Program upgrade control method for clothing processing equipment

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of smart home appliance technology, specifically providing a program upgrade control method for clothing processing equipment. The aim is to solve the problem that existing clothing processing equipment sends upgrade notification messages to an app installed on a smart terminal when a program upgrade is needed, making it difficult for elderly people or users who do not frequently use smart terminals to receive the upgrade notification messages in a timely manner. To this end, the program upgrade control method of this invention includes the following steps: when the clothing processing equipment needs a program upgrade, it detects whether the user is in a preset location; based on the detection result of whether the user is in the preset location, it selectively and immediately sends an upgrade notification message via voice, avoiding the situation where the user is not in the preset location but does not receive the voice notification message, and avoiding the situation where the user is in the preset location but does not receive the voice notification message in a timely manner, ensuring that elderly people or users who do not frequently use smart terminals can receive the upgrade notification message promptly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of smart home appliance technology, specifically providing a program upgrade control method for clothing processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines are common household appliances for washing clothes. Based on washing methods, they can be broadly classified into top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines. As people's living standards improve, they expect washing machines to become more intelligent. To meet users' needs for smarter operation, washing machines have been equipped with an increasing number of programs.

[0003] In existing technology, when a program needs to be upgraded, a notification message is sent to the app installed on the mobile phone linked to the washing machine to inform the user that the washing machine's program needs an upgrade. However, this method sends the upgrade notification message to the mobile app, which may not be received in a timely manner by some elderly people or users who do not frequently use mobile phones, thus affecting the user experience.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the field for a new method for program upgrade control of clothing processing equipment to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, specifically the issue that existing garment processing equipment sends upgrade notification messages to the app installed on a smart terminal when a program upgrade is needed, preventing elderly users or those who do not frequently use smart terminals from receiving the upgrade notification messages in a timely manner and thus hindering timely program upgrades, this invention provides a program upgrade control method for garment processing equipment. This method includes the following steps: when the garment processing equipment requires a program upgrade, detecting whether the user is in a preset location; and selectively and immediately sending an upgrade notification message via voice based on the detection result of whether the user is in the preset location.

[0006] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned program upgrade control method, the step of "selectively and immediately sending upgrade prompt information by voice according to the detection result of whether the user is in the preset location" specifically includes: if the user is in the preset location, then obtaining the working status of the clothing processing equipment; and determining whether to immediately send upgrade prompt information by voice according to the working status.

[0007] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned program upgrade control method, the step of "determining whether to immediately send an upgrade prompt message by voice based on the working state" specifically includes: if the clothing processing equipment is in a power-off state or a standby state, then obtaining the user's state; determining whether the user is in a resting state; and selectively and immediately sending an upgrade prompt message by voice based on the determination result of whether the user is in a resting state.

[0008] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned program upgrade control method, the step of "selectively and immediately sending upgrade prompt information by voice based on the judgment result of whether the user is in a resting state" specifically includes: if the user is not in a resting state, then immediately sending upgrade prompt information by voice.

[0009] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned program upgrade control method, the step of "selectively and immediately sending upgrade prompt information by voice based on the judgment result of whether the user is in a resting state" further includes: if the user is in a resting state, then obtain the user's state again; determine whether the user's state has changed from a resting state to a non-resting state; and only when the user's state changes from a resting state to a non-resting state will the upgrade prompt information be sent by voice.

[0010] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned program upgrade control method, the step of "determining whether to immediately send an upgrade prompt message by voice based on the working status" further includes: if the clothing processing equipment is in operation, then obtaining the current time; determining whether the current time is within a preset time range; and selectively sending an upgrade prompt message by voice immediately based on the determination result of whether the current time is within the preset time range.

[0011] In the preferred technical solution of the above program upgrade control method, the step of "selectively and immediately sending upgrade prompt information in voice manner according to the judgment result of whether the current time is within the preset time range" specifically includes: if the current time is within the preset time range, then immediately sending upgrade prompt information in voice manner.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned program upgrade control method, the step of "selectively and immediately sending upgrade prompt information in voice manner according to the judgment result of whether the current time is within the preset time range" further includes: if the current time is not within the preset time range, then obtaining the current time again; judging whether the obtained current time is within the preset time range; and only sending upgrade prompt information in voice manner when the obtained current time is within the preset time range.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned program upgrade control method, the step of "selectively and immediately sending upgrade prompt information in voice manner according to the detection result of whether the user is in the preset location" further includes: if the user is not in the preset location, then detecting whether the user is in the preset location again; and only sending upgrade prompt information in voice manner when the user is detected to be in the preset location.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned program upgrade control method, after "sending upgrade prompt information by voice", the program upgrade control method further includes: acquiring the user's voice control command; determining whether the content of the voice control command is an agreement to upgrade; if the content of the voice control command is an agreement to upgrade, then instructing the clothing processing device to perform a program upgrade; or if the content of the voice control command is an disagreement to upgrade, then asking the user by voice when to upgrade; after asking the user by voice when to upgrade, acquiring the user's voice control command again; and based on the acquired voice control command again, determining whether to instruct the clothing processing device to perform a program upgrade.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will understand that in the preferred embodiment of the program upgrade control method of the present invention, it is detected whether the user is in a preset location; based on the detection result of whether the user is in a preset location, an upgrade prompt message is selectively and immediately sent via voice. Compared with the prior art, which sends an upgrade prompt message to an APP installed on a smart terminal when a program needs to be upgraded, the present invention, when the washing machine needs a program upgrade, selectively and immediately sends an upgrade prompt message via voice based on the detection result of whether the user is in a preset location. This avoids the situation where the user does not receive the voice prompt message when they are not in the preset location, and avoids the situation where the voice prompt message is not sent to the user in a timely manner when the user is in the preset location. This ensures that the user receives the upgrade prompt message, especially the elderly or users who do not frequently use smart terminals, so that they can receive the upgrade prompt message in a timely manner and upgrade the program promptly. This achieves the goal of providing the most reasonable upgrade prompt message sending method for the washing machine, thereby improving the user experience.

[0016] Furthermore, if the user is in a preset location, meaning the user and the washing machine are in the same area, they can receive the voice prompts from the washing machine. However, when the washing machine is in operation (turning on, washing, or spinning), it may not be able to immediately perform a program upgrade. The washing machine can only perform a program upgrade immediately when it is turned off or in standby mode. To better enable the washing machine to perform program upgrades, the system obtains the washing machine's operating status and determines whether to immediately send an upgrade prompt via voice based on the operating status. This avoids situations where the user receives the upgrade prompt but forgets to perform the program upgrade, ensuring that the washing machine can perform program upgrades in a timely manner and further improving the user experience.

[0017] Furthermore, if the user is not in the preset location, it means that the user and the washing machine are not in the same area. If the user is prompted by voice that the washing machine needs to be upgraded, the user will not receive the upgrade prompt. To avoid the above situation, the upgrade prompt will only be sent by voice when the user is detected to be in the preset location, so as to ensure that the user can receive the upgrade prompt and upgrade the program in a timely manner. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The program upgrade control method of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with a washing machine. In the accompanying drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is the main flowchart of the program upgrade control method of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a complete flowchart of the program upgrade control method of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the control method of the present invention that selectively and immediately sends upgrade prompt information by voice based on the detection result of whether the user is in a preset location;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the control method of the present invention for determining whether to immediately send an upgrade prompt message by voice based on the working status;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the control method of the present invention that selectively and immediately sends upgrade prompt information by voice based on the judgment result of whether the user is in a resting state;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the control method of the present invention that selectively and immediately sends upgrade prompt information by voice based on the judgment result of whether the current time is within a preset time range;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a logic diagram of the program upgrade control method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, although this application is described in conjunction with a washing machine, the technical solution of the present invention is not limited thereto. This program upgrade control method can obviously also be applied to other clothing processing equipment such as dryers, washer-dryer combos, shoe washing machines, and garment care machines, and such modifications do not depart from the principles and scope of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] Based on the technical problems mentioned in the background art, the present invention provides a program upgrade control method for washing machines. This method selectively and immediately sends upgrade prompts via voice based on the detection results of whether the user is in a preset location. This avoids the situation where the user does not receive the voice prompt when not in the preset location, and also avoids the situation where the user is in the preset location but the voice prompt is not sent in a timely manner to inform the user that the washing machine needs a program upgrade. This ensures that the user receives the upgrade prompt, especially the elderly or users who do not frequently use smart terminals, enabling them to receive the upgrade prompt promptly and upgrade the program in a timely manner. This achieves the goal of providing the most reasonable way to send upgrade prompts to the washing machine, thereby improving the user experience.

[0029] First see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The program upgrade control method of the present invention is described herein. Figure 1 This is the main flowchart of the program upgrade control method of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a complete flowchart of the program upgrade control method of the present invention.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the program upgrade control method of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0031] S100: When the washing machine needs a program upgrade, detect whether the user is in a preset location;

[0032] S200: Based on the detection results of whether the user is in a preset location, selectively and immediately send upgrade prompt information via voice.

[0033] The preset location can be the location where the washing machine is located, such as a user's home, a laundry shop, a hotel laundry room, a hospital laundry room, or other locations.

[0034] In step S100, the washing machine can communicate with the server via WAN, LAN, WIFI, "WIFI + internet-connected router", Bluetooth, ZIGBEE, NFC, GPRS, etc. If the server has a new version of the upgrade program, it can be determined that the washing machine needs an upgrade; or, the server sends an upgrade command to the washing machine. When the washing machine receives the upgrade command from the server, it can be determined that the washing machine needs an upgrade. Of course, the method of determining whether the washing machine needs an upgrade is not limited to the two methods listed above. It can also be determined whether the washing machine has received an upgrade file and compare the information of the received upgrade file with the information of the washing machine's original upgrade file. If the information of the received upgrade file is newer than the information of the washing machine's original upgrade file, it can be determined that the washing machine needs an upgrade. Regardless of the determination method used, as long as it can accurately determine whether the washing machine needs an upgrade, it is acceptable.

[0035] Furthermore, taking the user's home as the preset location as an example, the specific method for "detecting whether the user is in the preset location" in step S100 can be: obtaining the locking direction of the smart lock on the user's door, wherein the locking direction of the smart lock includes locking from inside and locking from outside; determining whether the smart lock is locked from inside; if the smart lock is locked from inside, it means that the user has returned home and can lock the smart lock from inside, so it can be determined that the user is at home, that is, the user is in the preset location; if the smart lock is locked from outside, it means that the user has left home and can lock the smart lock from outside, so it can be determined that the user is not at home, that is, the user is not in the preset location.

[0036] Alternatively, in an alternative approach, the specific method for "detecting whether the user is in a preset location" could be: obtaining the direction of the toe of the last footprint on the smart doormat at the user's doorstep, where the direction of the toe includes pointing inwards and pointing outwards; determining whether the direction of the toe is pointing inwards; if the direction of the toe is pointing inwards, it means that the user has returned home and is walking towards the interior, and thus the user is at home, i.e., in the preset location; if the direction of the toe is pointing outwards, it means that the user has left home and is walking towards the exterior, and thus the user is not at home, i.e., not in the preset location.

[0037] Alternatively, in another alternative approach, the specific method for "detecting whether the user is in a preset location" could be: determining whether the user's smart terminal device is on the same local area network as the washing machine; if the user's smart terminal device is on the same local area network as the washing machine, it means the user has returned home and the user's smart terminal device is connected to the home's local area network, thus determining that the user is at home, i.e., the user is in the preset location; if the user's smart terminal device is not on the same local area network as the washing machine, it means the user has not yet returned home and the user's smart terminal device is not connected to the home's local area network, thus determining that the user is not at home, i.e., the user is not in the preset location. Here, the smart terminal device can be a mobile device, a computer, a vehicle-mounted device built into a floating car, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the mobile device can include a mobile phone, tablet, smart home device, wearable device, smart mobile device, virtual reality device, or any combination thereof.

[0038] Of course, the methods for "detecting whether a user is in a preset location" are not limited to the two methods listed above. They can also be achieved by using image recognition modules such as cameras to acquire indoor images, extracting feature information from the images, and determining whether someone is home based on the extracted features; or by checking whether the lights are on. If the lights are on, it can be determined that the user is home, i.e., in the preset location; if the lights are off, it can be determined that the user is not home, i.e., not in the preset location. Regardless of the detection method used, as long as it accurately detects whether the user is in the preset location, it is acceptable.

[0039] Refer to the following Figure 3 The present invention describes a control method for selectively and immediately sending upgrade prompts via voice based on the detection result of whether the user is in a preset location. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a control method of the present invention that selectively and immediately sends upgrade prompt information by voice based on the detection result of whether the user is in a preset location.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, step S200, "selectively and immediately sending upgrade prompt information via voice based on the detection result of whether the user is in a preset location," specifically includes:

[0041] S211. If the user is not in the preset location, check again whether the user is in the preset location.

[0042] S212. An upgrade prompt message will only be sent via voice when the user is detected to be in a preset location.

[0043] S213. If the user is in a preset location, obtain the working status of the washing machine;

[0044] S214. Determine whether to immediately send an upgrade notification message via voice based on the working status.

[0045] The operating states of a washing machine include off, standby, and running. The running state includes on, washing, rinsing, spin-drying, water filling, and draining. Of course, the running states of a washing machine are not limited to those listed above; they can also include the drying state of a washing machine with a drying function.

[0046] In steps S211 and S212, if the user is not in a preset location, such as the user's home, and the user is not detected as being at home, meaning the user is not in the preset location, and if the user is prompted by voice that the washing machine program needs to be upgraded, the user will not receive the upgrade prompt information. To avoid the above situation, the system will check whether the user is at home again, and only when the user is detected as being at home will the upgrade prompt information be sent by voice immediately. That is, the upgrade prompt information will only be sent by voice when the user is in the preset location, ensuring that the user can receive the upgrade prompt information and upgrade the program in a timely manner.

[0047] Furthermore, in step S211, the system can detect whether the user is in the preset location again according to a first preset time interval, or it can detect whether the user is in the preset location in real time. The first preset time interval can be 1 minute, 3 minutes, or 5 minutes, etc. This first preset time interval is merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust and set the first preset time interval according to the user's arrival time and daily routine, etc. Regardless of how the first preset time interval is adjusted and set, as long as it can be determined in a timely manner whether to send an upgrade prompt message via voice, it is acceptable.

[0048] In steps S213 and S214, if the user is in a preset location, such as their home, and the system detects that the user is at home, it means the user can receive the voice prompts from the washing machine. However, when the washing machine is in operation (turning on, washing, or spinning), it may not be able to immediately perform a program upgrade. The washing machine can only perform a program upgrade immediately when it is turned off or in standby mode. To better enable the washing machine to perform program upgrades, the system obtains the washing machine's operating status and determines whether to immediately send an upgrade prompt via voice based on the operating status. This avoids the situation where the user receives the upgrade prompt but forgets to perform a program upgrade, ensuring that the washing machine can perform a program upgrade in a timely manner and further improving the user experience.

[0049] It should be noted that in the above process, steps S211 and S213 are not sequential but parallel, and are only related to the detection result of whether the user is in the preset location. The corresponding steps can be executed according to different detection results.

[0050] Refer to the following Figures 4 to 6 The present invention describes a control method for determining whether to immediately send an upgrade prompt message via voice based on the working status. Wherein, Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the control method of the present invention for determining whether to immediately send an upgrade prompt message by voice based on the working status; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the control method of the present invention that selectively and immediately sends upgrade prompt information by voice based on the judgment result of whether the user is in a resting state; Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a control method according to the present invention that selectively and immediately sends upgrade prompt information by voice based on the judgment result of whether the current time is within a preset time range.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, step S214, "determining whether to immediately send an upgrade prompt message via voice based on the working status," specifically includes:

[0052] S221. Determine whether the washing machine is in a power-off or standby state;

[0053] S222. If the washing machine is in a power-off or standby state, obtain the user's status.

[0054] S223. Determine if the user is in a resting state;

[0055] S224. Based on the judgment result of whether the user is in a resting state, selectively and immediately send an upgrade prompt message by voice;

[0056] S225. If the washing machine is on or running, obtain the current time.

[0057] S226. Determine whether the current time is within the preset time range;

[0058] S227. Based on the judgment result of whether the current time is within the preset time range, selectively and immediately send an upgrade prompt message by voice.

[0059] The user's state includes a resting state and a non-resting state. Of course, the user's state is not limited to the above classification; it can also be a standing state, a sitting state, a lying state, a walking state, etc. Those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust and set the classification method of the user's state. The following uses the resting state and the non-resting state as examples to further illustrate the program upgrade control method of the present invention.

[0060] In step S222, if the washing machine is in a power-off or standby state, it means that the washing machine is idle and there is no program running or about to run. The program upgrade can be performed immediately. However, if the user is resting, it means that the user is resting or sleeping. In this case, sending an upgrade prompt message by voice would disturb the user and affect their rest. To avoid the above situation, the user's status is obtained, and based on the judgment result of whether the user is resting, an upgrade prompt message is selectively and immediately sent by voice.

[0061] Furthermore, indoor images can be acquired using cameras or other means, and feature information can be extracted from these images to determine the user's status. Alternatively, if the user is at home at night, the status of the lights can be checked to see if they have changed from on to off. If the lights remain on, the user is at home and not resting; if they change from on to off, the user is at home but resting. Of course, the methods for "obtaining the user's status" are not limited to the two methods listed above. The operating mode of the air conditioner and the status of the lights can also be used. If the air conditioner is in non-sleep mode, or in sleep mode with the lights on, the user is at home and not resting; if the air conditioner is in sleep mode with the lights off, the user is at home but resting. Regardless of the method used, the goal is to accurately determine the user's status as being at home.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, step S224, "selectively and immediately sending upgrade prompt information via voice based on the judgment result of whether the user is in a resting state," specifically includes:

[0063] S231. If the user is not in a resting state, immediately send an upgrade prompt message by voice.

[0064] S232. If the user is in a resting state, then retrieve the user's state again;

[0065] S233. Determine whether the user's state has changed from resting state to non-resting state;

[0066] S234. An upgrade notification message will only be sent via voice when the user's status changes from resting to non-resting.

[0067] In step S231, if the user is not in a resting state, it means that the user has not rested or gone to sleep. The voice will not disturb the user or affect the user's rest. In this case, an upgrade prompt message will be sent immediately by voice to remind the user that the washing machine has a program that needs to be upgraded, so as to remind the user to upgrade the program in a timely manner.

[0068] In steps S232 to S234, if the user is in a resting state, it means the user is resting or sleeping. If the user is prompted by voice at this time that the washing machine needs a program upgrade, the voice will disturb the user and affect the user's rest. In order to avoid the above situation, the user's state is retrieved again until the user's state changes from resting state to non-resting state before the upgrade prompt message is sent by voice. That is, the upgrade prompt message is sent by voice only after the user has rested. This not only avoids disturbing the user's rest by making a voice message, but also reminds the user in time that the washing machine needs a program upgrade after the user has rested, so that the user can upgrade the program in time.

[0069] Furthermore, in step S232, the user's status can be retrieved again according to the second preset time interval, or the user's status can be detected in real time. The second preset time interval can be 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or 30 minutes, etc. This second preset time interval is merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust and set the second preset time interval according to the user's rest habits, etc., in practical applications. Regardless of how the second preset time interval is adjusted and set, as long as it can be determined in a timely manner whether to send an upgrade prompt message via voice, it is acceptable.

[0070] It should be noted that in the above process, steps S231 and S232 are not sequential but parallel, and are only related to the judgment result of whether the user is in a resting state. The corresponding steps can be executed according to different judgment results.

[0071] In step S225, if the washing machine is running, for example, the washing machine is running a user-set washing and care program, or the washing machine has just been turned on and is about to run a user-set washing and care program, although the washing machine is running at this time, the current time may be midnight, such as 11:30 pm or 2 am. At this time, even if the user has just turned on the machine and set the washing and care program, the user wants to go to rest as soon as possible and does not want to be disturbed. In this case, if the upgrade prompt message is sent by voice, the voice will disturb the user and affect the user's rest. In order to avoid the above situation, the current time is obtained, and the upgrade prompt message is selectively and immediately sent by voice based on the judgment result of whether the current time is within the preset time range.

[0072] The washing and care program can be a washing program, rinsing program, spin-drying program, tumbling program, or a drying program of a washing machine with a drying function.

[0073] Furthermore, the washing machine is equipped with a time module, which can obtain the current time, or it can obtain the current time through a server. Those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust and set the method of obtaining the current time, and the present invention does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, step S227, "selectively and immediately sending upgrade prompt information via voice based on the judgment result of whether the current time is within the preset time range," specifically includes:

[0075] S241. If the current time is within the preset time range, an upgrade prompt message will be sent immediately via voice.

[0076] S242. If the current time is not within the preset time range, then obtain the current time again;

[0077] S243. Determine whether the current time obtained again is within the preset time range;

[0078] S244. An upgrade prompt message will only be sent via voice when the current time is obtained again within the preset time range.

[0079] The preset time range can be from 7:00 to 22:00, from 6:00 to 21:00, or from 8:00 to 23:00. Those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust and set the preset time range according to the user's rest habits. No matter how the preset time range is adjusted and set, as long as it can be accurately determined whether to send an upgrade prompt message immediately by voice, it is acceptable.

[0080] In step S241, if the current time is within a preset time range, for example, the preset time range is from 7:00 to 22:00, and the current time obtained is 10:00, which is within the preset time range, and the user has not yet rested or gone to sleep during this time period, the voice will not disturb the user or affect the user's rest, then an upgrade prompt message will be sent immediately by voice to remind the user that the washing machine has a program that needs to be upgraded, so as to promptly remind the user to upgrade the program.

[0081] In steps S242 to S244, if the current time is not within the preset time range (e.g., the preset time range is 7:00 to 22:00, and the current time is 1:00), it means the user is already resting or planning to rest and does not want to be disturbed. If the user is prompted by voice at this time that the washing machine needs a program upgrade, the voice prompt will disturb the user and affect their rest. To avoid this situation, the current time is retrieved again until the current time is within the preset time range before the upgrade prompt message is sent by voice. That is, the upgrade prompt message is sent by voice only after the user has rested. This not only avoids disturbing the user's rest when they are resting or planning to rest, but also promptly reminds the user that the washing machine needs a program upgrade after they have rested, allowing the user to upgrade the program in a timely manner.

[0082] Furthermore, in step S242, the current time can be obtained again according to the third preset time interval, or the current time can be obtained in real time. The third preset time interval can be 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours, etc. This third preset time interval is merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust and set the third preset time interval in practical applications based on the initially obtained current time and the preset time range. Regardless of how the third preset time interval is adjusted and set, as long as it can be determined in a timely manner whether to send an upgrade prompt message via voice, it is acceptable.

[0083] It should be noted that in the above process, steps S241 and S242 are not sequential but parallel, and are only related to the judgment result of whether the previous time is within the preset time range. The corresponding steps can be executed according to different judgment results.

[0084] See again next time Figure 2 Following "sending upgrade notifications via voice", the program upgrade control methods also include:

[0085] S311. Obtain the user's voice control commands;

[0086] S312. Determine whether the content of the voice control command indicates agreement to upgrade;

[0087] S313. If the voice control command indicates agreement to upgrade, then the washing machine will perform a program upgrade.

[0088] S314. If the content of the voice control command is disagreement with the upgrade, then ask the user by voice when to upgrade.

[0089] S315. After asking the user about the upgrade time via voice, obtain the user's voice control command again;

[0090] S316. Based on the voice control command obtained again, determine whether to upgrade the washing machine's program.

[0091] In step S313, if the obtained voice control command indicates agreement to upgrade, the washing machine will perform a program upgrade. The specific upgrade process is described below:

[0092] When the washing machine is in the off or standby state, it means that the washing machine is idle and there is no program running or about to run. If a program upgrade can be performed immediately, then the washing machine will immediately perform a program upgrade.

[0093] When the washing machine is just turned on, it indicates that it is about to run the user-set washing and care program. At this time, the washing machine can ask the user via voice, "Do you want to upgrade the program before the washing machine runs the washing and care program?" and then receive the user's voice control command again. Based on the received voice control command, different program upgrade operations will be performed. For example, if the received voice control command is to upgrade the program before the washing machine runs the washing and care program, the washing machine will upgrade the program first, and then run the washing and care program after the upgrade is completed. If the received voice control command is to upgrade the program after the washing machine runs the washing and care program, the washing machine will run the washing and care program first, and then perform the program upgrade operation after the washing and care program has finished running.

[0094] When the washing machine is running a user-defined washing and care program, it cannot immediately upgrade the program. The program upgrade can only be performed after the washing and care program has finished running.

[0095] In steps S314 to S316, if the obtained voice control command indicates disagreement with the upgrade, the washing machine can ask the user via voice, "When will the program upgrade be performed?" After asking the user about the upgrade time, it will obtain the user's voice control command again. Based on the obtained voice control command, it will determine whether to perform the program upgrade. For example, if the obtained voice control command still indicates disagreement with the upgrade, the washing machine will not perform the upgrade. If the obtained voice control command indicates that the program upgrade will be performed after 2 hours, 3 hours, or 4 hours, the washing machine can perform the program upgrade after the set time.

[0096] It should be noted that the content of voice control commands is not limited to those listed above, and the upgrade program can be executed flexibly according to the actual content of the voice commands obtained.

[0097] It should also be noted that during voice interaction, users can interact with the washing machine via independent smart terminal devices (such as mobile phones, tablets, wearable devices, or dedicated smart devices); alternatively, if the washing machine has a built-in voice interaction module, users can also interact directly with the washing machine via this module. Those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust and configure the voice interaction method according to the actual product structure, and this invention does not impose any limitations in this regard.

[0098] Refer to the following Figure 7 This paper describes one possible control flow of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a logic diagram of the program upgrade control method of the present invention.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown, a possible complete flow of the program upgrade control method of the present invention is as follows:

[0100] S401. The washing machine has a program that needs to be upgraded.

[0101] S402. Detect whether the user is in a preset location; if yes, proceed to step S403; if no, proceed to step S413.

[0102] S403, Obtain the working status of the washing machine;

[0103] S404. Determine whether the washing machine is in a power-off or standby state; if yes, proceed to step S405; if no, proceed to step S409.

[0104] S405, Obtain the user's status;

[0105] S406. Determine if the user is in a resting state; if yes, proceed to step S407; if no, proceed to step S414.

[0106] S407, Obtain the user's status again;

[0107] S408. Determine whether the user's state has changed from resting state to non-resting state; if yes, proceed to step S414; if no, return to step S407 until the user's state changes from resting state to non-resting state.

[0108] S409. Get the current time;

[0109] S410. Determine whether the current time is within the preset time range; if yes, proceed to step S414; if no, proceed to step S411.

[0110] S411, Get the current time again;

[0111] S412. Determine whether the current time obtained again is within the preset time range; if yes, proceed to step S414; if no, return to step S411 until the current time obtained is within the preset time range.

[0112] S413. Detect again whether the user is in the preset location; if yes, proceed to step S414; if no, return to step S413 until the user is detected to be in the preset location.

[0113] S414. Send upgrade notification messages via voice.

[0114] After step S414, step S415 is executed;

[0115] S415, Obtain the user's voice control commands;

[0116] S416. Determine whether the content of the voice control command is an agreement to upgrade; if yes, proceed to step S417; if no, proceed to step S418.

[0117] S417. Upgrade the washing machine's program.

[0118] S418: Ask the user for upgrade time via voice;

[0119] After step S418, step S419 is executed;

[0120] S419. Obtain the user's voice control command again;

[0121] S420: Based on the voice control command obtained again, determine whether to upgrade the washing machine's program.

[0122] It should be noted that although the detailed steps of the method of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art can combine, split, and change the order of the above steps without departing from the basic principles of the present invention. Such modified technical solutions do not change the basic concept of the present invention and therefore also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0123] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for program upgrade control of clothing processing equipment, characterized in that, The program upgrade control method includes the following steps: When the clothing processing equipment needs a program upgrade, it detects whether the user is in a preset location. Based on the detection result of whether the user is in the preset location, an upgrade prompt message is selectively and immediately sent via voice. The step of "selectively and immediately sending an upgrade prompt message via voice based on the detection result of whether the user is in the preset location" specifically includes: If the user is in the preset location, the working status of the clothing processing equipment is obtained; Based on the aforementioned working status, determine whether to immediately send an upgrade notification via voice. The step of "determining whether to immediately send an upgrade notification via voice based on the aforementioned working status" specifically includes: If the clothing processing device is in a powered-off or standby state, the user's status is obtained; Determine if the user is in a resting state; Based on the judgment of whether the user is in a resting state, an upgrade prompt message can be selectively and immediately sent via voice.

2. The program upgrade control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps of "selectively and immediately sending upgrade notification messages via voice based on the judgment of whether the user is in a resting state" specifically include: If the user is not at rest, an upgrade notification message will be sent immediately via voice.

3. The program upgrade control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of "selectively and immediately sending upgrade notification messages via voice based on the judgment of whether the user is in a resting state" also includes: If the user is in a resting state, retrieve the user's state again; Determine whether the user's state has changed from a resting state to a non-resting state; The upgrade notification message will only be sent via voice when the user's status changes from resting to active.

4. The program upgrade control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of "determining whether to immediately send an upgrade notification message via voice based on the aforementioned working status" also includes: If the clothing processing equipment is in operation, then obtain the current time; Determine whether the current time is within a preset time range; Based on the determination result of whether the current time is within the preset time range, an upgrade prompt message is selectively and immediately sent via voice.

5. The program upgrade control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of "selectively and immediately sending an upgrade prompt message via voice based on the determination result of whether the current time is within the preset time range" specifically includes: If the current time is within the preset time range, an upgrade prompt message will be sent immediately via voice.

6. The program upgrade control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of "selectively and immediately sending an upgrade prompt message via voice based on the determination result of whether the current time is within the preset time range" further includes: If the current time is not within the preset time range, then obtain the current time again; Determine whether the current time obtained again is within the preset time range; An upgrade notification will only be sent via voice when the current time is again within the preset time range.

7. The program upgrade control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of "selectively and immediately sending an upgrade prompt message via voice based on the detection result of whether the user is in the preset location" also includes: If the user is not in the preset location, then check again whether the user is in the preset location; An upgrade prompt message will only be sent via voice when the user is detected to be in the preset location.

8. The program upgrade control method according to any one of claims 2, 3, 5, 6 or 7, wherein after "sending upgrade prompt information by voice", the program upgrade control method further includes: Obtain the user's voice control commands; Determine whether the content of the voice control command indicates agreement to upgrade; If the voice control command indicates agreement to upgrade, then the clothing processing device will be upgraded. or If the content of the voice control command is disagreement with the upgrade, then the user will be asked by voice when to upgrade. After asking the user about the upgrade time via voice, the system retrieves the user's voice control commands again. Based on the voice control command received again, determine whether to upgrade the program of the clothing processing device.

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