A control method of a home appliance and a home appliance

Abstract

The application provides a control method of a household appliance, the household appliance comprising a first household appliance, the first household appliance comprising a vibration sensor and a monitoring device, the vibration sensor being configured to monitor a vibration signal, the monitoring device being configured to monitor a target object around the first household appliance, the monitoring device being controlled to stop monitoring the target object around the first household appliance in response to the vibration signal monitored by the vibration sensor; when the vibration signal is monitored, it is judged whether the amplitude of the vibration signal is greater than or equal to a first set threshold value, if yes, the vibration sensor is controlled to continue monitoring the vibration signal in response to the vibration signal monitored by the vibration sensor; if no, the vibration sensor is controlled to continue monitoring the vibration signal; and the running time of the monitoring device is controlled to avoid the program running of the household appliance from affecting the monitoring result.

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 appliances themselves. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid pace of modern life and the development of the times, the demand for home appliances in modern families is gradually shifting towards efficiency and convenience. Enhancing the interaction between machines and humans has become an important direction for technological iteration in the home appliance industry. Adding human detection modules to home appliances allows them to detect when a person approaches and trigger corresponding preset functions, providing convenience for users. However, the usage scenarios for home appliances are quite complex. Taking clothing handling equipment as an example, many users use it as a work surface, placing various appliances on top of it. The most common example is placing a dryer on top of a washing machine. The dryer generates vibrations during operation, which are transmitted to the washing machine. Human detection modules are highly sensitive to vibrations, and the vibrations generated by the dryer and other equipment above can cause the washing machine's human detection module to malfunction.

[0003] Therefore, improving the accuracy of monitoring equipment without vibration interference has become a problem that needs to be solved. To address this issue, this invention proposes a control method for household appliances and the household appliances themselves. 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. This improves the accuracy of the monitoring equipment without vibration interference, avoiding the impact of vibration interference on the monitoring results during the operation of the home appliance, thereby enhancing 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: A method for controlling a home appliance, the home appliance including a first home appliance, the first home appliance including a vibration sensor and a monitoring device. The vibration sensor is configured to monitor vibration signals, and the monitoring device is configured to monitor target objects around the first home appliance. In response to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance.

[0006] Furthermore, when the vibration signal is detected, it is determined whether the amplitude of the vibration signal is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold. If so, in response to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance; If not, the vibration sensor is controlled to continue monitoring the vibration signal.

[0007] Furthermore, in response to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor, if the amplitude of the vibration signal is less than a second preset threshold, the monitoring device is controlled to continue monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance.

[0008] Furthermore, if the operation of the first home appliance is detected to have ended, the monitoring device is controlled to monitor the target objects around the first home appliance. In response to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance.

[0009] Furthermore, the household appliance includes a second household appliance. When the second home appliance is detected to be running and in response to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring targets around the first home appliance.

[0010] Furthermore, if it is determined that the second household appliance has finished operating, If the amplitude of the vibration signal is detected to be less than the second set threshold, the monitoring device is controlled to continue monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance.

[0011] Furthermore, if it is determined that the amplitude is less than the second set threshold, then when the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device is detected, the first home appliance is controlled to perform a preset function.

[0012] Furthermore, executing the preset function includes sending a reminder to retrieve clothes. After sending the clothing retrieval reminder, if a vibration signal is detected by the vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring targets around the first home appliance. Once the door lock of the first home appliance is detected to be in the open state within a set time, the reminder to retrieve clothes ends.

[0013] Furthermore, if the remaining running time of the first home appliance is detected to be less than or equal to a set time, the second home appliance is controlled to start the running program. If the monitoring device detects that the first home appliance has finished operating, and determines that the second home appliance has finished operating, then the monitoring device is controlled to monitor the target objects around the first home appliance.

[0014] A household appliance using the control method described above.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0016] 1. Add a vibration sensor near the human detection device of the washing machine to monitor for vibration interference. If vibration is detected, the human detection monitoring will be paused. If the vibration disappears, the human detection monitoring function will be activated. By coupling the human detection sensor and the vibration sensor, the problem of false alarms in the human detection monitoring of the washing machine caused by vibration interference can be eliminated.

[0017] 2. Vibration sensors and monitoring equipment should be installed away from metal structures to avoid interference from metal components, thereby improving the operational stability and accuracy of the monitoring results.

[0018] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] 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: Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a control method for a household appliance (I). Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a control method for a household appliance (Part 2); Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a control method for a household appliance (Part 3); Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a household appliance.

[0020] The labels in the diagram are as follows: 1. Display control module; 2. Monitoring equipment; 3. Vibration sensor; 4. Door switch monitoring sensor; 5. Downlight; 6. Door body.

[0021] 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

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Example 1 Monitoring equipment has difficulty eliminating the impact of vibration on its judgment results. For example, vibration can cause certain physical deformation of the antenna in the human detection radar module, which in turn causes changes in the antenna impedance properties and generates unexpected dynamic changes in antenna gain. This leads to an increase in the noise floor of the monitoring equipment, which disrupts the signal waveform and covers the human detection signal, making it impossible to determine whether there is a person, causing interference and making it easy to produce false detections.

[0026] Since the interference generated by vibration is similar to the monitoring signal of a person approaching, its impact on the monitoring results cannot be filtered out by algorithms. Therefore, to improve monitoring accuracy, human detection monitoring should be stopped when vibration interference occurs in the washing machine. When equipment such as the dryer above is working, for example, if the washing machine detects vibration, the human detection monitoring function should be paused and resumed after the vibration ends.

[0027] This invention adds a vibration sensor near the human detection device of the washing machine to monitor for vibration interference. If vibration is detected, the human detection monitoring is paused; if the vibration disappears, the human detection monitoring function is activated. By coupling the human detection sensor and the vibration sensor, the problem of false alarms in the washing machine human detection monitoring caused by vibration interference is eliminated.

[0028] Adding a human detection module to home appliances allows them to trigger preset functions when a person approaches, providing convenience for users. However, the usage scenarios for these appliances are often complex. For example, many users use clothing handling equipment as a surface, placing various appliances on top of it. The most common example is placing a dryer on top of a washing machine. The dryer's operation generates vibrations, which are transmitted to the washing machine. Since human detection modules are highly sensitive to vibration, the vibrations from the dryer and other equipment can cause the washing machine's human detection module to malfunction. Therefore, this invention provides a control method for home appliances that improves the accuracy of monitoring equipment without being affected by vibration.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Taking washing machines and dryers as examples of home appliances, adding a human sensor module to the washing machine can trigger a reminder to retrieve clothes after washing, preventing problems such as dampness and odors inside the drum due to forgetting to remove clothes. By adding a vibration sensor to monitor vibration signals, when a dryer is placed above the washing machine, it can detect vibrations generated by the dryer during operation or other vibration phenomena, such as vibrations from home renovations. Upon responding to these vibration signals, the washing machine can immediately stop the monitoring device from detecting the target object, avoiding false reminders or the execution of preset functions corresponding to certain human sensor signals.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a method for controlling a home appliance is disclosed. The home appliance includes a first home appliance, which includes a vibration sensor and a monitoring device. The vibration sensor is configured to monitor vibration signals, and the monitoring device is configured to monitor target objects around the first household appliance. In response to a vibration signal detected by a vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring targets around the first household appliance. For example, when the vibration sensor detects a vibration signal, the household appliance responds to the vibration signal and controls the monitoring device to stop monitoring targets around the first household appliance.

[0032] In some embodiments of this invention, when a vibration signal is detected, it is determined whether the amplitude of the vibration signal is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold. If so, it responds to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor; If not, the vibration sensor will continue to monitor the vibration signal.

[0033] Because of the various types of vibrations that occur in the environment where home appliances are located, or because the source of vibration is some distance away from the appliance; for example, home renovation activities, such as using tools like electric drills and impact drills, generate strong vibrations. These vibrations can propagate through the building structure, affecting the stability of surrounding home appliances and potentially interfering with the normal operation of precision appliances such as computer hard drives.

[0034] People walking around can cause slight vibrations in the ground, especially in multi-story buildings, where people walking upstairs can cause vibrations in the ceilings and walls downstairs.

[0035] During the spin-drying stage, the washing drum vibrates significantly due to its high-speed rotation. This vibration is more pronounced if the washing machine is not placed stably and may be transmitted to other nearby appliances. Vibrations from seismic activity, even minor tremors, can also cause appliances to shake. This is especially noticeable in earthquake-prone areas. Strong winds can also cause buildings to sway, leading to vibrations in indoor appliances.

[0036] Some minor vibrations have little impact on the monitoring results of the monitoring equipment, such as the slight vibrations caused by people walking. Therefore, when a vibration signal is detected, the appliance will only respond to the detected vibration signal if the amplitude of the vibration signal is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold; and the monitoring equipment will then stop monitoring the target objects around the appliance. If the amplitude of the vibration signal is determined to be less than the first preset threshold, the vibration sensor will continue to monitor the vibration signal, and the monitoring equipment will also continue to monitor the target objects around the appliance.

[0037] In response to a vibration signal detected by a vibration sensor, if the amplitude of the vibration signal is less than a second preset threshold, the monitoring device is controlled to continue monitoring the target objects around the first appliance. For example, if the amplitude of the vibration signal is less than the second preset threshold within a set time, the monitoring device is controlled to continue monitoring the target objects around the first appliance. After vibration occurs, it will disappear after a period of time, or in this case, the vibration can be manually eliminated. When the amplitude is detected to be less than the second preset threshold, the monitoring device is controlled to continue monitoring the target objects around the first appliance.

[0038] The first set threshold is greater than the second set threshold.

[0039] When the amplitude of the vibration signal is detected to be greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance. If the amplitude of the vibration signal is determined to be less than the first preset threshold but greater than or equal to a second preset threshold, the monitoring device is controlled to continue monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance. If the amplitude of the vibration signal is detected to be less than the second preset threshold, the monitoring device is controlled to resume monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance. For example, some vibration phenomena will not disappear within a certain time, nor will the vibration completely disappear. Therefore, in order to control the monitoring device to continue monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance, the monitoring device is controlled to continue monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance after the amplitude of the vibration signal is detected to be less than the second preset threshold.

[0040] In some embodiments of this invention, if the operation of the first appliance is detected to have ended, the monitoring device is controlled to monitor the target objects around the first appliance. In response to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring the target objects around the first appliance.

[0041] Vibration sensors and monitoring devices are installed on the first appliance. For example, when the monitoring device monitors the target object to issue a reminder to retrieve clothing, it does not need to monitor the surrounding target object during the operation of the first appliance. Therefore, after the operation of the first appliance ends, the monitoring device is controlled to monitor the target object around the first appliance and the vibration sensor is activated to start monitoring the vibration signal.

[0042] For example, when a monitoring device monitors a target object to activate the operating interface, if the monitoring device is controlling the monitoring device to monitor targets around the first appliance during its operation, the vibration generated by the appliance itself during operation will affect the accuracy of the monitoring results. Taking a washing machine as an example, the washing machine generates vibration signals during the spin-drying process. One implementation learns the vibrations generated by the appliance during operation through model training, enabling the vibration sensor to distinguish between the appliance's own vibration signals and external vibration signals. When the detected vibration signal is an external vibration signal, the monitoring device stops monitoring surrounding targets. When the detected vibration signal is its own vibration signal, it determines whether the appliance is running. If so, it waits for the appliance to finish running before controlling the monitoring device to start monitoring surrounding targets; otherwise, it issues an alarm and controls the monitoring device to remain stopped monitoring surrounding targets.

[0043] like Figure 2As shown, taking a washing machine as an example, the washing machine runs a program, specifically a washing program. After the program finishes running, it announces a reminder to remove the clothes. Simultaneously, the monitoring device starts working, specifically monitoring objects around the washing machine. For example, the monitoring device activates human detection. It also monitors the door opening and closing, which is controlled by the washing machine itself. Finally, a vibration sensor is activated to monitor vibration signals.

[0044] After the vibration sensor detects a vibration signal, if the amplitude of the vibration signal is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring targets around the washing machine, and door opening / closing monitoring is also stopped. If the vibration signal is detected to be less than a second preset threshold, the monitoring device is controlled to continue monitoring targets around the washing machine. Targets include people or pets; in this embodiment, the target is a person.

[0045] If no vibration signal is detected, a reminder to retrieve clothes will be broadcast when someone approaches. Once someone approaches and the door is detected to be opened, the human detection, door opening / clothes detection, and vibration sensor will stop working.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the home appliance includes a second home appliance. When the second home appliance is detected to be running and in response to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance.

[0047] When the first and second home appliances are stacked together, even after the program of the first appliance has finished running, the operation of the program of the second appliance will still cause the first appliance to vibrate, affecting the monitoring results of the monitoring device in the first appliance. When the second appliance is detected to be running and the amplitude of the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor is greater than or equal to a first set threshold, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring the target objects around the first appliance.

[0048] If it is determined that the second appliance has finished operating, and the amplitude of the vibration signal is less than the second set threshold, the monitoring device will continue to monitor the target objects around the first appliance.

[0049] In some embodiments of this invention, if the amplitude of the vibration signal is determined to be less than a second preset threshold, then when the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device is detected, the first home appliance is controlled to perform a preset function.

[0050] The preset functions include sending a clothing retrieval reminder. After sending the reminder, if the vibration sensor detects a vibration signal, the monitoring device will stop monitoring the target objects around the first appliance. After the door lock of the first appliance is detected to be open within a set time, the clothing retrieval reminder will end.

[0051] After sending a clothing retrieval reminder, if the amplitude of the vibration signal is less than the second set threshold, the monitoring device will stop monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance and end the clothing retrieval reminder after the door lock of the first home appliance is detected to be in the open state within the set time.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, taking a washing machine and a dryer as an example, the first appliance is the washing machine, and the second appliance is the dryer. The remaining runtime of the program running in the washing machine is obtained. If the remaining runtime is less than or equal to the set time, the dryer starts its preheating program. For example, the washing machine and dryer are linked, sharing their operating status. The dryer periodically sends its operating status to the washing machine, and after the washing machine's program finishes running, it announces a reminder to retrieve the clothes.

[0053] If the dryer's operating program is determined to have finished running, the monitoring device will start working. The washing machine will begin monitoring for door opening and closing. When the monitoring device detects someone approaching, it will announce a reminder that the wash is complete and the clothes can be retrieved. Once someone approaches and the door is opened, the reminder will end. The monitoring device will then stop monitoring objects around the washing machine, meaning the monitoring device will cease operation.

[0054] After the washing machine finishes running, if it determines that the dryer is still running, the control monitoring equipment will stop working, and the washing machine will stop monitoring the door opening and closing.

[0055] Some embodiments of this invention provide a method for controlling the function of a clothing processing device after the monitoring device detects a target object. The clothing processing device sends a clothing retrieval reminder after washing and determines whether a triggering sensor signal exists. If a triggering sensor signal is detected, the clothing retrieval reminder ends when the door lock is detected to be open within a first set time. After the first set time ends, a clothing retrieval reminder is sent again in response to the triggering sensor signal.

[0056] The reminder to retrieve clothes ends when the door lock is detected to be open after the reminder is sent again.

[0057] After sending the clothing retrieval reminder again, the system checks whether the door lock is open within the second set time period. If so, the reminder ends. If the door lock is closed, the reminder ends after the second set time period and waits for another set time before sending the reminder again.

[0058] In some embodiments of this program, after the laundry is completed, a laundry retrieval reminder is sent, and it is determined whether the reminder is triggered by a sensor signal. If so, it is determined that the door lock is detected to be open within a first set time, and then the laundry retrieval reminder ends. If the door lock is detected to be closed within the first set time, the laundry retrieval reminder ends after the first set time, and a second set time is waited before the reminder is sent again.

[0059] In response to the triggered sensor signal, if the door lock is detected to be closed within a first set time, the reminder to retrieve clothes will end after the first set time has elapsed; and a low-power mode will be entered to save power.

[0060] In some embodiments of this invention, the duration of each clothes retrieval reminder is designed to reduce the reminder time when no user is detected approaching the washing machine for an extended period. Specifically, it is determined whether the reminder duration is greater than or equal to a preset time. If it is, the reminder ends, and upon receiving a sensor signal triggered by human activity within a set range, a reminder is sent again, and the door lock status is monitored. If the door lock is detected to be open within a first set time, the reminder ends, and the clothes are removed from the washing machine drum. If the door lock remains closed within the first set time, the reminder ends after the first set time has elapsed. In this case, a user approaches but does not open the door, or is temporarily unable to retrieve clothes. Alternatively, in a shared clothing processing scenario, multiple shared clothing processing devices exist, and the user needs to find the device they ordered to retrieve their clothes, passing through multiple devices in the process. Therefore, the reminder only needs to end when the door is detected to be open. On the other hand, sending reminders improves the washing machine's performance and also prevents bacteria growth or odors from clothes being left in the drum for extended periods.

[0061] In some embodiments of this invention, a sensing signal is triggered in response to a user approaching within a predetermined range around the garment handling device. Alternatively, in facial recognition technology, a sensing signal is triggered by matching facial features.

[0062] If the duration of the clothing retrieval reminder is less than a preset time, the system continues to monitor the door lock status in response to a detected human activity within a set range and / or a triggered sensor operation within the reminder duration. If the door lock is detected to be open within the first set time, the reminder ends, and the clothing is removed from the clothing handling device. If the door lock is detected to be closed within the first set time, the reminder ends after the first set time has elapsed.

[0063] Taking a washing machine as an example, after the washing machine finishes washing, it announces a "wash complete, retrieve clothes" reminder. The human detection sensor and door open / close detection sensor then activate. When they detect someone approaching the washing machine, they determine if the door is open. If the door is open, the reminder stops. They then deactivate when the door is closed.

[0064] If no one is detected approaching the washing machine after the reminder to retrieve clothes is broadcast, the reminder will end after the first set time has elapsed.

[0065] When someone is detected approaching the washing machine again, the wash-complete reminder will be announced again. The reminder will end when the door is detected to be opened within the second set time. After the reminder ends, if the washing machine door is detected to be closed, the human sensor and door open / close sensor will stop working. If the washing machine door is not detected to be closed, the human sensor and door open / close sensor will stop working after a third set time. If the door is not detected to be open, the reminder will end.

[0066] In some embodiments of this example, after the washing cycle is completed, a clothes retrieval reminder is sent, and it is determined whether a triggering sensor signal exists. If a triggering sensor signal is detected, the reminder continues until the door lock is detected as open within a first set time period, at which point the clothes retrieval reminder ends. If the door lock is detected as closed within the first set time period, the reminder ends after the first set time period ends, and a second set time period is waited before a new clothes retrieval reminder is sent. Specifically, it is determined whether a triggering sensor signal exists within the second set time period; otherwise, a clothes retrieval reminder is sent again after the second set time period ends.

[0067] In some embodiments of this invention, sending a reminder to retrieve clothes after washing and determining whether a triggered sensor signal exists includes: If the laundry reminder duration reaches the first set time, and no sensor signal is detected within the set range that would trigger human activity within the first set time, then the laundry reminder will end.

[0068] In some embodiments of this invention, a reminder method is provided when sending a clothes retrieval reminder. Specifically, a reminder to retrieve clothes is broadcast when the washing cycle is finished, and the washing machine display panel shows the finished status, such as "END" or "End"; simultaneously, a washing cycle completion sound is played, and the drum light illuminates. In a preferred embodiment, the completion sound plays for 5-15 seconds, and the drum light illuminates when someone approaches. Further preferred, a detection zone of 0-6 meters around the washing machine is defined to save energy.

[0069] The waiting time for the washing machine to finish washing and retrieve clothes is one to three minutes. It can be set to two minutes depending on the specific application. If the washing machine does not open the door and retrieve clothes after two minutes, it will end the wash cycle's completion reminder.

[0070] After the first wash cycle ends and the clothes are retrieved, the washing machine's display and control module goes offline and enters an energy-saving standby state. However, the human sensor and door open / close detection module remain active, continuously monitoring for anyone approaching or opening the door. More preferably, the human sensor remains active, activating only the door open / close detection sensor upon detecting someone approaching.

[0071] When someone is detected approaching the washing machine again, the washing machine will announce the completion of the wash and remind the user to retrieve their clothes. Preferably, only the washing machine will announce the completion of the wash and turn on the drum light, without illuminating the display control module, so that the user can easily open the door and retrieve their clothes.

[0072] If someone is detected approaching the washing machine again, the waiting time for retrieving clothes is set to one to three minutes, with one minute being more preferred. The clothes-retrieval reminder ends once the washing machine door is opened. When the door is detected to be closed, or the user is detected to have left the human detection area, it indicates that the user has finished retrieving clothes, and the washing machine control system enters a low-power energy-saving state. In this embodiment, the clothes-retrieval reminder can be a voice broadcast reminder, a prompt tone reminder, or a music reminder.

[0073] The washing machine is equipped with a human sensor and door open / close detection. After the wash cycle is complete, it will immediately provide an audio-visual reminder: a finishing tone will play, the drum light will illuminate to facilitate clothing removal, and the screen will display "END" or "End," clearly informing the user that the wash is finished and clothes can be retrieved. If the user is not nearby or is busy with other tasks, the washing machine will enter a screen-off waiting state after a period of time, while simultaneously detecting if the user is near. When the human sensor detects the user's presence, it will again provide an audio-visual reminder. If the user does not retrieve the clothes, a reminder will be given each time the user approaches until the clothes are retrieved. The washing machine then enters a low-power mode, ceasing both detection and reminders.

[0074] It provides precise reminders for retrieving clothing, preventing users from forgetting to do so. It also enables precise energy-saving control, resulting in a more user-friendly experience.

[0075] In some implementations, if the first appliance is detected to be running, the remaining running time of the first appliance is obtained. If it is determined that the remaining running time is less than or equal to a set time, the second appliance is controlled to start running. After the first appliance finishes running, the vibration sensor is controlled to start monitoring the vibration generated by the second appliance during its operation.

[0076] 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.

[0077] In this embodiment, the monitoring device monitors the target objects around the first home appliance, specifically the people around the first home appliance; specifically, the monitoring device is controlled to start human detection.

[0078] 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, which are interconnected. At least one of the first and second home appliances is in a working state, and they 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 facilities such as school laundry rooms, or in a user's home, including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Example 2 This embodiment is based on Embodiment 1 described above and provides a household appliance. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a drum washing machine is used as an example.

[0083] The drum washing machine includes: a display control module 1; a monitoring device 2; a vibration sensor 3; a door switch sensor 4; a drum light 5; and a door 6.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Low-cost monitoring devices are mostly low-frequency radio frequency radar sensors, such as WIFI human detection modules. They can detect moving objects like humans by sharing a radio frequency antenna and frequency band. Based on the self-transmitting and self-receiving radar principle, the radar transmits and receives signals, using the delay between signal transmission and reception to monitor the distance between the washing machine and the person. The advantages are low price and high accuracy. However, these radio frequency sensors are susceptible to interference from large metal plates, wiring harnesses, rectifier bridges, relays, buzzers, and other electromagnetic components, so they need to be installed away from such interfering components. They are also susceptible to interference from the vibration of their mounting platform, so the operation of interference sources should be minimized or eliminated during detection. Furthermore, they are easily interfered with by the operation of surrounding 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.

[0089] The vibration sensor is used to monitor for vibration interference around the washing machine and within the machine itself. When a vibration signal is detected, the monitoring device stops working and the door switch monitoring is disabled, specifically disabling the human detection and door switch monitoring functions. The human detection and door switch monitoring functions are restored when the vibration signal falls below a second preset threshold.

[0090] like Figure 4 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.

[0091] The vibration sensor is installed to the left of the human sensor. The installation position of the vibration sensor should be selected in principle to minimize the interference of the vibration sensor on the monitoring area in front of the human sensor, and it should be as close to the human sensor as possible to accurately detect whether there is vibration interference around the human sensor.

[0092] When the washing machine and dryer are stacked (with the dryer on top of the washing machine), they are interconnected: When the washing machine and dryer are linked for washing and drying, the dryer will preheat a short time before the washing machine finishes its cycle to save user time. After the washing machine finishes its cycle, it will play an end-of-cycle warning tone, the drum light will illuminate for 60 seconds, and after a 12-hour delay, it will enter a low-power mode. During this time, the human sensor and door switch detection will activate.

[0093] To mitigate the impact of dryer vibration, when the dryer preheats during the wash-dry cycle or when the user actively starts the dryer, the dryer periodically sends its operating status to the washing machine. After the washing machine finishes washing, it determines whether the dryer was still operating based on the received dryer status. If the dryer was operating, the human detection and door open / close detection functions are disabled. When the dryer stops operating, the washing machine resumes these functions. A reminder to retrieve clothes is announced when a person approaches. When a person approaches and the door open / close sensor detects that the door is open and closed, it indicates that the user has retrieved the clothes, and the human detection, door open / close detection, and vibration detection are disabled, putting the washing machine into low-power mode.

[0094] When the washing machine and dryer are stacked together without interconnection, or when vibration is generated by other devices: When the washing machine finishes washing, it announces a "wash complete, remove clothes" reminder, the drum light illuminates for 60 seconds, and after a 12-hour delay, it enters low-power mode. During this time, the human detection module and door switch detection activate, followed by vibration detection. When the vibration sensor detects a vibration amplitude exceeding a threshold, the washing machine disables human detection and door switch detection. When the vibration sensor detects the vibration has disappeared, the washing machine re-enables human detection and door switch detection. When a person approaches, a "remove clothes" reminder is announced. When a person approaches and the door switch sensor detects the door is open or closed, indicating the user has removed the clothes, human detection, door switch detection, and vibration detection are disabled, and the washing machine enters low-power mode.

[0095] This invention solves the problem of false alarms caused by vibration in the human-sensing radar module by means of information exchange between washing and drying equipment and coupling sensing between the human-sensing radar module and vibration sensor, thus achieving precise human-sensing detection and control.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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, The home appliance includes a first home appliance, which includes a vibration sensor and a monitoring device. The vibration sensor is configured to monitor vibration signals, and the monitoring device is configured to monitor target objects around the first home appliance. In response to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance.

2. The control method for a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the vibration signal is detected, it is determined whether the amplitude of the vibration signal is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold. If so, in response to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance; If not, the vibration sensor is controlled to continue monitoring the vibration signal.

3. The control method for a household appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, In response to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor, if the amplitude of the vibration signal is less than a second preset threshold, the monitoring device is controlled to continue monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance.

4. A method for controlling a household appliance according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, If the operation of the first home appliance is detected to have ended, the monitoring device is controlled to monitor the target objects around the first home appliance. In response to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance.

5. A method for controlling a household appliance according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The home appliance includes a second home appliance. When the second home appliance is detected to be running and in response to the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring targets around the first home appliance.

6. The control method for a household appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, If it is determined that the second household appliance has finished operating. If the amplitude of the vibration signal is detected to be less than the second set threshold, the monitoring device is controlled to continue monitoring the target objects around the first home appliance.

7. A method for controlling a household appliance according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, If the amplitude is determined to be less than the second set threshold, then when the sensing signal sent by the monitoring device is detected, the first home appliance is controlled to perform a preset function.

8. The control method for a household appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that, Performing the preset functions includes sending a reminder to pick up clothes. After sending the clothing retrieval reminder, if a vibration signal is detected by the vibration sensor, the monitoring device is controlled to stop monitoring targets around the first home appliance. Once the door lock of the first home appliance is detected to be in the open state within a set time, the reminder to retrieve clothes ends.

9. A method for controlling a household appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, If the remaining running time of the first home appliance is detected to be less than or equal to the set time, then the second home appliance is controlled to start the program. If the monitoring device detects that the first home appliance has finished operating, and determines that the second home appliance has finished operating, then the monitoring device is controlled to monitor the target objects around the first home appliance.

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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