Laundry treating apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of clothes processing, and particularly provides a clothes processing device and a control method thereof, aiming at solving the problem that the control method of the existing clothes processing device cannot accurately and effectively monitor the early failure. To this end, the control method of the clothes processing device comprises: acquiring parameter information of a vulnerable part of the clothes processing device; comparing the parameter information with preset parameter information; determining a value corresponding to the wear degree of the vulnerable part according to the comparison result of the parameter information and the preset parameter information; and selectively issuing prompt information according to the value corresponding to the wear degree. The present application can timely predict the probability of failure according to the wear degree of the vulnerable part, so as to timely issue corresponding prompt information, so that the user and the after-sales personnel can be timely prompted for corresponding processing in the early stage of failure of the clothes processing device, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of after-sales work and providing users with a better use experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clothing processing technology, and specifically provides a clothing processing device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] To meet diverse user needs, garment processing equipment, as a common household appliance, is increasingly equipped with more and more functions. This has led to a greater variety of garment processing programs available to users, with significantly increased parameter selectivity, such as scheduled washing. Consequently, the likelihood of malfunctions is also rising. However, existing garment processing equipment often lacks dedicated monitoring programs for early-stage malfunctions. This means that after-sales personnel are typically only contacted for repairs after a breakdown occurs. Furthermore, the arrival of after-sales personnel requires various fault tests, greatly reducing the efficiency of after-sales service and resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problem, namely, to solve the problem that the control methods of existing garment processing equipment cannot accurately and effectively monitor the early stage of faults.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a garment processing device, the control method comprising:

[0005] Obtain parameter information of the vulnerable parts of the clothing processing equipment;

[0006] Compare the parameter information with the preset parameter information;

[0007] Based on the comparison results between the parameter information and the preset parameter information, the numerical value corresponding to the degree of wear of the vulnerable part is determined;

[0008] Based on the numerical value corresponding to the degree of wear, a prompt message is selectively issued.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "obtaining parameter information of vulnerable parts of the clothing processing equipment" specifically includes:

[0010] Acquire image information of vulnerable parts of the clothing processing equipment;

[0011] The step of “comparing the parameter information with the preset parameter information” specifically includes:

[0012] The image information is compared with the preset image information;

[0013] The step of "determining the value corresponding to the degree of wear of the vulnerable part based on the comparison result between the parameter information and the preset parameter information" specifically includes:

[0014] Based on the comparison results between the image information and the preset image information, the numerical value corresponding to the degree of wear of the vulnerable part is determined.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "obtaining parameter information of vulnerable parts of the clothing processing equipment" specifically includes:

[0016] Acquire image and noise information of vulnerable parts of the garment processing equipment;

[0017] The step of “comparing the parameter information with the preset parameter information” specifically includes:

[0018] The image information is compared with the preset image information;

[0019] The noise information is compared with the preset noise information;

[0020] The step of "determining the value corresponding to the degree of wear of the vulnerable part based on the comparison result between the parameter information and the preset parameter information" specifically includes:

[0021] Based on the comparison results between the image information and the preset image information, the numerical value corresponding to the first degree of wear of the vulnerable part is determined;

[0022] Based on the comparison between the noise information and the preset noise information, the numerical value corresponding to the second degree of wear of the vulnerable part is determined;

[0023] The value corresponding to the degree of wear is determined based on the value corresponding to the first degree of wear and the value corresponding to the second degree of wear.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "determining the value corresponding to the degree of loss based on the value corresponding to the first degree of loss and the value corresponding to the second degree of loss" specifically includes calculating the value corresponding to the degree of loss using the following formula:

[0025] A = k1A1 + k2A2

[0026] Wherein, A is the value corresponding to the degree of loss, A1 is the value corresponding to the first degree of loss, k1 is the first weight coefficient of the first degree of loss A1, A2 is the value corresponding to the second degree of loss, and k2 is the second weight coefficient of the second degree of loss A2.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the first weighting coefficient k1 is determined as follows:

[0028] The first weighting coefficient k1 is determined based on the specific location corresponding to the vulnerable part.

[0029] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the second weighting coefficient k2 is determined as follows:

[0030] The second weighting coefficient k2 is determined based on the specific location corresponding to the vulnerable part.

[0031] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "selectively issuing prompt information according to the value corresponding to the degree of loss" specifically includes:

[0032] If the value corresponding to the degree of wear is greater than or equal to a preset value, a prompt message will be issued.

[0033] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "issuing a prompt message" specifically includes:

[0034] A prompt message is sent through the control terminal.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the control terminal is a user terminal and / or an after-sales terminal.

[0036] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a garment processing device, including a controller capable of executing the control method described in any of the preferred embodiments above.

[0037] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention obtains parameter information of the vulnerable parts of the clothing processing equipment, compares the parameter information with preset parameter information, and determines the value corresponding to the degree of wear of the vulnerable parts based on the comparison result. Then, it selectively issues prompt information, thereby enabling timely prediction of the probability of failure based on the degree of wear of the vulnerable parts, so as to issue corresponding prompt information in a timely manner. This allows users and after-sales personnel to be promptly notified to handle the problem in the early stages of the clothing processing equipment failure, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of after-sales work and providing users with a better user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the main steps of the control method of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of a first preferred embodiment of the control method of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of a second preferred embodiment of the control method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] 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, the clothing processing device described in this invention can be a washing machine, a dryer, or a washer-dryer combo; these are not limiting. Those skilled in the art can define the application of the control method of the present invention according to actual usage requirements. Such changes in the application do not deviate from the basic principles of the present invention and fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that in the description of this preferred embodiment, the terms "inner" and "outer," etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] Furthermore, it should be noted that although the various steps of the control method of the present invention are described in a specific order in the description of the present invention, these orders are not restrictive. Without departing from the basic principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can perform the steps in different orders.

[0045] Specifically, the garment processing device of the present invention includes a main body, an image acquisition device, a noise acquisition device, and an information prompting device. The image acquisition device, the noise acquisition device, and the information prompting device can be disposed inside or outside the main body, as long as the image acquisition device and the noise acquisition device can acquire image and noise information of vulnerable parts of the main body, and the information prompting device can issue a prompt message. It should be noted that the control method in this invention can occur during the operation of the garment processing device or during the placement of the garment processing device. It should also be noted that this invention does not impose any limitations on the specific type of garment processing device; those skilled in the art can customize it according to actual usage requirements.

[0046] Furthermore, the garment processing device of the present invention also includes a controller, which is capable of acquiring information collected by the image acquisition device and the noise acquisition device, such as image information and noise information, and can also issue corresponding instructions to the information prompting device to control it to issue prompt information. 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 either the original controller of the garment processing device or a controller separately set up to execute the 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.

[0047] Addressing the problem that existing control methods for garment processing equipment, as mentioned in the background art, cannot accurately and effectively monitor early-stage malfunctions, this invention provides a new control method for garment processing equipment. This method aims to predict the probability of malfunction based on the wear and tear of vulnerable parts, enabling timely issuance of corresponding alerts. This allows for timely prompting of users and after-sales personnel to address malfunctions in the early stages of the garment processing equipment's failure, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of after-sales work.

[0048] First refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the main steps of the control method of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, based on the clothing processing equipment described in the above embodiments, the control method of the present invention mainly includes the following steps:

[0049] S1: Obtain parameter information of vulnerable parts of the garment processing equipment;

[0050] S2: Compare the parameter information with the preset parameter information;

[0051] S3: Based on the comparison results between the parameter information and the preset parameter information, determine the value corresponding to the degree of wear of the vulnerable parts;

[0052] S4: Selectively issue prompts based on the numerical value corresponding to the degree of wear and tear.

[0053] In step S1, the controller can acquire parameter information of the vulnerable parts of the garment processing equipment. This parameter information acquisition can be real-time or intermittent, and the timing of acquisition can be user-defined or set by the garment processing equipment through other control logic. Furthermore, the vulnerable parts can be determined by user-defined parts or by the default parts set at the factory. This invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific timing of parameter information acquisition or the method of determining the specific corresponding parts of the vulnerable parts; technicians can set these settings according to actual usage.

[0054] In step S2, the controller compares the acquired parameter information with preset parameter information. It should be noted that this invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific comparison method; it can be image comparison or sound comparison. Furthermore, this invention does not impose any restrictions on the preset parameter information; these are not restrictive, and those skilled in the art can set them according to actual comparison needs.

[0055] Next, in step S3, the controller determines the value corresponding to the degree of wear of the vulnerable part based on the comparison result between the acquired parameter information and the preset parameter information. It should be noted that this invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific method for determining the value corresponding to the degree of wear; those skilled in the art can set their own methods, as long as the value corresponding to the degree of wear can be obtained.

[0056] Finally, in step S4, the controller can control the information prompting device to selectively issue prompt information according to the value corresponding to the determined degree of wear, so as to promptly inform the user or after-sales personnel of the wear status of the clothing processing equipment, so that the clothing processing equipment can be known in the early stage of failure, thereby facilitating timely communication between the user and after-sales personnel on maintenance matters, and thus effectively improving the efficiency of after-sales work.

[0057] First preferred embodiment

[0058] See next. Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of a first preferred embodiment of the control method of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, based on the clothing processing equipment described in the above preferred embodiments, the first preferred embodiment of the control method of the present invention specifically includes the following steps:

[0059] S101: Acquire image information of vulnerable parts of the garment processing equipment;

[0060] S102: Compare the image information with the preset image information;

[0061] S103: Based on the comparison results between the image information and the preset image information, determine the numerical value corresponding to the degree of wear of the vulnerable parts;

[0062] S104: If the value corresponding to the degree of wear is greater than or equal to the preset value, a prompt message will be issued through the control terminal.

[0063] Specifically, in step S101, the controller can acquire image information of vulnerable parts of the garment processing equipment. The frequency and timing of acquiring the image information can be set by the user or by the garment processing equipment through other control logic. It should be noted that the vulnerable parts can be user-defined parts or parts set by default at the factory. This invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific acquisition frequency and timing of the image information or the method for determining the specific corresponding parts of the vulnerable parts; those skilled in the art can determine these restrictions based on actual usage.

[0064] In step S102, the controller can compare the acquired image information with preset image information. It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific comparison method between the image information and the preset image information. The number of different parts can be obtained through comparison, or the size of the different parts can be obtained through comparison. Those skilled in the art can set the specific comparison method according to the actual situation.

[0065] In step S103, the controller determines the numerical value corresponding to the degree of wear of the vulnerable part based on the comparison result between the acquired image information and the preset image information. It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific method for determining the numerical value corresponding to the degree of wear; those skilled in the art can determine this themselves, as long as the numerical value corresponding to the degree of wear can be obtained. For example, by comparing the number of different parts, i.e., how many differences exist between the image information and the preset image information, this number is the numerical value corresponding to the degree of wear; or, for another example, by comparing the size of different parts, i.e., the area of ​​the different parts between the image information and the preset image information, the size of that part is the numerical value corresponding to the degree of wear.

[0066] In step S104, if the value corresponding to the degree of wear is greater than or equal to a preset value, a prompt message is issued through the control terminal; otherwise, if the value corresponding to the degree of wear is less than the preset value, no prompt message is issued. In this preferred embodiment, the control terminal can be a user terminal or an after-sales terminal; and the control terminal can be a mobile phone, a computer, or other electronic devices. This invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific type of the control terminal; those skilled in the art can set it according to actual conditions, as long as the control terminal can issue the prompt message. Furthermore, this invention does not impose any restrictions on the form and specific content of the prompt message; those skilled in the art can set it according to actual usage needs. For example, it can be in text form or in language form.

[0067] Second preferred embodiment

[0068] See next. Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of a second preferred embodiment of the control method of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, based on the clothing processing device described in the above preferred embodiment, the second preferred embodiment of the control method of the present invention specifically includes the following steps:

[0069] S201: Acquire image information of vulnerable parts of the garment processing equipment;

[0070] S202: Obtain noise information from vulnerable parts of the garment processing equipment;

[0071] S203: Compare the image information with the preset image information;

[0072] S204: Compare the noise information with the preset noise information;

[0073] S205: Based on the comparison results between the image information and the preset image information, determine the value corresponding to the first degree of wear of the vulnerable part;

[0074] S206: Based on the comparison results between the noise information and the preset noise information, determine the value corresponding to the second degree of wear of the vulnerable parts;

[0075] S207: Determine the value corresponding to the degree of wear based on the value corresponding to the first degree of wear and the value corresponding to the second degree of wear;

[0076] S208: If the value corresponding to the degree of wear is greater than or equal to the preset value, a prompt message will be issued through the control terminal.

[0077] First, in steps S201 and S202, the controller can acquire image information and noise information of vulnerable parts of the garment processing equipment. The frequency and timing of acquiring the image information and noise information can be set by the user or by the garment processing equipment through other control logic. It should be noted that the vulnerable parts can be user-defined parts or parts set by default at the factory. This invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific acquisition frequency and timing of the image information and noise information, or the method for determining the specific corresponding parts of the vulnerable parts; technicians can set these according to actual usage.

[0078] In step S203, the controller compares the acquired image information with the preset image information; and in step S204, the controller compares the acquired noise information with the preset noise information. It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific comparison order of the image information and the preset image information, or the noise information and the preset noise information. The two comparisons can be performed simultaneously or sequentially, and the order in which they are performed is not limited.

[0079] Furthermore, it should be noted that this invention does not impose any limitations on the specific comparison method between the image information and the preset image information, or on the specific comparison method between the noise information and the preset noise information. For example, when comparing images, the number of different parts can be obtained by comparison, or the size of different parts can be obtained by comparison. Similarly, when comparing noise, the difference in the sharpness of the noise can be compared, or the difference in the magnitude of the noise can be compared. Such changes in the specific comparison method do not deviate from the basic principles of this invention and still fall within the protection scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art can set specific comparison methods according to actual circumstances.

[0080] In steps S205 and S206, a first degree of wear corresponding to the vulnerable part is determined based on the comparison result between the image information and the preset image information, and a second degree of wear corresponding to the vulnerable part is determined based on the comparison result between the noise information and the preset noise information. Of course, the methods for determining the values ​​corresponding to the first degree of wear and the second degree of wear are not limited in any way. The specific values ​​can be the ratios of the image information and the noise information to the preset image information and the preset noise information, respectively, or they can be differences, or values ​​obtained through other formulas. Furthermore, the methods for determining the values ​​corresponding to the first degree of wear and the second degree of wear can be derived from a single comparison or from multiple comparisons; this invention does not impose any limitations on this. In addition, it should be noted that this invention also does not impose any limitations on the specific determination criteria for the preset image information and the preset noise information. For different garment processing devices, the settings for the preset image information and the preset noise information can be the same or different. Technicians can set them themselves according to the actual operating conditions and wear conditions of the garment processing device.

[0081] Next, in step S207, the value corresponding to the degree of wear is determined based on the value corresponding to the first degree of wear and the value corresponding to the second degree of wear.

[0082] As a preferred method of determination, the numerical value corresponding to the degree of loss can be calculated using the following formula:

[0083] A = k1A1 + k2A2

[0084] Wherein, A is the value corresponding to the degree of loss, A1 is the value corresponding to the first degree of loss, k1 is the first weight coefficient of the first degree of loss A1, A2 is the value corresponding to the second degree of loss, and k2 is the second weight coefficient of the second degree of loss A2.

[0085] Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, the first weighting coefficient k1 is determined by determining the first weighting coefficient k1 according to the specific location corresponding to the vulnerable part.

[0086] The second weighting coefficient k2 is determined by determining the second weighting coefficient k2 according to the specific part corresponding to the vulnerable part.

[0087] Specifically, when the value corresponding to the first degree of wear of the vulnerable part is more accurate than the value corresponding to the second degree of wear, the specific value of the first weighting coefficient k1 is greater than the specific value of the second weighting coefficient k2; conversely, the specific value of the first weighting coefficient k1 is less than the specific value of the second weighting coefficient k2; when the value corresponding to the first degree of wear of the vulnerable part is equivalent to the value corresponding to the second degree of wear, the specific value of the first weighting coefficient k1 is equal to the specific value of the second weighting coefficient k2. For example, the value corresponding to the wear level at the bearing of the garment processing equipment is more accurate when determined by the noise information than by the image information. In this case, the specific value of the first weighting coefficient k1 is less than the specific value of the second weighting coefficient k2. As another example, the value corresponding to the wear level at the residue filter of the garment processing equipment is more accurate when determined by the image information than by the noise information. In this case, the specific value of the first weighting coefficient k1 is greater than the specific value of the second weighting coefficient k2. Different specific values ​​of the first weighting coefficient k1 and the second weighting coefficient k2 can be set for different parts corresponding to the vulnerable parts of the garment processing equipment. This invention does not impose any restrictions on the method of determining the specific values ​​of the first weighting coefficient k1 and the second weighting coefficient k2; those skilled in the art can set them according to actual usage.

[0088] It should be noted that the sum of the first weighting coefficient k1 and the second weighting coefficient k2 can be equal to 1 or less than 1. If it is less than 1, other values ​​can be added to participate in the judgment. Specifically, when the clothing processing device only needs to confirm the degree of damage through the image information and the noise information, the sum of the first weighting coefficient k1 and the second weighting coefficient k2 is equal to 1; when the clothing processing device needs to confirm the degree of damage through other means besides the image information and the noise information, the sum of the first weighting coefficient k1 and the second weighting coefficient k2 is less than 1.

[0089] Furthermore, it should be noted that the determination of the first weighting coefficient k1 and the second weighting coefficient k2 is not limited to this method; they can also be confirmed through other methods. For example, if the clothing processing device only needs to confirm the degree of damage through the image information and the noise information, the second weighting coefficient k2 can also be confirmed based on the value of the first weighting coefficient k1. In this case, the second weighting coefficient k2 satisfies the following formula:

[0090] k2 = 1 - k1

[0091] In step S208, if the value corresponding to the degree of wear is greater than or equal to a preset value, a prompt message is issued through the control terminal. This promptly alerts the user or after-sales personnel to the wear status of the vulnerable parts of the clothing processing equipment, facilitating timely and effective communication between the user and after-sales personnel, thereby improving the efficiency of after-sales work. If the value corresponding to the degree of wear is less than the preset value, no prompt message is issued. Furthermore, this invention does not impose any restrictions on the form or specific content of the prompt message; technicians can set it according to actual usage needs. For example, it can be in text form or in spoken form.

[0092] In this preferred embodiment, the control terminal can be a user terminal or an after-sales terminal; and the control terminal can be a mobile phone, a computer, or other electronic devices. The present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific type of the control terminal. Technicians can set it according to the actual situation, as long as the control terminal can issue the prompt information.

[0093] 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 control method of a laundry treating apparatus, characterized by, The control method includes: The steps for obtaining parameter information of vulnerable parts of the garment processing equipment include: obtaining image information and noise information of vulnerable parts of the garment processing equipment; The steps of comparing the parameter information with preset parameter information include: comparing the image information with preset image information; and comparing the noise information with preset noise information. The steps of determining the wear level of the vulnerable part based on the comparison results of the parameter information and the preset parameter information include: determining the first wear level of the vulnerable part based on the comparison results of the image information and the preset image information; determining the second wear level of the vulnerable part based on the comparison results of the noise information and the preset noise information; and determining the wear level based on the first wear level and the second wear level. Based on the numerical value corresponding to the degree of wear, a prompt message is selectively issued.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized by, The step of "determining the value corresponding to the degree of wear based on the value corresponding to the first degree of wear and the value corresponding to the second degree of wear" specifically includes calculating the value corresponding to the degree of wear using the following formula: A = k1A1 + k2A2 Wherein, A is the value corresponding to the degree of loss, A1 is the value corresponding to the first degree of loss, k1 is the first weight coefficient of the first degree of loss A1, A2 is the value corresponding to the second degree of loss, and k2 is the second weight coefficient of the second degree of loss A2.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first weighting coefficient k1 is determined as follows: The first weighting coefficient k1 is determined based on the specific location corresponding to the vulnerable part.

4. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second weighting coefficient k2 is determined as follows: The second weighting coefficient k2 is determined based on the specific location corresponding to the vulnerable part.

5. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The step of "selectively issuing prompts based on the numerical value corresponding to the degree of wear" specifically includes: If the value corresponding to the degree of wear is greater than or equal to a preset value, a prompt message will be issued.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The steps for "issuing a notification message" specifically include: A prompt message is sent through the control terminal.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control terminal is a user terminal and / or an after-sales terminal.

8. A garment processing device, characterized in that, Includes a controller capable of performing the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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