A control method of a smart washing machine

Abstract

This invention discloses a control method for an intelligent washing machine. The method includes the following steps: When a user needs to do laundry, they select one of the preset washing modes in the washing machine from the device list via a mobile phone. After confirming, the user touches the washing machine's NFC chip with their phone. The mobile phone writes the washing and care process information corresponding to the selected washing mode to the washing machine's NFC chip. The washing machine's NFC chip then sends the washing and care process information to the washing machine's control system, completing the setting operation of the washing machine's operating process. The washing machine controller then sends the washing machine's full status data to the mobile phone via the NFC chip. In this invention, the washing machine controller interacts with the mobile phone via the NFC chip. The user can set the washing and care program of the washing machine through a mobile app, transmit control commands to the controller via the NFC chip, obtain the status data of the washing machine during operation, and upload it to a cloud server in real time, effectively reducing the implementation cost of intelligent washing machine control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing machine control technology, and in particular relates to a control method for an intelligent washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing penetration of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology in the smart home industry, the human-computer interaction methods of smart home appliances are also changing, bringing users an increasingly convenient operating experience. Currently, fully automatic washing machines on the market require users to perform a series of settings for washing and care modes before use, making the overall operation quite complex. With the promotion of the smart home concept, some washing machines have added mobile phone control functions, while others have added voice control functions, all aiming to simplify the user's operation. However, whether adding a WiFi smart module, Bluetooth smart module, or voice control smart module to a washing machine, the hardware cost is relatively large.

[0003] Application No. 201710271808.3 (A Washing Machine Control Method and Washing Machine) describes a washing machine with remote control functionality. This remote control function relies on the network binding of a WiFi smart module and a home router to ultimately achieve remote control of the washing machine and allow real-time monitoring of its operating status. However, unlike other IoT products, washing machines present certain safety issues during operation. For example, if the washing machine experiences a sudden power outage while under remote control, restarting it poses a safety hazard. The aforementioned invention focuses on addressing the safety issues of remote control in IoT washing machines.

[0004] Furthermore, most existing smart washing machine systems employ a WiFi smart module solution. This system includes a WiFi smart module, a washing machine control system, a home router, a cloud server, and a mobile terminal. The WiFi smart module communicates with the washing machine control system via a serial port.

[0005] The WiFi smart module is shipped in a pre-configured state. Users bind the device to the network using a mobile app, connecting it to their home router. This registers the device with the cloud server and subscribes to service messages. Users send control commands to the washing machine via their mobile device. These commands are then sent from the cloud server to the WiFi smart module, which controls the washing machine via serial port data exchange. Conversely, the washing machine's status data can also be synchronized to the mobile app, allowing users to remotely control the washing machine and achieve data synchronization.

[0006] This intelligent operation of washing machines via mobile phone can, to some extent, solve the problem of cumbersome user setup. For example, users can set and save certain scenes on their phones, and then directly select the scene to execute the corresponding washing and care program. Furthermore, with the continuous integration of smart technologies, voice recognition, voice broadcasting, and interconnected control between smart home devices can make human-computer interaction increasingly intelligent. However, these intelligent operations still require users to configure the device for network connection, and the more intelligent the features, the more expensive the hardware costs of the product. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control method for an intelligent washing machine. The washing machine controller interacts with a mobile phone via an NFC chip, and the washing and care programs of the washing machine can be set through a mobile APP. Control commands are transmitted to the controller via the NFC chip, the status data of the washing machine during operation is obtained, and the data is uploaded to the cloud server in real time, which effectively reduces the implementation cost of intelligent control of the washing machine.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0009] This invention relates to a control method for an intelligent washing machine, comprising a control system, the control system including a washing machine device and a mobile phone terminal for issuing control commands; the washing machine device includes a controller for controlling the operation of the washing machine, the controller interacting with the mobile phone terminal via an NFC chip, and the controller detecting water quality data at the washing machine outlet via a water quality sensor;

[0010] The control system operates according to the following steps:

[0011] Stp1: When a user needs to do laundry, they can select one of the preset washing modes in the washing machine from the device list on their mobile phone, and then touch the washing machine's NFC chip with their mobile phone.

[0012] STP2: The mobile device first reads the device identification information of the washing machine's NFC chip for conformity verification. After successful verification, the washing and care process information corresponding to the selected washing mode is written to the washing machine's NFC chip.

[0013] STP3 and the washing machine's NFC chip send the washing and care process information to the washing machine's control system via a serial port, complete the setting operation of the washing machine's operating process, and then enter the washing and care program.

[0014] STP4: The washing machine controller sends the washing machine's full status data to the mobile phone via the NFC chip.

[0015] STP5: The mobile app sends the washing machine's full status data to the cloud server, which then obtains the relevant data about the washing machine during operation.

[0016] Preferably, the NFC chip of the washing machine is pre-set with specific information at the factory, which includes: washing machine device identification information and APP loading information for mobile terminal to control the washing machine.

[0017] Preferably, step Stp1, when the user interacts with the washing machine for the first time via a mobile phone, includes the following steps:

[0018] SS01. After the user brings the NFC position of their mobile phone close to the NFC chip of the washing machine, the phone will display an APP download interface to control the washing machine, prompting the user to download the relevant APP and register and log in.

[0019] SS02. After completing registration, the user turns on the NFC function on their mobile phone and touches the NFC chip on the washing machine with their mobile phone.

[0020] SS03: The mobile app will display the washing machine's control page information in the device list based on the washing machine's device identification information preset by the chip. Users can then configure the washing machine's washing and care programs through this control page.

[0021] Preferably, the washing and care process in step Stp3 includes a "stop when clothes are clean" mode, comprising the following steps:

[0022] SS11. The washing machine will start the washing program in the "Stop when clothes are clean" mode;

[0023] SS12, the water quality sensor collects the turbidity data of the water at the washing machine outlet in real time and transmits it to the controller in real time;

[0024] SS12: After the controller obtains the water turbidity data transmitted by the water quality sensor, it makes a judgment; if the turbidity of the drained water does not meet the standard, the controller controls the washing machine to continue washing and returns to step SS12.

[0025] If the turbidity of the drained water meets the standard, the controller will control the washing machine to complete the washing program.

[0026] Preferably, the data interaction process between the mobile phone and the NFC chip of the washing machine is a "read-write-read" process, including the following steps:

[0027] The mobile device first reads the device identification information of the NFC chip, then writes the control command, and finally reads the full status data of the washing machine.

[0028] The above process is completed when the mobile phone touches the washing machine's NFC chip. After completion, the washing machine's NFC chip is restored to the information preset at the factory.

[0029] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] In this invention, the washing machine controller interacts with a mobile phone via an NFC chip, allowing users to set washing and care programs through a mobile app. Control commands are transmitted to the controller via the NFC chip, and the status data of the washing machine during operation is obtained and uploaded to the cloud server in real time, effectively reducing the implementation cost of intelligent washing machine control.

[0031] Of course, any product implementing this invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a control method for an intelligent washing machine according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a system block diagram of a control system for an intelligent washing machine.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the setup process of the smart washing machine's mobile app according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] 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, and 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.

[0037] NFC is a short-range, high-frequency radio technology evolved from contactless radio frequency identification and interconnection technologies. Its basic principle is based on near-field sensing, where the field strength attenuates with distance from the antenna or radiation source, making it ideal for transmitting security-related data over short distances. In this invention, the NFC chip tag for the washing machine, besides requiring serial communication with the washing machine's electronic control unit in its circuit design, should be structurally embedded beneath the surface of the washing machine's control panel. This allows NFC-enabled mobile devices to easily touch the tag for near-field data interaction. Furthermore, the NFC chip tag will include the following functions: storing raw data, sending control command data to the washing machine's electronic control unit, and storing data information returned by the washing machine's electronic control unit.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, a control system for an intelligent washing machine includes a washing machine device and a mobile phone terminal for issuing control commands; the washing machine device includes a controller for controlling the operation of the washing machine.

[0039] The controller interacts with the mobile phone via an NFC chip. The washing machine's NFC chip is pre-loaded with specific information at the factory, including: the washing machine's device identification information and the loading information of the mobile terminal's app for controlling the washing machine. The data interaction process between the mobile phone and the washing machine's NFC chip is "read-write-read," which includes the following steps: the mobile phone first reads the device identification information of the NFC chip, then writes control commands, and finally reads the washing machine's full status data. The above process is completed when the mobile phone touches the washing machine's NFC chip. After completion, the washing machine's NFC chip is restored to the information pre-loaded at the factory.

[0040] The controller detects water quality data at the washing machine's outlet using a water quality sensor installed at the outlet. This sensor reflects the current water turbidity level. The washing machine's electronic control system can determine whether the clothes are clean based on the turbidity parameters returned by the sensor, thus creating a "stop washing when clothes are clean" effect.

[0041] Please see Figure 1 As shown, the present invention is a control method for an intelligent washing machine, comprising the following steps:

[0042] STP1: When a user needs to do laundry, they can select one of the preset washing modes in the washing machine from the device list on their mobile phone. After confirming, they can touch the washing machine's NFC chip with their mobile phone. Common washing machine washing and care modes are determined based on water consumption, spin speed, rotation mode, detergent dosage, washing time, etc. Here, users can preset and save multiple washing modes, and each washing mode will correspond to different washing and care programs.

[0043] STP2: The mobile device first reads the device identification information of the washing machine's NFC chip for conformity verification. After successful verification, the washing and care process information corresponding to the selected washing mode is written to the washing machine's NFC chip.

[0044] STP3 and the washing machine's NFC chip send the washing and care process information to the washing machine's control system via a serial port, complete the setting operation of the washing machine's operating process, and then enter the washing and care program.

[0045] STP4: The washing machine controller sends the washing machine's full status data to the mobile phone via the NFC chip.

[0046] Stp5: The mobile app sends the washing machine's full-state data to the cloud server. The cloud server obtains relevant data about the washing machine when it is being operated, including washing and care program data and washing machine operation data, including voltage, current, and motor power data. The mobile app retrieves the device's control page based on the device identification information of the washing machine's NFC tag, which requires data from the cloud server. After obtaining the washing machine's full-state data through the washing machine's NFC tag, the mobile app reports it to the cloud server. This is a summary of the data interaction between the mobile app and the cloud server in this invention. The cloud server obtains the full-state data of the washing machine's electrical control when it is under control, which can facilitate the manufacturer's user data analysis.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, step Stp1, when a user interacts with the washing machine for the first time via their mobile phone, includes the following steps:

[0048] SS01. After the user brings the NFC position of their mobile phone close to the NFC chip of the washing machine, the phone will display an APP download interface to control the washing machine, prompting the user to download the relevant APP and register and log in.

[0049] SS02. After completing registration, the user turns on the NFC function on their mobile phone and touches the NFC chip on the washing machine with their mobile phone.

[0050] SS03: The mobile app will display the washing machine's control page information in the device list based on the washing machine's device identification information preset by the chip. Users can then configure the washing machine's washing and care programs through this control page.

[0051] The above steps can also be performed by directly opening the washing machine control app and configuring the washing and care programs according to the saved washing machine settings.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the washing and care process in step Stp3 includes a "stop when clothes are clean" mode, which includes the following steps:

[0053] SS11. The washing machine will start the washing program in the "Stop when clothes are clean" mode;

[0054] SS12, the water quality sensor collects the turbidity data of the water at the washing machine outlet in real time and transmits it to the controller in real time;

[0055] SS12: After the controller obtains the water turbidity data transmitted by the water quality sensor, it makes a judgment; if the turbidity of the drained water does not meet the standard, the controller controls the washing machine to continue washing and returns to step SS12.

[0056] If the turbidity of the drained water meets the standard, the controller will control the washing machine to complete the washing program.

[0057] The system determines whether the water turbidity meets the standard by comparing the water quality parameters sent by the water quality sensor with preset parameters. By setting the "stop when clothes are clean" mode, the washing machine can dynamically control itself based on the washing results, achieving better washing performance.

[0058] It is worth noting that the various units included in the above system embodiments are only divided according to functional logic, but are not limited to the above division, as long as the corresponding functions can be achieved; in addition, the specific names of each functional unit are only for easy differentiation and are not used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0059] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware, and the corresponding program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, disk, or optical disk.

[0060] The preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention. The invention is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method for an intelligent washing machine, characterized in that, It includes a control system, which comprises a washing machine and a mobile phone for issuing control commands; The washing machine includes a controller for controlling the operation of the washing machine. The controller interacts with a mobile phone via an NFC chip and detects water quality data at the washing machine outlet via a water quality sensor. The control system operates according to the following steps: Stp1: When a user needs to do laundry, they can select one of the preset washing modes in the washing machine from the device list on their mobile phone, and then touch the washing machine's NFC chip with their mobile phone. Stp2: The mobile phone first reads the device identification information of the washing machine's NFC chip for conformity verification. After the verification is successful, the washing and care process information corresponding to the selected washing mode is written to the washing machine's NFC chip. STP3 and the washing machine's NFC chip send the washing and care process information to the washing machine's control system via a serial port, complete the setting operation of the washing machine's operating process, and then enter the washing and care program. The washing and care process includes a "stop when clothes are clean" mode, which includes the following steps: SS11. The washing machine will start the washing program in the "Stop when clothes are clean" mode; SS12, the water quality sensor collects the turbidity data of the water at the washing machine outlet in real time and transmits it to the controller in real time; SS12: After the controller obtains the water turbidity data transmitted by the water quality sensor, it makes a judgment; if the turbidity of the drained water does not meet the standard, the controller controls the washing machine to continue washing and returns to step SS12. If the turbidity of the drained water meets the standard, the controller will control the washing machine to complete the washing program. STP4: The washing machine controller sends the washing machine's full status data to the mobile phone via the NFC chip. STP5: The mobile app sends the washing machine's full status data to the cloud server, and the cloud server obtains the relevant data of the washing machine when it is being operated. The data interaction process between the mobile phone and the washing machine's NFC chip is a "read-write-read" process, including the following steps: The mobile device first reads the device identification information of the NFC chip, then writes the control command, and finally reads the full status data of the washing machine. The above process is completed when the mobile phone touches the washing machine's NFC chip. After completion, the washing machine's NFC chip is restored to the information preset at the factory.

2. The control method for an intelligent washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The NFC chip of the washing machine is pre-loaded with specific information at the factory, including: washing machine device identification information and APP loading information for mobile terminal to control the washing machine.

3. The control method for an intelligent washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, When a user interacts with the washing machine via their mobile phone for the first time in step Stp1, the following steps are included: SS01. After the user brings the NFC position of their mobile phone close to the NFC chip of the washing machine, the phone will display an APP download interface to control the washing machine, prompting the user to download the relevant APP and register and log in. SS02. After completing registration, the user turns on the NFC function on their mobile phone and touches the NFC chip on the washing machine with their mobile phone. SS03: The mobile app will display the washing machine's control page information in the device list based on the washing machine's device identification information preset by the chip. Users can then configure the washing machine's washing and care programs through this control page.

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