Control method for a washing apparatus and washing apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of control method for washing equipment.The washing equipment includes external image recognition device, the control method for washing equipment includes: before washing procedure starts, obtain predetermined portrait;When washing procedure ends, control washing equipment to issue first prompt;After washing equipment issues first prompt, when being washed object is not taken out after first predetermined time elapses, the portrait of the surroundings of washing equipment is obtained in real time by external image recognition device, and the portrait is compared with predetermined portrait;When the portrait is identical with predetermined portrait, control washing equipment to issue second prompt.The purpose is to solve the problem that the prompt object is not accurate and disturbs normal life of user in the re-prompt of washing equipment in prior art after washing procedure ends.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing equipment, and specifically provides a control method for washing equipment and washing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines, dishwashers, and other laundry appliances are common household appliances that bring great convenience to people's lives. Washing times typically range from 10 to 120 minutes, so users often start the program and then go about their other tasks. Therefore, washing machines usually emit a beep or light when the wash cycle ends to alert the user and prompt them to remove the laundry and air-dry it or place it in a dry place to prevent bacterial growth from prolonged exposure to the damp washing chamber.

[0003] When users are busy with something they can't easily leave, the prompts from the washing machine are often ignored, leading to forgetting to remove the laundry even when free time comes later. Therefore, existing technology provides a solution to this problem: after the washing cycle ends, a prompt is issued to the user again when certain conditions are met. For example, Chinese invention patent CN105696243B discloses a washing machine and a washing machine control method. This washing machine control method includes: (1) starting the washing cycle; (2) after the washing cycle ends, entering a standby state, determining if there are clothes in the washing tub; if so, proceeding to step (3); otherwise, maintaining the standby state; (3) detecting if a target user is approaching the washing machine; if so, issuing a prompt command; otherwise, maintaining the standby state. In short, when it detects that there are clothes in the washing tub after the washing cycle ends and a target user is approaching the washing machine, the washing machine issues a prompt command, reducing the chance of clothes not being dried. However, this washing machine control method can only determine if someone is approaching, but cannot determine if the approaching person is a suitable person to retrieve the clothes. If the person approaching is not the appropriate person to retrieve the clothes, the washing machine's frequent alerts can disrupt the user's life.

[0004] Therefore, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problem in existing laundry appliances where the prompts after a washing cycle are inaccurate and disrupt users' daily lives, this invention provides a control method for a laundry appliance. The laundry appliance includes an external image recognition device, and the control method includes: acquiring a predetermined human image before the washing cycle begins; controlling the laundry appliance to issue a first prompt when the washing cycle ends; after the first prompt, if the laundry item has not been removed after a first predetermined time, acquiring human images of the surrounding area of ​​the laundry appliance in real time via the external image recognition device and comparing these images with the predetermined human image; and controlling the laundry appliance to issue a second prompt when the human image matches the predetermined human image.

[0006] The control method of this invention acquires a predetermined human image before the washing program begins, in order to set a suitable person to remove the laundry and prepare for a precise second reminder after the washing program ends. When the washing program ends, the washing equipment issues a first reminder. The first reminder is issued immediately after the washing program ends, indicating that the washing program has ended and the user can remove the laundry. If the laundry has not been removed after a first predetermined time has elapsed after the washing equipment issues the first reminder, it indicates that the user is busy or has forgotten that the washing program has ended. In this case, it is necessary to remind the user to remove the laundry in time to prevent the laundry from being stored in the washing equipment for a long time, which could lead to bacterial growth in the humid environment and affect the washing effect. An external image recognition device acquires human images around the washing equipment in real time and compares these images with predetermined human images to accurately identify whether the person near the washing equipment is the appropriate person to remove the laundry. When the image of a person matches the predetermined image, it indicates that the person approaching the washing machine is the appropriate person to retrieve the items being washed. Therefore, the washing machine issues a second notification, indicating that the washing process has ended. Conversely, when the image of a person differs from the predetermined image, it indicates that the person approaching the washing machine is not the appropriate person to retrieve the items being washed. Therefore, no second notification is issued to avoid disturbing the user's peace and quiet. This configuration minimizes the disruption to the user's peace and quiet caused by notifications from the washing machine.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the above-described laundry equipment, the predetermined human image is configured as a first human image of the person placing items to be washed in the laundry equipment. With this configuration, the control method of the present invention can be applied to public laundry equipment located in public spaces. A characteristic of public laundry equipment is that users are not fixed; by recording the first human image, a second prompt is only issued when the first human image matches the first human image, thus preventing other people living in the same public space from accidentally triggering the second prompt.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned washing equipment, the step of acquiring the first image includes: acquiring the image of the holder of the predetermined item in real time and acquiring the state inside the washing equipment in real time after the holder of the predetermined item appears nearby; the predetermined item is the item to be washed or a container for holding the item to be washed; when the item to be washed held by the holder is placed into the washing equipment, the image of the holder is set as the first image. By setting the predetermined item, the washing equipment can easily identify potential individuals who will place the item to be washed into the washing equipment. When the holder of the predetermined item appears nearby, it indicates that they may place the item to be washed into the washing equipment, thus the state inside the washing equipment is acquired in real time. When the item to be washed is placed into the washing equipment, it indicates that the holder of the predetermined item near the washing equipment is the one who placed the item to be washed into the washing equipment. Therefore, acquiring the image of the holder of the predetermined item as the first image allows for accurate prompting after the washing process is completed.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned washing equipment, the washing equipment further includes an internal image recognition device, and the washing equipment acquires the status inside the washing equipment in real time through the internal recognition device. By setting up the internal image recognition device, the washing equipment can obtain the appearance features such as color and shape of the items placed in the washing equipment for washing, so as to compare them with the appearance features such as color and shape of the predetermined items acquired by the external image recognition device, thereby improving the accuracy of obtaining the first image. This avoids errors in setting the first image when multiple people holding predetermined items appear around the washing equipment simultaneously.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the washing equipment described above, the item to be washed is clothing. The clothing has relatively distinct color characteristics, making it easy for an external image recognition device to detect the person holding the clothing. With the above configuration, the control method of the present invention can be used in a washing machine to prompt the user to retrieve the clothing promptly after the washing cycle is complete.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the above-described laundry equipment, the predetermined human image is configured as a second human image that can be pre-stored. By pre-stored the second human image, the control method of the present invention can be applied to laundry equipment with one or more fixed users. For example, in a household laundry equipment, where the fixed users are family members or cleaning staff, by pre-stored their human images, each fixed user can trigger a second prompt so that they are promptly notified to retrieve the laundry, preventing accidental triggering of the second prompt by visitors or other non-fixed users.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned washing equipment, the control method further includes: when the washing equipment issues a first prompt, and if no image matching the predetermined image is acquired within a second predetermined time, the washing equipment issues a third prompt. The second prompt requires a suitable object to be removed from the washing equipment; however, if the user does not approach, the washing equipment cannot prompt the user to remove the item in a timely manner. When the user does not approach the washing equipment, to prevent the item from remaining in a damp environment inside the washing equipment for an extended period, a third prompt is provided to remind the user to remove the item again.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the washing equipment described above, the second prompt includes an audible prompt and / or a visual prompt emitted by the washing equipment. With this configuration, the audible and / or visual prompts are sufficient to attract the user's attention when the user approaches the washing equipment.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the control method for the washing equipment described above, the washing equipment and the mobile terminal form a communication connection. The control method further includes: a first prompt including at least one of an audio prompt and a light prompt issued by the washing equipment and a message prompt issued by the mobile terminal; a third prompt including at least one of an audio prompt and a light prompt and a message prompt. The first prompt is configured to be issued by both the washing equipment and the mobile terminal, so that the user can know that the washing program has ended regardless of whether the user is near or far from the washing equipment; the third prompt is also configured to be issued by both the washing equipment and the mobile terminal, so that if the second prompt is never triggered, the user who is likely far away from the washing equipment is not notified that the washing program has ended.

[0015] To address the problem in existing washing machines where the prompts after a washing cycle are inaccurate and disrupt the user's daily life, this invention provides a washing machine. The washing machine includes an image recognition device and uses the control method described above to issue prompts to the user. With this configuration, the washing machine of this invention can accurately identify whether a person appearing near the washing machine is the appropriate person to retrieve the items being washed, minimizing disruption to the user's daily life. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the control method for washing equipment according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the control method for washing equipment according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the control method for washing equipment according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "set" and "connected" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the control method for washing equipment according to the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, to address the problem in existing washing machines where the prompts after a washing cycle are inaccurate and disrupt the user's daily life, this invention provides a control method for a washing machine. The washing machine includes an external image recognition device, and the control method includes: Step S100: Before the washing cycle begins, a predetermined human image is acquired; Step S200: When the washing cycle ends, the washing machine is controlled to issue a first prompt; Step S300: After the washing machine issues the first prompt, if the laundry is not removed after a first predetermined time, human images around the washing machine are acquired in real-time using the external image recognition device, and compared with the predetermined human image; Step S400: When the human image matches the predetermined human image, the washing machine is controlled to issue a second prompt.

[0023] Below, based on Figures 2-3 The present invention provides a detailed description of the control method for washing equipment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of the first embodiment of the control method for washing equipment according to the present invention. Figure 2As shown, when the control method for the washing equipment in this embodiment starts, step S111 is executed first. That is, when the holder of the predetermined item appears around the washing equipment, the image of the holder of the predetermined item is acquired in real time, and the state inside the washing equipment is acquired in real time. Specifically, acquiring the image of the holder of the predetermined item in real time includes acquiring information about the predetermined item held by the holder, such as color, material, shape, and volume. Acquiring the state inside the washing equipment in real time includes acquiring information about the items located in the washing equipment, such as color, material, shape, and volume. Then, it is determined whether the item to be washed held by the holder has been placed inside the washing equipment (i.e., step S112). That is, the information about the items in the washing equipment acquired in real time is compared with the information about the predetermined item held by the holder. If the two are at least partially consistent, it is determined that the item to be washed held by the holder has been placed inside the washing equipment. In one or more embodiments, the predetermined item is an item that can be directly washed, such as clothes or bowls. Alternatively, the predetermined item can also be configured as a basket or basin for holding clothes or bowls waiting to be washed. In one or more embodiments, the area around the washing equipment is within the field of view of an external image recognition device installed on the washing equipment. Alternatively, the area surrounding the washing equipment can be configured to be another suitable area within the visible range, such as a designated room. In one or more embodiments, the washing equipment acquires the state within the washing equipment through an internal image recognition device disposed within the equipment. Taking a washing machine as an example, the internal image recognition device is disposed inside the washing machine's drum to acquire images of the clothes inside the drum, thereby determining relevant information about the clothes based on the images. The internal image recognition device can determine whether items to be washed have been placed inside the washing equipment based on changes in color, shape, etc., within the equipment. When multiple people with pre-ordered items approach the washing equipment, and the pre-ordered items are washable, the washing equipment can accurately identify which person placed the item into the equipment by comparing the shape and color of the pre-ordered items acquired by the external image recognition device with the shape and color of the item to be washed acquired by the internal image recognition device. Similarly, when multiple people with pre-ordered items approach the washing equipment, and the pre-ordered items are containers, the washing equipment can also accurately identify which person placed the item into the equipment by comparing the volume of the container acquired by the external image recognition device with the volume of the item to be washed acquired by the internal image recognition device. Alternatively, the washing equipment uses a gravity sensor installed inside the equipment to obtain the internal state of the equipment.

[0025] After executing step S112, if the determination result is negative, meaning no predetermined item has been placed in the washing equipment, it indicates that no holder of the predetermined item has appeared, or although the holder of the predetermined item has appeared, the holder has not placed the item to be washed into the washing equipment; in other words, the holder has not used the washing equipment. In this case, step S111 is repeated. If the determination result is positive, meaning the holder of the predetermined item has placed the item to be washed into the washing equipment, step S113 is executed, that is, the image of the holder of the predetermined item is set as the first image.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the washing program of the washing device is manually started by the user. Alternatively, the washing program can also be configured to start on a timer. When the washing program ends, the washing device issues a first notification (i.e., step S200). In one or more embodiments, the washing device establishes a communication connection with the user's mobile terminal. The first notification is configured to have the washing device itself emit a notification sound (e.g., a buzzer) and / or flash a light, while simultaneously sending a message notification via the mobile terminal, so that the user can know whether the washing program has ended regardless of whether they are near the washing device. Alternatively, the message notification on the mobile terminal can also be canceled.

[0027] Continue reading Figure 2 After the washing device issues its first prompt, step S311 is executed, which involves determining whether the item being washed has been removed after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the first prompt. In one or more embodiments, the first predetermined time is configured to be 30 minutes to allow time for the user to remove the item, during which time the user is not prompted again to avoid disturbing their normal life. Alternatively, the first predetermined time can also be configured to other suitable times that are greater than 30 minutes and less than 120 minutes. If the determination result is yes, meaning the item being washed has been removed, it means there is no need to prompt the user again, and the control method ends. If the determination result is no, meaning the item being washed has not been removed, it means the user may be busy with other things or have forgotten that the washing program has ended, and step S312 is executed, which involves acquiring images of people around the washing device in real time.

[0028] Continue reading Figure 2In one or more embodiments, after executing step S312, it is determined whether a second predetermined time has elapsed since the washing device issued the first prompt (i.e., step S313). When a user does not approach the washing device for a long time, they are likely busy with other things. By setting the second predetermined time, sufficient time is reserved for the user to handle their affairs, without disturbing the user during the second predetermined time. In one or more embodiments, the second predetermined time is configured as 4 hours. Taking a washing machine as an example, clothes left inside the washing machine for more than 4 hours are prone to developing odors and deepening wrinkles, affecting the washing effect of the washing machine. Alternatively, the second predetermined time can also be configured as other suitable times that are greater than 4 hours and less than 8 hours.

[0029] If the determination result is negative, meaning that the second predetermined time has not elapsed since the washing machine issued the first prompt, then step S314 is executed, which determines whether the image of a person appearing around the washing equipment is the same as the first image. If the determination result is negative, meaning that the image of a person appearing around the washing equipment is different from the first image, it indicates that the person appearing around the washing equipment is not a suitable person to remove the laundry, and then step S312 is repeated. If the determination result is positive, meaning that the image of a person appearing around the washing equipment is the same as the first image, it indicates that the person to be placed in the washing equipment has appeared, and then the washing equipment is controlled to issue a second prompt (i.e., step S410). In one or more embodiments, the second prompt is configured to have the washing equipment emit a prompt sound and / or flash a light, without needing to issue a message prompt to the user near the washing equipment via a mobile terminal, to avoid excessive prompting. When step S410 is completed, the control method ends.

[0030] If the determination result of step S313 is yes, meaning that a second predetermined time has elapsed since the washing device issued the first prompt, indicating that the user has not approached the washing device and an additional prompt is needed, then step S510 is executed, i.e., the washing device is controlled to issue a third prompt. In one or more embodiments, the third prompt is configured to have the washing device itself emit a prompt sound (e.g., a buzzer) and / or flashing lights, while simultaneously sending a message prompt via a mobile terminal. Therefore, regardless of whether the user is near the washing device, they can know whether the washing program has ended. The control method ends after step S510 is completed.

[0031] In alternative embodiments, steps S313 and S510 may also be omitted.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a second embodiment of the control method for washing equipment according to the present invention. Figure 3As shown, when the control method for the washing equipment in this embodiment starts, step S121 is executed first, that is, the pre-stored second image is acquired. The second image can be an image of a family member who can safely use the washing equipment, such as a child over 12 years old and an adult in the family, or an image of a professional cleaning staff member.

[0033] When the washing program ends, the washing device issues a first notification (i.e., step S200). After the washing device issues the first notification, step S321 is executed, which involves determining whether the washed item has been removed after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the first notification. If the determination result is yes, meaning the washed item has been removed, it indicates that there is no need to notify the user again, and the control method ends. If the determination result is no, meaning the washed item has not been removed, it indicates that the user may be busy with other things or have forgotten that the washing program has ended, and step S322 is executed, which involves acquiring images of people around the washing device in real time.

[0034] Continue reading Figure 3 In one or more embodiments, after executing step S322, it is determined whether a second predetermined time has elapsed since the washing device issued the first prompt (i.e., step S323).

[0035] If the judgment result is negative, meaning the second predetermined time has not elapsed since the washing machine issued the first prompt, then step S324 is executed, which determines whether the image of the person appearing around the washing equipment is the same as the second image. If the judgment result is negative, meaning the image of the person appearing around the washing equipment is different from the second image, it indicates that the person appearing around the washing equipment is not a pre-set fixed user of the washing equipment, and then step S322 is repeated. If the judgment result is positive, meaning the image of the person appearing around the washing equipment is the same as the second image, it indicates that the preset suitable person to retrieve the items to be washed has appeared, and then the washing equipment is controlled to issue a second prompt (i.e., step S420). When step S420 is completed, the control method ends.

[0036] If the judgment result of step S323 is yes, meaning that a second predetermined time has elapsed since the washing device issued the first prompt, indicating that the user has not approached the washing device and an additional prompt is needed, then step S520 is executed, i.e., the washing device is controlled to issue a third prompt. The control method ends after step S520 is completed. In an alternative embodiment, steps S323 and S520 can also be omitted.

[0037] It should be noted that the parts not mentioned in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0038] The present invention also provides a washing device that includes an external image recognition device and uses the aforementioned control method for washing devices to issue prompts to the user. This washing device may be, but is not limited to, a washing machine, a dishwasher, a washer-dryer combo, etc.

[0039] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for washing equipment, characterized in that, The washing equipment includes an external image recognition device, and the control method includes: Before the washing process begins, a predetermined human image is acquired, wherein the predetermined human image is configured as a first image of a person who places items to be washed in the washing equipment; When the washing program ends, the washing device will issue a first notification. After the washing equipment issues the first prompt, if the items to be washed are not removed after a first predetermined time, the external image recognition device acquires images of people around the washing equipment in real time and compares the images with the predetermined images. When the portrait matches the predetermined portrait, the washing device is controlled to issue a second prompt. The steps for obtaining the first portrait include: When the holder of the pre-ordered item appears in the vicinity, the image of the holder is captured in real time and the status inside the washing equipment is captured in real time. The pre-ordered item is the item to be washed or a container for holding the item to be washed. When the item to be washed, held by the holder, is placed into the washing equipment, the holder's image is set to the first image.

2. The control method for washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing equipment also includes an internal image recognition device, and the washing equipment obtains the status inside the washing equipment in real time through the internal image recognition device.

3. The control method for washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The items to be washed are clothes.

4. The control method for washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes: If the washing device issues the first prompt and fails to acquire a human image identical to the predetermined human image within a second predetermined time, the washing device is controlled to issue a third prompt.

5. The control method for washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second prompt includes an audible prompt and / or visual prompt from the washing device.

6. The control method for washing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The washing device establishes a communication connection with the mobile terminal, and the control method further includes: The first prompt includes at least one of the sound prompt and light prompt emitted by the washing device and a message prompt emitted by the mobile terminal; The third prompt includes at least one of the sound prompt and the light prompt, and the message prompt.

7. A washing device, characterized in that, The washing equipment includes an image recognition device, and the washing equipment uses the control method for washing equipment according to any one of claims 1-6 to issue prompts to the user.

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