A control method for home appliances and the home appliances themselves

Abstract

This invention provides a method for controlling a home appliance. The method involves running a selected program, stopping a monitoring device, and if the first subroutine of the program is detected to have finished running, then starting the monitoring device and executing a preset function of the home appliance in response to a sensing signal sent by the monitoring device. The monitoring device is configured to monitor targets around the home appliance and send the sensing signal. If the first subroutine is detected to be running, it is determined whether the first subroutine meets set conditions. If so, the first subroutine is paused, and the monitoring device starts running. In response to the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device, the preset function of the home appliance is executed, and the monitoring device is stopped and the first subroutine continues to run. The method controls the running time of the monitoring device to prevent interference from internal interference components during the program's operation, which could affect the monitoring results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of home appliance technology, and more specifically, it relates to a control method for home appliances and the home appliance itself. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology and society, smart homes have been gradually adopted by households. Home appliances can intelligently adjust their functions by detecting whether someone is present in the room. For example, if no one is detected, the appliances can automatically turn off the lights and stop the air conditioner. However, home appliances typically include multiple electromagnetic components, many of which are made of metal. Therefore, how to detect the presence of people without being affected by these internal interfering components and how to improve the accuracy of the detection have become problems that need to be solved. Take clothing processing equipment as an example. Clothing processing equipment operates in complex environments and has many internal actuators. Furthermore, when the equipment is running, it is easily affected by surrounding interference factors, leading to inaccurate detection.

[0003] Therefore, how to control the running time of monitoring equipment to avoid interference from internal components of household appliances or the surrounding environment, and improve the accuracy of monitoring results to realize the functions of household appliances, is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a control method and a home appliance. By controlling the operating time of the monitoring device, the monitoring results are avoided from being affected by interference from internal components of the home appliance or by interference from the surrounding environment during the program operation of the home appliance, thereby improving the accuracy of the monitoring results.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A method for controlling home appliances involves running a selected program to stop the monitoring equipment from operating.

[0007] If the first subroutine of the program is detected to have finished running, the monitoring device is controlled to start working, and in response to the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device, the preset function of the home appliance is executed.

[0008] The monitoring device is configured to monitor targets around the home appliance and send the sensing signal.

[0009] Furthermore, if the first subroutine is detected to be running,

[0010] Determine whether the first subroutine meets the set conditions. If so, pause the first subroutine and control the monitoring device to start working.

[0011] In response to the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device, the preset function of the home appliance is executed, and the monitoring device is controlled to stop working and continue running the first subroutine.

[0012] Furthermore, after the first subroutine finishes running, if it is determined that there is no sensing signal sent by the monitoring device within a first set time, the monitoring device is controlled to stop working and the second subroutine of the program continues to run.

[0013] Furthermore, after pausing the first subroutine, if it is determined that there is no sensing signal sent by the monitoring device within a second set time, the monitoring device is controlled to stop working and the first subroutine continues to run.

[0014] Furthermore, if it is determined that the first subroutine meets the set conditions, then the interval time since the last pause of the first subroutine is obtained.

[0015] If the interval time is determined to be greater than or equal to the set interval time, the first subroutine is paused, and the monitoring device is controlled to start working.

[0016] Furthermore, if the first subroutine or the second subroutine of the program is detected to be running,

[0017] If it is determined that the first subroutine or the second subroutine does not meet the set conditions, the monitoring device is controlled to start working after the first subroutine or the second subroutine has finished running.

[0018] Furthermore, if it is determined that the interval time is greater than or equal to the set interval time, then after pausing the first subroutine, in response to the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device, the preset function of the home appliance is executed, and the first subroutine is resumed after the monitoring device stops working.

[0019] When the interval time is detected to be equal to the set interval time, the first subroutine is paused again.

[0020] Furthermore, the home appliance includes a first home appliance and a second home appliance;

[0021] Determine whether the programs running the first and second home appliances meet the set conditions.

[0022] If so, then pause the program running the first home appliance and the program running the second home appliance, and control the monitoring equipment of the first home appliance and / or the second home appliance to start working;

[0023] Upon receiving the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device, the preset functions of the first home appliance and / or the second home appliance are executed.

[0024] Furthermore, if it is determined that the program for operating the first home appliance has finished running, then the program for controlling the operation of the second home appliance will be paused.

[0025] Alternatively, after the program monitoring the operation of the second home appliance finishes running, the monitoring device controlling the first home appliance and / or the second home appliance starts working;

[0026] Upon receiving the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device, the preset functions of the first home appliance and / or the second home appliance are executed.

[0027] A household appliance using the control method described above.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0029] 1. Control the start and stop times of monitoring equipment according to the operating status of home appliances, control the monitoring equipment to actively or passively monitor, effectively avoid interference from metal parts, rationally arrange the working time of monitoring equipment to reduce energy consumption, and improve the operating efficiency of home appliances.

[0030] 2. The monitoring equipment should be installed away from metal structures to avoid interference from metal components, thereby improving the working stability of the monitoring equipment and the accuracy of the monitoring results.

[0031] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a control method for a garment processing device (I);

[0034] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a control method for a garment processing device (II);

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a garment processing device (I);

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram (II) of a garment processing device.

[0037] The labels in the diagram are as follows: 1. Display control module; 2. Monitoring equipment; 21. Signal line of monitoring equipment; 3. Drum washing machine door; 4. Door switch monitoring sensor; 5. Drum light.

[0038] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "contact," and "communication" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] This embodiment provides a method for controlling home appliances. The home appliances are configured to have computing processing capabilities, including but not limited to drum washing machines, top-loading washing machines, dryers, multi-drum washing machines, washer-dryer combos, shoe washers, ovens, dishwashers, robotic vacuum cleaners, lighting equipment, health monitoring equipment, audio-visual equipment, security monitoring equipment, robotic vacuum cleaners, toilets, curtain systems, projectors, routers, environmental monitoring systems, energy-saving systems, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.

[0044] In existing technologies, taking washing machines as an example, the monitoring device is used to issue a reminder to retrieve clothes when someone approaches after the washing cycle is complete. Monitoring after the washing cycle is finished results in less interference for the monitoring device. However, controlling the monitoring device to operate continuously during the washing program can lead to inaccurate monitoring results because the operation of interfering components in the appliance can interfere with the monitoring device, affecting the monitoring results. Using a high-frequency independent radar sensor would reduce interference, but its high cost hinders its widespread application in home appliances.

[0045] Therefore, a control method for home appliances is provided, which controls the working time of monitoring equipment based on the operating status of the home appliances to improve the accuracy of monitoring results.

[0046] like Figure 1 The control method for a household appliance shown includes the following steps, taking passive monitoring by a monitoring device as an example;

[0047] The selected program is run to stop the monitoring device from operating. The program includes a first subroutine and a second subroutine; in this embodiment, running the program refers to running the first subroutine and the second subroutine of the program sequentially. For example, the program may also include a third subroutine; in some home appliances, the first and second subroutines of the program can be understood as the first and second running processes of the program. This embodiment will describe the program using the first and second subroutines.

[0048] If the first subroutine of the program is detected to have finished running, the monitoring device will then begin operating. In other words, if the current operating state of the home appliance is determined to be the completion of the first subroutine of the program, the monitoring device will start operating. The monitoring results for the operating state of the home appliance refer to the monitoring results from the home appliance's control system. The monitoring device is configured to monitor targets around the home appliance and send a sensing signal upon detecting a target.

[0049] After the monitoring equipment starts working, in response to the sensing signals sent by the monitoring equipment, it executes the preset functions of the home appliance. Executing the preset functions of the home appliance includes activating the operation interface, which includes lighting up the display area on the operation interface. In addition to lighting up the display area on the operation interface, the home appliance can also switch to receiving local control commands or remote control commands.

[0050] The monitoring device sends a sensing signal after detecting a target object around the home appliance. The specific monitoring range can be further defined according to different home environments and the placement of the home appliance within the home environment. In this embodiment, if it is a home appliance, the monitoring range of the monitoring device is to monitor target objects within a set area around the home appliance. For example, a sensing signal is sent when a target object is detected approaching within the set area; the target object is a person or pet with vital signs.

[0051] After the first subroutine finishes running, if it is determined that there is no sensing signal sent by the monitoring device within a first set time, the monitoring device is controlled to stop working and the second subroutine of the program continues to run.

[0052] In some home appliances, if there are many interfering components and the program cannot be paused during operation, this method can be used to control the monitoring device after the first subroutine has finished running and before the second subroutine begins. The specific working time depends on the type of home appliance and the type of program. Taking a laundry detergent as an example, when the program is a washing program, for instance, the first subroutine is the main wash program and the second subroutine is the rinsing program. The monitoring device is controlled during the time interval between the completion of the main wash program and the start of the rinsing program.

[0053] In some embodiments of this invention, when the home appliance is in a powered-off or standby state, the control monitoring device starts working. Upon receiving a sensing signal from the monitoring device, the home appliance executes its preset functions. Executing these preset functions includes activating the user interface, specifically by lighting up the screen in the display area of ​​the user interface. If no program execution command is received within a set time, the screen in the control display area turns off. If a program execution command is received within the set time, the selected program is run, and the control monitoring device stops working.

[0054] Taking a washing machine as an example, the off or standby state specifically means that the washing machine motor, water inlet solenoid valve, buzzer, and other interfering components are not running. The control and monitoring equipment then starts working, specifically by initiating human detection. When someone approaches, it executes corresponding functions, such as lighting up the display screen for user operation or automatically waking up via voice command, and waiting for the user to issue a voice command. When no one is near, the display screen turns off.

[0055] When the selected program is running, such as the washing machine running a washing cycle, the monitoring device stops working. Specifically, the monitoring device stops human detection, the washing machine starts the motor to weigh the machine, and after the weighing stage ends, the washing machine restarts the monitoring device to perform human detection. When a person is detected, the device performs the corresponding function, such as keeping the display screen constantly lit; when no one is detected, the display screen or the indicator light inside the drum is turned off, only displaying the remaining running time. After the monitoring device has monitored for the set time, it stops working. The water inlet solenoid valve is opened, and the subsequent washing cycle continues. The preferred human detection time is 0.2 to 3 seconds, and more preferably 1 second. The first and second subroutines include, but are not limited to: weighing program, water inlet program, detergent dispensing stage, motor rotation (forward and reverse) during the washing stage, drainage, and spin-drying.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, a method for controlling a home appliance, taking active monitoring by a monitoring device as an example, provides a method for intermittently controlling the monitoring device to start working. This includes: if a first subroutine is detected to be running, that is, the current operating state of the home appliance is detected as the first subroutine being running; determining whether the first subroutine meets set conditions; if the first subroutine meets the set conditions, pausing the first subroutine and controlling the monitoring device to start working; after the monitoring device starts working, activating the operation interface in response to the sensing signal detected by the monitoring device, controlling the monitoring device to stop working and continue running the first subroutine.

[0057] Subroutines that meet the set conditions are those that meet the pause conditions. Taking a clothing processing device in a home appliance as an example, when running the clothing processing device's program, for instance, if the first subroutine is a water inlet program, the water inlet program can be paused. Subroutines that do not meet the set conditions are those that do not meet the pause conditions; for example, if the first subroutine is a high-speed spin-drying program, the high-speed spin-drying program cannot be paused; monitoring must begin after the high-speed spin-drying program has finished running. Similarly, with continuous weighing programs, pausing the continuous weighing program during continuous weighing will affect the accuracy of the weighing data, and users do not want the continuous weighing program to be paused due to interference factors. Users prefer that the clothing processing device provide more accurate data. Another example is the defoaming program. If the defoaming program includes a spin-drying pulse process or a process of rinsing and draining simultaneously, pausing the defoaming program will affect its function, failing to eliminate foam in a timely manner and reducing defoaming efficiency. However, if the defoaming program is a static defoaming program, then the monitoring device can be turned on during the operation of this defoaming program, allowing the monitoring device to start working.

[0058] During the operation of home appliances, the continuous operation of monitoring equipment can lead to inaccurate monitoring results or false readings due to interference from multiple active components. Interfering components include those with electromagnetic properties, such as inlet solenoid valves, as well as spin dryers and buzzers; for example, during high-speed spin dryers, the monitoring equipment needs to be stopped.

[0059] After the first subroutine continues to run, if it is determined that there is no sensing signal detected by the monitoring device within a first set time after the first subroutine has finished running, the monitoring device is controlled to stop working and the second subroutine of the program continues to run.

[0060] In the above method, after pausing the first subroutine, if it is determined that there is no sensing signal detected by the monitoring device within a second set time, the monitoring device is controlled to stop working and the first subroutine continues to run.

[0061] Some embodiments of this paper provide a method for controlling home appliances. Taking active monitoring by a monitoring device as an example, a method for controlling the monitoring device to start working at a set time is provided. This includes: if a first subroutine is determined to meet a set condition, obtaining the interval time since the last pause of the first subroutine; if the interval time is determined to be greater than or equal to the set interval time, pausing the first subroutine and controlling the monitoring device to start working.

[0062] If the interval is determined to be less than the set interval, the first subroutine continues to run until the interval reaches the set interval. Then, the first subroutine is paused, and the monitoring equipment is controlled to start working.

[0063] If the interval is determined to be greater than or equal to the set interval, the first subroutine is paused. Then, in response to the sensing signal detected by the monitoring device, the operation interface is activated, the monitoring device is controlled to stop working, and the first subroutine is resumed. When the interval is detected to be equal to the set interval, the first subroutine is paused again.

[0064] For example, after determining that the first subroutine meets the set conditions, the monitoring device is controlled to monitor at certain time intervals. Alternatively, the device can start working after again determining that the first subroutine meets the set conditions. Depending on actual needs, the number of times the set conditions are met can be increased, or an additional check for the presence of a target object can be added to avoid false alarms. Timed monitoring can be divided based on the total running time of the first subroutine. Based on statistical calculations after numerous experiments, the periods with more and fewer people around the appliance can be determined, avoiding periods when no one is around, such as when people have just left and are unlikely to return. The distance between detecting someone and the next monitoring time can be longer, and the time interval between the first time no person is detected and the next monitoring time can be shorter. For example, the time intervals mentioned above can be a first time interval and a second time interval; in one implementation, the first time interval is equal to the second time interval; in other implementations, the first time interval can be less than the second time interval.

[0065] In some embodiments of this invention, if the first subroutine or the second subroutine of the program is detected to be running, and it is determined that the first subroutine or the second subroutine does not meet the set conditions, then the monitoring device is controlled to start working after the first subroutine or the second subroutine has finished running.

[0066] This embodiment provides a method for controlling multiple home appliances in a scenario where they operate simultaneously. The home appliances include at least a first home appliance and a second home appliance, at least one of which is in a working state, and the first and second home appliances are interconnected. The home appliance in a running state is defined as the first home appliance. The second home appliance can be in a running state, or it can be in a powered-off state or a standby state. The locations of multiple home appliances include, but are not limited to, shared laundry processing equipment scenarios, such as school laundry rooms, or user homes, including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc.

[0067] When a second home appliance is interconnected with the first home appliance via a wide area network (cloud server) or a local area network (WIFI / Bluetooth), the first home appliance can obtain and control the operating status of the interconnected second home appliance.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, taking the active monitoring of the first and second home appliances as an example, the home appliances include the first and second home appliances; the first and second home appliances are interconnected.

[0069] Determine whether the operating programs of the first and second electrical appliances meet the set conditions. If so, pause the operating programs of the first and second electrical appliances and control the monitoring devices of the first and / or second electrical appliances to start working.

[0070] Upon receiving the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device, the operating interface of the first home appliance and / or the second home appliance is activated.

[0071] Among them, the programs that can be paused are those that meet the set conditions.

[0072] If it is determined that the programs running on the first and second electrical appliances do not meet the set conditions, the monitoring device will start working after the programs running on the first and second electrical appliances have finished running.

[0073] If it is determined that the program running the first appliance has ended, and the program running the second appliance has ended, the monitoring devices controlling the first and / or second appliances will begin to operate; in response to the sensing signal sent by the monitoring devices, the preset functions of the first and / or second appliances will be executed. Executing the preset functions includes activating the user interface of the first and / or second appliances.

[0074] Alternatively, if it is determined that the program for the operation of the first appliance has ended, the program for the first appliance to control the operation of the second appliance will be suspended, and then the monitoring equipment controlling the first appliance and / or the second appliance will start working.

[0075] Specifically, when it is determined that the program running the second appliance meets the set conditions, the program controlled by the first appliance to run the second appliance is suspended; if it is determined that the program running the second appliance does not meet the set conditions, the monitoring equipment controlling the first appliance and / or the second appliance will start working after the program running the second appliance finishes running.

[0076] Upon receiving a sensing signal from the monitoring device, the preset functions of the first and / or second home appliances are executed.

[0077] For example, taking a washing machine and a dryer as an example, if the washing machine meets the set conditions, the program for running the washing machine is paused. If the interconnected dryer meets the set conditions, the program for controlling the dryer that the washing machine is running is paused, and the monitoring equipment controlling the washing machine starts working.

[0078] In some embodiments of this invention, when the monitoring device of the first appliance needs to start working, if the current operating state of the interconnected second appliance is running, then when the program running by the second appliance is a program that can be paused, the first appliance can pause the program running by the interconnected second appliance. After the monitoring device of the first appliance starts working for a set time, the first appliance and the second appliance can be controlled to continue running.

[0079] In some implementations, when controlling interconnected home appliances, and provided the placement of the interconnected appliances meets certain conditions, control of at least two appliances can be achieved using only one monitoring device. For example, a washing machine and a dryer. The interconnection control method described above can be implemented using only one monitoring device. The start and stop of the monitoring device depends on the operating status of the interconnected appliances. The implemented functions are not limited to activating the user interface. For example, if it is determined that the second appliance has received a program execution command, the monitoring device of the currently running first appliance, in response to the sensing signal detected by the monitoring device, controls the second appliance to start executing the program.

[0080] For example, the monitoring device is a radio frequency (RF) sensor. Taking a washing machine as the first appliance and a dryer as the second, the dryer, in particular, is a prime example. Washing machines and dryers are typically placed together, with the dryer positioned to the left or right of the washing machine or stacked on top of it. This causes the greatest interference to the washing machine's RF detection module. Especially when placed above the washing machine, not only does the dryer's drum rotation interfere with the RF sensor, but its own vibrations are also directly transmitted to the washing machine below, causing vibrations in the RF sensor. The aforementioned interconnection and control method effectively eliminates the interference of the dryer's operation on the RF sensor.

[0081] In some embodiments of this invention, subroutines that can be paused include, but are not limited to, water inlet programs, drainage programs, and drying programs. Subroutines that cannot be paused include, but are not limited to, continuous drum weighing programs and high-speed spin-drying programs. During the operation of the home appliance, the monitoring device will periodically or irregularly activate to perform human presence monitoring. When human presence monitoring is activated, it will actively determine whether there are any interfering components running in the washing machine. If there are interfering components, it will further determine whether the phase of operation can be paused. If it can be paused, the phase of operation of the interfering component will be paused, and the monitoring device will be controlled to start working. Specifically, the radio frequency detection sensor will be controlled to perform human presence monitoring. If it cannot be paused, the monitoring device will be controlled to start working after the phase of operation of the interfering component ends. Interfering components refer to components with electromagnetic characteristics, such as the water inlet solenoid valve. It also includes the spin-drying motor, buzzer sound, etc. For example, during high-speed spin-drying, the monitoring device needs to be stopped.

[0082] In some embodiments of this invention, the triggered sensing signal is: a sensing signal triggered in response to the detection of a user approaching within a designated area around the home appliance. It can also be a sensing signal triggered via the control panel of the home appliance, such as by pressing an operation button, or by a voice command or receiving voice feedback. Alternatively, it can be a sensing signal triggered by matching facial features in facial recognition technology. Finally, it can be a sensing signal triggered when human activity is detected within the designated area.

[0083] In some embodiments of this invention, after activating the operation interface, taking a washing machine as an example, the washing machine display interface shows the running status, such as the remaining running time, the running parameters of the currently running program, or a prompt to end the running process.

[0084] In some implementations, activating the user interface allows access to a voice-guided function, enabling control of home appliances based on received voice signals. It can also be configured to simultaneously play prompt tones, and for the downlights to illuminate in response to sensor signals detected by the monitoring device.

[0085] Example 2

[0086] This embodiment is based on Embodiment 1 described above and provides a household appliance. For example... Figures 3 to 4 As shown, taking a drum washing machine as an example, two schematic diagrams are provided for the installation locations of monitoring devices.

[0087] The drum washing machine includes: a display control module 1; a monitoring device 2; a signal line 21 for the monitoring device; a drum washing machine door 3; a door switch sensor 4; and a drum light 5.

[0088] Display control module 1 is the control unit for the drum washing machine, used to control the washing machine to turn on and off, allow users to select programs, adjust program parameters, control the start and pause of programs, and display the corresponding running time, etc.

[0089] The door switch sensor 4 of the drum washing machine is used to monitor the open and closed states of the drum washing machine door 3.

[0090] The drum light 5 is used to illuminate the space inside the drum of the washing machine, making it easy to check the status of the clothes inside. For example, to check if there are clothes in the drum, or whether the washing process is complete.

[0091] Monitoring device 2 is used to monitor whether anyone is approaching the drum washing machine. Monitoring device 2 is a human sensor, preferably capable of detecting the presence of a person and the distance between the person and the drum washing machine. When a person approaches the drum washing machine, the machine can control intelligent functions such as lighting up the display area on the operating interface or reminding the user to retrieve clothes.

[0092] Low-cost monitoring equipment 2 mostly uses low-frequency radio frequency radar sensors, such as WIFI human detection modules, which can detect moving objects such as humans by sharing radio frequency antennas and frequency bands. These types of radio frequency sensors are susceptible to interference from electromagnetic components such as large-area metal plates, wiring harnesses, rectifier bridges, relays, and buzzers, so they need to be installed away from such interfering components. They are also susceptible to interference from the vibration of their mounting carrier, so the operation of interference sources should be minimized or eliminated during detection. Furthermore, they are easily interfered with by the operation of surrounding electrical appliances with electromagnetic or motion characteristics, such as microwave ovens, ovens, and fans, so they should be kept away from these appliances or their interference should be eliminated during use.

[0093] Washing machines rely on a motor and a rotating drum to tumble and spin-dry clothes. Therefore, to ensure stable operation and a premium look, they often use a metal frame structure and metal decorative surfaces, which presents a significant challenge for the installation of radio frequency sensors.

[0094] Although washing machine control panels are mostly made of non-metallic materials such as plastic, the numerous and complex programs, buttons, and indicator lights of washing machines often occupy the entire control board, causing the PCB display control board to take up internal space and posing challenges to the installation of radio frequency sensors.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown, in order to keep the RF sensing module away from the metal frame structure, the RF sensing module is preferably installed in the lower middle part of the display control module 1, and more preferably located on the side with fewer buttons in the operation interface.

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, in order to further increase the distance between the radio frequency sensing module and the metal parts, it is even more preferable to install it on the door body 3 of the drum washing machine, which is mainly made of plastic and glass.

[0097] To prevent affecting the size of the transparent viewing window of the washing machine door 3, it is preferable to install it on the upper part of the washing machine door 3. More preferably, it is located at the upper 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the washing machine door 3, that is, at a certain distance from the metal front panel of the cabinet, without affecting the view through the washing machine door viewing window. Even more preferably, the washing machine door 3 at and above the location where the radio frequency sensor is installed is made opaque or semi-transparent to improve the aesthetics.

[0098] The monitoring device 2 provided in the aforementioned washing machine includes, but is not limited to, passive infrared detectors and radar sensors. The passive infrared detector converts the proximity information of the target user and the distance information between the target user and the washing machine into digital signals and feeds them back to the control unit of the drum washing machine, while effectively reducing power consumption.

[0099] In some embodiments of this invention, the provided garment processing device includes one or more of the following components: a processing component, a memory, a power component, a sensor component, a communication component, and a processor.

[0100] The processing component typically controls the overall operation of the garment processing equipment, including related operations such as display, audible alerts, water filling programs, soaking programs, washing programs, rinsing programs, spin-drying programs, drying programs, disinfection programs, and sterilization programs. The processing component may include one or more processors to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the aforementioned garment processing equipment control methods. Furthermore, the processing component may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between the processing component and other components.

[0101] The memory is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of a multi-drum washing machine. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method operating on the garment handling equipment, historical washing data, etc. The memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0102] The power components provide power to the various components of the garment handling equipment. The power components may include a power management system, one or more power sources, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to the garment handling equipment.

[0103] The sensor assembly includes one or more sensors for providing a status assessment of various aspects of the garment handling equipment. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly may also include sensing sensors. For example, a sensor assembly capable of near-field sensing of mobile terminal devices.

[0104] The communication components are configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the garment handling device and other devices. The garment handling device can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as WiFi, 2G, or 3G, or combinations thereof.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the garment processing device may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to execute the control method of the garment processing device described above.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory including instructions, which can be executed by a processor of the garment processing device to perform the control method of the garment processing device. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0107] In another exemplary embodiment, a computer program product is also provided, the computer program product comprising a computer program executable by a programmable device, the computer program having a code portion for performing the control method of the garment processing device described above when executed by the programmable device.

[0108] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a household appliance, characterized in that, Run the selected program to stop the monitoring equipment from working. If the first subroutine of the program is detected to have finished running, the monitoring device is controlled to start working, and in response to the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device, the preset function of the home appliance is executed. The monitoring device is configured to monitor targets around the home appliance and send the sensing signal.

2. The control method for a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the first subroutine is detected to be running Determine whether the first subroutine meets the set conditions. If so, pause the first subroutine and control the monitoring device to start working. In response to the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device, the preset function of the home appliance is executed, and the monitoring device is controlled to stop working and continue running the first subroutine.

3. A method for controlling a household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the first subroutine finishes running, if it is determined that there is no sensing signal sent by the monitoring device within a first set time, the monitoring device is controlled to stop working and the second subroutine of the program continues to run.

4. The control method for a household appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, After pausing the first subroutine, if it is determined that there is no sensing signal sent by the monitoring device within a second set time, the monitoring device is controlled to stop working and the first subroutine continues to run.

5. A method for controlling a household appliance according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, If the first subroutine is determined to meet the set conditions, then the interval since the last pause of the first subroutine is obtained. If the interval time is determined to be greater than or equal to the set interval time, the first subroutine is paused, and the monitoring device is controlled to start working.

6. A method for controlling a household appliance according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, If the first subroutine or the second subroutine of the program is detected to be running, If it is determined that the first subroutine or the second subroutine does not meet the set conditions, the monitoring device is controlled to start working after the first subroutine or the second subroutine has finished running.

7. The control method for a household appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, If the interval is determined to be greater than or equal to the set interval, then after pausing the first subroutine, in response to the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device, the preset function of the home appliance is executed, and after controlling the monitoring device to stop working, the first subroutine continues to run. When the interval time is detected to be equal to the set interval time, the first subroutine is paused again.

8. A method for controlling a household appliance according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The home appliances include a first home appliance and a second home appliance; Determine whether the programs running the first and second home appliances meet the set conditions. If so, then pause the program running the first home appliance and the program running the second home appliance, and control the monitoring equipment of the first home appliance and / or the second home appliance to start working; Upon receiving the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device, the preset functions of the first home appliance and / or the second home appliance are executed.

9. A method for controlling a household appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, If it is determined that the program running the first home appliance has finished running, then the program controlling the running of the second home appliance will pause running; Alternatively, after the program monitoring the operation of the second home appliance finishes running, the monitoring device controlling the first home appliance and / or the second home appliance starts working; Upon receiving the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device, the preset functions of the first home appliance and / or the second home appliance are executed.

10. A household appliance, characterized in that, The method for controlling a household appliance as described in any one of claims 1-9 is adopted.

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