Control method for ultrasonic water dispenser, processor and ultrasonic water dispenser

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a control method, a processor and an ultrasonic water dispenser, and belongs to the field of electrical appliances. The ultrasonic water dispenser comprises an ultrasonic sensor, and the ultrasonic sensor comprises a plurality of ultrasonic probes. The control method for the ultrasonic water dispenser comprises the following steps: determining that the ultrasonic water dispenser is in a powered-on state; controlling a first ultrasonic probe in the plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state, wherein the number of the first ultrasonic probe is at least one; and controlling a second ultrasonic probe, which is different from the first ultrasonic probe, in the plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a dormant state. The embodiment of the application can prolong the service life of the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic water dispenser.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical appliances, and more specifically to a control method, processor, and ultrasonic water dispenser for use in an ultrasonic water dispenser. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the most important electronic component in ultrasonic water dispensers is the ultrasonic probe. The probe emits ultrasonic waves and receives the echo signals reflected back from obstacles. Therefore, it can identify whether an obstacle is a water dispenser based on the echo signal. When the obstacle is identified as a water dispenser, the ultrasonic water dispenser can automatically dispense water. However, in existing technology, ultrasonic water dispensers suffer from the problem of a typically short lifespan for the ultrasonic probe. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control method, processor, ultrasonic water dispenser, and storage medium for an ultrasonic water dispenser, in order to solve the problem of the short service life of the ultrasonic probe in existing ultrasonic water dispensers.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of the present invention provides a control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser. The ultrasonic water dispenser includes an ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic sensor including a plurality of ultrasonic probes, and the control method includes:

[0005] Make sure the ultrasonic water dispenser is powered on;

[0006] Controlling the first ultrasonic probe among a plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state, wherein the number of the first ultrasonic probes is at least one;

[0007] The second ultrasonic probe, which is other than the first ultrasonic probe, is controlled to be in a dormant state among multiple ultrasonic probes.

[0008] In this embodiment of the invention, controlling the first ultrasonic probe among a plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state includes: determining the first ultrasonic probe and its corresponding working mode according to a preset working mode table of a plurality of ultrasonic probes, wherein the working mode includes emitting sound waves and / or receiving sound waves; and controlling the first ultrasonic probe to work according to the working mode.

[0009] In this embodiment of the invention, the working mode schedule also includes the working duration corresponding to the first ultrasonic probe; controlling the working of the first ultrasonic probe according to the working mode includes controlling the working of the first ultrasonic probe according to the working mode and the working duration.

[0010] In this embodiment of the invention, controlling the first ultrasonic probe among a plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state includes: acquiring appliance status information of the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser; and controlling the first ultrasonic probe among a plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state based on the appliance status information.

[0011] In this embodiment of the invention, controlling the first ultrasonic probe among multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state according to the device status information includes: determining that the device status information is that there is no water-taking device in the water-taking area; controlling the first ultrasonic probe among multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state, wherein the number of the first ultrasonic probe is less than the number of multiple ultrasonic probes.

[0012] In this embodiment of the invention, controlling the first ultrasonic probe among multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state according to the device status information includes: determining that the device status information indicates the presence of a water-taking device in the water-taking area; and controlling the first ultrasonic probe among multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state, wherein the number of the first ultrasonic probes is equal to the number of multiple ultrasonic probes.

[0013] In this embodiment of the invention, the control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser further includes: determining that the peak amplitude of the first echo signal received by the first ultrasonic probe reaches a first preset peak amplitude within a preset time period, wherein the first preset peak amplitude is lower than the minimum peak amplitude of the echo signal corresponding to a preset water dispensing device; controlling the second ultrasonic probe to be in a working state; acquiring the second echo signal received by the second ultrasonic probe; and determining that a water dispensing device exists in the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser based on the second echo signal.

[0014] In this embodiment of the invention, determining that a water-taking device exists in the water-taking area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser based on the second echo signal includes: determining that a third echo signal exists in the second echo signal, wherein the third echo signal is an echo signal whose peak amplitude reaches the minimum peak amplitude within a preset time period; and determining that a water-taking device exists in the water-taking area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser.

[0015] In this embodiment of the invention, the control method for the ultrasonic water dispenser further includes: controlling the water output of the ultrasonic water dispenser.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention provides a processor configured to execute the above-described control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser.

[0017] A third aspect of the present invention provides an ultrasonic water dispenser, comprising: an ultrasonic sensor including a plurality of ultrasonic probes; and a processor according to the above.

[0018] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions or programs that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser as described above.

[0019] The above technical solution controls the first ultrasonic probe among multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state when the ultrasonic water dispenser is powered on, and controls the second ultrasonic probe (excluding the first ultrasonic probe) to be in sleep state. This method does not require all ultrasonic probes to be in working state, but only requires controlling some of the ultrasonic probes to be in working state and controlling the rest to be in sleep state. This reduces the working time of each ultrasonic probe, thereby extending the service life of the ultrasonic probes and thus extending the life of the ultrasonic water dispenser.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate embodiments of the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the embodiments of the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates a flow chart of a control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the operation of two ultrasonic probes in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a flow chart of a control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, a control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser is provided. The ultrasonic water dispenser includes an ultrasonic sensor, which includes multiple ultrasonic probes. Taking the application of this control method to a processor as an example, the control method may include the following steps:

[0026] Step S102: Confirm that the ultrasonic water dispenser is powered on.

[0027] Step S104: Control the first ultrasonic probe among the multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state, wherein the number of the first ultrasonic probe is at least one.

[0028] Step S106: Control the second ultrasonic probe (excluding the first ultrasonic probe) among the multiple ultrasonic probes to be in a sleep state.

[0029] It is understood that an ultrasonic sensor includes at least two ultrasonic probes. The first ultrasonic probe is the one that is in operation among multiple ultrasonic probes. The operation of an ultrasonic probe can include three states: ultrasonic probe emitting sound waves, ultrasonic probe receiving sound waves, and ultrasonic probe emitting and receiving sound waves. The number of first ultrasonic probes is at least one; it can be one, or more or more than two. Understandably, the number of first ultrasonic probes is not greater than the total number of ultrasonic probes. The second ultrasonic probe is the remaining ultrasonic probes besides the first ultrasonic probe. The sleep state, or standby state, is the non-operating state. When an ultrasonic probe is in the sleep state, it neither receives nor emits sound waves.

[0030] Specifically, when the ultrasonic water dispenser is powered on, the processor can control the first ultrasonic probe among the multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state, that is, control at least one ultrasonic probe among the multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state, and control the second ultrasonic probe among the multiple ultrasonic probes other than the first ultrasonic probe to be in sleep state.

[0031] The control method described above for ultrasonic water dispensers controls the first ultrasonic probe among multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state when the ultrasonic water dispenser is powered on, and controls the second ultrasonic probe (excluding the first ultrasonic probe) to be in sleep state. This method does not require all ultrasonic probes to be in working state; it only requires controlling some of the ultrasonic probes to be in working state and controlling the rest to be in sleep state. This reduces the working time of each ultrasonic probe, thereby extending the service life of the ultrasonic probes and thus extending the life of the ultrasonic water dispenser.

[0032] In one embodiment, controlling the first ultrasonic probe among a plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state includes: determining the first ultrasonic probe and its corresponding working mode according to a preset working mode table of a plurality of ultrasonic probes, wherein the working mode includes emitting sound waves and / or receiving sound waves; and controlling the first ultrasonic probe to work according to the working mode.

[0033] It can be understood that the working mode arrangement table for multiple ultrasonic probes is an arrangement table of the working modes of multiple ultrasonic probes. This working mode arrangement table can be preset. The working modes can include working state and sleep state. The working state can be further divided into states such as transmitting sound waves, receiving sound waves, transmitting sound waves and receiving sound waves, etc. For example, when there are 3 ultrasonic probes, the first ultrasonic probe transmits and receives sound waves, while the other two ultrasonic probes are in sleep state. At this time, the first ultrasonic probe is the first ultrasonic probe, and the working mode corresponding to the first ultrasonic probe is transmitting and receiving sound waves. The second ultrasonic probe is the other two ultrasonic probes.

[0034] Specifically, the processor can determine the first ultrasonic probe and its corresponding operating mode (e.g., emitting sound waves, receiving sound waves, or both) based on a preset operating mode table of multiple ultrasonic probes. Then, it can control the operation of the first ultrasonic probe according to this operating mode. Furthermore, the specific ultrasonic probe corresponding to the first ultrasonic probe in the operating mode table can be rotated. For example, when there are three ultrasonic probes, each of the three probes can be controlled to work in turn for one day.

[0035] In this embodiment of the application, by pre-setting a working mode schedule, the working mode of the first ultrasonic probe and the corresponding working mode of the first ultrasonic probe can be determined according to the working mode schedule, thereby realizing the rotation of working and sleeping of each ultrasonic probe, and achieving the effect of extending the working life of the ultrasonic probe.

[0036] In one embodiment, the working mode schedule also includes the working duration corresponding to the first ultrasonic probe; controlling the working of the first ultrasonic probe according to the working mode includes: controlling the working of the first ultrasonic probe according to the working mode and the working duration.

[0037] Understandably, the working time of the first ultrasonic probe can also be preset, for example, 2 hours.

[0038] Specifically, the processor can control the operation of the first ultrasonic probe according to the operating mode (e.g., emitting sound waves) and operating duration (e.g., 2 hours) corresponding to the first ultrasonic probe in the operating mode schedule. In some embodiments, the operating mode schedule can be set as follows: when there are 3 ultrasonic probes, the first ultrasonic probe in the morning can be set as the first ultrasonic probe, the first ultrasonic probe in the afternoon as the second ultrasonic probe, and the first ultrasonic probe in the evening as the third ultrasonic probe. Furthermore, the 24 hours of a day can be divided into time intervals with the same number of probes as the total number of probes, and the length of each time interval is the operating duration of each first ultrasonic probe, thereby enabling the ultrasonic probes to work in turn. In addition, the number of first ultrasonic probes and the operating duration of each first ultrasonic probe can be determined according to the frequent use time interval of the ultrasonic water dispenser. For example, if 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM is the frequent use time interval of the ultrasonic water dispenser, multiple (e.g., 2) first ultrasonic probes can be set, and the operating duration of each first ultrasonic probe can be evenly divided (e.g., 1 hour) or unevenly divided.

[0039] In this embodiment, the working time of the first ultrasonic probe can also be preset, thereby efficiently realizing the alternating operation and sleep of each ultrasonic probe, and achieving the effect of extending the overall life of multiple ultrasonic probes.

[0040] In one embodiment, controlling a first ultrasonic probe among a plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state includes: acquiring appliance status information of the water dispensing area of ​​an ultrasonic water dispenser; and controlling the first ultrasonic probe among the plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state based on the appliance status information.

[0041] It is understandable that the status information of the equipment in the water-taking area can include whether or not a water-taking equipment is present in the area. The water-taking area is located between the ultrasonic sensor and the water-receiving platform, and the water-taking equipment is a container used to collect water, such as a cup.

[0042] Specifically, before executing the step of controlling the first ultrasonic probe among multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state, the processor can first obtain the appliance status information of the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser, and then control the first ultrasonic probe among multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state according to the appliance status information. For example, the specific number of the first ultrasonic probes can be determined according to the appliance status information.

[0043] In one embodiment, controlling a first ultrasonic probe among a plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state based on appliance status information includes: determining that the appliance status information indicates there is no water-taking appliance in the water-taking area; and controlling the first ultrasonic probe among a plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state, wherein the number of the first ultrasonic probe is less than the number of the plurality of ultrasonic probes.

[0044] Specifically, when the device status information of the water intake area indicates that there are no water intake devices in the water intake area, the processor can execute the step of controlling the first ultrasonic probe among multiple ultrasonic probes to be in a working state. The number of the first ultrasonic probes is less than the number of the multiple ultrasonic probes; that is, when there are no water intake devices in the water intake area, at least one ultrasonic probe among the multiple ultrasonic probes is in a dormant state, and at least one ultrasonic probe is in a working state. Understandably, when the number of the first ultrasonic probes is determined, the number of the second ultrasonic probes can also be determined accordingly, that is, the total number of ultrasonic probes minus the number of the first ultrasonic probes.

[0045] In one embodiment, controlling a first ultrasonic probe among a plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state based on appliance status information includes: determining that the appliance status information indicates the presence of a water-taking appliance in the water-taking area; and controlling a first ultrasonic probe among a plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state, wherein the number of first ultrasonic probes is equal to the number of the plurality of ultrasonic probes.

[0046] Specifically, when the device status information of the water-taking area indicates the presence of a water-taking device, the processor can control the first ultrasonic probe among multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working condition. The number of first ultrasonic probes equals the number of multiple ultrasonic probes. In other words, when a water-taking device is present in the water-taking area, the processor can control all multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working condition. This prevents inaccurate echo signals caused by the different placement of the water-taking device when only some probes are working, thus improving the water-stopping accuracy of the ultrasonic water dispenser and achieving precise water shut-off. Understandably, when the number of first ultrasonic probes equals the number of multiple ultrasonic probes, the number of second ultrasonic probes is zero.

[0047] In this embodiment, when there is no water-taking device in the water-taking area, the control part of the ultrasonic probe is in a dormant state; when there is a water-taking device in the water-taking area, all ultrasonic probes are in a working state. The specific number of the first ultrasonic probe is determined according to the device status information of the water-taking area. This can improve the service life of the ultrasonic probes and ensure the water shut-off accuracy of the ultrasonic water dispenser.

[0048] In some embodiments, the processor can control at least one ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic sensor to emit ultrasonic signals and receive echo signals, thereby determining the presence of a water dispenser in the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser based on the echo signals. For example, when the peak amplitude of the echo signal reaches a preset echo signal threshold corresponding to a water dispensing device, it can be determined that a water dispensing device exists in the water dispensing area. In some embodiments, the presence or absence of a water dispensing device in the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser can also be determined by an image acquisition device (e.g., a camera). In other embodiments, the presence or absence of a water dispensing device in the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser can also be determined by acquiring user-inputted water dispensing device information. For example, when the water dispensing device is near the water dispensing area, the user can input a command on the control panel to bring the water dispensing device to the water dispensing area; when the water dispensing device leaves the water dispensing area, the user can input a command on the control panel to leave the water dispensing area.

[0049] In one embodiment, after determining that there is no water-taking device in the water-taking area and controlling the first ultrasonic probe among multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state, the method further includes: determining that the peak amplitude of the first echo signal received by the first ultrasonic probe reaches a first preset peak amplitude within a preset time period, wherein the first preset peak amplitude is lower than the minimum peak amplitude of the echo signal corresponding to a preset water-taking device; controlling the second ultrasonic probe to be in working state; acquiring the second echo signal received by the second ultrasonic probe; and determining that there is a water-taking device in the water-taking area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser based on the second echo signal.

[0050] It can be understood that the first preset peak amplitude is the peak amplitude that is less than the minimum peak amplitude, and the minimum peak amplitude is the peak amplitude of the echo signal corresponding to the water dispensing device. The first echo signal is the echo signal received by the first ultrasonic probe. The second echo signal is the echo signal received by the second ultrasonic probe. The preset time range is the time range corresponding to the echo signal of the water dispensing area of ​​the water dispenser, i.e., the effective time range.

[0051] Specifically, after the processor controls the second ultrasonic probe to be in a sleep state, it can acquire the first echo signal received by the first ultrasonic probe and compare the peak amplitude of the first echo signal in a preset time area with a first preset peak amplitude (which is lower than the minimum peak amplitude of the echo signal corresponding to a preset water dispensing device). If the peak amplitude reaches the first preset peak amplitude, it indicates that the ultrasonic water dispenser has reached the initial triggering condition. Then, it can control the state of the second ultrasonic probe to switch from the sleep state to the working state, acquire the second echo signal received by the second ultrasonic probe, and determine the presence of a water dispensing device in the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser based on the second echo signal.

[0052] In this embodiment, when the second ultrasonic probe is in a dormant state, an initial trigger condition is set. When the echo signal received by the first ultrasonic probe in the working state reaches the initial trigger condition, the second ultrasonic probe is controlled to switch from the dormant state to the working state. This enables accurate identification of the water dispensing device. With all ultrasonic probes in the working state, the ultrasonic water dispenser can accurately dispense and stop water. Furthermore, when the water dispensing device leaves the water dispensing area, i.e., when there is no water dispensing device in the water dispensing area, the system can return to the state where the first ultrasonic probe is working and the second ultrasonic probe is dormant, thereby extending the service life of the ultrasonic water dispenser.

[0053] In one embodiment, determining that a water dispenser is present in the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser based on the second echo signal includes: determining that a third echo signal exists in the second echo signal, wherein the third echo signal is an echo signal whose peak amplitude reaches the minimum peak amplitude within a preset time period; and determining that a water dispensing device is present in the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser.

[0054] It can be understood that the third echo signal is the echo signal in the second echo signal whose peak amplitude reaches the minimum peak amplitude of the echo signal corresponding to the preset water intake device.

[0055] Specifically, when a third echo signal exists in the second echo signal, that is, when an echo signal with the minimum peak amplitude exists in the second echo signal, the processor can determine that a water-taking device exists in the water-taking area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser.

[0056] In this embodiment, since there may be a certain positional deviation between the water-taking device and the first ultrasonic probe, the second ultrasonic probe can be controlled to be in working state after the initial triggering condition is reached. When there is an echo signal in the echo signal received by the second ultrasonic probe where the peak amplitude reaches the minimum peak amplitude within a preset time range, it can be determined that there is a water-taking device in the water-taking area, thereby achieving accurate identification of the water-taking device.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first ultrasonic probe among a plurality of ultrasonic probes can be rotated, meaning the specific first ultrasonic probe among the plurality of ultrasonic probes can be changed at preset time intervals to achieve state switching between the plurality of ultrasonic probes. For example, during a first preset time interval, the first ultrasonic probe among the plurality of ultrasonic probes (e.g., the leftmost or rightmost ultrasonic probe) can be controlled as the first ultrasonic probe; during a second preset time interval, the second ultrasonic probe among the plurality of ultrasonic probes (e.g., the ultrasonic probe closer to the leftmost or rightmost) can be controlled as the first ultrasonic probe, and so on.

[0058] In one embodiment, after determining that the appliance status information indicates the presence of a water-taking appliance in the water-taking area and controlling the first ultrasonic probe among multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working condition, the method further includes: controlling the ultrasonic water dispenser to dispense water.

[0059] Understandably, when there are water dispensers in the water dispensing area, the processor can control the ultrasonic water dispenser to dispense water after controlling multiple ultrasonic probes to be in working state.

[0060] In one embodiment, controlling the water dispensing of an ultrasonic water dispenser includes: acquiring height information of the water dispensing device; and controlling the water dispensing of the ultrasonic water dispenser based on the height information.

[0061] Specifically, the processor can first obtain the height information of the water dispenser, and then control the water dispensing of the ultrasonic water dispenser according to the height information. For example, it can control the water dispensing time of the ultrasonic water dispenser according to the level of the height of the water dispenser, or it can calculate according to the height of the water dispenser to determine the time when the ultrasonic water dispenser automatically stops dispensing water.

[0062] In one embodiment, obtaining the height information of a water-collecting device includes: acquiring echo signals received by multiple ultrasonic probes; and determining the height information of the water-collecting device based on the echo signals.

[0063] Specifically, the processor can acquire echo signals received by multiple ultrasonic probes. Typically, the echo signal corresponding to the height of the water-collecting device is the echo signal corresponding to the first peak within a preset time period. Therefore, it can be determined that the echo signal corresponding to the first peak within the preset time period is the echo signal corresponding to the height of the water-collecting device. Then, the height information of the water-collecting device can be determined based on the time information of the echo signal.

[0064] The most crucial core electronic component of an ultrasonic water dispenser is the ultrasonic transmitter, which emits sound waves through vibration and reflects these signals when it encounters an obstacle. Due to current manufacturing technology, its normal mechanical lifespan is generally only 3000 hours, equivalent to 125 days. This limitation makes it unsuitable for product applications. Electronic products typically have a warranty period of one year or more, with some requiring warranties of five years or more. Therefore, the primary challenge in using ultrasonic sensors in electronic products is addressing the lifespan issue of the ultrasonic sensor itself.

[0065] Ultrasonic sensors are also used in cleaning and medical fields, but the biggest difference between them and water dispensers is that the ultrasonic sensors in water dispensers need to be constantly working to detect the cup. In cleaning and medical applications, however, the sensors only operate during use, not 24 / 7. Therefore, the lifespan of ultrasonic sensors is not a bottleneck in other applications; that is, other fields are not concerned about this issue. However, ultrasonic water dispensers must address the lifespan problem of their ultrasonic sensors.

[0066] This invention utilizes multiple ultrasonic probes to further extend the lifespan of the ultrasonic probes, thereby improving the lifespan of the ultrasonic sensor. In current multi-probe solutions, by employing a control method that alternates between operation and sleep mode, the lifespan is extended by N times (the total number of ultrasonic probes).

[0067] A specific method could be to take N=2, such as... Figure 2 As shown, there are two ultrasonic probes at this time. Figure 2 The system consists of T1 and T2. Because an ultrasonic sensor is a transceiver device, meaning it can both emit and receive sound waves, or emit or receive sound waves individually, the two probes can be combined in six ways as shown in Table 1 (i.e., the working mode arrangement table).

[0068] Table 1. Dual-probe working mode combination table

[0069]

[0070] Modes 1, 2, 4, and 5 represent the normal and commonly used operating modes, while modes 3 and 6 are extended modes, which generally negatively impact user experience because only a single probe operates, potentially failing to detect the presence of a cup. Therefore, these two operating modes are typically not used. The core method of this invention is to find a way to balance the performance of the ultrasonic sensor with extending the probe's lifespan.

[0071] First, during normal operation, i.e., when dispensing water, any one of the working modes 1, 2, 4, or 5 is used. Once the water is full, it switches to working mode 3 or 6. This allows one of the two probes to go into sleep mode, thus extending its lifespan. Furthermore, considering that a single working mode 3 or 6 might fail to detect the cup, a working mode 7 can be added, which cycles between working modes 3 and 6 for a certain period of time 't'. The time 't' should be selected without affecting the user experience, thus effectively doubling the original lifespan.

[0072] The specific implementation method of the control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser provided in this embodiment of the invention may include: 1. Initializing the ultrasonic module and waiting for the cup to stop dispensing water. 2. Waiting for the cup to be removed and entering standby mode. 3. Entering working mode 7 until a cup is detected entering again. 4. Returning to step 2 and repeating the cycle.

[0073] The control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser provided in this invention can improve the mechanical life of the ultrasonic probes by controlling the working modes of multiple ultrasonic probes, thus extending their service life to meet the service life requirements of the ultrasonic water dispenser. Without affecting the user experience, the lifespan of the ultrasonic water dispenser can be extended simply through logic control.

[0074] This invention provides a processor configured to execute the control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser according to the above embodiments.

[0075] This invention provides an ultrasonic water dispenser, comprising: an ultrasonic sensor including a plurality of ultrasonic probes; and a processor according to the above embodiments.

[0076] This invention provides a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions or programs that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser according to the above embodiments.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0078] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0079] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0080] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0081] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0082] Memory may include non-persistent memory in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0083] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0084] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0085] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser, characterized in that, The ultrasonic water dispenser includes an ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic sensor includes multiple ultrasonic probes, and the control method includes: Ensure that the ultrasonic water dispenser is powered on; The first ultrasonic probe among the plurality of ultrasonic probes is controlled to be in a working state, wherein the number of the first ultrasonic probe is at least one; The second ultrasonic probe, excluding the first ultrasonic probe, is controlled to be in a sleep state among the plurality of ultrasonic probes. The step of controlling the first ultrasonic probe among the plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state includes: acquiring appliance status information of the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser; and controlling the first ultrasonic probe among the plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state based on the appliance status information. The step of controlling the first ultrasonic probe among the plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state based on the device status information includes: determining that the device status information indicates that there is no water-taking device in the water-taking area; controlling the first ultrasonic probe among the plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state, wherein the number of the first ultrasonic probes is less than the number of the plurality of ultrasonic probes; determining that the device status information indicates that there is a water-taking device in the water-taking area; and controlling the first ultrasonic probe among the plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state, wherein the number of the first ultrasonic probes is equal to the number of the plurality of ultrasonic probes.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Controlling the first ultrasonic probe among the plurality of ultrasonic probes to be in a working state includes: According to the preset working mode table of the plurality of ultrasonic probes, the first ultrasonic probe and its corresponding working mode are determined, wherein the working mode includes emitting sound waves and / or receiving sound waves. The first ultrasonic probe is controlled to operate according to the operating mode.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The working mode schedule also includes the working duration corresponding to the first ultrasonic probe; the step of controlling the first ultrasonic probe to work according to the working mode includes: The first ultrasonic probe is controlled to operate according to the operating mode and the operating duration.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes: The peak amplitude of the first echo signal received by the first ultrasonic probe within a preset time period is determined to reach a first preset peak amplitude, wherein the first preset peak amplitude is lower than the minimum peak amplitude of the echo signal corresponding to the preset water sampling device. Control the second ultrasonic probe to be in working condition; Acquire the second echo signal received by the second ultrasonic probe; The presence of a water dispenser in the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser is determined based on the second echo signal.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of determining the presence of a water dispenser in the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser based on the second echo signal includes: It is determined that a third echo signal exists in the second echo signal, wherein the third echo signal is an echo signal whose peak amplitude reaches the minimum peak amplitude within the preset time region; It was determined that a water dispensing device existed in the water dispensing area of ​​the ultrasonic water dispenser.

6. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes: Control the water output of the ultrasonic water dispenser.

7. A processor, characterized in that, It is configured to perform the control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An ultrasonic water dispenser, characterized in that, include: An ultrasonic sensor, comprising multiple ultrasonic probes; and The processor according to claim 7.

9. A machine-readable storage medium having instructions or programs stored thereon, characterized in that, When the instructions or program are executed by the processor, the processor causes the processor to perform the control method for an ultrasonic water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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