Child lock control method for laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of smart home technology, specifically relating to a child lock control method for clothing processing equipment. The invention aims to solve the problem of inconvenience caused by the inadequate opening and closing methods of existing child lock devices. To this end, the clothing processing equipment of this invention is equipped with a child lock device and an operation button. The operation button is equipped with a fingerprint acquisition device. The child lock control method of this invention includes: acquiring the user's fingerprint parameters when the user operates the operation button; and selectively activating the child lock device based on the acquired fingerprint parameters. This invention effectively simplifies the fingerprint acquisition process by using a fingerprint acquisition device on the operation button, avoiding cumbersome fingerprint verification. Furthermore, this invention uses fingerprint parameters to determine whether the user is a child and selectively activates the child lock device, thereby effectively expanding the application scope of this child lock control method to enable its effective application in various shared clothing processing equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of smart home, specifically relating to a child lock control method for clothing handling equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of smart home appliances, the potential harm these appliances may cause to children has become a major concern for parents. Take washing machines as an example. To effectively protect children's safety, most washing machines are equipped with child lock devices, which parents typically activate when using the machine. However, activating these child lock devices is often complicated. The most common method involves pressing and holding a combination of buttons for 3 to 5 seconds or more, which is inconvenient. In particular, if the user doesn't activate the child lock when starting the washing machine and is not nearby, a child could easily misoperate it, potentially interfering with the washing process or even causing injury.

[0003] In recent years, to facilitate the activation of child locks, many washing machines have begun to be equipped with fingerprint recognition devices. These devices allow users to assign specific operating rights, preventing accidental operation by children. Specifically, users can store a parent's fingerprint, meaning only that user has the stored fingerprint to operate the machine; others cannot. While this method effectively prevents accidental operation by children and protects their safety, adults without stored fingerprints also cannot use the machine. This causes significant inconvenience for families with high turnover of family members and makes it unsuitable for shared washing machines, thus greatly limiting its applicability.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new child lock control method for clothing handling equipment to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, specifically the inconvenience caused by the inadequate control methods of existing child lock devices, this invention provides a child lock control method for a garment processing device. The garment processing device is equipped with a child lock device and an operation key. The operation key is equipped with a fingerprint acquisition device. The child lock control method includes: acquiring the user's fingerprint parameters when the user operates the operation key; and selectively activating the child lock device based on the acquired fingerprint parameters.

[0006] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned child lock control method, the step of "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: obtaining the width of the user's fingerprint ridges; the step of "selectively activating the child lock device according to the obtained fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: if the width of the fingerprint ridges is less than a preset ridge width, then the child lock device is activated.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned child lock control method, the step of "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: obtaining the user's fingerprint size; the step of "selectively activating the child lock device according to the obtained fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: activating the child lock device if the fingerprint size is smaller than a preset size.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned child lock control method, the step of "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: obtaining the degree of fingerprint creases of the user; the step of "selectively activating the child lock device according to the obtained fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: if the degree of fingerprint creases is less than a preset crease degree, then the child lock device is activated.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned child lock control method, the step of "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: obtaining the width of the user's fingerprint ridges and the degree of fingerprint creases; the step of "selectively activating the child lock device according to the obtained fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: if the width of the fingerprint ridges is less than a preset ridge width and the degree of fingerprint creases is less than a preset crease degree, then the child lock device is activated.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned child lock control method, the step of "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: obtaining the user's fingerprint size and fingerprint crease degree; the step of "selectively activating the child lock device according to the obtained fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: if the fingerprint size is smaller than a preset size and the fingerprint crease degree is smaller than a preset crease degree, then the child lock device is activated.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned child lock control method, the step of "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: obtaining the user's fingerprint ridge width and fingerprint size; the step of "selectively activating the child lock device according to the obtained fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: if the fingerprint ridge width is less than a preset ridge width and the fingerprint size is less than a preset size, then the child lock device is activated.

[0012] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned child lock control method, the step of "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: obtaining the user's fingerprint ridge width, fingerprint size, and fingerprint crease degree; the step of "selectively activating the child lock device according to the obtained fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: if the fingerprint ridge width is less than a preset ridge width, the fingerprint size is less than a preset size, and the fingerprint crease degree is less than a preset crease degree, then the child lock device is activated.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned child lock control method, the child lock control method further includes: obtaining the pressing force of the user when operating the operation key; if the pressing force is greater than the preset pressing force, then the child lock device is not activated and the corresponding operation is performed.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned child lock control method, before the step of "selectively activating the child lock device according to the acquired fingerprint parameters", the child lock control method further includes: determining whether the clarity of the fingerprint acquisition reaches a preset clarity; if the clarity reaches the preset clarity, then the step of "selectively activating the child lock device according to the acquired fingerprint parameters" is executed.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in the technical solution of this invention, the clothing processing device of this invention is equipped with a child lock device and an operation key. The operation key is equipped with a fingerprint acquisition device. The child lock control method of this invention includes: acquiring the user's fingerprint parameters when the user operates the operation key; and selectively activating the child lock device based on the acquired fingerprint parameters. This invention effectively simplifies the fingerprint acquisition process by using a fingerprint acquisition device on the operation key to collect the user's fingerprint parameters, avoiding cumbersome fingerprint verification. Furthermore, this invention uses fingerprint parameters to determine whether the user is a child and selectively activates the child lock device, effectively avoiding the problem of poor applicability of existing methods for access control based on fingerprint information. This effectively expands the application scope of the child lock control method, enabling it to be effectively applied to various shared clothing processing devices, thereby maximizing the security performance of various clothing processing devices. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the main steps of the child lock control method of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a detailed flowchart of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 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 invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific applications. For example, although this preferred embodiment is described in conjunction with the case where the clothing processing device is a washing machine, the clothing processing device of the present invention can obviously also be a dryer, a washer-dryer combo, etc. Such changes in the specific type of clothing processing device do not depart from the basic principles of the present invention and fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] It should be noted that in the description of this preferred embodiment, terms such as "inner" and "outer," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. This is merely for ease of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to an electrical connection or a mechanical connection; it can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can also refer to the internal connection of two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances. Although the various steps of the control method of the present invention are described in a specific order in this application, these orders are not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can perform the steps in different orders without departing from the basic principles of the present invention.

[0020] Specifically, taking a washing machine as an example, the washing machine is equipped with a child lock device. When the child lock device is activated, the washing machine door is locked and cannot be opened normally. When the child lock device is deactivated, the washing machine door is unlocked and can be opened normally. It should be noted that this invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure of the washing machine and the child lock device. Those skilled in the art can customize them according to actual usage needs, as long as the washing machine has a child lock device and the child lock device can control the locking state of the door. These specific structural changes do not deviate from the basic principles of this invention and fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0021] Furthermore, the washing machine is equipped with a program start button. After the user selects the corresponding operation program, pressing the program start button will start the corresponding program. The program start button is equipped with a fingerprint collection device and a pressure sensor. When the user presses the program start button, the fingerprint collection device can simultaneously collect the user's fingerprint parameters, and the pressure sensor can obtain the user's pressing pressure, so as to effectively save the separate fingerprint verification step and effectively improve the operation efficiency.

[0022] It should be noted that although the operation key described in this preferred embodiment is a program start button, and both the fingerprint acquisition device and the pressure sensor are located on the program start button, this is obviously not limiting. Those skilled in the art can customize the design according to actual usage needs. For example, the washing machine can also be equipped with a touchscreen, allowing the user to control the washing machine by operating the touchscreen. The fingerprint acquisition device and the pressure sensor are both located below the touchscreen. Furthermore, this invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific type or location of the fingerprint acquisition device and the pressure sensor. Those skilled in the art can select them according to actual usage needs, as long as the fingerprint acquisition device can collect the user's fingerprint parameters and the pressure sensor can collect the user's pressing pressure. For example, the fingerprint acquisition device can be a biometric radio frequency fingerprint scanner. These changes to the specific structure do not deviate from the basic principles of this invention and fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0023] Furthermore, the washing machine also includes a controller, which can acquire detection data from the fingerprint acquisition device and the pressure sensor, and can also control the operating status of the washing machine, such as controlling the opening and closing of the child lock device and controlling the operating procedures executed by the washing machine. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention does not impose any limitations on the specific structure and model of the controller, and the controller can be the original controller of the washing machine or a controller separately set up to implement the child lock control method of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can customize the structure and model of the controller according to actual usage requirements.

[0024] First refer to Figure 1 This diagram is a flowchart of the main steps of the child lock control method of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, based on the washing machine described in the above preferred embodiment, the child lock control method of the present invention mainly includes the following steps:

[0025] S1: Obtain the user's fingerprint parameters when the user presses the start button of the program;

[0026] S2: Selectively activate the child lock device based on the obtained fingerprint parameters.

[0027] Specifically, in step S1, when the user presses the program start button, the controller can acquire the user's fingerprint parameter information through the fingerprint acquisition device. It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific type of the fingerprint parameter. Technicians can set it according to actual usage needs, as long as the fingerprint parameter can be used to determine whether the user is a child. For example, the fingerprint parameter can be the width of the fingerprint ridges, the size of the fingerprint, or the degree of fingerprint creases, etc.

[0028] Furthermore, in step S2, the controller can selectively activate the child lock device based on the acquired fingerprint parameters. Specifically, the controller can infer whether the user operating the washing machine is a child based on the fingerprint parameters acquired in step S1, and selectively activate the child lock device according to the judgment result, thereby effectively protecting the child's safety. Of course, this invention does not impose any limitations on its specific control logic; as long as the controller infers the user's identity based on the acquired fingerprint parameters and then selectively activates the child lock device, it falls within the protection scope of this invention.

[0029] See next Figure 2 This figure is a detailed flowchart of the steps of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, based on the washing machine described in the above preferred embodiment, a preferred embodiment of the child lock control method of the present invention specifically includes the following steps:

[0030] S101: When the user presses the start button of the program, obtain the width of the user's fingerprint ridges, the size of the fingerprint, the degree of fingerprint creases, and the pressure applied when the user presses the button;

[0031] S102: Determine whether the clarity of the fingerprint acquisition reaches the preset clarity; if yes, proceed to step S104; if no, proceed to step S103.

[0032] S103: Determine whether the pressing force is greater than the preset pressing force; if yes, proceed to step S107; if no, proceed to step S108.

[0033] S104: Determine whether the width of the fingerprint ridge is less than the preset ridge width; if yes, proceed to step S105; if no, proceed to step S107.

[0034] S105: Determine whether the fingerprint size is smaller than the preset size; if yes, proceed to step S106; if no, proceed to step S107.

[0035] S106: Determine whether the fingerprint crease degree is less than the preset crease degree; if yes, proceed to step S108; if no, proceed to step S107.

[0036] S107: Do not activate the child lock device and perform the corresponding operation;

[0037] S108: Activate the child lock device.

[0038] Specifically, in step S101, when the user operates the program start button, the controller can obtain the user's fingerprint parameter information through the fingerprint acquisition device, and obtain the pressure applied by the user when operating the program start button through the pressure sensor; in this preferred embodiment, the controller can obtain the user's fingerprint ridge width, fingerprint size and fingerprint crease degree through the fingerprint acquisition device for subsequent judgment.

[0039] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific method by which the controller acquires the width of the fingerprint ridges, the size of the fingerprint, and the degree of fingerprint creases. Technicians can set these parameters according to actual usage requirements. For example, the fingerprint acquisition device can have its own analysis function to provide corresponding data, or it can send the acquired image to other analysis elements for analysis and then send the analyzed data to the controller, as long as the controller can acquire the width of the fingerprint ridges, the size of the fingerprint, and the degree of fingerprint creases.

[0040] Furthermore, it should be noted that this invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific timing of obtaining fingerprint parameters and the pressure applied. Technicians can set these according to actual usage needs, either simultaneously or sequentially.

[0041] Next, in step S102, the controller can determine whether the clarity of the fingerprint acquisition reaches the preset clarity level, so as to effectively determine whether the fingerprint parameters acquired this time are accurate. It is understood that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific method of determining whether the clarity of the fingerprint acquisition reaches the preset clarity level; for example, the clarity can be determined by calculating the area of ​​the blurred area, and when the area of ​​the blurred area is less than a preset area, the clarity of the fingerprint acquisition is determined to have reached the preset clarity level; another example is that the clarity can be determined by the width of the blurred area on both sides of the fingerprint ridge, and when the width of the blurred area is less than a preset width, the clarity of the fingerprint acquisition is determined to have reached the preset clarity level. It should be noted that technicians can set the specific value of the preset clarity level according to actual usage needs, so as to effectively adapt to different usage requirements.

[0042] Based on the judgment result of step S102, if the controller determines that the clarity of the fingerprint acquisition does not reach the preset clarity, then step S103 is executed. That is, the controller can determine whether the pressure applied by the user when operating the program start button is greater than the preset pressure, so as to identify the user's identity in another way, thereby effectively improving the judgment capability. It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific value of the preset pressure. Technicians can set it according to actual usage needs, as long as it can distinguish whether the user operating the washing machine is a child.

[0043] Specifically, if the user presses the program start button with a force greater than the preset pressing force, step S107 is executed, meaning the controller does not activate the child lock device and controls the washing machine to perform the user-selected operation to effectively meet the user's needs. Simultaneously, if the user presses the program start button with a force less than or equal to the preset pressing force, step S108 is executed, meaning the controller activates the child lock device to effectively prevent damage to the washing machine or injury to the child due to accidental operation by a child, thereby effectively improving the safety performance of the washing machine.

[0044] Furthermore, based on the judgment result of step S102, if the controller determines that the clarity of the fingerprint acquisition reaches the preset clarity, then step S104 is executed to further judge based on the acquired fingerprint parameters, thereby maximizing the accuracy of the judgment result. In step S104, the controller can determine whether the width of the acquired fingerprint ridges is less than the preset ridge width, thereby effectively determining the user's identity. It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific value of the preset ridge width; technicians can set it according to actual usage needs, as long as it can determine whether the user operating the washing machine is a child.

[0045] Specifically, based on the judgment result of step S104, if the controller determines that the width of the acquired fingerprint ridge is greater than or equal to the preset ridge width, then step S107 is executed, that is, the controller does not activate the child lock device and controls the washing machine to perform the corresponding operation selected by the user, so as to effectively meet the user's usage needs and thus effectively improve operating efficiency. At the same time, if the controller determines that the width of the acquired fingerprint ridge is less than the preset ridge width, then step S105 is executed to further judge using other fingerprint parameters, thereby maximizing the accuracy of its judgment result.

[0046] Further, in step S105, the controller can determine whether the acquired fingerprint size is smaller than the preset size, thereby effectively determining the user's identity. As a preferred setting, the controller can use only the width of the fingerprint for judgment to effectively improve accuracy; of course, this is only a preferred setting, and length or area can also be used for judgment, which is not limiting. Additionally, it should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific value of the preset size; technicians can set it according to actual usage needs, as long as it can determine whether the user operating the washing machine is a child.

[0047] Based on the judgment result of step S105, if the controller determines that the obtained fingerprint size is greater than or equal to the preset size, then step S107 is executed, that is, the controller does not activate the child lock device and controls the washing machine to perform the corresponding operation selected by the user, so as to effectively meet the user's usage needs and thus effectively improve operating efficiency. If the controller determines that the obtained fingerprint size is less than the preset size, then step S106 is executed to further judge based on the degree of fingerprint creases, thereby maximizing the accuracy of its judgment result.

[0048] Furthermore, in step S106, the controller can determine whether the degree of fingerprint crease is less than the preset crease degree, thereby effectively determining the user's identity. As a preferred setting, the controller can use only the number of fingerprint creases for judgment to effectively improve accuracy; however, this is only a preferred setting, and parameters such as crease area, crease width, and crease length can also be used for judgment, which is not limiting. Additionally, it should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific value of the preset crease degree; technicians can set it according to actual usage needs, as long as it can determine whether the user operating the washing machine is a child.

[0049] Specifically, based on the judgment result of step S106, if the controller determines that the degree of fingerprint crease is greater than or equal to the preset crease degree, then step S107 is executed, that is, the controller does not activate the child lock device and controls the washing machine to perform the corresponding operation selected by the user, so as to effectively meet the user's usage needs and thus effectively improve operating efficiency. At the same time, if the controller determines that the degree of fingerprint crease is less than the preset crease degree, then step S108 is executed, that is, the controller activates the child lock device, so as to effectively prevent damage to the washing machine or injury to the child due to accidental operation by the child, thereby effectively improving the safety performance of the washing machine.

[0050] Finally, it should be noted that although the child lock control method described in this preferred embodiment is based on three parameters—fingerprint ridge width, fingerprint size, and fingerprint crease degree—to selectively execute step S108 through a layer-by-layer judgment, this is only a preferred setting and not a limitation. Those skilled in the art can also select one or two of these parameters for judgment according to actual usage needs. This change does not deviate from the basic principles of the present invention and falls within the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, the judgment can be made solely by the fingerprint ridge width; that is, if the fingerprint ridge width is less than the preset ridge width, then step S108 is executed, otherwise step S107 is executed. Alternatively, the judgment can be made solely by the fingerprint size; that is, if the fingerprint size is less than the preset size, then step S108 is executed, otherwise step S107 is executed. Another example is that the judgment can be made solely by the fingerprint crease degree; that is, if the fingerprint crease degree is less than the preset crease degree, then step S108 is executed, otherwise step S107 is executed. Yet another example is that the judgment can be made jointly by the fingerprint ridge width and the fingerprint crease degree; that is, if the fingerprint ridge width is less than the preset crease degree, then step S108 is executed, otherwise step S107 is executed. If the line width is less than the preset ridge width and the fingerprint wrinkle degree is less than the preset wrinkle degree, then step S108 is executed; otherwise, step S107 is executed. Alternatively, the fingerprint size and fingerprint wrinkle degree can be used together for judgment: if the fingerprint size is less than the preset size and the fingerprint wrinkle degree is less than the preset wrinkle degree, then step S108 is executed; otherwise, step S107 is executed. Alternatively, the fingerprint ridge width and fingerprint size can be used together for judgment: if the fingerprint ridge width is less than the preset ridge width and the fingerprint size is less than the preset size, then step S108 is executed; otherwise, step S107 is executed.

[0051] 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 these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A child lock control method for clothing handling equipment, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment is equipped with a child lock device and an operation key. The operation key is equipped with a fingerprint collection device. The child lock control method includes: When the user operates the operation key, the user's fingerprint parameters and the pressure applied when the user operates the operation key are obtained; Determine whether the clarity of the fingerprint acquisition meets the preset clarity; If the clarity of the fingerprint acquisition does not reach the preset clarity, then it is determined whether the pressing pressure is greater than the preset pressing pressure. If so, the child lock device will not be activated and the corresponding operation will be performed; If not, activate the child lock device; If the clarity of the fingerprint acquisition reaches the preset clarity, the child lock device is selectively activated based on the acquired fingerprint parameters.

2. The child lock control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps for "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically include: Get the width of the user's fingerprint ridges; The step of "selectively activating the child lock device based on the acquired fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: If the width of the fingerprint ridge is less than the preset ridge width, the child lock device is activated.

3. The child lock control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps for "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically include: Obtain the user's fingerprint size; The step of "selectively activating the child lock device based on the acquired fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: If the fingerprint size is smaller than a preset size, the child lock device is activated.

4. The child lock control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps for "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically include: Obtain the degree of fingerprint creases; The step of "selectively activating the child lock device based on the acquired fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: If the fingerprint crease is less than a preset crease level, the child lock device is activated.

5. The child lock control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps for "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically include: Obtain the width of the user's fingerprint ridges and the degree of fingerprint creases; The step of "selectively activating the child lock device based on the acquired fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: If the width of the fingerprint ridge is less than the preset ridge width and the degree of fingerprint wrinkling is less than the preset wrinkling degree, then the child lock device is activated.

6. The child lock control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps for "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically include: Obtain the user's fingerprint size and the degree of fingerprint creases; The step of "selectively activating the child lock device based on the acquired fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: If the fingerprint size is smaller than a preset size and the fingerprint wrinkle degree is less than a preset wrinkle degree, then the child lock device is activated.

7. The child lock control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps for "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically include: Obtain the user's fingerprint ridge width and fingerprint size; The step of "selectively activating the child lock device based on the acquired fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: If the width of the fingerprint ridge is less than the preset ridge width and the fingerprint size is less than the preset size, then the child lock device is activated.

8. The child lock control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps for "obtaining the user's fingerprint parameters" specifically include: Obtain the user's fingerprint ridge width, fingerprint size, and fingerprint crease degree; The step of "selectively activating the child lock device based on the acquired fingerprint parameters" specifically includes: If the width of the fingerprint ridge is less than the preset ridge width, the fingerprint size is less than the preset size, and the fingerprint wrinkle degree is less than the preset wrinkle degree, then the child lock device is activated.

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