Control method and apparatus of a washing machine

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and particularly relates to a control method and device of a washing machine. The present application aims to solve the problems in the prior art. In the control method of the washing machine, the server acquires a washing request sent by a user, and acquires an available duration corresponding to the identification of the control device from a mapping table in a database, and then determines a candidate washing mode from a preset washing mode set. The control device acquires a target washing mode selected by the user in response to a washing mode selection operation of the user on the washing machine control interface, and sends a washing mode control instruction to the washing machine, and then controls the washing machine to wash clothes for a washing duration corresponding to the target washing mode. The technical scheme compares the washing duration corresponding to different washing modes with the maximum duration for providing services to the user, determines the target washing mode selectable by the user, and thus improves the use efficiency of the washing machine and avoids complicated use steps.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, specifically to a control method and device for a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] In densely populated areas such as dormitories, residential communities, and factories, people often face difficulties in doing laundry due to factors such as living conditions and population mobility. This has led to the emergence of shared washing machines that provide convenient laundry services for a large number of users.

[0003] The typical way to use this type of washing machine is as follows: Before washing clothes, the user obtains access to the washing machine by inserting coins into the coin box connected to the washing machine or by scanning the payment code on the washing machine. After paying the corresponding fee, the user selects the washing mode corresponding to the price paid to wash the clothes.

[0004] However, in practice, users need to obtain permission to use the washing machine before each wash, which is a cumbersome process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, specifically the cumbersome process of washing clothes using shared washing machines, this invention provides a washing machine control method. The washing machine control method includes:

[0006] Obtain the target washing mode selected by the user. The target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The available time is the maximum time that the washing machine can provide services to the user, obtained from the database of the server.

[0007] The washing machine is controlled to wash clothes using the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned control method for a washing machine, obtaining the target washing mode selected by the user includes:

[0009] In response to the user's selection operation on the washing mode selection button set on the control panel, the target washing mode selected by the user is obtained, and the washing mode selection button includes a candidate washing mode button;

[0010] or,

[0011] The system receives washing mode control commands sent by a control device via a wireless network. The washing mode control commands include the target washing mode selected by the user.

[0012] This invention provides a method for controlling a washing machine, applied to a server, the method comprising:

[0013] Obtain a washing request sent by the user's control device, the washing request including the identifier of the control device;

[0014] From the device-duration mapping table stored in the database, obtain the available duration corresponding to the identifier of the control device, where the available duration is the maximum duration for which the washing machine provides services to the user.

[0015] Based on the available time, candidate washing modes are determined from a preset set of washing modes. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The set of washing modes stores the washing time corresponding to different washing modes.

[0016] The washing mode recommendation information is sent to the user's control device, and the washing mode recommendation information includes the candidate washing modes.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the above-described washing machine control method, before obtaining the available time corresponding to the identifier of the control device from the device-time mapping table stored in the database, the method further includes:

[0018] Obtain the identifier of at least one device and the available duration corresponding to the at least one device;

[0019] The identifier of the at least one device and the available time corresponding to the at least one device are recorded in the mapping table.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the above-described washing machine control method, after sending the washing mode recommendation information to the user's control device, the method further includes:

[0021] Obtain the target washing mode selected by the user, wherein the target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes;

[0022] Subtract the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode from the available time to obtain the new available time.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the above-described control method for a washing machine, the method further includes:

[0024] The system receives a duration increase request sent by the control device. The duration increase request carries an additional duration, which is used to increase the maximum duration for which the washing machine provides services to the user.

[0025] The new available time is obtained by adding the new available time to the existing available time.

[0026] This invention provides a control method for a washing machine, applied to a control device, the control method for the washing machine including:

[0027] Send a washing request to the server, the washing request including the identifier of the control device;

[0028] The system receives washing mode recommendation information sent by the server. The washing mode recommendation information includes candidate washing modes. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The available time is the maximum time that the washing machine can provide services to the user, obtained from the server's database.

[0029] In response to the user's operation of selecting a washing mode on the washing machine control interface, the target washing mode selected by the user is obtained, wherein the target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes;

[0030] Send a washing mode control command to the washing machine, the washing mode control command including the target washing mode selected by the user.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the above-described washing machine control method, before obtaining the target washing mode selected by the user in response to the user's washing mode selection operation on the washing machine control interface, the method further includes:

[0032] The recommended washing mode information is displayed through the washing machine control interface.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the above-described control method for a washing machine, the method further includes:

[0034] A duration increase request is sent to the server. The duration increase request carries an additional duration, which is used to increase the maximum duration for which the washing machine can provide services to the user.

[0035] This invention also provides a control device for a washing machine, applied to a washing machine, the device comprising: an acquisition module and a processing module;

[0036] The acquisition module is used to acquire the target washing mode selected by the user. The target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The available time is the maximum time that the washing machine can provide services to the user, which is obtained from the database of the server.

[0037] The processing module is used to control the washing machine to wash clothes using the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode.

[0038] In the preferred embodiment of the control device for the washing machine described above, the acquisition module is specifically used for:

[0039] In response to the user's selection operation on the washing mode selection button set on the control panel, the target washing mode selected by the user is obtained, and the washing mode selection button includes a candidate washing mode button;

[0040] or,

[0041] The system receives washing mode control commands sent by a control device via a wireless network. The washing mode control commands include the target washing mode selected by the user.

[0042] This invention provides a control device for a washing machine, applied to a server. The control device includes: an acquisition module, a processing module, and a sending module.

[0043] The acquisition module is used to acquire a washing request sent by the user's control device. The washing request includes the identifier of the control device and obtains the available time corresponding to the identifier of the control device from the device-time mapping table stored in the database. The available time is the maximum time for the washing machine to provide services to the user.

[0044] The processing module is used to determine candidate washing modes from a preset washing mode set based on the available time. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The washing mode set stores the washing time corresponding to different washing modes.

[0045] The sending module is used to send the washing mode recommendation information to the user's control device, and the washing mode recommendation information includes the candidate washing modes.

[0046] In the preferred embodiment of the control device for the washing machine described above, the acquisition module is further configured to acquire the identifier of at least one device and the available time corresponding to the at least one device;

[0047] The processing module is also used to record the identifier of the at least one device and the available time corresponding to the at least one device in the mapping table.

[0048] In the preferred technical solution of the control device for the washing machine described above, the acquisition module is further used to acquire the target washing mode selected by the user, wherein the target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes;

[0049] The processing module is further configured to subtract the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode from the available time to obtain a new available time.

[0050] In the preferred technical solution of the control device for the washing machine described above, the acquisition module is further configured to acquire a duration increase request sent by the control device, the duration increase request carrying an additional duration, the additional duration being used to increase the maximum duration for which the washing machine provides services to the user;

[0051] The processing module is also used to add the new duration to the available duration to obtain a new available duration.

[0052] This invention provides a control device for a washing machine, applied to a control equipment. The control device for the washing machine includes: a sending module and an acquiring module.

[0053] The sending module is used to send a washing request to the server, the washing request including the identifier of the control device;

[0054] The acquisition module is used to receive washing mode recommendation information sent by the server. The washing mode recommendation information includes candidate washing modes. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The available time is the maximum time that the washing machine can provide services to the user, obtained from the server's database. In response to the user's washing mode selection operation on the washing machine control interface, the module acquires the target washing mode selected by the user. The target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes.

[0055] The sending module is also used to send a washing mode control command to the washing machine, the washing mode control command including the target washing mode selected by the user.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment of the control device for the washing machine described above, the device further includes: a display module;

[0057] The display module is used to display recommended washing modes through the washing machine control interface.

[0058] In the preferred embodiment of the control device for the washing machine described above, the sending module is further configured to send a duration increase request to the server. The duration increase request carries an additional duration, which is used to increase the maximum duration for which the washing machine provides services to the user.

[0059] This invention also provides a washing machine, including: a processor and a memory;

[0060] The memory stores computer-executed instructions;

[0061] The processor executes the computer execution instructions, causing the washing machine to perform the washing machine control method described above.

[0062] This invention also provides a server, including: a processor and a memory;

[0063] The memory stores computer-executed instructions;

[0064] The processor executes the computer execution instructions, causing the server to perform the control method for the washing machine applied to the server as described above.

[0065] This invention also provides a control device, including: a processor and a memory;

[0066] The memory stores computer-executed instructions;

[0067] The processor executes the computer execution instructions, causing the control device to perform the control method for the washing machine applied to the control device as described above.

[0068] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the control method described above for use in a washing machine, a server, or a control device.

[0069] This invention also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, is used to implement the control method for a washing machine as described above, applied to a washing machine, or applied to a server, or applied to a control device.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will understand that the washing machine control method and apparatus provided in this embodiment of the invention, through [the following technical solution], obtains the target washing mode selected by the user on the washing machine side. The target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes, and the washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The available time is the maximum service time the washing machine can provide to the user, obtained from the server's database. Then, the washing machine is controlled to wash the clothes using the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode. This technical solution compares the washing times corresponding to different washing modes of the washing machine with the maximum service time available to the user to determine the target washing mode that the user can select, thereby improving the efficiency of the washing machine and avoiding cumbersome usage steps. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Preferred embodiments of the control method and apparatus for a washing machine according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0072] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the washing machine control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of the control method for a washing machine provided in this invention;

[0074] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of a second embodiment of the control method for a washing machine provided in this invention;

[0075] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the control method for a washing machine provided in this invention;

[0076] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the control device for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0077] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the control device for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0078] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the control device for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0079] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the server structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments of this disclosure, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of this disclosure to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0083] Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0084] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0085] Before introducing the embodiments of the present invention, the technical background of the embodiments of the present invention will first be explained:

[0086] Shared washing machines have become a fashionable trend and are widely used in many places. To facilitate laundry for some people, shared washing machines have been set up in densely populated areas such as dormitories, residential communities, and factories where laundry is inconvenient.

[0087] In the actual use of shared washing machines, users can pay by scanning a code or inserting coins, select the appropriate washing mode according to the amount of the payment, and wash the clothes put into the washing machine drum. After the washing is finished, the user returns to take the clothes out and take them away.

[0088] However, users need to scan a code to pay or insert coins to start the washing machine each time they wash, which is a cumbersome process.

[0089] To solve the above technical problems, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the washing machine control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the application scenario includes: a washing machine 11, a control device 12, and a server 13.

[0090] The control device 12 is equipped with an application or a client for the server 13 that controls the washing machine 11 to wash clothes. The control device 12 can be a mobile phone, computer, remote control, etc.

[0091] In one possible implementation, when a user uses the washing machine 11 for the first time, the user uses the control device 12 to scan the QR code on the washing machine 11 to open the application for controlling the washing machine 11. After that, the user makes an appointment to pay a certain fee in the application. Then, the server 13 receives the value corresponding to the fee and determines the maximum duration for which the washing machine 11 can provide services to the user.

[0092] Furthermore, the server 13 pushes washing modes that can be provided to the user to the control device 12. Based on the pushed message, the user selects the corresponding washing mode on the control device 12 or directly on the washing machine 11 to wash the clothes. The server 13 subtracts the washing time corresponding to the washing mode from the maximum service duration for the user based on the washing mode selected by the user. When using the washing machine 11 in the future, the user can directly select the required washing mode based on this.

[0093] To address the aforementioned problems, the inventive concept of this invention is as follows: In the prior art, users need to pay a corresponding fee each time a washing machine washes clothes. If users can prepay and continuously reduce the washing time corresponding to the fee during subsequent washes, at the start of each wash, the server automatically determines the available time of the washing machine and the time corresponding to the washing mode based on the user's available time and recommends an available washing method. At this time, the user only needs to select the corresponding washing mode, avoiding the complicated operation of having to pay for each wash in the prior art.

[0094] The technical solution of the present invention and how the technical solution of the present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0095] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of the washing machine control method provided by the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the control method for this washing machine, described from the interaction of the washing machine, server, and control device, may include the following steps:

[0096] Step 21: The server obtains the washing request sent by the user's control device.

[0097] The washing request includes the identifier of the control device;

[0098] In this step, the user's control device has an application or client webpage installed to control the washing machine. When the user needs to wash clothes, they open the application or client webpage, click on the bound washing machine, and the control device sends a washing request to the server.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the user opens the application on the control device and clicks the icon of the already bound washing machine. At this time, the control device receives this click operation and sends a washing request to the server. The washing request carries the identifier of the control device, which can be used to query the server's database for the corresponding stored value information of the control device, such as the available time.

[0100] It should be understood that prior to this step, users can use a control device to scan the module code on the washing machine to bind it; alternatively, they can download the corresponding application, open it, and enter the relevant identification information of the washing machine to bind it; or, after opening the application, the application can obtain the user's location, recommend the nearest washing machine, and bind it after the user selects it.

[0101] Furthermore, this binding operation does not have to be unique. That is, users can continue to bind a second washing machine (or even more) through the control device. When using it later, they can click the corresponding washing machine icon on the application or client webpage.

[0102] Step 22: The server retrieves the available duration corresponding to the identifier of the control device from the device-duration mapping table stored in the database.

[0103] The available time is the maximum duration for which the washing machine can provide services to the user;

[0104] In this step, the server stores a mapping table of available time for washing machines corresponding to different devices in advance. This mapping table can be generated by the server after a user binds a washing machine to a different device and performs a corresponding value-added action, receiving the available time and device information corresponding to the value-added action.

[0105] Optionally, the server can look up the device corresponding to the identifier of the control device in the mapping table of the database, find the duration corresponding to the device, and record it as the available duration, which is the maximum duration for which the washing machine can provide services to the user.

[0106] Optionally, this mapping table can be generated in the following way:

[0107] Step 1: Obtain the identifier of at least one device and the available time corresponding to at least one device;

[0108] Optionally, when a device performs a stored value action on an application or client webpage, the server receives the device's identifier and the available duration corresponding to the action.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the device is only bound to the washing machine by the account on the application or client webpage, but no value is stored. In this case, the available duration in the mapping table is 0. However, in some other implementations, if there are promotional activities, the corresponding available duration can be set to N by default in the mapping table, where N is greater than 0.

[0110] Step 2: Record the identifier of at least one device and the available time corresponding to at least one device in the mapping table.

[0111] Optionally, the device identifier and available duration obtained above can be recorded in a mapping table, and the recording method can be based on the device identifier as the index number;

[0112] In addition, when using the washing machine and recharging the available time, the size of the available time is changed accordingly in the mapping table.

[0113] Step 23: The server determines the candidate washing mode from the preset washing mode set based on the available time.

[0114] Each candidate washing mode has a washing duration that is less than or equal to the available time. The washing mode set stores the washing durations corresponding to different washing modes.

[0115] In this step, the preset washing mode set stores the washing time corresponding to different washing modes. The washing time of different washing modes of the washing machine is different. In the server's mapping table, the available time corresponding to the control device should be higher than the washing time of some washing modes in order for the user to wash clothes.

[0116] Optionally, the washing mode set may include standard wash (50 min), gentle wash (30 min), quick wash (10 min), intensive wash (70 min), etc.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the available time for the control device is 40 minutes, so the candidate washing modes can be gentle wash (30 minutes) and quick wash (10 minutes).

[0118] In another possible implementation, if the available time for the control device is 8 minutes, then there is no candidate washing mode. In this case, a time-related prompt message can be returned to the user's control device to remind the user to top up the value.

[0119] It should be understood that the figures and washing modes mentioned above are for illustrative purposes only and may vary depending on the actual situation.

[0120] Furthermore, while the embodiments of the present invention use time as a comparison, in some implementations, the cost of different washing modes can also be compared by the amount of stored value. These different washing modes include not only standard and gentle washing modes, but also modes that are determined by the material of the clothing.

[0121] Step 24: The server sends washing mode recommendation information to the user's control device.

[0122] The recommended washing modes include candidate washing modes.

[0123] In this step, after comparing the washing time and available time for the different washing modes mentioned above to determine the washing mode that the user can choose, washing mode recommendation information is generated and pushed to the control device via wireless transmission.

[0124] After this step, recommended washing modes can be displayed on the washing machine control interface on the device.

[0125] Optionally, after receiving the washing mode recommendation information, the control device decodes the recommendation information and displays the washing mode recommendation information on the washing machine control interface of the control device.

[0126] Specifically, the display method can be Chinese characters, icons corresponding to the washing mode, or voice broadcast, etc.

[0127] In some other possible implementations, the server directly sends washing mode recommendations to the washing machine, which then uses lights on its control panel to indicate the available washing modes to the user.

[0128] Step 25: The control device responds to the user's washing mode selection operation on the washing machine control interface and obtains the target washing mode selected by the user.

[0129] The target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes;

[0130] In this step, the user selects the corresponding washing mode based on the recommended washing mode information displayed on the washing machine control interface, and records it as the target washing mode. At this time, the control device responds to the selection operation and obtains the user's selection of the washing mode.

[0131] In one possible implementation, the washing machine control interface displays icons for candidate washing modes, and the user clicks the corresponding washing mode icon to complete the selection.

[0132] In another possible implementation, the user selects a specific washing mode by speaking to the control device.

[0133] Step 26: The control device sends a washing mode control command to the washing machine.

[0134] The washing mode control instructions include the target washing mode selected by the user.

[0135] In this step, after the control device obtains the target washing mode, it generates a washing mode control command carrying the target washing mode and sends the command to the washing machine.

[0136] In another possible implementation, the target washing mode selected by the user can also be obtained in response to the user's selection operation of the washing mode selection button set on the control panel.

[0137] The washing mode selection button includes a candidate washing mode button.

[0138] Specifically, the washing mode selection button is set on the control panel, and the button for the candidate washing modes is in an active state. When the user selects one of the buttons and presses it, the washing machine obtains the washing mode corresponding to that button.

[0139] Step 27: Washing machine control. The washing machine will wash the clothes using the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode.

[0140] In this step, after the washing machine obtains the target washing mode, it begins to wash the clothes using the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode until the washing is completed.

[0141] Optionally, during this process, the server can also obtain the operating status of the washing machine at any time and transmit the relevant operating status information to the user's control device in real time. When the washing is complete, the server can send the washing completion information to the user's control device so that the user can take the washed clothes away.

[0142] After this, you can choose to exit control of the washing machine on the control device so that other users can continue to use the washing machine.

[0143] The washing machine control method provided in this invention involves a server acquiring a washing request sent by a user's control device, retrieving the available time corresponding to the control device's identifier from a device-time mapping table stored in a database, and then determining candidate washing modes from a preset set of washing modes based on the available time. The control device responds to the user's washing mode selection operation on the washing machine control interface, acquires the user-selected target washing mode, and sends a washing mode control command to the washing machine. The washing machine then controls itself to wash the clothes using the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode. This technical solution, based on available time and the washing time corresponding to the washing mode, avoids complex operations for users when washing clothes. Users can directly exit the control device when not in use, reducing unnecessary costs and providing convenience for people who frequently change dormitories or move.

[0144] Based on the above embodiments, Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a second embodiment of the washing machine control method provided by the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, after step 26, the server side of the washing machine control method may further include the following steps:

[0145] Step 31: Obtain the target washing mode selected by the user.

[0146] The target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes.

[0147] In this step, after the user selects the corresponding washing mode, the server obtains the target washing mode.

[0148] In one possible implementation, the user selects the target washing mode on the washing machine control panel of the control device, and this information is transmitted to the server.

[0149] In another possible implementation, the user selects the target washing mode via a button, and this information is reported to the server by the washing machine.

[0150] Step 32: Subtract the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode from the available time to obtain the new available time.

[0151] In this step, once the user selects the target washing mode, it means that the user has consumed the available time corresponding to the control device. At this time, subtracting the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode from the available time will give the new available time for the control device.

[0152] Optionally, the server determines the washing duration corresponding to the target washing mode from a preset set of washing modes based on the target washing mode, and obtains the new available duration by subtracting the washing duration corresponding to the target washing mode from the available duration corresponding to the control device in the mapping table.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the available time for the control device in the mapping table is 90 minutes, and the washing time for the target washing mode is 30 minutes. In this case, the new available time is 90-30=60 minutes.

[0154] Optionally, when the available time corresponding to a user's control device is too low (for example, below a certain threshold), the server can push relevant information about insufficient stored value to the control device to prompt the user to store value for the available time.

[0155] The washing machine control method provided in this embodiment of the invention obtains the target washing mode selected by the user, which is any one of the candidate washing modes. Then, it subtracts the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode from the available time to obtain a new available time. In this technical solution, subtracting the time corresponding to the target washing mode selected by the user from the available time updates the user's available time in the database.

[0156] Based on the above embodiments, Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the washing machine control method provided by the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the server side of the control method for this washing machine may also include the following steps:

[0157] Step 41: Receive the duration increase request sent by the control device.

[0158] The duration increase request carries the additional duration, which is used to increase the maximum duration for which the washing machine can provide services to the user.

[0159] In this step, when a user needs to increase the available time through the control device, they select the corresponding recharge service on the application or client webpage and enter the specific amount to be recharged. The control device then sends a time increase request to the server based on this amount.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the user can choose to recharge for 30 minutes, select the amount corresponding to 30 minutes, and complete the payment. The control device then sends a request to the server to extend the duration by 30 minutes.

[0161] It should be understood that in the implementation of this step, a specific amount can also be directly recharged, and the amount can be deducted when used. The implementation principle is similar to that of this embodiment.

[0162] Step 42: Add the new duration to the available duration to get the new available duration.

[0163] In this step, the server looks up the available time corresponding to the control device in the mapping table, parses out the new time carried in the time increase request, adds the new time to the available time to get the new available time, and stores it in the mapping table.

[0164] In one possible implementation, the mapping table finds that the available time for the control device is 20 minutes, and the time increase request carries an additional time of 60 minutes. At this time, the new available time is 20 + 60 = 80 minutes.

[0165] The washing machine control method provided in this embodiment of the invention involves the control device sending a duration increase request to a server. This request carries an additional duration, which is used to increase the maximum duration for which the washing machine can provide service to the user. The server then adds the additional duration to the available duration to obtain a new available duration. This technical solution increases the maximum duration for which the washing machine can provide service to the user by sending the additional duration to the server, thus preventing insufficient available duration from affecting washing efficiency.

[0166] The following are embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention, which can be used to execute the control method embodiments of the washing machine of the present invention. For details not disclosed in the apparatus embodiments of the present invention, please refer to the control method embodiments of the washing machine of the present invention.

[0167] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the control device for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The control device for the washing machine is applied to the washing machine and includes: an acquisition module 51 and a processing module 52;

[0168] The acquisition module 51 is used to acquire the target washing mode selected by the user. The target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The available time is the maximum time that the washing machine can provide services to the user, which is obtained from the database of the server.

[0169] The processing module 52 is used to control the washing machine to wash clothes using the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode.

[0170] In one possible implementation of this invention, the acquisition module 51 is specifically used for:

[0171] In response to the user's selection operation of the washing mode selection button on the control panel, the target washing mode selected by the user is obtained. The washing mode selection button includes candidate washing mode buttons.

[0172] or,

[0173] The system receives washing mode control commands from the control device via a wireless network. These commands include the user-selected target washing mode.

[0174] The control device for a washing machine provided in this embodiment of the invention can be used to execute the technical solution of the control method for the washing machine described in the above embodiment of the invention. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0175] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the control device for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The control device for the washing machine is applied to the server. The control device for the washing machine includes: an acquisition module 61, a processing module 62, and a sending module 63.

[0176] The acquisition module 61 is used to acquire the washing request sent by the user's control device. The washing request includes the identifier of the control device and obtains the available time corresponding to the identifier of the control device from the device-time mapping table stored in the database. The available time is the maximum time for the washing machine to provide services to the user.

[0177] The processing module 62 is used to determine candidate washing modes from a preset washing mode set based on the available time. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The washing mode set stores the washing time corresponding to different washing modes.

[0178] The sending module 63 is used to send washing mode recommendation information to the user's control device, and the washing mode recommendation information includes candidate washing modes.

[0179] In one possible implementation of the present invention, the acquisition module 61 is further configured to acquire the identifier of at least one device and the available duration corresponding to at least one device;

[0180] The processing module 62 is also used to record the identifier of at least one device and the available time corresponding to at least one device in a mapping table.

[0181] In another possible implementation of the present invention, the acquisition module 61 is further configured to acquire the target washing mode selected by the user, wherein the target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes;

[0182] The processing module 62 is also used to subtract the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode from the available time to obtain a new available time.

[0183] In another possible implementation of the present invention, the acquisition module 61 is further configured to acquire a duration increase request sent by the control device. The duration increase request carries an additional duration, which is used to increase the maximum duration for which the washing machine provides services to the user.

[0184] The processing module 62 is also used to add the new duration to the available duration to obtain a new available duration.

[0185] The washing machine control device provided in this embodiment of the invention can be used to execute the technical solution of the washing machine control method in the above embodiment applied to the server. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0186] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the control device for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The control device of the washing machine is used in the control equipment. The control device of the washing machine includes: a sending module 71 and an acquisition module 72.

[0187] Sending module 71 is used to send a washing request to the server, the washing request including the identifier of the control device;

[0188] The acquisition module 72 is used to receive washing mode recommendation information sent by the server. The washing mode recommendation information includes candidate washing modes. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The available time is the maximum time that the washing machine can provide services to the user, which is obtained from the server's database. In response to the user's washing mode selection operation on the washing machine control interface, the module acquires the target washing mode selected by the user. The target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes.

[0189] The sending module 71 is also used to send a washing mode control command to the washing machine, the washing mode control command including the target washing mode selected by the user.

[0190] In one possible implementation of this invention, the device further includes: a display module 73;

[0191] Display module 73 is used to display recommended washing modes through the washing machine control interface.

[0192] In another possible implementation of the present invention, the sending module 71 is further configured to send a duration increase request to the server. The duration increase request carries an additional duration, which is used to increase the maximum duration for which the washing machine provides services to the user.

[0193] The washing machine control device provided in this embodiment of the invention can be used to execute the technical solution of the washing machine control method in the above embodiment of the control device. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0194] It should be noted that the division of the various modules in the above device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, these modules can be implemented entirely in software via processing element calls; they can be fully implemented in hardware; or some modules can be implemented by processing element calls to software, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, processing module 62 can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip in the above device. Alternatively, it can be stored as program code in the memory of the above device, and called and executed by a processing element of the device. The implementation of other modules is similar. Moreover, these modules can be fully or partially integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. The processing element here can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above washing machine control method or each of the above modules can be completed through the integrated logic circuits in the hardware of the processor element or through software instructions.

[0195] Based on the above embodiments, Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, the washing machine is used to execute the washing machine control method applied to the washing machine in the above embodiments, and may include: processor 81 and memory 82.

[0196] The processor 81 executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor 81 to perform the technical solution of the washing machine control method in the above embodiments. The processor 81 can be a general-purpose processor, including a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), etc.; it can also be a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components.

[0197] The memory 82 is connected to the processor 81 via the system bus and completes communication between them. The memory 82 is used to store computer program instructions.

[0198] Optionally, the server may also include a transceiver 83 for communicating with the washing machine. Optionally, in hardware implementation, the above... Figure 5 The acquisition module 51 in the illustrated embodiment corresponds to the transceiver 83 in this embodiment, which constitutes a communication interface.

[0199] The system bus can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The system bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus. Transceivers are used to enable communication between database access devices and other computers (e.g., clients, read-write libraries, and read-only libraries). Memory may include random access memory (RAM) and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk drive.

[0200] The washing machine provided in this embodiment of the invention can be used to execute the technical solution of the washing machine control method applied to the washing machine in the above embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0201] Based on the above embodiments, Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the server structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 As shown, the server is used to execute the control method of the washing machine applied to the server in the above embodiment, and may include: processor 91 and memory 92.

[0202] The processor 91 executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor 91 to perform the technical solution of the washing machine control method in the above embodiments. The processor 91 can be a general-purpose processor, including CPU, NP, etc.; it can also be a DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components.

[0203] The memory 92 is connected to the processor 91 via the system bus and completes communication between them. The memory 92 is used to store computer program instructions.

[0204] Optionally, the server may also include a transceiver 93 for communicating with the washing machine. Optionally, in hardware implementation, the above... Figure 6 The acquisition module 61 in the illustrated embodiment corresponds to the transceiver 93 in this embodiment, which constitutes a communication interface.

[0205] The system bus can be a PCI bus or an EISA bus, etc. The system bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. Transceivers are used to enable communication between the database access device and other computers (e.g., clients, read-write libraries, and read-only libraries). Memory may include RAM and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device.

[0206] The server provided in this embodiment of the invention can be used to execute the technical solution of the control method of the washing machine applied to the server in the above embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0207] Based on the above embodiments, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 As shown, the control device is used to execute the control method of the washing machine applied to the control device in the above embodiment, and may include: processor 101 and memory 102.

[0208] The processor 101 executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor 101 to perform the technical solution of the washing machine control method in the above embodiments. The processor 101 can be a general-purpose processor, including CPU, NP, etc.; it can also be a DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components.

[0209] The memory 102 is connected to the processor 101 via the system bus and completes communication between them. The memory 102 is used to store computer program instructions.

[0210] Optionally, the control device may further include a transceiver 103 for communicating with the washing machine. Optionally, in hardware implementation, the above... Figure 7 The sending module 71 and the acquiring module 72 in the illustrated embodiment correspond to the transceiver 103 in this embodiment, which constitutes a communication interface.

[0211] Optionally, the control device may also include a display; in terms of hardware implementation, the above... Figure 7 The display module 73 in the illustrated embodiment corresponds to the display in this embodiment, which constitutes a communication interface.

[0212] The system bus can be a PCI bus or an EISA bus, etc. The system bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. Transceivers are used to enable communication between the database access device and other computers (e.g., clients, read-write libraries, and read-only libraries). Memory may include RAM and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device.

[0213] The control device provided in this embodiment of the invention can be used to execute the technical solution of the control method of the washing machine applied to the control device in the above embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0214] This invention also provides a chip for executing instructions, which is used to execute the control method of a washing machine applied to a washing machine, a server, or a control device as described in the above embodiments.

[0215] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions. When these computer instructions are executed on a computer, the computer performs the technical solution described above for the control method of a washing machine applied to a washing machine, a server, or a control device.

[0216] This invention also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor can read the computer program from the computer-readable storage medium, and when the processor executes the computer program, it can implement the technical solution of the control method for a washing machine applied to a washing machine, a server, or a control device as described in the above embodiments.

[0217] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method of a washing machine, characterized by, Applied to a washing machine, the method includes: Obtain the target washing mode selected by the user. The target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The available time is the maximum time that the washing machine can provide services to the user, which is obtained from the device-time mapping table stored in the server's database and bound to the identifier of the user's control device. The washing machine is controlled to wash clothes using the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode; The process of obtaining the user-selected target washing mode includes: In response to the user's selection operation of the washing mode selection button on the control panel, the system obtains the target washing mode selected by the user, wherein the washing mode selection button includes candidate washing mode buttons; or, the system receives a washing mode control command sent by the control device via a wireless network, wherein the washing mode control command includes the target washing mode selected by the user.

2. A control method for a washing machine, characterized in that, The control method for the washing machine, applied to a server, includes: Obtain a washing request sent by the user's control device, the washing request including the identifier of the control device; From the device-duration mapping table stored in the database, obtain the available duration corresponding to the identifier of the control device, where the available duration is the maximum duration for which the washing machine provides services to the user. Based on the available time, candidate washing modes are determined from a preset set of washing modes. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The set of washing modes stores the washing time corresponding to different washing modes. The washing mode recommendation information is sent to the user's control device, and the washing mode recommendation information includes the candidate washing modes.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before retrieving the available duration corresponding to the identifier of the control device from the device-duration mapping table stored in the database, the method further includes: Obtain the identifier of at least one device and the available duration corresponding to the at least one device; The identifier of the at least one device and the available time corresponding to the at least one device are recorded in the mapping table.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, After sending the washing mode recommendation information to the user's control device, the method further includes: Obtain the target washing mode selected by the user, wherein the target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes; Subtract the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode from the available time to obtain the new available time.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a duration increase request sent by the control device. The duration increase request carries an additional duration, which is used to increase the maximum duration for which the washing machine provides services to the user. The new available time is obtained by adding the new available time to the existing available time.

6. A method for controlling a washing machine, characterized in that, The control method for the washing machine, applied to control equipment, includes: Send a washing request to the server, the washing request including the identifier of the control device; The system receives washing mode recommendation information sent by the server. The washing mode recommendation information includes candidate washing modes. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The available time is the maximum time that the washing machine can provide services to the user, obtained from the server's database. In response to the user's operation of selecting a washing mode on the washing machine control interface, the target washing mode selected by the user is obtained, wherein the target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes; Send a washing mode control command to the washing machine, the washing mode control command including the target washing mode selected by the user.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Before obtaining the target washing mode selected by the user in response to the user's washing mode selection operation on the washing machine control interface, the method further includes: The recommended washing mode information is displayed through the washing machine control interface.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: A duration increase request is sent to the server. The duration increase request carries an additional duration, which is used to increase the maximum duration for which the washing machine can provide services to the user.

9. A control device for a washing machine, characterized in that, Applied to a washing machine, the device includes: an acquisition module and a processing module; The acquisition module is used to acquire the target washing mode selected by the user. The target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The available time is the maximum time that the washing machine provides services to the user, which is obtained from the device-time mapping table stored in the server's database and bound to the identifier of the user's control device. The processing module is used to control the washing machine to wash the clothes using the washing time corresponding to the target washing mode; The acquisition module is specifically used for: In response to the user's selection operation of the washing mode selection button on the control panel, the system obtains the target washing mode selected by the user, wherein the washing mode selection button includes candidate washing mode buttons; or, the system receives a washing mode control command sent by the control device via a wireless network, wherein the washing mode control command includes the target washing mode selected by the user.

10. A control device for a washing machine, characterized in that, The control device for the washing machine, applied to a server, includes: an acquisition module, a processing module, and a sending module; The acquisition module is used to acquire a washing request sent by the user's control device. The washing request includes the identifier of the control device. The module also acquires the available time corresponding to the identifier of the control device from a mapping table of devices and durations stored in the database. The available time is the maximum duration for which the washing machine can provide services to the user. The processing module is used to determine candidate washing modes from a preset washing mode set based on the available time. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The washing mode set stores the washing time corresponding to different washing modes. The sending module is used to send the washing mode recommendation information to the user's control device, and the washing mode recommendation information includes the candidate washing modes.

11. A control device for a washing machine, characterized in that, The control device for the washing machine, which is used in control equipment, includes: a sending module and an acquisition module; The sending module is used to send a washing request to the server, the washing request including the identifier of the control device; The acquisition module is used to receive washing mode recommendation information sent by the server. The washing mode recommendation information includes candidate washing modes. The washing time corresponding to each candidate washing mode is less than or equal to the available time. The available time is the maximum time that the washing machine can provide services to the user, obtained from the server's database. In response to the user's washing mode selection operation on the washing machine control interface, the module acquires the target washing mode selected by the user. The target washing mode is any one of the candidate washing modes. The sending module is also used to send a washing mode control command to the washing machine, the washing mode control command including the target washing mode selected by the user.

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