Household appliance and operation method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance and an action method thereof. A home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first circuit unit having a first processor for load control or safety control; and a second circuit unit connected to the first circuit unit in a wired or wireless manner, the second circuit unit having a second processor that controls the operation mode on the basis of the operating system and performs an upgrade on the basis of upgrade information received from an external server or a mobile terminal. As a result, it is possible to efficiently perform an upgrade of the operation mode by separating the load control from the operation mode control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a home appliance, and more particularly, to a home appliance capable of efficiently performing an upgrade of an operation mode by separating load control and operation mode control, and an operating method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Household appliances can be electrical devices used in the home, such as washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners.

[0003] As functions of home appliances become more complex, various functions are added to the home appliances, and for this, a function of updating data by downloading data from an external server or the like is required.

[0004] However, since load control data, safety control data, firmware data, application data, etc. are mixed in the same memory in the home appliance, there is a disadvantage that the update cannot be performed efficiently. In addition, there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to perform the upgrade of new functions. Summary of the invention

[0005] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a home appliance and an operating method thereof that can efficiently perform an upgrade of an operation mode by separating load control and operation mode control.

[0007] On the other hand, another object of the present invention is to provide a household appliance and an operating method thereof that can efficiently perform firmware update or operation mode upgrade by separating load control driven by firmware and operation mode control executed by an operating system.

[0008] On the other hand, another object of the present invention is to provide a home appliance and an operating method thereof that can operate various types of home appliances based on a common platform.

[0009] On the other hand, another object of the present invention is to provide a home appliance and an operating method thereof that can efficiently perform updating or upgrading by applying a common platform to the home appliance.

[0010] Technical solutions to the problem

[0011] A household appliance of one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes: a first circuit unit, having a first processor for load control or safety control; and a second circuit unit, connected to the first circuit unit in a wired or wireless manner, having a second processor that controls the operation mode based on an operating system and performs upgrades based on upgrade information received from an external server or mobile terminal.

[0012] On the other hand, the household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a third circuit unit having a third processor for controlling a light emitting diode or a display unit.

[0013] On the other hand, the second processor may execute an operating system, run a framework on the operating system, and run system applications, applications related to the operation mode, or downloaded applications on the framework.

[0014] On the other hand, a portion of the operating system and the framework may correspond to a common platform.

[0015] On the other hand, another part of the framework as well as system applications, operation mode-related applications, and downloaded applications may correspond to a variable platform.

[0016] On the other hand, the operating system may be commonly executed in other types of home appliances.

[0017] On the other hand, the operating system or framework may be updated based on firmware update information received from a server or a mobile terminal, and system applications, operation mode-related applications, or downloaded applications may be updated based on software update information received from a server or a mobile terminal.

[0018] On the other hand, the update information is received from an external server or mobile terminal, and the reception interval of the software update information received from the server or mobile terminal is preferably shorter than the reception interval of the firmware update information.

[0019] On the other hand, the software update interval of the second circuit unit is preferably smaller than the firmware update interval of the first circuit unit.

[0020] On the other hand, the first circuit unit may be updated based on firmware update information received from a server or a mobile terminal, and the second circuit unit may be updated based on firmware update information or software update information received from a server or a mobile terminal.

[0021] On the other hand, the second processor may control so that the update of the operating system and the update of the firmware of the first circuit unit are independently performed.

[0022] On the other hand, when update data of the operating system and firmware update data of the first circuit unit are received, the firmware of the first circuit unit may be updated after the operating system is updated.

[0023] On the other hand, the first processor may output an inverter control signal or an inverter command signal for load control.

[0024] On the other hand, the first circuit unit may perform remote procedure call communication with the second circuit unit.

[0025] On the other hand, the first processor may communicate with the second processor via a remote procedure call.

[0026] On the other hand, the second circuit unit may further include a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with a server or a mobile terminal.

[0027] On the other hand, the first circuit unit may further include a memory storing firmware for load control or safety control, and the second circuit unit may further include a memory storing an operating system.

[0028] On the other hand, when the communication unit receives firmware update information from the server or the mobile terminal, the second processor can control the firmware update information to be transmitted to the memory in the first circuit unit, and the memory in the first circuit unit can update the firmware based on the firmware update information.

[0029] On the other hand, the memory in the first circuit unit may not have its firmware updated during the operation mode, but may have its firmware updated after the operation mode ends.

[0030] On the other hand, when the communication unit receives software update information from the server or the mobile terminal, the second processor can control the software update information to be transmitted to the memory in the second circuit unit, and the memory in the second circuit unit can update the application based on the software update information.

[0031] On the other hand, the memory in the second circuit unit can update applications other than the operating system and the framework in the software during the operation mode operation.

[0032] On the other hand, the memory in the second circuit unit may not update the operating system or the framework during the operation mode, but may update the operating system or the framework after the operation mode ends.

[0033] On the other hand, when the home appliance is a first product, the second processor can run an operating system, run a common framework on a part of the operating system, run a first product framework on another part of the operating system, and run first product related applications on the common framework and the first product framework.

[0034] On the other hand, when the home appliance is a second product, the second processor can run an operating system, run a common framework on a part of the operating system, run a second product framework on another part of the operating system, and run second product related applications on the common framework and the second product framework.

[0035] On the other hand, the second processor may control the first product-related application to be updated during the first product action.

[0036] On the other hand, the second processor may control the operating system or the common framework to be updated after the first product action is completed.

[0037] On the other hand, the processing speed of the second processor is preferably faster than the processing speed of the first processor.

[0038] A household appliance of another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes: a first circuit unit, having a first processor for load control or safety control; and a second circuit unit, connected to the first circuit unit in a wired or wireless manner, having a second processor that controls the operation mode based on an operating system and executes application updates during the operation mode action based on application update information received from an external server or mobile terminal.

[0039] On the other hand, when display theme-related update information is received from a server or a mobile terminal, the second processor can be controlled to display the first display theme at a first time point, perform an update based on the display theme-related update information during the operation mode action, and display the second display theme corresponding to the display theme-related update information at a second time point after the first time point.

[0040] On the other hand, when the firmware update information is received from the server or the mobile terminal, the second processor may control the firmware update to be performed after the operation mode ends.

[0041] On the other hand, the home appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a third circuit unit having a third processor for controlling the light emitting diode or the display unit.

[0042] On the other hand, an operation method of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a step of controlling an operation mode based on an operating system based on an operation input; a step of performing an update or upgrade during the operation mode operation when software update information is received from an external server or mobile terminal; and a step of performing a firmware update after the operation mode ends when firmware update information is received from a server or a mobile terminal.

[0043] Effects of the Invention

[0044] A household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first circuit unit having a first processor for load control or safety control; and a second circuit unit connected to the first circuit unit in a wired or wireless manner, having a second processor that controls the operation mode based on an operating system and performs upgrades based on upgrade information received from an external server or mobile terminal. Thus, upgrades related to the operation mode can be efficiently performed by separating load control and operation mode control. Specifically, operation mode upgrades can be efficiently performed by separating load control driven by firmware and operation mode control performed based on the operating system. In addition, the operating system running on the second processor can also be updated.

[0045] On the other hand, the household appliance of one embodiment of the present invention may further include a third circuit unit having a third processor for controlling the light emitting diode or the display unit, so that the light emitting diode or the display unit can be controlled by the third circuit unit alone.

[0046] On the other hand, the second processor can run the operating system, run the framework on the operating system, and run system applications, applications related to the operation mode, or downloaded applications on the framework. In this way, the framework or applications can be updated simply and efficiently based on the operating system.

[0047] On the other hand, a part of the operating system and the framework may correspond to the common platform. Thus, various types of home appliances can be operated based on the common platform. In addition, it is possible to efficiently perform updates or upgrades by applying the common platform to home appliances.

[0048] On the other hand, another part of the framework, the system application, the application related to the operation mode, and the download application can correspond to the variable platform. Thus, the update of the variable platform or the upgrade of the operation mode can be performed efficiently.

[0049] On the other hand, the operating system can be commonly executed in other types of home appliances, thereby enabling various types of home appliances to operate based on a common platform.

[0050] On the other hand, the operating system or framework can be updated based on the firmware update information received from the server or mobile terminal, and the running or downloaded applications of the system application and the application related to the operation mode can be updated or upgraded based on the software update information received from the server or mobile terminal. As described above, the firmware update and the software update can be separated, so that the update or upgrade can be performed efficiently.

[0051] On the other hand, the update information is received from an external server or mobile terminal, and the receiving interval of the software update information from the server or mobile terminal is preferably shorter than the receiving interval of the firmware update information. Thus, the software update can be performed easily and at any time.

[0052] On the other hand, the software update interval of the second circuit unit is preferably shorter than the firmware update interval of the first circuit unit. Thus, the second circuit unit can be updated at any time and efficiently.

[0053] On the other hand, the first circuit unit can be updated based on the firmware update information received from the server or the mobile terminal, and the second circuit unit can be updated based on the firmware update information or software update information received from the server or the mobile terminal. As described above, the firmware update or the operation mode upgrade can be efficiently performed by separating the load control based on the firmware drive and the operation mode control based on the operating system.

[0054] On the other hand, the second processor can control the operating system to be updated and the firmware of the first circuit unit to be updated independently, thereby enabling the operating system to be updated and the firmware of the first circuit unit to be updated efficiently.

[0055] On the other hand, when the update data of the operating system and the firmware update data of the first circuit unit are received, the firmware of the first circuit unit can be updated after the operating system is updated. As described above, the update of the operating system can be performed first, thereby stably and efficiently performing the firmware update of the first circuit unit.

[0056] On the other hand, the first processor can output an inverter control signal or an inverter command signal for load control. Thus, load control or safety control can be performed directly or indirectly by using the first processor separated from the second processor.

[0057] On the other hand, the first circuit unit can perform remote procedure call communication with the second circuit unit. As described above, communication can be performed efficiently by using inter-processor communication (IPC).

[0058] On the other hand, the first processor can perform remote procedure call communication with the second processor. As described above, communication can be performed efficiently by using inter-processor communication (IPC).

[0059] On the other hand, the second circuit unit may further include a communication unit, and the communication unit may wirelessly communicate with a server or a mobile terminal, thereby being able to receive external data or send data to the outside through the second circuit unit.

[0060] On the other hand, the first circuit unit may also have a memory for storing firmware for load control or safety control, and the second circuit unit may also have a memory for storing an operating system. As described above, it is possible to efficiently perform firmware updates or operation mode upgrades by separating load control driven by firmware and operation mode control executed by the operating system.

[0061] On the other hand, when the communication unit receives firmware update information from the server or the mobile terminal, the second processor can be controlled to transmit the firmware update information to the memory in the first circuit unit, and the memory in the first circuit unit can update the firmware based on the firmware update information. Thus, the firmware update can be performed efficiently.

[0062] On the other hand, the memory in the first circuit unit may not update the firmware during the operation mode, but may update the firmware after the operation mode ends. This allows stable firmware update.

[0063] On the other hand, when the communication unit receives software update information from the server or the mobile terminal, the second processor can be controlled to transmit the software update information to the memory in the second circuit unit, and the memory in the second circuit unit can update the application based on the software update information. Thus, the software update can be performed efficiently.

[0064] On the other hand, the memory in the second circuit unit can update the applications other than the operating system and the framework in the software during the operation mode operation, thereby enabling the application update to be executed immediately.

[0065] On the other hand, the memory in the second circuit unit may not update the operating system or framework during the operation mode, but may update the operating system or framework after the operation mode ends, thereby enabling stable execution of the update of the operating system or framework.

[0066] On the other hand, when the home appliance is the first product, the second processor can run an operating system, run a public framework on a part of the operating system, run a first product framework on another part of the operating system, and run first product related applications on the public framework and the first product framework. In this way, the first product can be operated based on the public platform.

[0067] On the other hand, when the household appliance is a second product, the second processor can run an operating system, run a public framework on a part of the operating system, run a second product framework on another part of the operating system, and run second product related applications on the public framework and the second product framework. In this way, the second product can be operated based on the public platform.

[0068] On the other hand, the second processor may control the first product-related application to be updated during the first product operation, thereby enabling the first product-related application to be updated immediately.

[0069] On the other hand, the second processor can control the operating system or the public framework to be updated after the operation of the first product is completed. Thus, the update of the operating system or the public framework in the first product can be performed stably.

[0070] On the other hand, the processing speed of the second processor is preferably faster than the processing speed of the first processor. Thus, the operation mode control executed by the operating system can be efficiently executed.

[0071] A household appliance of another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a first circuit unit having a first processor for load control or safety control; and a second circuit unit connected to the first circuit unit in a wired or wireless manner, having a second processor that controls the operation mode based on the operating system and performs application updates during the operation mode operation based on application update information received from an external server or mobile terminal. Thus, the update can be efficiently performed by separating the load control and the operation mode control. In particular, the application update can be performed immediately.

[0072] On the other hand, when receiving display theme related update information from the server or the mobile terminal, the second processor can be controlled to display the first display theme at a first time point, perform an update based on the display theme related update information during the operation mode action, and display a second display theme corresponding to the display theme related update information at a second time point after the first time point. In this way, the display theme related update can be performed immediately.

[0073] On the other hand, when the firmware update information is received from the server or the mobile terminal, the second processor may control the firmware update to be executed after the operation mode ends, thereby enabling the firmware update to be executed stably.

[0074] On the other hand, the household appliance of another embodiment of the present invention may further include a third circuit unit having a third processor for controlling the light emitting diode or the display unit. Thus, the light emitting diode or the display unit can be controlled by the third circuit unit alone.

[0075] On the other hand, an operation method of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a step of controlling an operation mode based on an operating system based on an operation input; a step of performing an update or upgrade during the operation mode operation when software update information is received from an external server or mobile terminal; and a step of performing a firmware update after the operation mode ends when firmware update information is received from a server or mobile terminal. Thus, the update or upgrade based on the software update information can be efficiently performed, and the firmware update based on the firmware update information can be stably performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Figure 1 The diagram is an example of a configuration diagram of a household appliance system including a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 2a to Figure 2d It is shown Figure 1 Illustration of various examples of household appliances.

[0078] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An example of an internal block diagram of a mobile terminal.

[0079] Figure 4a is an example of an internal block diagram of a home appliance related to the present invention.

[0080] Figure 4b to Figure 4c Yes Description Figure 4a The referenced figure.

[0081] Figure 5a FIG. 4 is an example of an internal block diagram of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 5b FIG. 4 is another example of an internal block diagram of a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figures 6a to 10d Yes Description Figure 5a or Figure 5b A diagram that refers to the operation of household appliances.

[0084] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing an operation method of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] The suffixes "module" and "unit" of the constituent elements used in the following description are given for the convenience of writing the description, and they themselves do not have different meanings or functions. Therefore, the "module" and "unit" can be used interchangeably.

[0087] Figure 1 The diagram is an example of a configuration diagram of a household appliance system including a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] 1 , a home appliance system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a home appliance 200 , a mobile terminal 600 , and a server 500 .

[0089] In addition, the home appliance system 10 may further include an access point (AP: Access Point) device (not shown) for connecting the home appliance 200 to an external network.

[0090] The home appliance 200 has a motor or a magnetron or a heater for load control or the like.

[0091] On the other hand, in order to efficiently control the load, the home appliance 200 may have an inverter that converts direct current into alternating current.

[0092] On the other hand, the home appliance 200 may internally execute a system application, an application related to an operation mode, or a downloaded application.

[0093] On the other hand, the mobile terminal 600 may perform wireless communication with the home appliance 200 and remotely control the wirelessly connected home appliance 200 or receive monitoring data from the home appliance 200 .

[0094] On the other hand, the server 500 may provide data to the home appliance 200 connected via a network or the like.

[0095] For example, the server 500 may provide update information to the home appliance 200 according to a request of the mobile terminal 600 .

[0096] As another example, even without a request from the mobile terminal 600 or the home appliance 200 , the server 500 may provide the home appliance 200 with update information as needed.

[0097] On the other hand, the update information may include firmware update information, software update information, and the like.

[0098] The firmware update information is data for updating the firmware in the home appliance 200 , and may be, for example, update information for load control or safety control of the home appliance 200 .

[0099] On the other hand, the software update information may include upgrade information related to the new operation mode. The operation mode may be upgraded based on the upgrade information related to the new operation mode.

[0100] On the other hand, the software update information may also include update information about system applications, applications related to the operation mode, or downloaded applications. The operation mode may be updated based on such update information.

[0101] The firmware update information may include update data about the firmware, operating system, or framework. The firmware may be updated based on such firmware update information.

[0102] A household appliance 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first circuit unit ( Figure 5a PBa), having a first processor for load control or safety control ( Figure 5a 270); and a second circuit portion ( Figure 5a PBc), connected to the first circuit unit by wire or wirelessly, having an operating system ( Figure 7a A second processor (710) that controls the operation mode and performs the upgrade based on the upgrade information received from the external server 500 or the mobile terminal 600 Figure 5a 270c).

[0103] Thus, the upgrade of the operation mode can be efficiently performed by separating the load control and the operation mode control. Specifically, the firmware update or the operation mode upgrade can be efficiently performed by separating the load control driven by the firmware and the operation mode control based on the operation system 710.

[0104] On the other hand, various examples can be applied to the home appliance 200 of the present invention. Figure 2a to Figure 2d To show.

[0105] Figure 2a to Figure 2d It is shown Figure 1 Illustration of various examples of household appliances.

[0106] Figure 2a An example in which the home appliance is a washing machine 200 a is shown.

[0107] In the case where the home appliance 200 is a washing machine 200a, the washing machine 200a may have a washing tub motor (not shown) for rotating the washing tub and an inverter (not shown) for rotating the washing tub motor.

[0108] Figure 2b An example in which the home appliance is a refrigerator 200 b is shown.

[0109] When the home appliance 200 is a refrigerator 200b, the refrigerator 200b may have a compressor (not shown) for supplying cold air into the refrigerator, a compressor motor (not shown) for operating the compressor, and an inverter (not shown) for controlling the compressor motor.

[0110] Figure 2c An example in which the home appliance is an air conditioner 200 c is shown.

[0111] When the home appliance 200 is an air conditioner 200c, the air conditioner 200c may have a compressor (not shown) for supplying cold air, a compressor motor (not shown) for operating the compressor, and an inverter (not shown) for controlling the compressor motor.

[0112] Figure 2d An example in which the home appliance is a cooking device 200d is shown.

[0113] When the home appliance 200 is a cooking device 200d, the cooking device 200d may have a magnetron (not shown) or a light wave heater (not shown) for heating items in the cooking device and an inverter (not shown) for controlling the magnetron or the light wave heater.

[0114] Figure 2e An example in which the household appliance is a vacuum cleaner 200 e is shown.

[0115] When the home appliance 200 is a vacuum cleaner 200e, the vacuum cleaner 200e may include a fan motor (not shown) for sucking foreign matter in the cooking device and an inverter (not shown) for controlling the fan motor.

[0116] On the other hand, in addition to the washing machine 200a, refrigerator 200b, air conditioner 200c, cooking equipment 200d, and vacuum cleaner 200e, the home appliance 200 of the embodiment of the present invention can take a dryer, a clothing care machine, a sweeping robot, an air purifier, etc. as various examples.

[0117] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Internal block diagram of a mobile terminal.

[0118] Reference Figure 3 The mobile terminal 600 may include a wireless communication unit 610, an A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 620, a user input unit 630, a detection unit 640, an output unit 650, a memory 660, an interface unit 670, a control unit 680 and a power supply unit 690.

[0119] On the other hand, the wireless communication unit 610 may include a broadcast receiving module 611 , a mobile communication unit 613 , a wireless network module 615 , an NFC (Near Field Communication) module 617 , a GPS module 619 and the like.

[0120] The broadcast receiving module 611 may receive at least one of a broadcast signal and broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. At this time, the broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, and the like.

[0121] The broadcast signal and / or broadcast-related information received through the broadcast receiving module 611 may be stored in the memory 660 .

[0122] The mobile communication unit 613 transmits / receives wireless signals to / from at least one of a base station on a mobile communication network, an external terminal, and a server. Here, the wireless signals may include voice call signals, video call call signals, or various types of data transmitted / received according to text / multimedia messages.

[0123] The wireless network module 615 refers to a module for wireless network access, and the wireless network module 615 may be built-in or external to the mobile terminal 600. For example, the wireless network module 615 may perform wireless communication based on WiFi or wireless communication based on WiFi Direct (Wireless Fidelity Direct).

[0124] The NFC module 617 can perform short-range magnetic field communication. When the NFC module 617 is close to an NFC tag or a home appliance equipped with the NFC module within a specified distance, that is, when the tag is attached, the NFC module 617 can receive data from the corresponding home appliance or transmit data to the corresponding home appliance.

[0125] In addition, as short-range communication technologies, Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, etc. can be used.

[0126] The GPS (Global Position System) module 619 can receive location information from a plurality of GPS satellites.

[0127] The A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 620 is used to input audio signals or video signals, and may include a camera 621 and a microphone 623 .

[0128] The user input unit 630 generates key input data input by the user to control the action of the terminal. To this end, the user input unit 630 can be formed by a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / static electricity), etc. In particular, when the touch pad and the display unit 651 form an interlayer structure, it can be called a touch screen.

[0129] The detection unit 640 may generate a detection signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 600 by detecting the current state of the mobile terminal 600 , such as the open or closed state of the mobile terminal 600 , the position of the mobile terminal 600 , and whether the user is in contact with the mobile terminal 600 .

[0130] The detection unit 640 may include a detection sensor 641, a pressure sensor 643, a motion sensor 645, etc. The motion sensor 645 may detect the movement or position of the mobile terminal 600 by using an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a gravity sensor, etc. In particular, the gyro sensor, as a sensor for measuring angular velocity, may detect the direction (angle) of rotation relative to a reference direction.

[0131] The output portion 650 may include a display portion 651 , a sound output module 653 , a notification portion 655 , a haptic module 657 , and the like.

[0132] The display unit 651 may display and output information processed in the mobile terminal 600 .

[0133] On the other hand, as described above, when the display portion 651 and the touch panel form an interlayer structure and constitute a touch screen, the display portion 651 can be used as an input device that can input information through the user's touch in addition to an output device.

[0134] The sound output module 653 outputs audio data received from the wireless communication unit 610 or stored in the memory 660. The sound output module 653 may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

[0135] The notification unit 655 outputs a signal for notifying event generation of the mobile terminal 600. For example, the signal may be output in a vibration form.

[0136] The haptic module 657 may generate various tactile effects that a user can feel. A representative example of the tactile effects generated by the haptic module 657 is a vibration effect.

[0137] The memory 660 may store a program for processing and controlling the control part 680 , and may also perform a function for temporarily storing input or output data (eg, a phone book, messages, still images, and videos, etc.).

[0138] The interface unit 670 functions as an interface with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 600. The interface unit 670 can transmit data or power from such external devices to each component inside the mobile terminal 600, and can transmit data inside the mobile terminal 600 to external devices.

[0139] The control unit 680 generally controls the overall action of the mobile terminal 600 by controlling the action of each of the parts. For example, control and processing related to voice calls, data communications, video calls, etc. can be performed. In addition, the control unit 680 can also have a multimedia playback module 681 for multimedia playback. The multimedia playback module 681 can be configured as hardware in the control unit 680, or as software separate from the control unit 680.

[0140] The power supply unit 690 receives external power and internal power under the control of the control unit 680 , and supplies power required for the operation of each component.

[0141] Figure 4a is an example of an internal block diagram of a home appliance related to the present invention.

[0142] 1. Referring to the drawings, a home appliance 200x related to the present invention has a first circuit part PBax for load control or safety control and a second circuit part PBbx for controlling a light emitting diode.

[0143] On the other hand, the first circuit unit PBax can output a load control signal or a safety control signal to the load driving unit 245x, and the load driving unit 245x operates to drive a load such as a motor or a magnetron.

[0144] The first circuit unit PBax may include: a memory 240x, storing data related to a load control signal or a safety control signal; a first processor 270x, outputting a load control signal or a safety control signal; a communication unit 222x, communicating with an external mobile terminal 600 or a server 500; an audio output unit 254x, outputting audio; and an audio input unit 252, collecting audio.

[0145] On the other hand, the second circuit unit PBbx is connected to the first circuit unit PBax in a wired or wireless manner, and may have: a second processor 270bx, which outputs an LED control signal based on a control signal from the first circuit unit PBax, especially from the first processor 270x; a memory 240y, which stores data related to the LED control signal; a display driving unit 232x, which outputs an LED driving signal based on the LED control signal; and a LED 230x, which emits light based on the LED driving signal.

[0146] According to the household appliance 200x related to the present invention, data related to firmware, load control or safety control, system applications, applications related to operation modes, and downloaded applications are all stored in the memory 240x in the first circuit unit PBax.

[0147] On the other hand, when the data in the memory 240x needs to be updated, there needs to be free space in the memory 240x, and the address of the stored data needs to be identified.

[0148] However, since various data coexist in the memory 240x in the first circuit portion PBax, there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to efficiently perform data updating.

[0149] For example, when a part of the data in the memory 240x needs to be updated, for example, when an application needs to be updated, there is a disadvantage that the entire data stored in the memory 240x needs to be updated. In addition, there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to perform an upgrade to a new operation mode.

[0150] On the other hand, although the first processor 270x in the first circuit unit PBax is the main processor of the home appliance 200x, it has the disadvantage of slower processing speed than processing based on the operating system (OS) because it operates based on firmware rather than an operating system (OS).

[0151] Figure 4b to Figure 4cYes Description Figure 4a The referenced figure.

[0152] first, Figure 4b The server 500 is shown transmitting various data FDax, FDbx, and FDcx to the home appliance 200x.

[0153] For example, among the various data FDax, FDbx, and FDcx received from the server 500, the first data FDax may be firmware update information or load control update information, the second data FDbx may be application update information, and the third data FDcx may be display update information.

[0154] Secondly, Figure 4c 1 is a diagram showing movement paths of various data FDax, FDbx, and FDcx received by the home appliance 200x.

[0155] Referring to the drawings, when the home appliance 200x receives the first data FDax as firmware update information or load control update information, the first data FDax may be stored in the memory 240x via the communication unit 222x and the first processor 270x along the first path Pthax.

[0156] On the other hand, when the home appliance 200x receives the second data FDbx as the application update information, the second data FDbx may be transmitted along the second path Pthbx via the communication unit 222x and the first processor 270x and stored in the memory 240x.

[0157] On the other hand, the first processor 270x may run firmware in the internal first area Ara, run firmware-based applications in the internal second area Arb, and run firmware-based load control or safety control in the internal third area Arc.

[0158] On the other hand, when the home appliance 200x receives the third data FDcx as the display update information, the third data FDcx may be stored in the memory 240y via the communication unit 222x, the first processor 270x, and the second processor 270bx along the third path Pthcx.

[0159] As shown in the figure, since the first data FDax as firmware update information or load control update information and the second data FDbx as application update information are stored in the same memory 240x, there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to efficiently perform data update.

[0160] For example, when a part of the data in the memory 240x needs to be updated, especially when an application needs to be updated, there is a disadvantage that the entire data stored in the memory 240x needs to be updated. In addition, there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to upgrade to a new operation mode.

[0161] Therefore, the present invention proposes a solution that can efficiently perform upgrades by separating load control and operation mode control. In addition, a solution that can efficiently perform firmware updates or operation mode upgrades by separating load control driven by firmware and operation mode control executed by an operating system is proposed. Figure 5a and described below.

[0162] Figure 5a FIG. 4 is an example of an internal block diagram of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a household appliance 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first circuit unit PBa, having a first processor 270 for load control or safety control; and a second circuit unit PBc, connected to the first circuit unit PBa in a wired or wireless manner, having a second processor 270c that controls the operation mode based on an operating system 710 and performs upgrades based on upgrade information received from an external server 500 or a mobile terminal 600.

[0164] Specifically, when a hardware device is additionally installed in the home appliance 200, the second processor 270c can receive upgrade information related to a new operating mode using the additionally installed hardware device from an external server 500 or a mobile terminal 600, and can perform an upgrade for the new operating mode based on the upgrade information related to the new operating mode.

[0165] For example, when the household appliance 200 is a washing machine 200a and an automatic detergent dispensing device (not shown) is additionally installed on the washing machine 200a, the second processor 270c in the washing machine 200a can receive upgrade information related to a new washing machine operation mode, and can perform an upgrade for the new washing machine operation mode based on the upgrade information related to the new washing machine operation mode, wherein the new washing machine operation mode sets an automatic detergent dispensing mode related to the automatic detergent dispensing device (not shown).

[0166] As another example, when the household appliance 200 is a washing machine 200a and a new sensor device (not shown) including a spectral sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a turbidity sensor, and a humidity sensor is invested in the washing machine 200a, the second processor 270c in the washing machine 200a can receive upgrade information related to a new washing machine operation mode that can be based on various sensor information actions detected by the sensor device (not shown), and can perform an upgrade for the new washing machine operation mode based on the upgrade information related to the new washing machine operation mode.

[0167] As another example, when the household appliance 200 is an air conditioner 200c and a new sensor device (not shown) including a spectral sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a dust sensor, a gas sensor and a humidity sensor is configured around the air conditioner 200c, the second processor 270c in the air conditioner 200c can receive upgrade information related to a new air conditioning operation mode that can be based on various sensor information actions detected by the sensor device (not shown), and can perform an upgrade for the new air conditioning operation mode based on the upgrade information related to the new air conditioning operation mode.

[0168] On the other hand, even if no additional hardware device is installed on the home appliance 200, when upgrade information related to a new operating mode is received from an external server 500 or a mobile terminal 600 through software, the second processor 270c can perform an upgrade for the new operating mode based on the upgrade information related to the new operating mode.

[0169] For example, when the home appliance 200 is a refrigerator 200b and a new fast cooling operation mode is generated by software, the second processor 270c in the refrigerator 200b can receive upgrade information related to the new fast cooling operation mode, and can perform an upgrade for the new fast cooling operation mode based on the upgrade information related to the new fast cooling operation mode.

[0170] As another example, when the household appliance 200 is a cooking device 200d and a new quick thawing operation mode is generated by software, the second processor 270c within the cooking device 200d can receive upgrade information related to the new quick thawing operation mode, and can perform an upgrade for the new quick thawing operation mode based on the upgrade information related to the new quick thawing operation mode.

[0171] As another example, when the household appliance 200 is a vacuum cleaner 200e and a new motor speed variable operation mode is generated by software, the second processor 270c in the vacuum cleaner 200e can receive upgrade information related to the new motor speed variable operation mode, and can perform an upgrade for the new motor speed variable operation mode based on the upgrade information related to the new motor speed variable operation mode.

[0172] Therefore, the home appliance 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be named as an upgradeable home appliance that can be upgraded to a new operation mode based on a change in hardware or software.

[0173] On the other hand, in addition to the upgrade to the new operation mode, the home appliance 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may also perform updates related to setting changes of the existing operation mode.

[0174] In this specification, the upgrade of the operation mode is described as generating a new operation mode and installing or running the new operation mode, and the update of the operation mode is described as performing setting or data change on the existing operation mode.

[0175] On the other hand, the household appliance 200 of one embodiment of the present invention may further include a third circuit unit PBb having a third processor 270b for controlling the light emitting diode 230 or the display unit 280. Thus, the light emitting diode 230 or the display unit 280 may be controlled by the additional third circuit unit PBb.

[0176] On the other hand, the first circuit unit PBa may output a load control signal or a safety control signal to the load driving unit 245 which operates to drive a load such as a motor or a magnetron.

[0177] The load control signal may be distinguished into a main load control signal that controls a load of a component that consumes the most power and a sub-load control signal that controls the remaining components.

[0178] For example, the main load may be a washing tub motor when the household appliance 200 is a washing machine 200a, a compressor motor when the household appliance 200 is a refrigerator 200b and an air conditioner 200c, a magnetron or a light wave heater when the household appliance 200 is a cooking device 200d, or a fan motor when the household appliance 200 is a vacuum cleaner 200e.

[0179] On the other hand, the auxiliary load can be a steam device or a fan motor when the home appliance 200 is a washing machine 200a, can be a fan motor or a defrost heater when the home appliance 200 is a refrigerator 200b and an air conditioner 200c, and can be a fan motor when the home appliance 200 is a cooking device 200d.

[0180] On the other hand, the safety control signal can be a doorlock control signal or a shutdown control signal for preventing the motor from overheating when the household appliance 200 is a washing machine 200a; can be a shutdown control signal for preventing the motor from overheating when the household appliance 200 is a refrigerator 200b and an air conditioner 200c; can be a shutdown control signal for preventing the motor from overheating when the household appliance 200 is a cooking device 200d; can be a shutdown control signal for preventing the magnetron or light wave heater from overheating; and can be a shutdown control signal for preventing the motor from overheating when the household appliance 200 is a vacuum cleaner 200e.

[0181] On the other hand, the first circuit portion PBa may be connected to the second circuit portion PBc in a wired or wireless manner, and may output a load control signal or a safety control signal based on a control signal from the second circuit portion PBc, in particular, from the second processor 270c.

[0182] On the other hand, the first circuit portion PBa includes a first processor 270 that outputs a load control signal or a safety control signal, and a memory 240a that stores data related to the load control signal or the safety control signal.

[0183] On the other hand, the first processor 270 can output an inverter control signal or an inverter command signal for load control, especially, for main load control. Thus, load control or safety control can be performed directly or indirectly by using the first processor 270 separated from the second processor 270c.

[0184] For example, in the case where the home appliance 200 is a washing machine 200a, the first processor 270 in the washing machine 200a may output an inverter control signal or an inverter speed instruction signal for rotating a washing tub motor.

[0185] As another example, in the case where the home appliance 200 is a refrigerator 200b, the first processor 270 in the refrigerator 200b may output an inverter control signal or an inverter speed instruction signal for rotating a compressor motor.

[0186] As yet another example, in the case where the home appliance 200 is an air conditioner 200c, the first processor 270 in the air conditioner 200c may output an inverter control signal or an inverter speed instruction signal for rotating a compressor motor.

[0187] As yet another example, in the case where the home appliance 200 is a cooking device 200d, the first processor 270 within the cooking device 200d may output an inverter control signal for controlling a magnetron or a light wave heater.

[0188] On the other hand, the sensor device 285 including a temperature sensor, a current sensor, etc. can transmit current information, etc. to the load driving section 245 or the first circuit section PBa, and can transmit temperature information, etc. to the second circuit section PBc.

[0189] Thus, the first circuit portion PBa can perform load control or safety control based on current information and the like, and the second circuit portion PBc can generate an operation mode control signal based on temperature information and the like.

[0190] On the other hand, the sensor device 285 may further include a camera, etc., and an image signal from the camera, etc. may be transmitted to the second circuit unit PBc, and the second circuit unit PBc may generate an operation mode control signal based on the image signal from the camera, etc.

[0191] On the other hand, the sensor device 285, as a separate device having multiple sensors, may include a spectral sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a turbidity sensor, and a humidity sensor. The signals detected by the multiple sensors may be transmitted to the second circuit unit PBc, and the second circuit unit PBc may generate an operation mode control signal based on the multiple detection signals.

[0192] On the other hand, the sensor device 285, as a separate device having multiple sensors, may include a spectral sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a dust sensor, a gas sensor, and a humidity sensor. The signals detected by the multiple sensors may be transmitted to the second circuit unit PBc, and the second circuit unit PBc may generate an operation mode control signal based on the multiple detection signals.

[0193] On the other hand, the third circuit unit PBb is connected to the second circuit unit PBc in a wired or wireless manner, and may have: a third processor 270b, which outputs an LED control signal based on a control signal from the second circuit unit PBc, in particular, from the second processor 270c; a memory 240b, which stores data related to the LED control signal; a display driving unit 232, which outputs an LED driving signal based on the LED control signal; and a LED 230, which emits light based on the LED driving signal.

[0194] The second circuit portion PBc may be disposed between the first circuit portion PBa and the third circuit portion PBb, and may be connected to the first circuit portion PBa and the third circuit portion PBb in a wired or wireless manner.

[0195] The second circuit unit PBc may have: a second processor 270c, which performs operation mode control based on the operating system 710 of the home appliance 200; a memory 240, which stores data for the operating system 710 and operation mode control; a communication unit 222, which communicates with an external mobile terminal 600 or a server 500; an audio output unit 25, which outputs audio; an audio input unit 252, which collects audio; and an interface 260, which is used for communication (IOC) between processors such as the first circuit unit PBa or the third circuit unit PBb.

[0196] On the other hand, Figure 4aDifferently, the second circuit portion PBc may include a communication portion 222 for wirelessly communicating with the server 500 or the mobile terminal 600, so that external data can be received or data can be sent to the outside through the second circuit portion PBc.

[0197] according to Figure 5a In the household appliance 200, data related to firmware, load control or safety control are stored in the memory 240a in the first circuit unit PBa, and the operating system (OS), system applications, applications related to the operation mode and downloaded applications are stored in the memory 240 in the second circuit unit PBc.

[0198] That is, with Figure 4a Different, separately store data related to firmware, load control or safety control, as well as the operating system (OS), system applications, applications related to operation mode, downloaded applications, etc.

[0199] That is, based on the update information received by the communication unit 222 through wireless communication with the mobile terminal 600, the update of data related to load control or safety control and the update of the operating system (OS), system applications, applications related to the operation mode, downloaded applications, etc. can be separated and executed.

[0200] Thus, the upgrade of the operation mode can be efficiently performed by separating the load control and the operation mode control. Specifically, the firmware update or the operation mode upgrade can be efficiently performed by separating the load control driven by the firmware and the operation mode control based on the operation of the operating system 710. In particular, the update related to the operation mode can be performed simply and efficiently. In addition, the operating system 710 running on the second processor 270c can also be updated.

[0201] For example, when an application in the memory 240 needs to be updated, since only the corresponding application in the data stored in the memory 240 can be updated, the update can be performed efficiently.

[0202] On the other hand, Figure 4a Differently, since the second processor 270c in the second circuit unit PBc acts as the main processor of the home appliance 200 and needs to act based on the operating system (OS) rather than firmware, it has the advantage of having a much faster processing speed based on the operating system (OS) than on firmware.

[0203] On the other hand, the processing speed of the second processor 270c is preferably faster than the processing speed of the first processor 270 or the third processor 270b. Thus, the operation mode control based on the operation of the operating system 710 can be efficiently performed.

[0204] On the other hand, the first circuit portion PBa or the third circuit portion PBb may perform remote procedure call communication with the second circuit portion PBc as an example of inter-processor communication (IPC).

[0205] That is, the second processor 270c in the second circuit portion PBc can perform remote procedure call communication with the first processor 270 in the first circuit portion PBa or the third processor 270b in the third circuit portion PBb as an example of inter-processor communication (IPC). As described above, communication can be efficiently performed by using inter-processor communication (IPC).

[0206] on the other hand, Figure 5a The memory 240 of the second circuit portion PBc preferably has a storage space with a larger capacity than the memory 240a of the first circuit portion PBa or the memory 240b of the third circuit portion PBb.

[0207] Thus, among the update information received by the communication unit 222, the update information that needs to be transmitted to the memory 240a of the first circuit unit PBa or the memory 240b of the third circuit unit PBb instead of being transmitted to the memory 240 of the second circuit unit PBc can be temporarily stored in the memory 240 of the second circuit unit PBc and then transmitted to the memory 240a of the first circuit unit PBa or the memory 240b of the third circuit unit PBb. Thus, the update can be performed efficiently.

[0208] Figure 5b FIG. 4 is another example of an internal block diagram of a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0209] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a household appliance 200b according to an embodiment of the present invention is Figure 5a The home appliance 200 is similar to the home appliance 200 , but differs in that, in addition to the light emitting diode 230 , it also has a separate display portion 280 .

[0210] The separate display portion 280 may be an LCD display, an OLED display, or the like.

[0211] The following only describes Figure 5a The difference.

[0212] The third processor 270 b in the third circuit portion PBb operates to control the light emitting diode 230 or the display portion 280 .

[0213] For example, the third processor 270 b may output an LED control signal based on the control signal from the second processor 270 c , and the display driving unit 232 may output an LED driving signal to the LED 230 based on the LED control signal.

[0214] On the other hand, the display portion 280 may be driven based on the display control signal output from the second processor 270 c .

[0215] On the other hand, unlike the drawing, the third processor 270 b within the third circuit portion PBb may output a display control signal for controlling the display portion 280 to the display portion 280 based on a control signal from the second processor 270 c .

[0216] Figures 6a to 10d Yes Description Figure 5a or Figure 5b A diagram that refers to the operation of household appliances.

[0217] first, Figure 6a The server 500 is shown transmitting various data FDax, FDbx, and FDc to the home appliance 200 .

[0218] For example, the first data FDa among the various data FDax, FDbx, and FDc received from the server 500 may be firmware update information or load control update information, the second data FDb may be application update information, and the third data FDc may be display update information.

[0219] Secondly, Figure 6b 1 is a diagram showing movement paths of various data FDax, FDbx, and FDc received by the home appliance 200 .

[0220] Referring to the accompanying drawings, when the household appliance 200 receives the first data FDa as firmware update information or load control update information, the first data FDa can be transmitted along the first path Ptha via the communication unit 222 and the second processor 270c in the second circuit unit PBc, the first processor 270 in the first circuit unit PBa, and stored in the memory 240a in the first circuit unit PBa.

[0221] On the other hand, the first processor 270 within the first circuit portion PBa may execute firmware in the internal first area Ara, and may execute firmware-based load control or safety control in the internal second area Arb.

[0222] On the other hand, when the home appliance 200 receives the second data FDb as the application update information, the second data FDb may be transmitted along the second path Pthb via the communication unit 222 and the second processor 270c in the second circuit portion PBc and stored in the memory 240 in the second circuit portion PBc.

[0223] Similarly, when the home appliance 200 receives operating system update information or framework update information, the operating system update information or framework update information can be transmitted along the second path Pthb via the communication unit 222 and the second processor 270c in the second circuit unit PBc and stored in the memory 240 in the second circuit unit PBc.

[0224] On the other hand, when the home appliance 200 receives the third data FDc as display update information, the third data FDc can be transmitted along the third path Pthc via the communication unit 222 in the second circuit unit PBc, the second processor 270c, and the third processor 27b in the third circuit unit PBb and stored in the memory 240y in the third circuit unit PBb.

[0225] As shown in the figure, first data FDa as firmware update information or load control update information is stored in the memory 240a in the first circuit portion PBa and application update information is separately stored in the memory 240 in the second circuit portion PBc, so that data update can be performed efficiently.

[0226] In particular, it is possible to efficiently and timely execute updating of the data stored in the memory 240 in the second circuit portion PBc.

[0227] For example, when it is necessary to update the application in the memory 240, since there is no need Figure 4c The entire memory 240x is updated, and only the application in the memory 240 in the second circuit portion PBc is selectively updated, so the update can be performed efficiently.

[0228] In addition, the application data can be stored separately in the memory 240 in the second circuit unit PBc, so that the application can be updated during the operation mode of the home appliance 200. In this way, the application update can be executed immediately.

[0229] On the other hand, since firmware for load control or safety control is stored in a part area Fma of the memory 240a within the first circuit unit PBa, firmware for display control is stored in a part area Fmb of the memory 240b within the third circuit unit PBb, and an operating system 710 is stored in a part area FMo of the memory 240 within the second circuit unit PBc, etc., it is possible to efficiently perform firmware updates or operation mode upgrades by separating load control driven by firmware and operation mode control based on the operation of the operating system 710.

[0230] Figure 7a 2 is a diagram showing a platform architecture on which the second processor 270c in the second circuit portion PBc operates.

[0231] Referring to the drawings, the platform on which the second processor 270c in the second circuit portion PBc runs can be divided into a board support package layer Ara, a framework layer Arb on the board support package layer Ara, and an application layer Arc on the framework layer Arb.

[0232] The board support package layer Ara may include a real-time operating system (RTOS) kernel 710 , an operating system adaptation (Operating System Adaptation) layer 715 running on the real-time operating system kernel 710 , a board support package driver 720 , and a hardware abstraction layer 722 .

[0233] The framework layer Arb may include an upgradeable platform library 725, a common feature layer 730 on the upgradeable platform library 725, a service and application program interface (Application Program Interface; API) layer 732 on the common feature layer 730, a life product service framework 742, a kitchen product framework 746, and an air product framework 748.

[0234] Here, the life product service frame 742 may include a washing machine frame, a drying machine frame, a clothing care machine frame, and the like.

[0235] On the other hand, the kitchen product frame 746 may include a cooking equipment frame, a water purifier frame, and the like.

[0236] The application layer Arc includes a system application 752 , an application 754 related to the operation mode, or a download application 756 running on the framework layer Arb.

[0237] As shown in the figure, the second processor 270c can run the operating system 710, can run the framework Arb on the operating system 710, and can run the system application 752, the application 754 related to the operation mode, or the download application 756 on the framework Arb. In this way, the update of the framework Arb or the application can be performed simply and efficiently based on the operating system 710.

[0238] On the other hand, in an embodiment of the present invention, a common platform Arm that can be applied to various home appliances is proposed.

[0239] The operating system 710 and a part 725, 730, 732 of the framework Arb may correspond to the common platform Arm. Specifically, the operating system 710 may be executed in common with other types of home appliances 200. Thus, various types of home appliances 200 may be operated based on the common platform. In addition, it is possible to efficiently perform updates or upgrades by applying the common platform to the home appliances 200.

[0240] On the other hand, the other parts 742, 746, 748 of the framework Arb and the system application 752, the application 754 related to the operation mode, and the download application 756 may correspond to the variable platform. Thus, the update of the variable platform or the upgrade of the operation mode can be performed efficiently.

[0241] As shown in the figure, the entire board-level support package layer Ara including the real-time operating system kernel 710 and the parts of the framework layer Arb except the life product service framework 742, the kitchen product framework 746, and the air product framework 748 are set as a public platform Arm that can be applied to various home appliances.

[0242] Thus, various types of home appliances 200 can be operated based on the common platform Arm. In addition, by applying the common platform Arm to the home appliance 200, it is possible to efficiently perform an update.

[0243] Figure 7b is a diagram showing a platform architecture on which the first processor 270 in the first circuit portion PBa operates.

[0244] Referring to the drawing, the first processor 270 within the first circuit part PBa may execute an interface 776 for communicating with the third processor 270c, firmware 772, and a library 774 that operates on the firmware 772 and is used for load control or operation mode control.

[0245] As described above, firmware update or operation mode upgrade can be efficiently performed by separating load control based on firmware drive and operation mode control based on operating system execution.

[0246] Figures 8a to 8d is a diagram showing the platform architecture within various home appliances.

[0247] Figure 8a The platform architecture of the washing machine is shown.

[0248] 1. Referring to the drawing, the second processor 270ca within the washing machine 200a may run a common platform Arm including an operating system and a framework, a washing machine service framework 742a, and a washing machine related application Arca on the common platform Arm.

[0249] On the other hand, the first processor 270ma within the washing machine 200a may run washing machine load control or washing machine safety control on firmware.

[0250] Figure 8b The platform architecture of the refrigerator is shown.

[0251] Referring to the drawing, the second processor 270cb within the refrigerator 200b may run a common platform Arm including an operating system and a framework, a refrigerator service framework 742b, and a refrigerator-related application Arcb on the common platform Arm.

[0252] On the other hand, the first processor 270mb in the refrigerator 200b may run refrigerator load control or refrigerator safety control on firmware.

[0253] Figure 8c Shows the platform architecture of the air conditioner.

[0254] Referring to the drawings, the second processor 270cc in the air conditioner 200c may run a common platform Arm including an operating system and a framework, an air conditioning service framework 742c, and air conditioning related applications Arcc on the common platform Arm.

[0255] On the other hand, the first processor 270mc in the air conditioner 200c may execute air conditioner load control or air conditioner safety control on the firmware.

[0256] Figure 8d The platform architecture of the cooking device is shown.

[0257] Referring to the drawing, the second processor 270cd within the cooking device 200d may run a common platform Arm including an operating system and a framework, a cooking device service framework 742d, and a cooking device related application Arcd on the common platform Arm.

[0258] On the other hand, the first processor 270md within the cooking device 200d may run cooking device load control or cooking device safety control on firmware.

[0259] Reference Figures 8a to 8d Since various types of home appliances 200 can be operated based on the common platform Arm, updates can be performed efficiently. In addition, the operation mode can be upgraded efficiently by separating load control and operation mode control.

[0260] Figure 9a 2 is a diagram for distinguishing a software update area and a firmware update area in the platform on which the second processor 270 c and the first processor 270 run.

[0261] 1. Referring to the drawing, a platform on which the second processor 270c in the second circuit portion PBc runs may be distinguished into a board support package layer Ara including an operating system, a framework layer Arb on the board support package layer Ara, and an application layer Arc on the framework layer Arb.

[0262] In the second processor 270c, the area capable of performing software update (Software over-the-air; SOTA) may be the application layer Arc, and the area capable of performing firmware update (Firmware over the air; FOTA) Arn may be the board support package layer Ara and the framework layer Arb.

[0263] On the other hand, in the first processor 270, there is no area where software can be updated, and the area Arp where firmware can be updated may be an area including all of the interface 776, firmware 772, and library 774 for communicating with the third processor 270c.

[0264] As shown in the figure, the software update area and the firmware update area can be separated, so that software updates can be performed more efficiently and at any time.

[0265] Examples of software updates may be updates of a washing program application, an enhanced dehydration application, an automatic laundry detergent dispensing application, a sound source theme application, and a background theme application, among others.

[0266] Such software update may be an update based on the selection of a user using the mobile terminal 600 or an update provided by the manufacturer.

[0267] On the other hand, the frequency of executing firmware updates is preferably lower than the frequency of executing software updates, for example, it can be operating system updates, framework updates, firmware updates, load control algorithm updates, and security control algorithm updates.

[0268] On the other hand, the operating system 710 or the framework Arb may be updated based on the firmware update information received from the server 500 or the mobile terminal 600, and the system application 752, the operation mode-related application 754, or the download application 756 may be updated based on the firmware update information or the software update information received from the server 500 or the mobile terminal 600. As described above, the firmware update and the software update may be separated, so that the update or upgrade may be performed efficiently.

[0269] On the other hand, the second processor 270c can control the update of the operating system 710 and the update of the firmware of the first circuit portion PBa to be performed independently. Thus, the update of the operating system 710 and the update of the firmware of the first circuit portion PBa can be performed efficiently.

[0270] On the other hand, when the update data of the operating system 710 and the firmware update data of the first circuit unit PBa are received, the firmware of the first circuit unit PBa may be updated after the operating system 710 is updated. As described above, the update of the operating system 710 may be performed first, so that the firmware update of the first circuit unit PBa can be performed stably and efficiently.

[0271] On the other hand, the first circuit portion PBa or the third circuit portion PBb can be updated based on the firmware update information received from the server 500 or the mobile terminal 600, and the second circuit portion PBc can be updated based on the firmware update information or software update information received from the server 500 or the mobile terminal 600. As described above, the firmware update or the operation mode upgrade can be efficiently performed by separating the load control based on the firmware drive and the operation mode control based on the operation of the operating system 710.

[0272] On the other hand, when the communication unit 222 receives firmware update information from the server 500 or the mobile terminal 600, the second processor 270c can control the firmware update information to be transmitted to the memory 240a in the first circuit unit PBa, and the memory 240a in the first circuit unit PBa can update the firmware based on the firmware update information. Thus, the firmware update can be performed efficiently.

[0273] On the other hand, the memory 240a in the first circuit unit PBa does not update the firmware during the operation mode, but can update the firmware after the operation mode ends. This allows stable firmware update.

[0274] On the other hand, when the communication unit 222 receives software update information from the server 500 or the mobile terminal 600, the second processor 270c can control the software update information to be transmitted to the memory 240 in the second circuit unit PBc, and the memory 240 in the second circuit unit PBc can update the application based on the software update information. Thus, the software update can be performed efficiently.

[0275] On the other hand, the memory 240 in the second circuit portion PBc can update the applications other than the operating system 710 and the framework Arb in the software during the operation mode operation. Thus, the application update can be executed immediately.

[0276] On the other hand, the memory 240 in the second circuit portion PBc does not update the new operation mode during the operation mode operation, but can update the new operation mode after the operation mode ends. Thus, the new operation mode update can be performed stably.

[0277] On the other hand, the memory 240 in the second circuit portion PBc does not update the operating system 710 or the framework Arb during the operation mode, but can update the operating system 710 or the framework Arb after the operation mode ends. Thus, the operating system 710 or the framework Arb can be updated stably.

[0278] Figure 9b 2 is a diagram showing software update in the second processor 270c in the washing machine 200a.

[0279] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the second processor 270c in the washing machine 200a can run an upgradeable platform library 725 in a common platform including an operating system, a common feature layer 730 on the upgradeable platform library 725, a washing machine service framework 742a on the common feature layer 730, and a plurality of washing machine related applications APa, APb, APc on the washing machine service framework 742a.

[0280] For the update of the first washing machine related application APa among the first to third washing machine related applications APa, APb, APc, the application update information is received from the server 500 or the like.

[0281] The application update information at this time may be a fourth washing machine related application APm for replacing the first washing machine related application APa.

[0282] Thus, the first washing machine related application APa can be simply replaced with the fourth washing machine related application APm and executed.

[0283] On the other hand, in order to modularize by function, the second processor 270c of the present invention performs super-loop dependency separation, and in order to minimize processor occupancy, the second processor 270c of the present invention performs inter-processor communication based on an event-driven approach.

[0284] On the other hand, the second processor 270c of the present invention can communicate with the first processor 270 or the third processor 270b based on a variable data packet method.

[0285] On the other hand, the first processor 270 may periodically transmit sensor data detected by the load driving unit 245 and the like to the second processor 270 c through inter-processor communication.

[0286] At this time, the first processor 270 preferably transmits data to the second processor 270c through the inter-processor communication only when the change in the sensor data is greater than a predetermined value.

[0287] Also, the first processor 270 does not transmit raw data to the second processor 270 c but may transmit the sensor data to the second processor 270 c by compressing and serializing the sensor data.

[0288] Thus, the second processor 270c can perform efficient operations by minimizing the communication between the first processor 270 and the third processor 270b.

[0289] Specifically, the second processor 270c can perform remote procedure call communication as an example of inter-processor communication, rather than low-speed communication such as UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) or SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) which is difficult to perform high-speed communication due to noise or interference. Thus, high-speed communication can be achieved.

[0290] Fig.9c is a diagram showing a software update interval and a firmware update interval.

[0291] Referring to the drawing, the reception interval of the software update information received from the server 500 or the mobile terminal 600 is preferably smaller than the reception interval of the firmware update information.

[0292] That is, the software update interval may be GPb between T1 and T2, and the firmware update interval may be GPa between T0 and T4 which is greater than GPb. Thus, software update can be easily performed at any time.

[0293] On the other hand, the update interval GPb of the second circuit portion PBc is preferably smaller than the update interval GPa of the first circuit portion PBa or the update interval of the third circuit portion PBb. Thus, the second circuit portion PBc can be updated at any time and efficiently.

[0294] On the other hand, when the home appliance 200 is a first product, for example, a washing machine 200a, the second processor 270c can run the operating system 710, run the common framework Arb on a part of the operating system 710, run the first product framework 742a as a washing machine service framework on another part of the operating system 710, and run a first product-related application, for example, a washing machine-related application, on the common framework Arb and the first product framework 742a.

[0295] On the other hand, when the household appliance 200 is a second product, for example, an air conditioner 200c, the second processor 270c can run the operating system 710, run the public framework Arb on a part of the operating system 710, run the second product framework 742c as an air conditioner service framework on another part of the operating system 710, and run the second product related application, for example, an air conditioner related application, on the public framework Arb and the second product framework 742c. In this way, the washing machine 200a and the air conditioner 200c can be operated based on the public platform.

[0296] On the other hand, the second processor 270c may control the update of the first product-related application during the operation of the first product, and may control the update of the operating system 710 or the common framework Arb after the operation of the first product ends.

[0297] Specifically, the second processor 270c can control the washing machine related application to be updated during the operation of the washing machine 200a, and can control the operating system 710 or the public framework Arb to be updated after the operation of the washing machine 200a is completed. Thus, the washing machine related application can be updated immediately, and the operating system 710 or the framework Arb can be updated stably. Figures 10a to 10d Give a description.

[0298] Fig.10a 2 is a diagram showing firmware update in the washing machine 200a.

[0299] Referring to the drawings, at a first time point Ta during operation of the washing machine 200a, first data FDa as firmware update information or load control update information, second data FDb as operating system update information, or third data FDc as display update information may be received from the server 500.

[0300] As described above, since the firmware update information or load control update information, operating system update information, and display update information are based on firmware update (Firmware over the air; FOTA) data, considering security, etc., the update is not performed during the operation of the washing machine 200a, and it is preferred to perform the update after the operation of the washing machine 200a is completed.

[0301] Thus, at the second time point Tb after the operation mode of the washing machine 200a ends, an update based on the first data FDa as firmware update information or load control update information, the second data FDb as operating system update information, or the third data FDc as display update information can be performed.

[0302] For example, at the second time point Tb, the memory 240a in the first circuit portion PBa in the washing machine 200a may be updated based on the first data FDa which is firmware update information or load control update information.

[0303] As another example, at the second time point Tb, the memory 240 in the second circuit portion PBc in the washing machine 200a may be updated based on the second data FDb which is the operating system update information.

[0304] As yet another example, at the second time point Tb, the third processor 27b within the third circuit part PBb within the washing machine 200a may be updated based on the third data FDc as the display update information.

[0305] Fig.10b 2 is a diagram showing software update in the washing machine 200a.

[0306] Referring to the drawing, at a third time point Tc during the operation of the washing machine 200 a , fourth data FDw as washing machine related application update information may be received from the server 500 .

[0307] For example, the fourth data FDw as washing machine related application update information may be screen theme application update information.

[0308] As described above, since the washing machine-related application update information and the like are data that can realize software update (Software over-the-air; SOTA), they can be updated immediately during the operation of the washing machine 200 a .

[0309] Thus, at the fourth time point Td in the operation mode of the washing machine 200a, the update based on the fourth data FDw as the washing machine related application update information can be performed.

[0310] In the drawing, it is shown that the screen theme of the display part DSa of the washing machine 200a is the first theme 1010 at the third time point Tc, and it is shown that the screen theme of the display part DSa of the washing machine 200a is the second theme 1020 at the fourth time point Td when the update is performed.

[0311] The first theme 1010 includes only the remaining operation time information of the washing machine, but in addition to the remaining operation time information of the washing machine, the second theme 1020 may further include a background theme 1030. Thus, the usability of the washing machine 200a can be improved.

[0312] Fig.10c 2 is a diagram showing firmware update in the air conditioner 200 c .

[0313] Referring to the drawings, at a first time point Ta1 during operation of the air conditioner 200c, first data FDa1 as firmware update information or load control update information, second data FDb1 as operating system update information, or third data FDc1 as display update information may be received from the server 500.

[0314] As described above, since the firmware update information or load control update information, operating system update information, display update information, etc. are based on firmware update (Firmware over the air; FOTA) data, considering safety, etc., the update is not performed during the operation of the air conditioner 200c, and it is preferred to perform the update after the operation of the air conditioner 200c is completed.

[0315] Thus, at the second time point Tb1 after the operation mode of the air conditioner 200 c ends, an update based on the first data FDa1 as firmware update information or load control update information, the second data FDb1 as operating system update information, or the third data FDc1 as display update information can be performed.

[0316] For example, at the second time point Tb1, the memory 240a in the first circuit portion PBa in the air conditioner 200c may be updated based on the first data FDa1 which is firmware update information or load control update information.

[0317] As another example, at the second time point Tb1, the memory 240 in the second circuit portion PBc in the air conditioner 200c may be updated based on the second data FDb1 which is the operating system update information.

[0318] As yet another example, at the second time point Tb1, the third processor 27b within the third circuit portion PBb within the air conditioner 200c may be updated based on the third data FDc1 as the display update information.

[0319] Fig.10d 2 is a diagram showing software update in the air conditioner 200 c .

[0320] Referring to the drawing, at a third time point Tc1 during the operation of the air conditioner 200 c , fourth data FDz as air conditioner-related application update information may be received from the server 500 .

[0321] For example, the fourth data FDz as the air-conditioning related application update information may be screen theme application update information.

[0322] As described above, since the air conditioner-related application update information and the like are data that can realize software update (Software over-the-air; SOTA), they can be updated immediately during the operation of the air conditioner 200 c .

[0323] Thus, at the fourth time point Td1 during the operation mode of the air conditioner 200 c , the update based on the fourth data FDz as the air conditioner-related application update information can be performed.

[0324] In the drawing, it is shown that at the third time point Tc1, the screen theme of the display part DSc of the air conditioner 200a is the first theme 1040, and it is shown that at the fourth time point Td1 when the update is performed, the screen theme of the display part DSc of the air conditioner 200a is the second theme 1050.

[0325] The first theme 1040 includes only the current indoor temperature information, but in addition to the current indoor temperature information, the second theme 1050 may further include a background theme 1060. Thus, the convenience of use of the air conditioner 200c can be improved.

[0326] On the other hand, refer to Figures 10a to 10d , a household appliance 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes: a first circuit unit PBa, having a first processor 270 for load control or safety control; a third circuit unit PBb, having a third processor 270b for controlling a light-emitting diode 230 or a display unit 280; and a second circuit unit PBc, connected to the first circuit unit PBa or the third circuit unit PBb in a wired or wireless manner, and having a second processor 270c that controls the operation mode based on an operating system 710 and performs application updates during the operation mode operation based on application update information received by a communication unit 222 for wireless communication with an external server 500 or a mobile terminal 600.

[0327] Thus, the operation mode can be upgraded efficiently by separating the load control and the operation mode control. In particular, the application can be updated immediately.

[0328] On the other hand, refer to Fig.10b When the second processor 270c receives the display theme related update information FDw from the server 500 or the mobile terminal 600, it controls to display the first display theme 1010 at the first time point Ta, and then performs an update based on the display theme related update information FDw during the operation mode operation, and displays the second display theme 1020 corresponding to the display theme related update information at the second time point Tb after the first time point Ta. In this way, the display theme related update can be performed immediately.

[0329] On the other hand, refer to Figure 10a to Figure 10bThe second processor 270c can run the operating system 710, run the framework Arb on the operating system 710, run at least one application on the framework Arb, and can control the update of at least one application based on the application update information FDw during the operation mode action, and after the operation mode ends, the operating system 710 or the framework Arb is updated based on the update information (FDa or FDb or FDc) received from the server 500 or the mobile terminal 600. Thus, the application update can be executed immediately, and the update of the operating system 710 or the framework Arb can be executed stably.

[0330] On the other hand, refer to Fig.10a , the second processor 270c can control the update of the first circuit portion PBa or the third circuit portion PBb to be executed based on the firmware update information (FDa or FDc) received from the server 500 or the mobile terminal 600 after the operation mode ends. Thus, the update of the first circuit portion PBa or the third circuit portion PBb can be executed stably.

[0331] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing an operation method of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0332] Referring to the drawings, when the home appliance 200 is in the standby mode and there is an operation input corresponding to the action of a physical operation button or an operation input based on remote control (S1105), the standby mode is canceled and control is executed in the operation mode based on the operating system (S1110).

[0333] For example, in the case of the washing machine 200a, the washing operation mode may be executed after the power is turned on based on the continuous operation of the power key and the action key.

[0334] As another example, in the case of the refrigerator 200b or the air conditioner 200c, a cooling operation or a heating operation may be performed based on the action of a temperature setting key.

[0335] As yet another example, in the case of the cooking apparatus 200d, a thawing operation mode or a heating operation mode may be executed based on an action of an action key.

[0336] Thereafter, during the operation mode, when update information is received (S1115), the second processor 270c may determine whether the received update information is software update information (S1120), and if so, perform an upgrade or update (S1125).

[0337] For example, if the received software update information is update information for a new operation mode, the second processor 270c may perform an upgrade based on the update information for the new operation mode after the operation mode ends.

[0338] Specifically, after the operation mode ends, the second processor 270c may store the update information for the new operation mode in the memory 240 and perform the upgrade.

[0339] As another example, if the received software update information is information for an application, the second processor 270c may immediately execute an update for the application during the operation mode operation.

[0340] On the other hand, in step 1120 (S1120), if the received update information is not software update information, the second processor 270c determines whether the received update information is firmware update information (S1130).

[0341] And, if the received update information is firmware update information, the second processor 270c performs firmware update (S1135).

[0342] For example, if the received firmware update information is information for an operating system or a framework, the operating system or the framework may be updated after the operation mode ends.

[0343] As another example, when the received firmware update information is firmware update information for load control or display, the memory 240a in the first circuit portion PBa or the memory 240b in the third circuit portion PBb may be updated.

[0344] Thus, updating or upgrading based on the software update information can be efficiently performed, and firmware updating based on the firmware update information can be stably performed.

[0345] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and a person skilled in the art may make various modifications within the scope of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and these modifications should not be understood separately from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. A household appliance, wherein: include: A first circuit unit having a first processor for load control or safety control; as well as The second circuit unit is connected to the first circuit unit in a wired or wireless manner and has a second processor that controls the operation mode based on the operating system and performs upgrade based on upgrade information received from an external server or mobile terminal.

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further includes a third circuit unit having a third processor for controlling a light emitting diode or a display unit.

3. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second processor runs the operating system, runs a framework on the operating system, and runs a system application, an application related to the operation mode, or a downloaded application on the framework.

4. The household appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The operating system and a portion of the framework correspond to a common platform.

5. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: receiving update information from the external server or mobile terminal, The receiving interval of software update information received from the server or the mobile terminal is smaller than the receiving interval of firmware update information received from the server or the mobile terminal.

6. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second processor is controlled to perform updating based on the update information received from the external server or mobile terminal, A software update interval of the second circuit unit is smaller than a firmware update interval of the first circuit unit.

7. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first circuit unit is updated based on firmware update information received from the server or the mobile terminal, The second circuit unit is updated based on firmware update information or software update information received from the server or the mobile terminal.

8. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first circuit unit performs remote procedure call communication with the second circuit unit.

9. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second circuit unit further includes the communication unit, The communication unit performs wireless communication with the server or the mobile terminal.

10. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first circuit unit further includes a memory storing firmware for load control or safety control. The second circuit unit further includes a memory storing the operating system.

11. The household appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that: When firmware update information is received from the server or the mobile terminal, The second processor is controlled to transmit the firmware update information to the memory in the first circuit unit, The memory in the first circuit unit updates the firmware based on the firmware update information.

12. The household appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that: The memory in the first circuit unit does not update the firmware during the operation mode, but updates the firmware after the operation mode ends.

13. The household appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that: When software update information is received from the server or the mobile terminal, The second processor is controlled to transmit the software update information to the memory in the second circuit unit, The memory in the second circuit unit performs software update based on the software update information.

14. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the home appliance is a first product, the second processor runs an operating system, a public framework runs on a part of the operating system, a first product framework runs on another part of the operating system, and first product related applications run on the public framework and the first product framework.

15. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the home appliance is a second product, the second processor runs the operating system, runs a common framework on a part of the operating system, runs a second product framework on another part of the operating system, and runs second product related applications on the common framework and the second product framework.

16. The household appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that: The second processor is controlled to update the first product-related application during the first product operation.

17. A household appliance, wherein: include: A first circuit unit having a first processor for load control or safety control; as well as The second circuit unit is connected to the first circuit unit in a wired or wireless manner, and has a second processor that controls the operation mode based on the operating system and executes application update during the operation mode based on application update information received from an external server or mobile terminal.

18. The household appliance according to claim 17, characterized in that: When firmware update information is received from the server or the mobile terminal, The second processor is controlled to execute a firmware update after the operation mode ends.

19. The household appliance according to claim 17, characterized in that: The device further includes a third circuit unit having a third processor for controlling a light emitting diode or a display unit.

20. A method for operating a household appliance, wherein: include: The step of controlling an operating mode based on the operating system based on the operating input; When receiving software update information from an external server or mobile terminal, performing an update or upgrade during the operation mode; as well as When firmware update information is received from the server or the mobile terminal, a step of performing firmware update after the operation mode ends.

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