Household equipment control method, controller, water outlet device and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a control method of household equipment, a controller, a water outlet device and a computer readable storage medium. The control method comprises the following steps: acquiring a voltage value of an input power supply of the household equipment; if the voltage value of the input power supply is equal to the output voltage value of the power adapter, the active reflection type infrared sensor is controlled to operate in a high-power mode, and if the voltage value of the input power supply is equal to the power supply voltage value of the battery, the active reflection type infrared sensor is controlled to operate in a low-power mode; therefore, the problem of interference signal influence when the mains supply is accessed for power supply is solved, and the service life of the battery can be prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart home technology, and more specifically to a control method, controller, water outlet device, and computer-readable storage medium for home devices. Background Technology

[0002] Existing active reflective infrared sensors generally include a signal transmitter and a signal receiver. During operation, the transmitter emits infrared light signals. When a part of a human body is within the sensor's detection area, the infrared light signal is reflected due to the body's movement and received by the receiver. This light is then processed through photoelectric conversion and amplification before being output to the control device. The control device uses the received signal to determine if a human body is present within the designated area and performs subsequent control actions. Some faucets are equipped with active reflective infrared sensors that dispense water only when a person is detected in the designated area. These faucets typically support both battery power and power adapter power. Due to the limited battery life, to extend the battery's lifespan, the active reflective infrared sensor is generally required to operate at very low current to detect human presence. This requires the transmitter to operate with very low current, resulting in a weak infrared light signal received by the receiver. The receiver converts the reflected signal into a weak electrical signal, which is then amplified and output to the control device. The control device then determines the appropriate action for the faucet. When powered by a power adapter, the power adapter is connected to the mains power. The power adapter converts the 220Vac / 50Hz AC mains power into low-voltage DC power. When the power adapter is connected to the mains power, interference signals such as EFT (Effective Transient Force) and CS (Conducted Suppression) from the mains power grid will also be conducted to the low-voltage DC power through the power adapter. At the same time, the power adapter generates ripple voltage when it is working, which is also conducted to the low-voltage DC power and ultimately to the active reflective infrared sensor. If the reflected signal received by the sensor's signal receiver is very weak, then after being interfered with by the above-mentioned interference signals, it is easy for the subsequent control device to misjudge the presence of a human body in the designated area, thus executing an incorrect water dispensing action, or causing abnormal problems such as shortening or lengthening of the original sensing distance after being interfered with. This can lead to abnormal water dispensing when the user is not using the product, or no water dispensing when in use, affecting the user's use and wasting water resources. It may also make the user think that the product is faulty and needs repair, resulting in unnecessary after-sales problems. To address the aforementioned issues, existing technology recommends that users power the faucet with batteries to avoid the interference signals being transmitted to the active reflective infrared sensor through the power adapter, thus affecting the product's operation. However, using battery power also brings some problems. For example, in public places, the faucet is frequently used, and the battery will run out of power quickly, requiring replacement, which increases the material and labor costs of the battery. If it is not replaced in time, it will prevent users from using the faucet normally, thus causing public health problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, or at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application proposes a working method of an active reflective infrared sensor.

[0004] The first aspect of this application provides a method for controlling a home appliance, the home appliance including an active reflective infrared sensor, the active reflective infrared sensor including a signal transmitting end and a signal receiving end, the home appliance being powered by a battery, and the home appliance also being powered by a power adapter connected to AC power, wherein the battery power supply voltage is not equal to the power adapter output voltage, the method comprising: The method acquires the output signal of an active reflective infrared sensor and determines whether a human body is present within a preset range based on the output signal. If a human body is present, the home appliance is turned on; if no human body is present, the home appliance is not turned on. The method further includes: Obtain the voltage value of the input power supply of the home appliance; If the voltage value of the input power supply is equal to the output voltage value of the power adapter, the active reflective infrared sensor is controlled to operate in high-power mode. In the high-power mode, the operating current of the signal transmitting end is greater than a first preset value, and the amplification factor of the operational amplifier of the signal receiving end is less than a second preset value. The relationship between the first preset value and the second preset value is: the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitting end using the operating current of the first preset value is received by the signal receiving end after being reflected by the human body within the preset range, converted into an electrical signal, and amplified by the factor of the second preset value, and is greater than or equal to the preset sensing threshold. The interference signal introduced by the power adapter is amplified by the factor of the second preset value and is less than the preset sensing threshold. The preset sensing threshold corresponds to the preset range. If the voltage value of the input power supply is equal to the voltage value of the battery supply, the active reflective infrared sensor is controlled to operate in low power mode. In the low power mode, the operating current of the signal transmitting end is less than the third preset value, and the amplification factor of the operational amplifier of the signal receiving end is greater than the fourth preset value. The first preset value is greater than the third preset value, and the relationship between the third preset value and the fourth preset value is: the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitting end using the operating current of the third preset value is received by the signal receiving end after being reflected by the human body within the preset range, converted into an electrical signal, and amplified by the factor of the fourth preset value, and is greater than or equal to the preset sensing threshold.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first preset value is 100mA and the second preset value is 100 times.

[0006] In one embodiment, the third preset value is 50mA.

[0007] In one embodiment, in the high-power mode, the active reflective infrared sensor is instructed to perform a first detection frequency, and in the low-power mode, the active reflective infrared sensor is instructed to perform a second detection frequency, wherein the first detection frequency is greater than the second detection frequency.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first detection frequency is less than 50 ms / time.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second detection frequency is greater than 100 ms / time.

[0010] A second aspect of this application provides a controller comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement a method for controlling a home appliance as described in the first aspect of this invention.

[0011] A third aspect of this application provides a water dispensing device, which includes a power adapter, a battery, an active reflective infrared sensor, a solenoid valve, and a controller as described in the second aspect of the invention. The battery powers the active reflective infrared sensor, the solenoid valve, and the controller. The power adapter is connected to AC power to power the active reflective infrared sensor, the solenoid valve, and the controller. The supply voltage of the battery is different from the output voltage of the power adapter. The controller is connected to the active reflective infrared sensor and the solenoid valve respectively to obtain the output signal of the active reflective infrared sensor and control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve according to the output signal of the active reflective infrared sensor.

[0012] In one embodiment, the battery comprises four 1.5V dry cell batteries connected in series, and the power adapter has an output voltage of 7.5V.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one piece of program code for execution by a processor to implement a method for controlling a home appliance as described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0014] The fifth aspect of the present invention provides a computer program product comprising computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium, wherein a processor of a computer terminal device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions, causing the computer terminal device to perform the home appliance control method as described in the first aspect of this application.

[0015] The home appliance control method provided in this application detects the power supply voltage to identify whether it is powered by a battery or a power adapter, and then automatically switches between high-power and low-power modes. This solves the problem of interference signals when connected to mains power and extends battery life. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a home appliance according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, used in the description of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or end device that includes a series of steps or modules is not limited to the steps or modules listed, but may optionally include other steps or modules not listed, or may optionally include other steps or modules inherent to such process, method, product, or end device.

[0021] In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" includes two or more quantities.

[0022] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a control method for a home appliance. The home appliance includes an active reflective infrared sensor, which includes a signal transmitter and a signal receiver. The home appliance can be powered by a battery, and can also be powered by a power adapter connected to AC power, wherein the battery voltage is not equal to the power adapter output voltage. The method includes: The method acquires the output signal of an active reflective infrared sensor and determines whether a human body is present within a preset range based on the output signal. If a human body is present, the home appliance is turned on; if no human body is present, the home appliance is not turned on. The method further includes: Obtain the voltage value of the input power supply of the home appliance; If the voltage value of the input power supply is equal to the output voltage value of the power adapter, the active reflective infrared sensor is controlled to operate in high-power mode. In the high-power mode, the operating current of the signal transmitting end is greater than a first preset value, and the amplification factor of the operational amplifier of the signal receiving end is less than a second preset value. The relationship between the first preset value and the second preset value is: the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitting end using the operating current of the first preset value is received by the signal receiving end after being reflected by the human body within the preset range, converted into an electrical signal, and amplified by the factor of the second preset value, and is greater than or equal to the preset sensing threshold. The interference signal introduced by the power adapter is amplified by the factor of the second preset value and is less than the preset sensing threshold. The preset sensing threshold corresponds to the preset range. If the voltage value of the input power supply is equal to the voltage value of the battery supply, the active reflective infrared sensor is controlled to operate in low power mode. In the low power mode, the operating current of the signal transmitting end is less than the third preset value, and the amplification factor of the operational amplifier of the signal receiving end is greater than the fourth preset value. The first preset value is greater than the third preset value, and the relationship between the third preset value and the fourth preset value is: the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitting end using the operating current of the third preset value is received by the signal receiving end after being reflected by the human body within the preset range, converted into an electrical signal, and amplified by the factor of the fourth preset value, and is greater than or equal to the preset sensing threshold.

[0024] In this embodiment, by detecting the voltage value of the input power supply to the home appliance, it is determined whether the home appliance is currently powered by a battery or by connecting to mains power through a power adapter. Since when powered by a power adapter... EFT (Effective Impulse Transmission) and CS (Conducted Immunity) on the power grid, as well as the ripple voltage generated when the power adapter is working, can be conducted to the active reflective infrared sensor through the circuit. If the reflected signal received by the infrared sensor itself is very weak, it is easy for the processor to misjudge the presence of a human body in the designated area after being interfered with by the above-mentioned interference signals, thus executing an incorrect water dispensing action. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the home device is connected to the mains power supply, the infrared sensor is controlled to operate in high-power mode. In high-power mode, the operating current of the signal transmitter is greater than a first preset value, and the amplification factor of the operational amplifier of the signal receiver is less than a second preset value. The relationship between the first preset value and the second preset value is: the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitter using the operating current of the first preset value is received by the signal receiver after being reflected by a human body within the preset range, converted into an electrical signal, and amplified by the factor of the second preset value, and is greater than or equal to the preset sensing threshold. The interference signal introduced by the power adapter is amplified by the factor of the second preset value and is less than the preset sensing threshold. The preset sensing threshold corresponds to the preset range. In this way, the intensity of the infrared light emitted by the signal transmitter can be increased, thereby increasing the intensity of the infrared light received by the infrared receiver. This, in turn, increases the current (hereinafter referred to as the target current) after photoelectric conversion at the infrared receiver. Since the target current is larger, the target voltage after conversion will also be larger. Therefore, the second preset value can be set relatively small, so that the target voltage after amplification is greater than or equal to the preset sensing threshold. Meanwhile, the current of the interference signal itself is small, the interference voltage obtained after conversion is also small, and the ripple voltage generated by the power adapter is also small. Furthermore, the second preset value is also set relatively small. Therefore, the interference voltage and ripple voltage after amplification are still less than the preset sensing threshold, thus preventing the problem of false sensing. The general idea of ​​this embodiment is that when the mains power supplies the home appliances, the signal transmitter of the infrared sensor operates with a larger current, while the amplification factor of the infrared receiver is lower. This results in an increased intensity of the infrared light signal received by the infrared receiver, which in turn increases the target current after photoelectric conversion, and consequently, the target voltage. This increases the differentiation between the target voltage and the interference voltage corresponding to the interference signal. After passing through the lower amplification method, the target voltage is amplified to a value greater than or equal to the preset sensing threshold, while the interference voltage is not amplified to a value greater than or equal to the preset sensing threshold, thereby reducing the probability of false sensing problems.In this embodiment, the preset sensing threshold corresponds to the preset range. Specifically, the preset range can be set first according to actual needs, and then the preset sensing threshold corresponding to the preset range can be measured based on the actual infrared sensor used. For example, the preset sensing range can be set to within 3 meters of the home appliance, and then the output voltage value of the infrared sensor at this point of 3 meters can be measured. The first preset value and the second preset value can be specifically determined according to the relationship disclosed in this embodiment, combined with the determined preset sensing threshold and the current and voltage values ​​corresponding to the interference signal when the home appliance is powered by mains electricity. This embodiment will not elaborate on these details. In addition, in order to minimize the power consumption of the device, if there are multiple first preset values, the smallest one can be selected, provided that the limited conditions are met. Furthermore, since there are no interference signals such as EFT (Electronic Transient Force), CS (Conducted Immunity), and ripple voltage when the battery is powered, the operating current of the signal transmitter can be kept as low as possible. Combined with a relatively high amplification factor, this reduces device power consumption and extends battery life. Specifically, under the premise that the third preset value and the fourth preset value satisfy the defined relationship, the third preset value can be kept as low as possible and the fourth preset value can be kept as high as possible. The specific value settings can be combined with the specific scenario, which will not be elaborated in this embodiment.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first preset value is 100mA and the second preset value is 100 times.

[0026] This embodiment is designed for general power grids and power adapters. The first preset value is set to 100mA and the second preset value is 100 times, so as to differentiate the target current and the corresponding target voltage from the current and voltage corresponding to the interference signal.

[0027] In some embodiments, the third preset value is 50mA.

[0028] In some embodiments, in the high-power mode, the active reflective infrared sensor is instructed to perform a first detection frequency, and in the low-power mode, the active reflective infrared sensor is instructed to perform a second detection frequency, wherein the first detection frequency is greater than the second detection frequency.

[0029] Since interference signals are random, increasing the detection frequency can reduce the probability of false triggering. However, increasing the detection frequency will increase the power consumption of the product. Therefore, this embodiment combines the characteristics and requirements of the two power supply methods, setting a higher first detection frequency in high power mode to reduce the probability of false triggering when powered by mains power, and a lower second detection frequency in low power mode to extend the battery life.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first detection frequency is less than 50 ms / time.

[0031] In this embodiment, the frequency of infrared light emitted by the signal transmitting end is less than 50ms / time.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second detection frequency is greater than 100 ms / time.

[0033] In this embodiment, the frequency of infrared light emitted by the signal transmitting end is greater than 100ms / time.

[0034] One embodiment of the present invention provides a controller, the controller including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement a control method for home appliances as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0035] An embodiment of the present invention provides a water dispensing device, which includes a power adapter, a battery, an active reflective infrared sensor, a solenoid valve, and a controller as described in the above embodiment. The battery powers the active reflective infrared sensor, the solenoid valve, and the controller. The power adapter is connected to AC power to power the active reflective infrared sensor, the solenoid valve, and the controller. The supply voltage of the battery is different from the output voltage of the power adapter. The controller is connected to the active reflective infrared sensor and the solenoid valve respectively to obtain the output value of the active reflective infrared sensor and control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve according to the output signal of the active reflective infrared sensor.

[0036] In this embodiment, the output signal of the active reflective infrared sensor is acquired, and the presence of a human body within a preset range is determined based on the output signal. If a human body is present, the solenoid valve is opened to allow water to flow from the water outlet device. If no human body is present, the solenoid valve is closed to prevent water from flowing from the water outlet device.

[0037] In some embodiments, the battery comprises four 1.5V dry cell batteries connected in series, and the power adapter outputs a voltage of 7.5V.

[0038] One embodiment of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one piece of program code for execution by a processor to implement a home appliance control method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0039] In this embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium may include ROM, RAM, solid-state drives (SSDs), or optical discs, etc. RAM may include resistive random access memory (ReRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

[0040] One embodiment of this application provides a computer program product including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer terminal device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions, causing the computer terminal device to perform the home appliance control method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0042] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a home appliance, the home appliance including an active reflective infrared sensor, the active reflective infrared sensor including a signal transmitting end and a signal receiving end, the home appliance being powered by a battery, and the home appliance also being powered by a power adapter connected to AC power, wherein the battery power supply voltage is not equal to the power adapter output voltage, the method comprising: The system acquires the output signal of the active reflective infrared sensor and determines whether there is a human body within a preset range based on the output signal. If a human body is present, the system controls the home appliance to turn on; otherwise, the system does not control the home appliance to turn on. The method is characterized in that it further includes: Obtain the voltage value of the input power supply of the home appliance; If the voltage value of the input power supply is equal to the output voltage value of the power adapter, the active reflective infrared sensor is controlled to operate in high-power mode. In the high-power mode, the operating current of the signal transmitting end is greater than a first preset value, and the amplification factor of the operational amplifier of the signal receiving end is less than a second preset value. The relationship between the first preset value and the second preset value is: the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitting end using the operating current of the first preset value is received by the signal receiving end after being reflected by the human body within the preset range, converted into an electrical signal, and amplified by the factor of the second preset value, and is greater than or equal to the preset sensing threshold. The interference signal introduced by the power adapter is amplified by the factor of the second preset value and is less than the preset sensing threshold. The preset sensing threshold corresponds to the preset range. If the voltage value of the input power supply is equal to the voltage value of the battery supply, the active reflective infrared sensor is controlled to operate in low power mode. In the low power mode, the operating current of the signal transmitting end is less than the third preset value, and the amplification factor of the operational amplifier of the signal receiving end is greater than the fourth preset value. The first preset value is greater than the third preset value, and the relationship between the third preset value and the fourth preset value is: the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitting end using the operating current of the third preset value is received by the signal receiving end after being reflected by the human body within the preset range, converted into an electrical signal, and amplified by the factor of the fourth preset value, and is greater than or equal to the preset sensing threshold.

2. The method for controlling a home appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first preset value is 100mA, and the second preset value is 100 times.

3. The method for controlling a home appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third preset value is 50mA.

4. The method for controlling a home appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the high-power mode, the active reflective infrared sensor is instructed to perform a first detection frequency, and in the low-power mode, the active reflective infrared sensor is instructed to perform a second detection frequency, wherein the first detection frequency is greater than the second detection frequency.

5. The method for controlling a home appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first detection frequency is less than 50ms / time.

6. The method for controlling a home appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second detection frequency is greater than 100ms / time.

7. A controller comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the control method for home appliances as described in claims 1-6.

8. A water dispensing device, comprising a power adapter, a battery, an active reflective infrared sensor, a solenoid valve, and a controller as described in claim 7, wherein the battery powers the active reflective infrared sensor, the solenoid valve, and the controller; the power adapter is connected to AC power to power the active reflective infrared sensor, the solenoid valve, and the controller; the battery's supply voltage is different from the power adapter's output voltage; and the controller is connected to both the active reflective infrared sensor and the solenoid valve to obtain the output signal of the active reflective infrared sensor and control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve based on the output signal of the active reflective infrared sensor.

9. A water outlet device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The battery consists of four 1.5V dry cell batteries connected in series, and the power adapter has an output voltage of 7.5V.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing at least one line of program code, characterized in that, The at least one piece of program code is executed by the processor to implement the control method for home appliances as described in claims 1-6.

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