Washing machine control method

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of intelligent household appliances, and particularly provides a washing machine control method. The objective of the invention is to solve the problems of how to optimize the execution starting time of a washing program and how to enable prompt information of a washing process not to disturb rest of people when a user remotely starts the washing program. In order to achieve the purpose, the method comprises the steps that based on at least one of a control mode selected by a user, a washing program, current time and predicted home returning time, execution starting time of the washing program is intelligently determined; and sending prompt information according to the indoor personnel information and the personnel state. By means of the method, the washing ending time and the home returning time of the user can be synchronized, or a person in the same space with the washing machine is reminded to assist in airing clothes, so that the conditions of wrinkles, peculiar smells and the like of the clothes are reduced. Moreover, when richer clothes washing process information is provided for the user, the feeling of the person is considered preferentially, and when the person is in a sleep state, information prompt is not performed temporarily, so that the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of intelligent household appliances, and specifically provides a washing machine control method. Background Art

[0002] With the development of science and technology, smart home appliances with functions such as Internet of Things, communication, and control have been widely accepted by users. For example, users can remotely control the washing machine through a smartphone to start running at any time, which greatly facilitates people's lives.

[0003] However, if the user cannot return home in time after starting the washing program remotely, the washed clothes may become wrinkled and / or produce odors because they cannot be dried in time. If there are other people at home, the smart home appliance can be used to prompt others to help dry the clothes after the laundry is completed. When the information prompt is made, if the status of the person cannot be determined, the sudden prompt information may disturb the person's rest and cause discomfort. Therefore, how to optimize the start execution time of the washing program and ensure that the prompt information of the washing process does not disturb the person's rest has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0004] Accordingly, a new solution is needed in the art to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve or partially solve the above technical problem, that is, to solve the problem of how to optimize the start execution time of the washing program when the user remotely starts the washing program, and to ensure that the reminder information of the washing process does not disturb the rest of the people.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a washing machine control method, the method comprising: Obtaining a control mode selected by a user, wherein the control mode includes local start and remote start; The start time of the washing program is determined based on at least one of the control mode, the washing program set by the user, the current time, and the user's expected return home time.

[0007] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned washing machine control method, when the control mode is the remote start, “determining the start execution time of the washing program based on at least one of the control mode, the washing program set by the user, the current time, and the expected return home time” includes: Obtaining a washing time based on the washing program; Obtaining a first duration based on the current time and the user's expected time to return home; Determining a start time of the washing program based on at least one of the remote start mode, the washing duration, and the first duration; The remote start modes include immediate start, scheduled start, and smart start.

[0008] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned washing machine control method, when the start mode of the remote start is the smart start, “determining the start execution time of the washing program based on at least one of the start mode of the remote start, the washing duration, and the first duration” includes: When the first time duration is less than or equal to the washing time duration, immediately starting to execute the washing program; When the first time duration is greater than the washing time duration, obtaining personnel information and personnel status of personnel who are allowed to operate the washing machine in the same space as the washing machine; Based on the personnel information and the personnel status, determining the start time of the washing program; The personnel information includes whether there is someone or not, and the personnel status includes sleeping status and non-sleeping status.

[0009] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned washing machine control method, “determining the start execution time of the washing program based on the personnel information and the personnel status” includes: When the personnel information indicates that there is no one present, the first duration is updated regularly until the first duration is less than or equal to the washing duration, and then the washing program is started; When the personnel information indicates that there is someone, and the personnel status is the non-sleeping status, the washing program starts to be executed.

[0010] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned washing machine control method, “determining the start execution time of the washing program based on the personnel information and the personnel status” further includes: When the personnel information indicates that there is a person, and the personnel state is the sleeping state, continuously obtaining the personnel state and updating the first duration; When the state of the person changes to the non-sleeping state, starting to execute the washing program; Alternatively, when the first duration is less than or equal to the washing duration, the washing program starts to be executed.

[0011] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned washing machine control method, “determining the start time of the washing program based on at least one of the remote start mode, the washing duration, and the first duration” further includes: When the remote start mode is immediate start, the washing program is immediately started; When the start mode of the remote start is scheduled time start, the current time is regularly compared with the scheduled time of the scheduled time start, and when the current time is consistent with the scheduled time, the washing program is started.

[0012] In one embodiment of the above washing machine control method, when it is determined that the washing program can be started, the method further includes: Acquiring the status of persons who are allowed to operate the washing machine in the same space as the washing machine; When the person is in a non-sleeping state, a first prompt message is sent to the person; When the person is in a sleeping state, no prompt message is issued.

[0013] In one embodiment of the above washing machine control method, the method further includes: When the control mode is the local start, the washing program starts to be executed immediately.

[0014] In one embodiment of the above washing machine control method, the method further includes: Acquire personnel information and personnel status of personnel who are allowed to operate the washing machine in the same space as the washing machine; After the washing program is finished, when the personnel information indicates that there is someone and the person's state is the non-sleeping state, a second prompt message is sent to the person; After the washing program is finished, when the personnel information indicates that there is no one, or when the personnel information indicates that there is someone and the person is in a sleeping state, a shaking and blowing operation is performed; According to user settings, optionally, at a preset time before the end of the washing program, when the personnel information indicates that there is someone and the person is in a non-sleeping state, a third prompt message is sent to the person.

[0015] In the case of adopting the above technical solution, the present invention can intelligently determine the start execution time of the washing program based on at least one of the control mode selected by the user, the washing program set by the user, the current time, and the expected return home time; and issue prompt information according to the indoor personnel information and personnel status at different stages of the washing process. Through the method of the present invention, it is possible to optimize the start execution time of the washing program, synchronize the washing end time with the user's return home time, or remind people in the same space as the washing machine to assist in drying clothes to reduce wrinkles and odors in the clothes. In addition, when providing users with more abundant laundry process information, priority is given to the feelings of the people. When the person is in a sleeping state, no information prompts are given, thereby improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0017] Figure 1 4 is a flow chart of main steps of a washing machine control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a washing machine control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the main steps of step S102 when the control mode is remote start in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a flow chart of main steps of a washing machine control method when the remote start mode of an embodiment of the present invention is smart start. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make adjustments to them as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0023] Read First Figure 1 , Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the main steps of the washing machine control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The washing machine control method of the embodiment of the present invention shown includes: Step S101: Obtaining the control mode selected by the user; Step S102: Determine the start time of the washing program based on at least one of the control mode, the washing program set by the user, the current time, and the user's expected return home time.

[0024] In the embodiment of the present invention, the control mode includes local start and remote start. Specifically, the local start is that the user operates and starts the washing program through the control panel of the washing machine. The remote start is usually that the user operates and starts the washing program through the smart terminal.

[0025] As an example, a user can remotely select a washing program through a smartphone on the way home from get off work, and set the remote start mode to any one of immediate start, scheduled start, and smart start according to actual conditions.

[0026] Continue reading Figure 2 , Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a washing machine control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the washing machine control system includes a washing machine 1, a smart speaker 2, a server 3, a smart phone 4, a human detection device 5 and a router 6.

[0027] The washing machine 1, the smart speaker 2, the server 3, the smart phone 4 and the human detection device 5 are connected to the router 6 via a Wi-Fi network, and data communication can be performed between the devices. Accordingly, the user can use the smart phone 4 to set the relevant parameters of each device and system in the washing machine control system through the APP program.

[0028] In the embodiment of the present invention, after the user selects a washing program through the smart phone 4 when leaving get off work, the washing machine 1 is controlled to run by remote start. Figure 3 The implementation process of step S102 when the control mode is remote start is described, and the specific steps include: Step S301: obtaining a washing time based on a washing program; Step S302: obtaining a first duration based on the current time and the user's expected time to go home; Step S303: Determine the start time of the washing program based on at least one of the remote start mode, the washing time, and the first time.

[0029] In step S301 , the washing time required for this washing can be obtained through the built-in parameters of the washing machine 1 according to the washing program selected by the user.

[0030] In step S302, the first duration between the current time and the user's expected home time is calculated. By comparing the first duration with the washing duration, the time sequence between the washing end time corresponding to different washing programs and the user's expected home time can be obtained, thereby providing a reference for selecting the appropriate start execution time of the washing program.

[0031] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the method for obtaining the user's estimated home time. As an example, it can be the home time preset by the user when selecting a washing program through the smartphone 4, or it can be the home time estimated after statistical analysis of the user's historical home data by the cloud server.

[0032] Next, further combine Figure 4The specific method of how to implement step S103 is described below when the start mode of the remote start is the smart start.

[0033] The first time duration is compared with the washing time. When the first time duration is less than or equal to the washing time duration, the washing program is started immediately. At this time, the user can directly hang the washed clothes after returning home.

[0034] When the first time is longer than the washing time, if the washing program is started immediately, the user may not be home when the washing program is finished, and the washed clothes cannot be dried in time. Accordingly, it is necessary to optimize the start time of the washing program.

[0035] The personal information and personal status of the person who is allowed to operate the washing machine in the same space as the washing machine 1 are obtained, and based on the personal information and personal status, the start execution time of the washing program is determined, so that when the washing is completed, the person can be notified to hang the washed clothes on behalf of the user.

[0036] When the person information is "no one", it means that there is no person who can dry clothes in the space where the washing machine 1 is located. At this time, the washing machine 1 is started with a delay. Specifically, the first time is updated regularly and compared with the washing time. When the first time is less than or equal to the washing time, the washing program is started, so that the washed clothes can be dried in time.

[0037] When the personnel information indicates that there is someone, and the personnel state is not in a sleeping state, it means that there is a person who can dry clothes in the space where the washing machine 1 is located, and the server 3 can control the washing machine 1 to start executing the washing program.

[0038] When the person information shows that there is someone there, but the person is in sleeping state, it is impossible to determine when the person will wake up. If the washing program is started at this time, the washed clothes may not be dried in time. Therefore, the washing program can be delayed.

[0039] During the delayed start of the washing program, the first duration is updated regularly and compared with the washing duration; at the same time, the personnel status is continuously detected. When the personnel status changes to a non-sleeping state, or the first duration is less than or equal to the washing duration, the server 3 controls the washing machine 6 to start the washing program.

[0040] In another embodiment, the start mode set by the user is immediate start. At this time, after the server 3 receives the command set by the user through the smart phone 2, it immediately notifies the washing machine 1 to execute the corresponding washing program.

[0041] In another embodiment, the start mode set by the user is a scheduled start. At this time, after the server 3 receives the command set by the user through the smart phone 2, it compares the current time of the system with the scheduled time of the scheduled start set by the user. If the current time is consistent with the scheduled time, the server 3 notifies the washing machine 1 to execute the corresponding washing program.

[0042] It should be noted that the current time in this embodiment is consistent with the reservation time, which not only includes the current time being the same as the reservation time, but also takes into account factors such as network delay, network failure, improper user operation, etc., and also includes the scenario where the current time is later than the reservation time. This makes the washing machine control system more intelligent and more user-friendly.

[0043] In another embodiment, when the control mode is remote start, based on any of the above embodiments, before determining that the washing program can be started (or while the washing program is started), a first prompt message can be sent to a person who is allowed to operate the washing machine 1 in the same space as the washing machine 1. Figure 4 , explaining the specific process of issuing the first prompt information.

[0044] The status of a person who is allowed to operate the washing machine 1 in the same space as the washing machine 1 is obtained, and whether to send the first prompt information is determined according to the status of the person.

[0045] When the person is in a non-resting state, a first prompt message is sent to the person. Through the first prompt message, on the one hand, the person is informed that the washing machine 1 is about to (or has) started to run, and the estimated time of the end of washing, so that the person can pay attention to the running state of the washing machine 1 in time. On the other hand, the bad feeling caused by the automatic operation of the washing machine 1 can be reduced or avoided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0046] When a person is in resting state, priority is given to not being disturbed. At this time, the system is set not to issue a prompt message and continue the washing program.

[0047] In another embodiment, when the control mode is local start, that is, the user directly selects the washing program through the control panel of the washing machine 1 and triggers the start button, the washing machine 1 immediately starts to execute the washing program. Considering that the user is near the washing machine 1 and has already known the relevant status of the washing machine 1, the washing machine 1 no longer needs to send a prompt message to the user when it starts to execute the washing program.

[0048] For any of the above embodiments, after the washing program starts, in order to provide users and related personnel with richer washing process status and further enhance the user experience, prompt information can also be sent according to user settings before and after the washing program is completed.

[0049] In another embodiment, see Figure 4 After the washing program is executed, the personnel information and personnel status of the personnel who are allowed to operate the washing machine in the same space as the washing machine 1 are obtained. It should be noted that the personnel at this time can be the user or other personnel, among which the user who starts the washing process has the highest priority.

[0050] When the personnel information indicates that there is someone and the personnel status is not in a sleeping state, a second prompt message is sent to the personnel, reminding the user that the laundry has been completed and to dry the clothes in time.

[0051] When the personnel information indicates that there is no one, it is meaningless to send a prompt message to the space where the washing machine 1 is located. At this time, only the shaking and blowing operation is performed to delay the process of wrinkles and odors appearing on the clothes.

[0052] When the person information shows that there is someone and the person is in sleep mode, the person's feelings are given priority and no prompt information is issued to avoid disturbing the person's rest. At this time, only the shaking and blowing operation is performed to delay the process of wrinkles and odors in clothes.

[0053] In another embodiment, see Figure 4 After the washing program is completed, on the basis of opening the second prompt message according to the personnel information and personnel status, you can also choose whether to send a third prompt message at a preset time before the end of the washing program according to the settings. As an example, the preset time can be set to 1 minute.

[0054] When it is chosen to send the third prompt message at a preset time before the end of the washing program, the personnel information and personnel status of the person who is allowed to operate the washing machine in the same space as the washing machine 1 are obtained. It should be noted that the person at this time can be a user or other person, among which the user who starts the washing process has the highest priority.

[0055] When the personnel information indicates that there is someone and the personnel status is not in a sleeping state, a third prompt message is sent to the personnel to remind the user that the laundry process is about to end, so that the relevant personnel can prepare the clothes drying rack in advance.

[0056] When the personnel information indicates that someone is present and the person is in sleeping state, the person's feelings are also given priority, and no prompt information is issued to avoid disturbing the person's rest.

[0057] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, preferably, the smart terminal closest to the person is used to send the prompt information to the user. The present invention does not limit the form of the smart terminal device. As an example, the smart speaker 2 is the smart terminal closest to the person. At this time, the server 3 can send relevant prompt information to the person through the smart speaker 2.

[0058] In other embodiments, if the person wears a smart wearable device, such as a smart watch, the server 3 can send relevant prompt information through the smart watch.

[0059] It should be noted that during the entire laundry process, the server 3 can also send laundry progress information directly to the smart terminal set by the user, such as the smart phone 4, according to the user's settings, so that the laundry user can understand the laundry progress in time.

[0060] It should be noted that the implementation of the method of the present invention can be implemented entirely in the server 3; it can also be implemented entirely in the washing machine 1; or it can be implemented partially in the server 3 and partially in the washing machine 1. Those skilled in the art can select the implementation location of the method of the present invention according to actual conditions. The server 3 can be a local networked smart home server or a cloud server.

[0061] It should be noted that the person who is allowed to operate the washing machine in the same space as the washing machine 1 may be the user's spouse, parents, adult children, etc. The person may be pre-set in the washing machine control system, and the priority of the relevant person may be set. Similarly, when a prompt message is issued, the relevant information is sent to the person with the highest priority.

[0062] It should be noted that the method of obtaining personnel information and personnel status is not limited in this application. As an example, the human detection device 6 can be one or more of millimeter wave radar, infrared detection equipment, camera, smart wearable equipment, etc. The human detection device 6 can detect whether there is a person in the same space as the washing machine 1 and whether the person is in a sleeping state.

[0063] Those skilled in the art should be able to appreciate that the method steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. In order to clearly illustrate the interchangeability of electronic hardware and software, the composition and steps of each example have been generally described in the above description according to function. Whether these functions are performed in electronic hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of the present invention.

[0064] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in the specification and claims of the present invention and the above-mentioned drawings are only used to distinguish similar objects, rather than to describe or indicate a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the numbers used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0065] In addition, in the description of the present application, the term "A and / or B" represents all possible combinations of A and B, such as only A, only B, or A and B.

[0066] So far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the protection scope of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine control method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Acquire a control mode selected by a user, where the control mode includes local start and remote start; The start time of the washing program is determined based on at least one of the control mode, the washing program set by the user, the current time, and the user's expected return home time.

2. The washing machine control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the control mode is the remote start, “determining the start time of the washing program based on at least one of the control mode, the washing program set by the user, the current time, and the expected time to return home” includes: Obtaining a washing time based on the washing program; Obtaining a first duration based on the current time and the user's expected time to return home; Determining a start time of the washing program based on at least one of the remote start mode, the washing duration, and the first duration; The remote start modes include immediate start, scheduled start, and smart start.

3. The washing machine control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the remote start mode is the smart start, “determining the start execution time of the washing program based on at least one of the remote start mode, the washing duration, and the first duration” includes: When the first time duration is less than or equal to the washing time duration, immediately starting to execute the washing program; When the first time duration is greater than the washing time duration, obtaining personnel information and personnel status of personnel who are allowed to operate the washing machine in the same space as the washing machine; Based on the personnel information and the personnel status, determining the start time of the washing program; The personnel information includes whether there is someone or not, and the personnel status includes sleeping status and non-sleeping status.

4. The washing machine control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: “Determining the start execution time of the washing program based on the personnel information and the personnel status” includes: When the personnel information indicates that there is no one present, the first duration is updated regularly until the first duration is less than or equal to the washing duration, and then the washing program is started; When the personnel information indicates that there is someone, and the personnel status is the non-sleeping status, the washing program starts to be executed.

5. The washing machine control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: “Determining the start execution time of the washing program based on the personnel information and the personnel status” also includes: When the personnel information indicates that there is a person, and the personnel state is the sleeping state, continuously obtaining the personnel state and updating the first duration; When the state of the person changes to the non-sleeping state, starting to execute the washing program; Alternatively, when the first duration is less than or equal to the washing duration, the washing program starts to be executed.

6. The washing machine control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: “Determining the start time of the washing program based on at least one of the remote start mode, the washing duration, and the first duration” also includes: When the remote start mode is immediate start, the washing program is immediately started; When the start mode of the remote start is scheduled time start, the current time is regularly compared with the scheduled time of the scheduled time start, and when the current time is consistent with the scheduled time, the washing program is started.

7. The washing machine control method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: When it is determined that the washing program can be started, the method further includes: Acquiring the status of persons who are allowed to operate the washing machine in the same space as the washing machine; When the person is in a non-sleeping state, a first prompt message is sent to the person; When the person is in a sleeping state, no prompt message is issued.

8. The washing machine control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the control mode is the local start, the washing program starts to be executed immediately.

9. The washing machine control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Acquire personnel information and personnel status of personnel who are allowed to operate the washing machine in the same space as the washing machine; After the washing program is finished, when the personnel information indicates that there is someone and the person's state is the non-sleeping state, a second prompt message is sent to the person; After the washing program is finished, when the personnel information indicates that there is no one, or when the personnel information indicates that there is someone and the person is in a sleeping state, a shaking and blowing operation is performed; According to user settings, optionally, at a preset time before the end of the washing program, when the personnel information indicates that there is someone and the person is in a non-sleeping state, a third prompt message is sent to the person.

10. The washing machine control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or 8, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Acquire personnel information and personnel status of personnel who are allowed to operate the washing machine in the same space as the washing machine; After the washing program is finished, when the personnel information indicates that there is someone and the person's state is the non-sleeping state, a second prompt message is sent to the person; After the washing program is finished, when the personnel information indicates that there is no one, or when the personnel information indicates that there is someone and the person is in a sleeping state, a shaking and blowing operation is performed; According to user settings, optionally, at a preset time before the end of the washing program, when the personnel information indicates that there is someone and the person is in a non-sleeping state, a third prompt message is sent to the person.

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