laundry or the dry
cycle for removing moisture from the laundry, the laundry treating
apparatus may request the user's feedback on satisfaction with the
course and option.
[0124] As one example, the laundry treating apparatus may request
the user's direct feedback on the specific course and option or the
user's indirect feedback by popping up a sentence G1 such as "Would
you do the same next time?" from the display unit 130.
[0125] The display part 130 may include a feedback approve button A
and a feedback approve deny button B that may be configured to
receive an input for determining whether the user performs the
feedback.
[0126] Accordingly, when the user inputs the feedback approve
button A, a list that is related with which feedback on the course
or option is requested may be displayed on the display 130. When
the feedback approve deny button B is input or a preset standby
time period passes, the course and option may finally end and the
power of the laundry treating apparatus may be turned off.
[0127] In this instance, the feedback approve button A and the
feedback approve deny button B may be replaced by one of the input
part 130.
[0128] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment for inputting the feedback
via the control panel 100.
[0129] The course or option may include diverse settings for
performing the wash cycle and dry cycle. As one example, the
settings may include the total rotation time of the drive part, the
drive unit RPM, the moving rate of the drive part, the open time of
the water supply valve or the water level inside the tub during the
course or option.
[0130] For that, change information for changing the settings
directly or indirectly may be displayed on the display 130. The
change information may be provided as a button or an icon that is
configured to change one or more of the repetition frequency and
the total duration times of the course or option performance, the
drive part RPM, the drive part moving rate, the opening time of the
water supply valve and the water level inside the tub.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 5 (a), change information C may be
displayed on the display 130 once the course or option ends. Also,
once the feedback request displayed on the display 130 approves,
the change information C may be displayed on the display 130.
[0132] The change information C may be configured to change one or
more of the total duration time, the drive part RPM, the drive part
moving rate, the opening time of the water supply valve and the
water level inside the tub out of the course or option
settings.
[0133] The change information C may be displayed as Table C1 that
is configured to change a current setting state of the course or
option.
[0134] The user may directly input a desired setting to Table C1
and change the setting. In addition, a preset value may be
displayed on Table C1 to change the settings gradually.
[0135] As one example, when a setting part that is related with the
duration time is input to Table C1, preset settings that are
related with the duration time and changes the duration time
gradually may be displayed on Table C1. The user may select a
desired duration time from the settings. When the duration time of
the course or option is 20 minutes, setting values such as 15
minutes, 25 minutes and 30 minutes may be displayed and, the user
may select one of them change the setting related with the duration
time.
[0136] In addition, the change information C may be provided to
change the overall settings of the course or option. However, the
change information C may change only the settings of some processes
provided in the specific course or option. As on example, when the
specific course or option includes the wash cycle, the rinse cycle
and the spin cycle that are continuously provided, the change
information may change only predetermined processes of the cycles.
Accordingly, the user's intention to change only some processes of
the specific course or option clearly.
[0137] As one example, when the laundry treating apparatus 1 is
provided as the washing machine, the change information may include
one or more of the washing change information w that is configured
to increase or decrease at least one of the repetition frequency,
the total duration time, the drive part RPM, the drive part moving
rate, the water supply valve opening time or the laundry
accommodation part water level, which is related with the wash
cycle of the specific course or option, and rinsing change
information r that is configured to increase or decrease at least
one of the repetition frequency, the total duration time, the drive
part RPM, the drive part moving rate, the water supply valve
opening time or the laundry accommodation part water level, which
is related with the rinse cycle of the specific course or
option.
[0138] The change information may further include
dehydrate-spinning change information d that is configured to
increase or decrease at least one of the repetition frequency, the
total duration time, the drive part RPM, the drive part moving
rate, the water supply valve opening time or the laundry
accommodation part water level, which is related with the spin
cycle of the specific course or option.
[0139] The display part 130 may display the predetermined settings
and the changed settings to compare them with each other on the
change window c1. In other words, to allow the user to check the
changed settings before the controller confirm in advance, the
change window c1 may be displayed together with the changed
setting.
[0140] In addition, the display 130 may display a storage button F
for approving to change the setting of the course or option into
the changed setting; and a cancel button E.
[0141] When the storage button F is selected and input, the setting
of the course or option may be changed and stored in the controller
110 or server 10. Accordingly, the changed setting may be reflected
and applied when the next course or option is performed. When the
cancel button E is selected and input, the changed setting may be
canceled. When the cancel button E is additionally input, the
process for reflecting the feedback may be completed.
[0142] Meanwhile, the user is not likely to figure out which
setting to change clearly. As one example, when desired to enhance
the rising performance, the user is not able to figure out which
setting to increase or decrease clearly and whether to change only
one setting or two or more. In addition, when the user changes the
setting freely too much, the functions of the laundry treating
apparatus may not be performed properly and also the laundry fabric
is likely to damage.
[0143] Accordingly, the laundry treating apparatus 1 and the online
system including the same may receive only the feedback for the
function of the course or option from the user and automatically
change the setting based on the feedback so as to solve the
problem.
[0144] Referring to FIG. 5 (b), the display 130 may display the
change information c as icon.
[0145] Specifically, when the change information c includes the
washing change information w, the rinsing change information r and
the dehydrate-spinning change information d, the washing change
information w may be displayed as washing increase/decrease icons
w1 and w2 and the rinsing change information r may be displayed as
rinsing increase/decrease icons r1 and r2, and also the
dehydrate-spinning change information d maybe displayed as
dehydrate-spinning increase/decrease icons d1 and d2. Corresponding
setting may be stored in the controller 110 or the server 10 to be
changed when the icons are input.
[0146] As one example, the washing enhance icons may include a
washing increase icon w1 for increasing the washing performance;
and a washing decrease icon w2 for decreasing the washing
performance. The rinsing increase/decrease icons may include a
rinsing increase icon r1 for increasing the rinsing performance;
and a rinsing decrease icon w2 for decreasing the rinsing
performance. The dehydrate-spinning increase/decrease icons may
include a dehydrate-spinning increase icon d1 for increasing the
dehydrate-spinning performance; and a dehydrate-spinning decrease
icon d2 for decreasing the dehydrate-spinning performance.
[0147] Accordingly, the user may request a setting change of the
course or option only by inputting the icons. The controller 110 or
the server 10 may change the course or options to have the settings
optimized to the user's change request. Also, even unless the user
has a sufficient knowledge about the laundry treating apparatus 1
or connects of the settings provided in the course or option, the
user may intuitively perform the desired feedback only by inputting
the iconized change information.
[0148] Meanwhile, the guide words G2 may be displayed on the
display 130 to induce the input the iconized change information c
so as to allow the user to make a desired feedback.
[0149] FIGS. 5 (b) and 5 (c) illustrate one embodiment that the
user inputs the rinsing increase icon r.
[0150] Once the rinsing increase icon r1 is input, the display 130
may display the setting for enhancing the rinsing performance.
[0151] Specifically, the display 130 may display the existing
settings of the course or options and the change settings that are
changed by the input of the rinsing increase icon r1. Specifically,
the user may recognize which setting is changed to enhance the
rinsing performance.
[0152] Referring to FIG. 5 (c), once the rinsing increase icon r1
is input, all of the settings may be increased. Referring to FIG. 5
(d), once the rinsing increase icon r1 is input, from the one of
the settings that affects the rinsing performance most to the one
that affects the rinsing performance least may be sequentially
changed or some of the settings may be simultaneously changed step
by step.
[0153] As one example, the rinsing frequency of the course or
option may be increased first whenever the rinsing increase icon r1
is input. Hence, the rinsing time and the rinsing water level may
be increased, and the drive part RPM and the drive part moving rate
of the rinse cycle may be increased last.
[0154] The order and degree of the change may be pre-stored in the
controller 110 or the server 10.
[0155] In contrast, when the rinsing decrease icon r2 is input, the
setting value may be increased. Also, the washing increase/decrease
icon w and the hydrate-spinning increase/decrease d may be the
same. However, the washing performance and the hydrate-spinning
performance may be affected more by the frequency, RPM and the
moving rate. Accordingly, once the icon w or d is input, the
frequency, RPM and the moving rate may be changed first, and the
water level or the duration time may be then changed.
[0156] As mentioned above, the user may change the setting of the
course or option as much as desired only by selecting the
increase/decrease in the function of the course or option. In other
words, the feedback on the settings that affects the washing
performance, the rinsing performance and the hydrate-spinning
performance of the course or option may be input based on the input
of the corresponding icon and the input feedback may be
reflected.
[0157] Here, the input of the change information or the input of
the icons may be replaced by one button that is provided in the
input part 130.
[0158] Meanwhile, the setting value changed based on the change
information may be predetermined by the controller 100 or the
server 10. In other words, the server 10 or the controller 100 may
determine a value that has to be changed to be proper to the
laundry treating apparatus 1.
[0159] As one example, when the change information is input one
time, variation of the change setting may be may be stored in the
server 10 or the controller 100 in advance.
[0160] For that, the server 10 may collect big data for at least
one of the figures of which the settings the users change or the
figures of which the settings are studied by manufacturers.
Accordingly, the server 10 or the controller 100 may perform deep
learning or machine learning on the big data and then determine the
variation of the setting change based on the result of the
learning.
[0161] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment that the feedback on the
course or option settings may be transmitted by means of an
external terminal 40 configured to control the laundry treating
apparatus 1.
[0162] When the course or option performed in the laundry treating
apparatus is completed, the laundry treating apparatus may transmit
information on the completion of the course or option to the server
via the communication module 60.
[0163] The server 10 may receive the information and transmit
information for receiving a feedback to the external terminal.
[0164] Referring to FIG. 6 (a), the external terminal 40 may
receive and the content of the settings for the course or option
performed in the laundry treating apparatus 1, and display the
content and the change button 41 for requesting the feedback
simultaneously.
[0165] When the change button 14 is selected, the server 10 or the
external terminal 40 may recognize that the user wants the
feedback.
[0166] An entire setting table c2 on the course or option may be
displayed on the external terminal 40. On the setting table c2 may
be the frequency or strength of the washing, rinsing and
hydrate-spinning may be functionally displayed. The other
additional function (e.g., a water level, a turbo shot and other
special functions) may be also displayed.
[0167] Referring to FIG. 6 (b), when the change button 41 is
selected, the display of the external terminal 40 may display the
setting table c2 for inform the function of the current course or
option and the change information c for changing the setting.
[0168] The change information c may be displayed as diverse icons
that indicate the contents for strengthen or weaken the functions
of the course or option. When the laundry treating apparatus is
provided as the washing machine, the icons may include the washing
increase/decrease icon w that is related with the washing
performance of the course or option, the rinsing increase/decrease
icon r related with the rinsing performance; and the
dehydrate-spinning icon d that is related with the dehydrating
performance. The user may input the washing increase icon w1. In
this instance, the setting for the washing may be displayed on the
setting table.
[0169] Referring to FIG. 6 (c), the display of the external
terminal may display the setting for the washing performance of the
course or option. Here, function words (G3) may be displayed to
indicate that the setting is related with the washing performance.
Examples of the function words G3 may include "Wash
Performance".
[0170] In addition, a specific setting table c3 related with the
washing performance may be displayed together. On the setting table
c3 may be displayed not only the basic setting but also a setting
that will be changed based on the input of the washing increase
icon w1.
[0171] Rather than the setting table c3, a diagram d4 may be
displayed to show which function is changed based on the input of
the washing increase icon w1.
[0172] When the washing increase icon w1 is input, the repetition
frequency, the drum RPM, the moving rate, the water level and the
washing duration time of the washing step performed in the course
or option may be sequentially or changed or at least one of them
may be simultaneously changed step by step.
[0173] The variation of the changed setting may be preset in the
server 10. Accordingly, the user may change the setting of the
course or option as much as wants only by selecting the
increase/decrease in the functions of the course or option.
[0174] Meanwhile, the setting changed on the setting table c2 may
be pre-shown, not the setting reflected in the laundry treating
apparatus 1. Accordingly, the user needs to input a command for
storing the changed setting to change the current setting to the
changed setting of the course or option. For that, the display of
the external terminal 40 may additionally display the store button
F configured to store the changed content and the cancel button E
for canceling the changed content.
[0175] Referring to FIG. 6 (d), when the user inputs the store
button F after inputting the respective change information C, the
external terminal 40 may display the changed setting of the course
or option. Also, it may display the changed setting table c2 based
on the changed setting. The server 10 may then store the changed
setting and transmit it to the controller to change the setting of
the course or option permanently. Accordingly, the user may use the
changed setting for the course or option.
[0176] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a control method of the
laundry treating apparatus 1.
[0177] The controller 110 of the laundry treating apparatus 10 may
include an implementing step s1 for implementing the course or
option based on the input of the operation part 170 after
determining a specific one of the courses or options configured to
perform at least one of the wash cycle for removing foreign
substances or the dry cycle for removing moisture from the laundry
based on the user's input of the input part 130.
[0178] Once the implementing step s1 ends, the controller 110 may
perform a feedback requesting step s2 for requesting the user from
a replay for whether to change the setting of the specific course
or option or displaying at least one or more pieces of the
information on the setting change on the display 130.
[0179] The user may ignore the feedback requesting step s2 or input
the additional input part 130 to input a command for not making the
feedback. However, when desired to change the setting of the course
or option after checking the state of the laundry, the user may
replay the feedback by inputting of the input part 130.
[0180] When the user inputs the input for making the feedback via
the input part 130, the controller 110 may perform a feedback
inputting step s3 for receiving specific change information for
changing a specific setting of the specific course or option.
[0181] Unless the user inputs no replay for the feedback or if a
preset time period passes, the controller may end the operation of
the laundry treating apparatus.
[0182] The change information may be the contents for directly
changing the setting of the course or option or for changing some
function of the course or option. When the input of the specific
change information is recognized, the controller 110 may and
perform a previewing step s4 for displaying the reflected result of
the setting after reflecting the changed setting of the course or
option corresponding to the input of the change information in
advance.
[0183] Until the previewing step s4 is completed, the feedback
inputting step s3 may be repeated and continued. Accordingly, the
user may continuously check in the previewing step s4 that the
setting of the course or option is changed by inputting the change
information in the feedback inputting step s3. Accordingly, the
controller 110 may receive the input of the user's desired
feedback.
[0184] In the previewing step s4, the display may display the
buttons for storing or canceling the change of the course or
option, together with the changed setting of the course or
option.
[0185] The controller 110 may perform an approving step s5 for
receiving an input of a command for approving or denying the
changed setting of the specific course or option from the input
part. When the user inputs the input part 130 or the store button A
displayed on the display 130, the controller 110 perform a changing
step s7 for changing the setting of the course or option.
[0186] Meanwhile, when the input part is input or the cancel button
B displayed on the display 30 is input, the controller 100 may end
the operation of the laundry treating apparatus 1.
[0187] FIG. 8 illustrates a control method of an online system
including the laundry treating apparatus 1.
[0188] The laundry treating apparatus may complete an implementing
step S1 for implementing the wash or dry cycle. Once the
implementing step s1 is completed, the laundry treating apparatus 1
may perform a transmitting step A1 for transmitting the setting of
the performed specific course or option to the server 10 or the
controller 110 by means of the communication module 60.
[0189] Once receiving information about the setting, the server 10
may perform a requesting step A2 for displaying the change
information C configured to change the setting of the course or
option on the display panel after communicating with the external
terminal 40.
[0190] The requesting step S2 may be the step for requesting the
user's feedback on the course or option substantially. A popup
window for asking the user whether to confirm the setting of the
course or option and change the setting may be displayed on the
external terminal 40 as a push alarm. Here, only when the user
implements a specific application in the external terminal 40, the
content for asking whether to confirm the setting and change the
setting may be displayed.
[0191] When the requesting step S2 is performed, the button for
asking the user whether to perform the feedback or cancel the
feedback may be displayed on the external terminal 40 together. The
button for asking whether to make the feedback may be a change
button for changing the setting of the course or option.
[0192] Once the change button is input, an input step A3 for
receiving an input of specific change information for changing
specific setting of the course or option may be performed. The
change information may be the content indicating that the setting
of the course or option is directly changed or the content
indicating that the function of the course or option is
changed.
[0193] When the input step A3 is performed, on the display panel
may be performed a confirming step A4 for reflecting the changed
setting of the course or option corresponding to the input of the
change information in advance and displaying it after that.
[0194] The inputting step A3 and the confirming step A4 may be
repeated and continued until the confirming step A4 is completed.
In the confirming step A4, buttons for storing or cancel the change
of the course or option may be also displayed, together with the
changed setting of the course or option.
[0195] The external terminal 40 may perform a confirming step A4
for receiving a command of approving the changed setting of the
specific course or option based on the input of the change
information.
[0196] When the button for approving the changed setting is input
in the checking step A5, the external terminal 40 may perform a
transmitting step A4 for transmitting such information to the
server 10. The external terminal 40 may directly transmit the
changed setting of the course or option to the server or only
specific information for changing the course or option to the
server 10.
[0197] The server 10 may perform a determining step A7 for finally
determining and change the setting of the course or option based on
the specific change information.
[0198] Hence, the laundry treating apparatus 1 may perform a
receiving step A8 for receiving the changed setting of the course
or option via the communication module 60.
[0199] After that, the laundry treating apparatus 1 may perform a
replacing step A9 for replacing the stored setting of the specific
course or option into the received setting of the specific course
or option via the communication module.
[0200] Meanwhile, when the button for denying the feedback is input
in the checking step A5, the requesting step A2 for requesting the
user's feedback may be performed again. At this time, when the user
standbys for a preset time period or inputs the button for denying
the feedback, the externa terminal 40 may transmit information that
the feedback process ends to the server 10
[0201] As the present features may be embodied in several forms
without departing from the characteristics thereof, it should also
be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited
by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless
otherwise specified, but rather should be considered broadly within
its scope as defined in the appended claims. Therefore all changes
and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the
claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds, are therefore
intended to be embraced by the appended claims.
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