A method and system for controlling clothing processing equipment using an intelligent terminal

Abstract

This invention discloses a method and system for controlling a garment processing device using a smart terminal. The method includes the following steps: the app obtains the status of the garment processing device after the smart terminal's camera element responds to an activated action command, or obtains an image generated by the smart terminal's camera element in response to the activated action command; based on the status of the garment processing device, it determines whether to send the image generated by the smart terminal's camera element's action command to the server so that the server can determine whether the image matches an image with a preset command. In this invention, when the camera element is activated, the app queries the status of the garment processing device and determines whether to send the image generated by the camera element to the server based on the status of the garment processing device, avoiding uploading all generated image content to the server, reducing the amount of invalid data processed by the server, and improving the server's response speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of intelligent control technology for clothing processing equipment, specifically, it relates to a method and system for controlling clothing processing equipment with an intelligent terminal. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, smartphones can install various apps. For smart home appliances, users can download the corresponding brand's app to control the appliances.

[0003] For example, when a user controls a washing machine through an app, they need to open the app, select the linked washing machine, select the corresponding operating program, adjust the parameters of the operating program, and start the machine. This process is cumbersome and inconvenient, and may be difficult for some elderly people who are not familiar with the operation.

[0004] Therefore, some tags with pre-set control instructions have appeared on the market. When users take pictures or scan the tags with their smartphone cameras, the image of the tag is sent to the server, which then obtains the control instructions from the tag to control the washing machine.

[0005] However, while the above solution simplifies the user's operation steps and improves the user experience, it also increases the server's data processing load and reduces the server's response speed when users use the camera frequently.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a method for controlling clothing processing equipment by a smart terminal. When the user accesses the camera element, the status of the clothing processing equipment is queried, and the status of the clothing processing equipment is used to determine whether to send the image generated by the camera element to the server. This avoids uploading all image content generated by the camera element to the server, reduces the amount of invalid data processed by the server, and improves the server's response speed.

[0008] The present invention also provides a control method for a garment processing device, which employs the control system described above.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0010] A method for controlling clothing processing equipment via a smart terminal, wherein the smart terminal is equipped with an APP for controlling the clothing processing equipment, including...

[0011] The APP obtains the status of the clothing processing device after the camera element of the smart terminal responds to the activated action command or obtains the image generated by the camera element of the smart terminal in response to the activated action command.

[0012] Based on the status of the clothing processing equipment, it is determined whether to send the image generated by the action command of the camera element of the smart terminal to the server so that the server can determine whether the image matches the image with the preset command.

[0013] Furthermore, the state of the garment processing equipment includes...

[0014] Whether there are clothes to be washed inside the garment processing equipment;

[0015] And / or, whether the door of the garment processing equipment is closed;

[0016] And / or, whether the garment processing equipment is in operation.

[0017] Furthermore, after sending the image generated by the motion command of the camera element of the smart terminal to the server so that the server can determine whether the image matches an image with a preset command, the process further includes...

[0018] If so, the server will send the preset command to the clothing processing device;

[0019] Alternatively, the server may send the preset command to the clothing processing device via the APP.

[0020] Furthermore, after sending the image generated by the motion command of the camera element of the smart terminal to the server so that the server can determine whether the image matches an image with a preset command, the process further includes...

[0021] If so, the server sends the preset command to the APP so that the APP displays a control interface for controlling the clothing processing equipment.

[0022] Furthermore, the control interface includes a start control that directly sends control commands to the garment processing equipment;

[0023] The start control has at least one preset program parameter so that the clothing processing device can perform washing and care tasks according to the at least one program parameter.

[0024] The program parameters correspond to at least one default parameter.

[0025] Furthermore, the control interface also includes a setting control for setting preset program parameters within the startup control;

[0026] The settings control has a corresponding settings interface for different washing and care programs.

[0027] Furthermore, the camera element acquires the image by issuing an action command to any of the following:

[0028] Image, barcode label, QR code label, or composite code label;

[0029] Preferably, the action command includes taking a picture.

[0030] Furthermore, the image, or the barcode label, or the QR code label, or the composite code label is set on the clothing processing equipment.

[0031] Furthermore, the APP obtains the action command initiated by the camera element of the smart terminal, including...

[0032] The APP receives a command from the camera element to directly open it.

[0033] Alternatively, the APP may obtain an action command from the camera element in response to an indirect opening action.

[0034] A system for controlling a garment processing device with a smart terminal, used to implement the method for controlling the garment processing device with a smart terminal as described above.

[0035] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0036] This invention allows the APP to acquire the action or the image generated by the action when the user accesses the camera element, and to query the status of the clothing processing equipment. Based on the status of the clothing processing equipment, it determines whether to send the image generated by the camera element to the server. This avoids uploading all generated image content to the server, which would increase the server's burden, reduce the amount of invalid data processed by the server, and improve the server's response speed.

[0037] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the method of controlling clothing processing equipment with a smart terminal according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 This is another flowchart illustrating the method of controlling clothing processing equipment with a smart terminal according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method for controlling a clothing processing device using a smart terminal according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the method for controlling clothing processing equipment using a smart terminal according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the method for controlling clothing processing equipment by a smart terminal according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the intelligent terminal controlling clothing processing equipment system of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another application scenario of the intelligent terminal control system for clothing processing equipment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the settings page of the smart terminal APP of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the control interface of the clothing processing equipment displayed by the smart terminal APP of the present invention;

[0048] In the diagram: 100, clothing processing equipment; 200, label; 300, smart terminal; 302, settings control; 303, startup control; 400, server.

[0049] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0052] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the present invention provides a method and system for controlling clothing processing equipment using a smart terminal.

[0054] In detail, with the intelligent development of garment processing equipment, most garment processing devices on the market can now communicate with smart terminals. This allows the smart terminal to transmit control commands to the garment processing device or for the garment processing device to provide status information back to the smart terminal. This can be done via methods such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or infrared. The smart terminal has apps provided by different brands installed to control the garment processing equipment, such as remote control or scheduled control; direct control is also possible.

[0055] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the system for controlling clothing processing equipment via a smart terminal includes a smart terminal 300, a server 400, and tags 200. The smart terminal 300 is equipped with an app for controlling the clothing processing equipment 100. The app can assign a specific preset command to the tag 200 and store the correspondence between the tag 200 and the preset command in the server 400. The preset command can be a control instruction with program parameters sent directly to the clothing processing equipment 100, or a control instruction displayed on the app's interface.

[0056] The method for controlling the clothing processing device 100 by the intelligent terminal 300 of the present invention specifically includes the following steps: Figure 1As shown, the APP obtains the status of the clothing processing device after receiving a user's action command to activate the camera element of the smart terminal 300 or after obtaining an image generated by the camera element of the smart terminal 300 in response to the action command. Based on the status of the clothing processing device 100, it determines whether to send the image generated by the action command of the camera element of the smart terminal 300 to the server 400 so that the server 400 can determine whether the image matches an image with a preset command.

[0057] In detail, when a user installs an APP on the smart terminal 300 to control the clothing processing equipment 100, the user can authorize the APP to access the camera element of the smart terminal 300. Then, when the user uses the camera element to take a picture of the tag 200, the APP can obtain the action command.

[0058] After the APP receives the action command, it sends a command to the clothing processing device 100 to obtain the status of the clothing processing device 100. The clothing processing device 100 feeds back its own status information to the APP. When the APP determines that the status information of the clothing processing device 100 meets the operating conditions, it then obtains the image generated by the user's action command to the camera element and sends the image to the server 400 so that the server 400 can match the image in the database and determine whether there is an image with a preset command that matches the image.

[0059] Or, such as Figure 2 As shown, when a user takes a picture of tag 200 with a camera, the APP can obtain the image generated by the action command. Then, it sends a command to the clothing processing device 100 to obtain the status of the clothing processing device 100. The clothing processing device 100 feeds back its own status information to the APP. When the APP determines that the status information of the clothing processing device 100 meets the operating conditions, the APP sends the image to the server 400 so that the server 400 can match the image in the database and determine whether there is an image with a preset command that matches the image.

[0060] In the above solution, when the user accesses the camera element, the APP obtains the action or the image generated by the action, and at the same time queries the status of the clothing processing device 100. Based on the status of the clothing processing device 100, it determines whether to send the image generated by the camera element to the server. This avoids uploading all image content generated by the camera element to the server 400, which would increase the burden on the server 400, reduce the amount of invalid data processed by the server 400, and improve the response speed of the server 400.

[0061] In a further embodiment, the state of the clothing processing device 100 includes whether there are clothes to be washed inside the clothing processing device 100; and / or whether the door of the clothing processing device 100 is closed; and / or whether the clothing processing device is in operation.

[0062] In detail, if there are no clothes to be washed inside the garment processing device 100 or the door of the garment processing device 100 is not closed, the garment processing device 100 will not operate even if the APP or the server 400 sends control commands to the garment processing device 100. It is evident that if the APP were to acquire the image generated by each action command given by the user to the camera element and send the image to the server 400 for matching, it would undoubtedly greatly increase the amount of unnecessary processing work done by the server 400.

[0063] Therefore, the present invention uses the status information of the clothing processing device 100 to filter the instructions to send images to the server 400, and only sends the images to the server 400 if the status of the clothing processing device 100 meets the operating conditions, effectively reducing the amount of invalid data processed by the server 400, improving the response speed of the server 400, and enhancing the user experience.

[0064] The smart terminal 300 of the present invention can be, for example, a smart mobile device (smartphone, tablet computer, etc.), a smart home device, a wearable device, a virtual reality device, or any combination thereof, capable of displaying a graphical user interface.

[0065] The garment processing equipment 100 can be a washing machine. For example, it can be a top-loading washing machine, a front-loading washing machine, an agitator washing machine, an ultrasonic washing machine, etc. It can also be a dryer, a washer-dryer combo, etc.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, after sending the image generated by the action command of the camera element of the smart terminal 300 to the server 400 so that the server 400 can determine whether the image matches the image with the preset command, the method further includes: if so, the server 400 sends the preset command to the clothing processing device 100 so that the clothing processing device 100 executes the washing and care program according to the preset command; or, the server 400 sends the preset command to the clothing processing device 100 through the APP so that the clothing processing device 100 executes the washing and care program according to the preset command.

[0067] Detailed, one implementation method, such as Figure 3 and Figure 7As shown, the server 400 and the garment processing device 100 are connected by a communication link. Furthermore, the preset commands assigned by the APP to the tag 200 include control instructions that can directly control the operation of the garment processing device 100. Therefore, when the server 400 determines that the image matches one of the images in the database that carries a preset command, it can directly send the preset command to the garment processing device 100. Upon receiving the preset command, the computer board of the garment processing device 100 runs the washing and care program according to the control instructions in the preset command.

[0068] Another implementation, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the server 400 and the garment processing device 100 cannot communicate data. Therefore, in this case, when the server 400 determines that the image matches one of the images in the database with a preset command, it can send the preset command to the APP of the smart terminal 300, and then the smart terminal 300 sends the preset command to the garment processing device 100. After receiving the preset command, the computer board of the garment processing device 100 runs the washing and care program according to the control instructions in the preset command.

[0069] In the above scheme, the control commands written in the preset commands do not require any user operation. As long as the server 400 determines that the uploaded image matches the image with the preset command in the database, it immediately sends the preset command to the clothing processing device 100. This achieves the goal of controlling the clothing processing device 100 in just one step, simplifies the operation steps for users to control the clothing processing device 100 through the smart terminal 300, and improves the user experience.

[0070] In other embodiments of the invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, after sending the image generated by the action command of the camera element of the smart terminal to the server 400 so that the server 400 can determine whether the image matches the image with the preset command, the method further includes, if so, the server 400 sending the preset command to the APP so that the APP displays a control interface for controlling the clothing processing device 100.

[0071] In detail, for some special garments, the preset washing and care programs in the preset commands may not meet their care requirements. Users need to select a washing and care program based on the specific washing and care conditions required for the garment. In this case, when the server 400 determines that the image matches one of the images in the database that contains a preset command, it can send the preset command to the APP on the smart terminal 300. This causes the smart terminal 300 to display the APP's control interface for controlling the garment processing device 100. After the user selects a suitable washing and care program, the smart terminal 300 sends the control instructions for the washing and care program to the garment processing device 100. Upon receiving the control instructions, the computer board of the garment processing device 100 runs the washing and care program accordingly.

[0072] Additionally, for the app provided by the brand owner of the garment processing device 100, once the garment processing device 100 is bound to the app, the app will correspondingly match the control interface of the garment processing device 100. However, for the app provided by the brand owner of the smart terminal 300, the app may not match the control interface of some brands of garment processing devices 100.

[0073] To solve the above problems, the preset command pre-written in the tag 200 of the present invention also includes enabling the server 400 to obtain the device information of the clothing processing device 100 and then feeding back the control interface of the clothing processing device 100 stored in the server 400 to the smart terminal 300 so that the APP can display the control interface.

[0074] The above solution utilizes the powerful cloud services and cloud storage capabilities of server 400 to achieve the goal of quickly controlling clothing processing equipment 100.

[0075] In specific plans, such as Figure 9 As shown, the control interface includes a start control 303 that directly sends control commands to the garment processing device 100; the start control 303 has at least one preset program parameter so that the garment processing device 100 performs washing and care tasks according to the at least one program parameter; the program parameter corresponds to at least one default parameter.

[0076] In detail, to further improve the convenience for users to control the garment processing device 100 using the tag 200, the preset commands pre-written in the tag 200 enable the smart terminal 300's APP to directly display a control interface with a start control 303 after the smart terminal 300 recognizes the preset commands. At this time, the user can directly click or touch the start control 303 to send the preset program parameters in the start control 303 to the garment processing device 100. After receiving the program parameters, the garment processing device 100 executes the washing and care tasks according to the program parameters.

[0077] In the above solution, users only need to click or touch once to control the washing and care operation of the clothing treatment device 100. The operation method is simple and easy for users to operate, especially for the elderly and other groups, and it is very adaptable.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control interface further includes a setting control 302 for setting preset program parameters in the start control 303; the setting control 302 corresponds to a setting interface for different washing and care programs.

[0079] In detail, as mentioned above, the control interface includes a start control 303, through which the user can directly send control commands to the garment processing device 100.

[0080] This embodiment is based on the above scheme, and the control interface also includes setting control 302.

[0081] The control interface includes at least one start control 303 and a setting control 302 that matches the at least one start control 303.

[0082] For example, the control interface includes four start controls 303 and corresponding setting controls 302. Each start control 303 and setting control 302 is for a specific garment material's washing and care program: a standard wash program, a cotton / linen wash program, a silk / wool wash program, and a drum self-cleaning program. It should be understood that the above washing and care programs are merely illustrative and do not limit the types of washing and care programs.

[0083] Once the APP displays the control interface, the user can directly click the start control 303 to send the preset instructions in the start control 303 to the clothing processing device 100.

[0084] It's alright. After the app displays the control interface, the user can click on the settings control 302, and then the settings interface will be displayed. The user can modify the program parameters in the washing and care program within the settings interface.

[0085] The above solutions provide users with more options while enabling rapid control, thus achieving better nursing outcomes.

[0086] In some embodiments of the present invention, the camera element acquires the image by performing an action command on any of the following: a picture, a barcode label, a QR code label, or a composite code label. The action command includes taking a picture.

[0087] In detail, users can assign preset commands to any image according to their preferences, and store the correspondence between the image and the preset commands in server 400. Users acquire images by taking pictures using a camera.

[0088] Yes, users can assign certain preset commands to barcode labels, QR code labels, or composite code labels, and store the correspondence between the barcode label, QR code label, or composite code label image and the preset commands in server 400. Users obtain images by photographing the barcode label, QR code label, or composite code label.

[0089] In a further embodiment, the image, or the barcode label, or the QR code label, or the composite code label is mounted on the clothing processing device 100.

[0090] The above solution can further reduce the invalid work of server 400 to a certain extent. This is because the image, barcode label, QR code label, or composite code label is set on the clothing processing device 100, which can reduce the probability of user misoperation.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present invention, the APP obtains an action command in response to the camera element of the smart terminal 300 being activated, including the APP obtaining an action command in response to the camera element being directly opened, or the APP obtaining an action command in response to the camera element being indirectly opened.

[0092] Detailed, such as Figure 8 As shown, when a user installs an APP on a smart terminal 300, a confirmation option will usually appear requiring the user to confirm whether to allow the APP to access other APPs or controls on the smart terminal 300. After the user sets the permission to allow the APP to access other APPs or controls, the APP can obtain relevant information from other APPs or controls.

[0093] Therefore, when a user installs an APP on the smart terminal 300, the APP can be authorized to access the camera element. When the user directly operates the camera element, the camera element responds to the action command of directly opening, and the APP can obtain the action command.

[0094] In addition, various apps with different functions are installed on the smart terminal 300, and some of these apps have been authorized to access the camera element. When a user is operating these apps, they can directly access the camera element through the app's access port to photograph the tag 200. At this time, the camera element responds to the indirect opening action command, and the app used to control the clothing processing device 100 can also obtain this action command.

[0095] In the above solution, when a user is using other apps, such as WeChat or Alipay, they can directly open the camera widget from the controls on the homepage of WeChat or Alipay without having to exit the app they are using. This simplifies the operation and improves the user experience.

[0096] In addition, in the above solution, users do not need to open the APP used to control the clothing processing device 100 in advance, so as to avoid too many APPs running in the background and affecting the smoothness of the smart terminal 300.

[0097] It is understood that the preset command includes at least the device information of the clothing processing device 100.

[0098] In detail, a user's smart home system includes more than just the clothing processing device 100, and some users even have more than one clothing processing device 100. Therefore, to avoid requiring users to install too many apps on their smart devices 300, various home appliance manufacturers currently offer a comprehensive app that allows control of different types of home appliances under that brand.

[0099] Alternatively, existing smart terminal manufacturers may also provide an app for managing home appliances, enabling control of different brands and types of home appliances.

[0100] Therefore, if the preset command includes the device information of the clothing processing device 100, the server 400 can send the preset command to the specified clothing processing device 100, or make the APP display the control interface for controlling the specified clothing processing device 100.

[0101] The present invention also provides a system for controlling a clothing processing device 100 by a smart terminal 300, for implementing the method of controlling the clothing processing device 100 by a smart terminal 300 as described above.

[0102] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a garment processing device using a smart terminal, wherein the smart terminal is equipped with an APP for controlling the garment processing device, characterized in that: include The APP obtains the status of the clothing processing device after the camera element of the smart terminal responds to the activated action command or obtains the image generated by the camera element of the smart terminal in response to the activated action command. The status of the clothing processing device includes whether there are clothes to be washed inside the clothing processing device; and / or whether the door of the clothing processing device is closed; and / or whether the clothing processing device is in operation. Based on the status of the clothing processing equipment, determine whether to send the image generated by the action command of the camera element of the smart terminal to the server so that the server can determine whether the image matches the image with the preset command; The status information of the clothing processing equipment filters the instructions to send images to the server, and the images are only sent to the server if the status of the clothing processing equipment meets the operating conditions.

2. The method for controlling a garment processing device using an intelligent terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: After sending the image generated by the action command of the camera element of the smart terminal to the server so that the server can determine whether the image matches the image with the preset command, the process further includes... If so, the server will send the preset command to the clothing processing device; Alternatively, the server may send the preset command to the clothing processing device via the APP.

3. The method for controlling a garment processing device using an intelligent terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that: After sending the image generated by the action command of the camera element of the smart terminal to the server so that the server can determine whether the image matches an image with a preset command, the process further includes... If so, the server sends the preset command to the APP so that the APP displays a control interface for controlling the clothing processing equipment.

4. The method for controlling a garment processing device using an intelligent terminal according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control interface includes a start control that directly sends control commands to the garment processing equipment; The start control has at least one preset program parameter so that the clothing processing device can perform washing and care tasks according to the at least one program parameter. The program parameters correspond to at least one default parameter.

5. A method for controlling a garment processing device using an intelligent terminal according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control interface also includes a setting control for setting preset program parameters within the startup control; The settings control has a corresponding settings interface for different washing and care programs.

6. A method for controlling a garment processing device using an intelligent terminal according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The camera element acquires the image by performing an action command on any of the following: Images, barcode labels, QR code labels, or composite code labels.

7. A method for controlling a garment processing device using an intelligent terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that: The action command includes taking a picture.

8. A method for controlling a garment processing device using an intelligent terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that: The image, or the barcode label, or the QR code label, or the composite code label is affixed to the garment processing equipment.

9. A method for controlling a garment processing device using an intelligent terminal according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The APP obtains the action command from the smart terminal in response to the activated camera element, including... The APP receives a command from the camera element to directly open it. Alternatively, the APP may obtain an action command from the camera element in response to an indirect opening action.

10. A system for controlling clothing processing equipment via an intelligent terminal, characterized in that, A method for implementing a smart terminal controlling a clothing processing device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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