Server and home appliance system including the same

Abstract

To provide a server that can effectively grasp and conveniently provide settings required or suitable for a user and a home appliance system including the server.SOLUTION: A home appliance system includes: a home appliance 20; a terminal 30 into which predetermined information is input from a user; and a server 10 that stores recommended setting information based on the information input into the terminal. When the home appliance is delivered and connected for communication, the server transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance, and the home appliance applies the received recommended setting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server and a home appliance system including the same, and more particularly to a server that can easily apply personalized settings to home appliances and a home appliance system including the same. Related Art This application claims priority under Article 4 of the Paris Convention based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0146862 (filing date: October 30, 2023; DAS: 3557), and the present application is based on the disclosures in that Korean patent application. For reference, the contents of the specification, claims and drawings of that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] A home appliance can be an electrical device used inside a home or building, such as a clothes treatment device (washing machine, dryer, etc.), a refrigerator, or an air conditioner.

[0003] As the functionality of home appliances becomes more sophisticated, various functions are being added to the home appliances, which requires a function to download data from a server, etc. In addition, home appliances can provide various additional functions and services by being equipped with a communication module, such as a Wi-Fi communication module, and communicating with other devices.

[0004] Prior Document 1 (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0013238) relates to a home appliance and an online system including the same, and discloses an invention for registering the home appliance in a server and using additional services.

[0005] In addition, Prior Art Document 2 (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0023986) discloses a clothes processing device including a display unit and a search unit for providing a user with multiple processing courses.

[0006] However, as home appliance products and the functions of each home appliance tend to become more diverse, the number of settings (functions and detailed settings for each function) that users can select increases, and users may find it difficult to determine which settings are necessary or suitable for them.

[0007] For example, it has been difficult for users to fully utilize various operation modes (especially automatic operation modes) of air conditioners and air purifiers, customized temperature control functions, various courses and detailed settings for each course of clothing processing devices such as washing machines and dryers, and management / control functions by food or area of ​​refrigerators.

[0008] Therefore, in order to eliminate inconvenience during use, it is required to effectively grasp and conveniently provide a setting required or suitable for a user from among various settings that can be implemented in a home appliance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0013238 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0023986 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a server that can easily apply customized settings of a user to a home appliance, and a home appliance system including the same.

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a server and a home appliance system including the same that can effectively grasp and conveniently provide settings required or suitable for a user from among various settings available in a home appliance.

[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a server that allows simple and rapid product registration, and a home appliance system that includes the server.

[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a server and a home appliance system including the same that can easily register products delivered to a customer based on delivery-related information.

[0014] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a server and a home appliance system including the same that can easily apply recommended setting information determined during delivery to a product that has been delivered.

[0015] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a server capable of providing various information to a user during product delivery and a home appliance system including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the home appliance system including the same can transmit recommended setting information to the home appliance once the home appliance has been delivered and connected to the network, allowing the user to easily set up and use the home appliance. [One aspect of the present invention] In one embodiment of the present invention, the following invention is proposed. [Claim 1] A home appliance system, Home appliances; A terminal that determines recommended setting information based on input information; and A server that receives the recommended setting information from the terminal and stores the received recommended setting information; When the home appliance is delivered and connected to the server, the server transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance; The home appliance applies the received recommended setting information. [Claim 2] The server, a first server that stores the recommended setting information and transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance; 2. The home appliance system according to claim 1, further comprising: a second server that transmits delivery information to the first server. [Claim 3] The terminal includes: When delivery completion information of the home appliance is received, a user interface screen is displayed to guide the user to register a management application for the home appliance; 2. The home appliance system according to claim 1, wherein when the management application is executed after the home appliance is registered, a user interface screen presenting the recommended setting information is displayed. [Claim 4] The terminal includes: When delivery completion information of the home appliance is received, a user interface screen is displayed to guide the user to register a management application for the home appliance; 2. The home appliance system according to claim 1, wherein when the home appliance is registered, a user interface screen that presents the recommended setting information is displayed. [Claim 5] 2. The home appliance system according to claim 1, wherein, when delivery completion information of the home appliance is received, the terminal registers the home appliance in a management application and displays a user interface screen that presents the recommended setting information. [Claim 6] 2. The home appliance system according to claim 1, wherein the server transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance based on recipient information of the home appliance. [Claim 7] 7. The home appliance system according to claim 6, wherein the terminal is a terminal corresponding to the recipient information. [Claim 8] If the recipient of the home appliance is different from the purchaser of the home appliance, The home appliance system according to claim 6, wherein a user interface screen provided to the recipient via a terminal and a user interface screen provided to the purchase contractor via a terminal are configured to be different from each other. [Claim 9] The home appliance system according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal provides tips on how to use the home appliance. [Claim 10] A home appliance system, Home appliances; A terminal into which predetermined information is input by a user; and A server that receives the predetermined information from the terminal and stores recommended setting information based on the predetermined information; When the home appliance is delivered and connected to the server, the server transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance; The home appliance applies the received recommended setting information. [Claim 11] The server, a first server that stores the recommended setting information and transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance; 11. The home appliance system according to claim 10, further comprising: a second server that transmits delivery information to the first server. [Claim 12] The terminal includes: When delivery completion information of the home appliance is received, a user interface screen is displayed to guide the user to register a management application for the home appliance; 11. The home appliance system according to claim 10, wherein when the management application is executed after the home appliance is registered, a user interface screen presenting the recommended setting information is displayed. [Claim 13] The terminal includes: When delivery completion information of the home appliance is received, a user interface screen is displayed to guide the user to register a management application for the home appliance; 11. The home appliance system according to claim 10, wherein, when the home appliance is registered, a user interface screen presenting the recommended setting information is displayed. [Claim 14] 11. The home appliance system according to claim 10, wherein, when delivery completion information of the home appliance is received, the terminal registers the home appliance in a management application and displays a user interface screen that presents the recommended setting information. [Claim 15] 11. The home appliance system according to claim 10, wherein the server transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance based on recipient information of the home appliance. [Claim 16] 16. The home appliance system according to claim 15, wherein the terminal is a terminal corresponding to the recipient information. [Claim 17] If the recipient of the home appliance is different from the purchaser of the home appliance, The home appliance system according to claim 15, wherein a user interface screen provided to the recipient via a terminal and a user interface screen provided to the purchase contractor via a terminal are configured to be different from each other. [Claim 18] The home appliance system according to claim 10, wherein the terminal provides tips on how to use the home appliance. [Claim 19] A server, A communication interface through which predetermined information inputted via a terminal is transmitted; and a memory for storing recommended setting information based on said information; The communication interface transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance when the home appliance is delivered and connected for communication. [Claim 20] 20. The server of claim 19, further comprising: a processor that determines the recommended settings information based on information received via the communications interface.

[0017] The recommended setting information is generated based on information input to a terminal of a home appliance user. The recommended setting information can be generated in a server or in the terminal.

[0018] In a home appliance system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a customer enters questionnaire responses using a terminal during a product delivery period, the customer's customization settings corresponding to the input can be stored in association with the customer's identification information.

[0019] In a home appliance system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a home appliance product is installed and registered in a home appliance management application (app), the saved customized settings of the customer are downloaded to the home appliance.

[0020] A home appliance system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes (has; configures; builds; configures; includes; contains; includes) a server, a home appliance, and a terminal.

[0021] A home appliance system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a home appliance, a terminal into which a user inputs specific information, and a server that stores recommended setting information based on the information input into the terminal, and when the home appliance is delivered and connected for communication, the server transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance, and the home appliance applies the received recommended setting information.

[0022] The terminal may determine recommended setting information based on the predetermined information, and the server may receive the recommended setting information from the terminal.

[0023] Alternatively, the server may receive the predetermined information from the terminal and determine recommended setting information based on the predetermined information.

[0024] In addition, a home appliance system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a home appliance, a terminal that determines recommended setting information based on input information, and a server that receives the recommended setting information from the terminal and stores the received recommended setting information, and when the home appliance is delivered and connected for communication, the server transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance, and the home appliance applies the received recommended setting information.

[0025] Alternatively, a home appliance system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a home appliance, a terminal into which a user inputs specific information, and a server that receives the specific information from the terminal and stores recommended setting information based on the specific information, and when the home appliance is delivered and connected for communication, the server transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance, and the home appliance applies the received recommended setting information.

[0026] When the server receives the delivery completion information of the home appliance, the server can notify the terminal of the delivery completion of the home appliance.

[0027] When the delivery completion information of the home appliance is received, the terminal may display a user interface screen that guides the user to register a management application for the home appliance.

[0028] When the management application is executed after the home appliance is registered, the terminal may display a user interface screen for informing the user of the recommended setting information. The informing of the recommended setting information may include a notification or inquiry as to whether the recommended setting information is applicable.

[0029] Alternatively, when the home appliance is registered, the terminal may display a user interface screen for informing the user of the recommended setting information. The information on the recommended setting information may be provided in the form of a push alarm. The information may include a notification or inquiry as to whether the recommended setting information is applicable.

[0030] Alternatively, when delivery completion information of the home appliance is received, the terminal may register the home appliance in a management application and display a user interface screen for informing the user of the recommended setting information. The information on the recommended setting information may be provided in the form of a push alarm. The information may include a notification or inquiry as to whether the recommended setting information is applicable.

[0031] The server may transmit the recommended setting information to the home appliance based on recipient information of the home appliance. The recipient information may be included in delivery information.

[0032] The terminal may be a terminal corresponding to the recipient information.

[0033] In a case where the recipient of the home appliance is different from the purchaser of the home appliance, the user interface screen provided to the recipient via the terminal may be configured to be different from the user interface screen provided to the purchaser via the terminal.

[0034] The terminal can provide tips on how to use the home appliance.

[0035] A server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may store the recommended setting information in association with a user account of the home appliance management application.

[0036] A server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can assign a device ID to the home appliance.

[0037] A server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may store the recommended setting information in association with the device ID.

[0038] A server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first server that stores the recommended setting information and transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance, and a second server that transmits delivery information to the first server.

[0039] A server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication interface for receiving predetermined information inputted through a terminal during delivery of a home appliance, and a memory for storing recommended setting information based on the information.

[0040] When the home appliance is delivered and connected for communication, the communication interface transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance.

[0041] The server may further include a processor that determines the recommended settings information based on information received via the communications interface.

[0042] Alternatively, the communication interface may receive the recommended setting information from the terminal. Effect of the Invention

[0043] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user's customized settings can be easily applied to a home appliance.

[0044] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to effectively grasp settings that are necessary or suitable for a user from among various settings that can be used in a home appliance, and to conveniently provide them.

[0045] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance product can be registered in a server easily and quickly.

[0046] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, products delivered to a customer can be easily registered in a server based on delivery-related information.

[0047] In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, pre-determined recommended settings information can be easily applied to a product after it has been delivered.

[0048] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, various information can be provided to the user during product delivery.

[0049] Meanwhile, various other advantages will be directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a home appliance system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the main configuration of a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a process from purchase or subscription of a home appliance to use by a user in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4-8] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing information and user interface screens provided during the process from purchasing or subscribing to using a home appliance by a user. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a home appliance system including home appliances according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the delivery process of home appliances. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a home appliance system including home appliances according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12-17] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing information and user interface screens provided during the process from purchasing or subscribing to using a home appliance by a user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, and may be modified in various forms.

[0052] In the drawings, in order to clearly and concisely explain the present disclosure, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same drawing reference numerals are used throughout the specification for the same or very similar parts.

[0053] On the other hand, the suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are given simply for the sake of ease of writing this specification, and do not themselves have any important meaning or role. Therefore, the terms "module" and "section" may be used interchangeably.

[0054] Furthermore, although terms such as first, second, etc. are used in this specification to describe various elements, such elements are not limited by such terms, and these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a home appliance system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, a home appliance system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a home appliance 20, a server 10, and a terminal 30.

[0057] The home appliances 20 are electronic devices for users, and include, for example, a washing machine 20a, a clothing processing device such as a dryer, a refrigerator 20b, an air conditioner (not shown), an air purifier 20c, a cooking appliance (not shown), a vacuum cleaner (not shown), etc.

[0058] The home appliance 20 has an internal communication interface (not shown) and can exchange data with electronic devices in the internal network or with electronic devices connectable via an external network. For this reason, the communication interface (not shown) can exchange data with the server 10, AP device, etc., in a wired or wireless manner.

[0059] When the home appliance 20 is delivered and connected for communication, the home appliance system transmits recommended setting information to the home appliance 20, so that the user can easily set up and use the home appliance 20.

[0060] In this specification, the setting information may include at least a portion of information regarding operation courses (modes) applicable to the home appliance 20, setting values ​​applied to detailed settings of each operation course (mode), effect information (sound effects, graphic effects, vibration effects, etc.) corresponding to a specified operation or event, and control settings such as remote control and scheduled control.

[0061] The home appliance system can provide recommended setting information to the user. The home appliance system can provide recommended setting information, such as recommending a specific operation course (mode), detailed settings, etc., based on the model of the home appliance 20, the country in which it is used, and other statistical data.

[0062] More preferably, the home appliance system can recommend personalized customized setting information to the user. The recommended setting information can be generated based on information input to the terminal 30 of the user of the home appliance 20. The recommended setting information can be generated in the server 10 or the terminal 30.

[0063] When a customer enters a questionnaire response using the terminal 30 during the product delivery period, the home appliance system can store the customer's customized settings corresponding to the input in association with the customer's identification information.

[0064] Once 20 home appliances are installed and registered in the home appliance management application, the home appliance system can download the customer's saved customized settings to the home appliances.

[0065] The terminal 30 is an electronic device capable of communication, and may be, for example, a mobile terminal that can be carried and moved by a user, such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. The terminal 30 may also be a terminal used at a fixed location, such as a desktop PC (not shown), but it is more preferable that the terminal 30 is a mobile terminal 30 that is carried and used by an individual user, so that personalized information and services can be more easily provided. Hereinafter, a case in which a mobile terminal 30 is used as the terminal 30 will be described as an example.

[0066] Meanwhile, the home appliance management application is an application for registering and controlling the operation of home appliances, and may be installed in the mobile terminal 30. The home appliance management application may be named a ThinQ app.

[0067] The mobile terminal 30 can wirelessly communicate with the home appliance 20 to remotely control the wirelessly connected home appliance 20 or receive monitoring data from the home appliance 20 .

[0068] The mobile terminal 30 can attempt to link with the home appliance 20 using a Software enabled Access Point (SoftAP). SoftAP may refer to implementing the functionality of a wireless access point in software to operate like a wireless AP.

[0069] The mobile terminal 30 can attempt to link with the home appliance 20 by using a wireless LAN module and activating a SoftAP.

[0070] The server 10 can transmit and receive data to and from the home appliances 20 connected via a network, etc. For example, the server 10 can provide update information to the home appliances 20 upon request from the mobile terminal 30.

[0071] As another example, the server 10 may provide update information to the home appliance 20 as needed, even without a request from the mobile terminal 30 or the home appliance 20 .

[0072] Meanwhile, the home appliance 20 can also upgrade various settings (predetermined functions, detailed settings for each function, sound effects, operation sounds, etc.). Therefore, the home appliance 20 can provide users with an unlimited number of expanded effects by receiving data for new settings from the server 10 or the mobile terminal 30 and upgrading the settings. Therefore, it is possible to provide various functions and effects in addition to the settings provided at the time of product release of the home appliance 20.

[0073] The home appliance 20 can execute system applications, applications related to driving modes, or download applications therein.

[0074] Meanwhile, the update information may include firmware update information, software update information, etc. The firmware update information is data for updating firmware in the home appliance 20, and may be, for example, update information related to load control or safety control of the home appliance 20. Meanwhile, the software update information may include upgrade information related to a new operation mode. An upgrade of the operation mode may be performed based on the upgrade information related to the new operation mode. Meanwhile, the software update information may further include update information related to a system application, an application related to the operation mode, or a download application. An update of the operation mode may be performed based on the update information. The firmware update information may include date data related to the firmware, the operating system, or the framework. The firmware may be updated based on the firmware update information.

[0075] The home appliance 20 can receive upgrade information related to the new operation mode from the server 10 or the mobile terminal 30, and perform an upgrade for the new operation mode based on the upgrade information related to the new operation mode.

[0076] Meanwhile, the home appliance 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may perform updates related to detailed setting changes for existing operation modes in addition to upgrading for new operation modes.

[0077] Meanwhile, the home appliance system may further include an access point (AP) device (not shown). The AP device can provide an internal network, particularly a wireless network, to adjacent electric devices.

[0078] On the other hand, the AP device can assign a wireless channel according to a predetermined communication method to an electronic device in the internal network and perform wireless data communication via the corresponding channel. Here, the predetermined communication method may be a WiFi communication method.

[0079] At this time, the mobile terminal 30 located within the internal network can perform monitoring, remote control, etc. of the home appliance 20 by connecting to the home appliance 20 via the AP device.

[0080] Meanwhile, the AP device can perform data communication with external electronic devices via an external network in addition to the internal network. For example, the AP device can perform wireless data communication with a mobile terminal 30 located outside via the external network. At this time, the mobile terminal 30 located on the external network can perform monitoring, remote control, etc. of the home appliance by connecting to the home appliance 20 via the external network and the AP device.

[0081] As another example, the AP device can perform wireless data communication with a server 10 located outside via an external network.

[0082] Meanwhile, the server 10 can store firmware information and driving information (course information, etc.) for the home appliance 20, and can register product information regarding the home appliance 20. For example, the server 10 may be a server operated by a sales company of the home appliance 20.

[0083] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the main configuration of a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 2, the server 10 includes a communication interface 120 , a memory 130 and a processor 110 .

[0085] The communication interface 120 can communicate with the mobile terminal 30, the home appliance 20, or other servers. For example, communication technologies used by the communication interface 120 include Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, Wireless LAN (WLAN), and Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi).

[0086] The memory 130 can store various types of data, such as data received from external devices such as the home appliance 20, the terminal 30, and other servers, and data generated within the server 10.

[0087] The server 10 receives, via the communication interface 120, predetermined information inputted via the terminal 30 during delivery of the home appliance 20. For example, during delivery of the home appliance 20, the terminal 30 requests the user to answer a questionnaire for providing a personalized service, and transmits the questionnaire inputted by the user to the server 10.

[0088] The memory 130 can store the user's answers to the questionnaire transmitted from the terminal 30 or recommended setting information.

[0089] The memory 130 may also store information related to the home appliance 20. For example, the memory 130 may store delivery information of the home appliance 20 products. The delivery information may include user information, a logistics barcode, and a serial number. The memory 130 may also store MAC addresses of a plurality of home appliance 20 products and a plurality of serial numbers corresponding to each of the plurality of MAC addresses.

[0090] Furthermore, when the home appliance 20 is delivered and connected for communication, the communication interface 120 transmits the saved recommended setting information to the home appliance 20.

[0091] The processor 110 controls the overall operation of the server.

[0092] The processor 110 can generate an automatic registration key for automatic registration of the home appliance 20, or determine whether or not to register the home appliance 20.

[0093] The processor 110 may further include a unit for determining recommended setting information based on information received via the communication interface 120 (eg, a user's response to a questionnaire sent from the terminal 30).

[0094] In another embodiment, the recommended setting information may be determined by the terminal 30. In this case, the server 10 may receive the recommended setting information from the terminal 30 via the communication interface 120.

[0095] Hereinafter, product registration of the home appliance 20, recommendation and application of customization settings, and various information provided during delivery will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0096] FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a process from purchase or subscription of a home appliance to use by a user in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] 4 to 8 are diagrams illustrating information and user interface screens provided during the process from purchasing or subscribing to using a home appliance.

[0098] 3, in the purchase process (S310), a user may purchase the home appliance 20 in various ways. In this specification, the purchase of the home appliance 20 includes not only a contract to purchase and fully own the home appliance 20, but also subscription to a subscription service for the home appliance 20. In addition, the seller of the home appliance 20 may include a provider of the subscription service for the home appliance 20.

[0099] Meanwhile, the subscription service includes a service of using the home appliance 20 while periodically paying a fixed amount. The subscription service may also include a service of using the home appliance 20 and a service for managing the home appliance 20. The subscription service may also include only a service for managing the purchased home appliance 20.

[0100] Meanwhile, when a user purchases a home appliance 20 or subscribes to a subscription service, the seller can provide the user with order-related notifications.

[0101] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user subscribing to a washing machine subscription service, illustrating a subscription screen 410 and a notification message 420 corresponding to the subscription.

[0102] 4, a subscription screen 410 for performing a subscription process is provided to a user via the mobile terminal 30. The user can set a management service provided by a seller, etc., along with purchasing the home appliance 20. For example, the user can select a management period, a management method, etc., of the home appliance 20 by the seller, etc., and enter into a contract with the seller, etc.

[0103] The subscription screen 410 provides various information for the user to determine the management period and management method, and information related to the subscription is input by the user.

[0104] The user can check the subscription service contract of the home appliance 20 and receive related information through the notification screen 420. For example, the notification screen 420 may include promotional information such as discounts, coupons, and rewards, and information on a home appliance management application (ThinQ app) for improving the user experience.

[0105] After the purchase (or subscription), the seller of the home appliance 20 communicates the home appliance 20 to the user in various ways. In addition, notifications according to the progress of each process may be provided to the user. For example, an order notification when the order is completed, a notification that delivery is being prepared, a notification of the expected arrival date on the day of delivery, and a completion notification after delivery are sent to the user.

[0106] In addition, various information may be provided to the user during delivery (S320) of the home appliance 20. Such information provided during delivery is called on-boarding information.

[0107] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of onboarding information provided to the user's mobile terminal 30 during delivery of the home appliance 20 (S320).

[0108] While the user is waiting for the delivery of the home appliance 20, the seller may provide the user with tips on how to use the product. The seller may also provide product information, related communities, tips, and reviews on various usage methods to increase the user's anticipation, provide a feeling of receiving customized service even before the product arrives, and help the user to use the home appliance 20 more effectively.

[0109] After purchasing the home appliance 20, the user can visually check product information and other customers' actual usage experiences while waiting for delivery, and can use it as a kind of product usage guide.

[0110] In addition, a live chat function has been added to the onboarding screen containing onboarding information, allowing customers to immediately resolve inquiries at the delivery stage.

[0111] During the delivery process (S320), a setting recommendation process may be performed in which setting information to be provided to the user through the home appliance 20 is determined.

[0112] For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, before the home appliance 20 is installed to execute the course, the server 10 or the terminal 30 can receive the information from the user through an input process in which the user provides the information and determine the recommended setting information.

[0113] FIG. 6 illustrates examples of onboarding screens 610 and 620 provided during delivery (S320) by executing a home appliance management app or connecting to a link provided in a notification message.

[0114] Retailers can naturally guide customers to the subscription appliance onboarding screen through various notification channels in the home appliance management app, and connect purchase / subscription information and product personalization screens to build anticipation for the product before it is delivered.

[0115] The onboarding screens 610 and 620 are provided via the mobile terminal 30. The user checks the information included in the onboarding screens 610 and 620 via the mobile terminal 30 and enters required information as necessary. If the onboarding screens 610 and 620 have a large number of menu items and information, all content may not be displayed on one screen. In this case, the user can check additional information by scrolling or switching pages.

[0116] 6 illustrates a first onboarding screen 610 that can be used in a scrolling manner and a second onboarding screen 620 below the first onboarding screen 610. The onboarding screens 610 and 620 may include a usage tip item 611, a delivery information item 612, a product information item 613, and a customization setting item 614. The usage tip item 611, the delivery information item 612, the product information item 613, and the customization setting item 614 are arranged from top to bottom, and a predetermined item is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 30 by the user scrolling.

[0117] The usage tips item 611 displays tips for using the home appliance 20. When the user selects the usage tips item 611, more usage tips can be displayed.

[0118] The delivery information item 612 displays information about the delivery of the home appliance 20. When the user selects the delivery information item 612, more detailed information can be displayed.

[0119] The user can select the product information item 613 to view detailed information about the home appliance 20 .

[0120] Also, the user can input information for personalized customization settings by selecting the customization setting item 614. For example, when the customization setting item 614 is selected, a setting recommendation process based on a questionnaire and responses can be performed.

[0121] The setting recommendation process may include at least one of a suggestion process for asking the user whether to proceed with the determination of recommended setting information by the server 10 or the terminal 30, an input process for the user to input information for determining the recommended setting information, a providing process for determining the recommended setting information in the server 10 or the terminal 30 based on the information input by the user and notifying the user of the recommended setting information, and a correction process for the user to decide or correct whether to reflect the recommended setting information, etc.

[0122] The seller can provide on-boarding services in real time by linking the server 10 with information on sales channels.

[0123] After the purchasing and delivery processes (S310, S320), an installation process (S330) is performed for the home appliance 20. In the installation process (S330), the home appliance 20 can be installed in an installation location desired by the user so that it can be used.

[0124] The installation process (S330) may include a product registration process and a recommended setting information storage process for the home appliance 20. The recommended setting information storage process may also be performed during the use process (S340).

[0125] During the product registration process and the recommended setting information storage process, the home appliance 20 may be powered on and allowed to communicate with the server 10 and / or the terminal 30.

[0126] The product registration process and the recommended setting information storage process may be performed during the initial communication process of the home appliance 20. The home appliance 20 may receive and store the recommended setting information from the server 10 or the terminal 30.

[0127] FIG. 7 illustrates user interface screens 710 and 720 provided via the home appliance management application during the product registration process (S330).

[0128] After the delivery is completed, when the product is turned on and the home appliance management application is executed, a user interface screen 710 is provided that guides the user through the delivery completion and product registration.

[0129] The server 10 can provide onboarding information to the customer based on delivery information including at least one of unique information of the home appliance 20 to be delivered, such as a serial number, delivery / receiving date and time, and customer information.

[0130] The delivery information may also include delivery completion information, which allows the server 10 to obtain the delivery completion information indicating that the delivery of the home appliance 20 has been completed.

[0131] In an embodiment, the delivery completion information may include one or more of the serial number of the delivered home appliance 20, a logistics barcode, and user information of the owner of the delivered home appliance 20.

[0132] The user information may include a user ID of the home appliance management application or information identifying a user associated with the user ID.

[0133] The serial number of the home appliance 20 is a unique number of the home appliance 20 and may be a character code used to authenticate that the home appliance 20 is a genuine product purchased from a head office or a distributor.

[0134] The logistics barcode is a code for identifying the country, manufacturer, type of product, etc. The logistics barcode may be configured in the form of a QR code (registered trademark).

[0135] The server 10 can receive delivery completion information from the terminal of the delivery person of the home appliance 20.

[0136] A product information item including product information may be attached to a box used for delivery of the home appliance 20. Alternatively, a product information item including product information may be attached to one side of the home appliance 20.

[0137] The delivery person can read the serial number or logistics bar code included in the product information item via his / her terminal (not shown).

[0138] That is, the product information item may include a serial number, or a logistics barcode (or QR code).

[0139] The delivery person's terminal can transmit the scanned serial number or logistics barcode to the server 10.

[0140] When the delivery completion information is received, the server 10 notifies the terminal 30 of the completion of delivery of the home appliance 20.

[0141] Furthermore, when the delivery completion information of the home appliance 20 is received, the terminal 30 can display a user interface screen that guides the user to register the home appliance management application of the home appliance 20.

[0142] In addition, when the home appliance 20 is registered, the terminal 30 can display a user interface screen that provides recommended setting information. That is, when the delivery is completed, a push alarm is issued to notify the completion of delivery and the home appliance management application product registration, and after the registration is completed, the terminal 30 can notify / inquire whether the recommended settings are applicable.

[0143] Alternatively, when the management application is executed after the home appliance 20 is registered, the terminal 30 may display a user interface screen that provides recommended setting information. That is, when the delivery is completed, a push alarm is issued notifying the completion of delivery and the home appliance management application product registration, and when the home appliance management application is executed after the registration is completed, a notification / inquiry on whether the recommended setting is applicable is displayed on the first screen.

[0144] According to an embodiment, when the terminal 30 receives delivery completion information of the home appliance 20, the terminal 30 can register the home appliance 20 in the home appliance 20 management application and display a user interface screen that provides recommended setting information. That is, when the delivery is completed, the terminal 30 can automatically register the home appliance 20, send a push alarm for delivery completion and home appliance management application product registration, and notify / inquire whether the recommended settings are applicable.

[0145] When the purchased product is delivered, the home appliance management application will provide a push alarm to the user. In addition, the home appliance management application will provide a product registration guide based on the time of product registration for each user, and with just one touch, the 20 home appliances that have been delivered can be automatically connected.

[0146] A user interface screen 720 provided by the home appliance management application may include an existing card 721 for an already registered home appliance and an easy-add card 722 for a newly delivered home appliance 20 that can be added.

[0147] The user can automatically register the home appliance 20 with a single operation (e.g., a click, a touch, or the like) on the easy-add card 722 on the user interface screen 720 provided by the home appliance management application. This allows the user to easily connect the purchased product to the home appliance management application.

[0148] According to an embodiment, when a delivered product is found in the vicinity during Wi-Fi or Bluetooth scanning, the corresponding easy add card 722 is displayed. On the other hand, if the delivered home appliance 20 is the first to be registered in the location, it may be necessary to input information about the router to be connected.

[0149] Meanwhile, the user interface screen 720 further includes a product add item 723, and the user can register products individually after selecting the product add item 723.

[0150] After the installation process (S330), a process of using the home appliance 20 by the user (S340) is performed. In the process of using the home appliance 20 (S340), the home appliance 20 can apply the stored recommended setting information. For example, the home appliance 20 can provide a washing course belonging to the recommended setting information so that the user can select it. The home appliance 20 outputs the courses of a course group through a display (not shown) so that the user can recognize them, and the user can select one of the courses belonging to the course group and command the execution of the course.

[0151] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after purchasing the home appliance 20, during the delivery period, the user inputs certain information via the mobile terminal 30. For example, the mobile terminal 30 receives responses to a number of questionnaires from the user.

[0152] The mobile terminal 30 transmits the user's answer to the server 10, and the server 10 can generate recommended setting information including the settings. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 30 can generate recommended setting information including customized settings based on the user's answer.

[0153] The server 10 stores the generated recommended setting information in association with the user's account, or the server 10 may store the recommended setting information received from the mobile terminal 30 in association with the user's account.

[0154] After purchasing the home appliance 20 product, a simple questionnaire is filled out during the delivery period, and the customer's "customization settings" are saved to the customer's ID using the mobile terminal 30 and the home appliance management application. In addition, when the "customization settings" previously set using the mobile terminal 30 are registered in the home appliance management application after the home appliance 20 product is installed, the "customization settings" saved corresponding to the customer ID are downloaded to the home appliance 20.

[0155] In addition, a number of operation programs (operation modes) can be prepared for the user in advance, and a program suitable for the user can be conveniently classified and provided to the user from among the multiple settings. Furthermore, the user does not need to understand each of the multiple programs or directly classify the suitable program from among the multiple programs during the process of using the home appliance 20 (S340), thereby improving ease of use.

[0156] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an AI washing program generated based on the user's questionnaire responses, in which a program selection screen 810 of the washing machine 20a and a washing machine program setting screen 820 of the mobile terminal 30 are shown.

[0157] The course selection screen 810 displays the courses of the provided course group. The course selection screen 810 may be provided to a user when the process of saving the recommended setting information is completed. The data saved in the washing machine 20a through the process of saving the recommended setting information may include a course group consisting of a plurality of selectable courses. At least a part of the course group may be based on the recommended setting information. The course selection screen 810 may include a course based on the recommended setting information (e.g., a customized course, an AI washing customized course).

[0158] Specifically, the course selection screen 810 includes a course display area, and the course display area may display information indicating what course is currently being displayed on the course selection screen 810. For example, the course display area may display characters or illustrations indicating the type of course, such as the name of the course.

[0159] The courses of the course group determined via the server 10 or the mobile terminal 30 may be stored in the washing machine 20a and provided to the user. For example, the courses of the course group may be displayed on the course selection screen 810, and the user may command the execution of the course displayed on the course selection screen 810 via an operation unit such as an execution button.

[0160] Taking into consideration limitations on the display output area, some of the courses in the course group may be displayed on the course selection screen 810. For example, one of the courses in the course group is displayed on the course selection screen 810, and the user can change the course displayed on the course selection screen 810 to another course by inputting on the operation unit.

[0161] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, each setting has a plurality of options for changing its detailed setting value. The course selection screen 810 includes an option display area, and the option display area can display current setting values ​​for at least one or more options set in the course displayed on the course selection screen 810.

[0162] Information indicating which course is a predetermined course may be displayed together with detailed setting values ​​of the course on the washing machine course setting screen 820 of the mobile terminal 30. For example, detailed setting value information of the predetermined course such as washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and water temperature may be included.

[0163] Furthermore, the washing machine course setting screen 820 may further include other customized course items, customized service information items, and the like.

[0164] The user can operate the course setting screen 820 to change the course group, detailed setting values ​​for each course, and the like.

[0165] When the home appliance 20 is delivered and communication is established, the server 10 transmits the recommended setting information stored in the corresponding account to the home appliance 20. The home appliance 20 applies the received and downloaded recommended setting information.

[0166] As a result, before the home appliance 20 is provided to the user, settings required or suitable for the user are applied to the home appliance 20 in advance, thereby improving ease of use.

[0167] FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a home appliance system including a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 9, the server 10 may include a first server 12 that stores recommended setting information and transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance, and a second server 11 that transmits delivery information to the first server 12.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 9, the home appliance system may include a first server 12, a second server 11, a mobile terminal 30, and a home appliance 20.

[0170] When a user purchases a home appliance 20, purchase information about the home appliance 20 is registered in the second server 11.

[0171] The purchase information may be user information and a model name of the home appliance 20, and the user information of the home appliance 20 may be a user ID for connecting to a home appliance management application.

[0172] The second server 11 can transmit the purchase information and the product information of the home appliance 20 to the first server 12. The product information may include the serial number or logistics barcode of the home appliance 20.

[0173] In addition, the second server 11 can transmit the MAC address and the serial number of the mass-produced home appliance 20 to the first server 12.

[0174] The MAC address of the home appliance 20 may be a unique address that uniquely identifies the home appliance 20 .

[0175] The serial number of the home appliance 20 may be a character code used to authenticate the product.

[0176] The first server 12 stores in a database the MAC addresses and serial numbers of the transmitted home appliances 20. That is, the first server 12 can map and store the MAC addresses and serial numbers corresponding to each of the plurality of home appliances 20.

[0177] Also, in the drawings, the first server 12 and the second server 11 are depicted as separate components, but this is not limiting and they may be configured as a single server.

[0178] The delivery information may include purchase / customer information. The delivery information may further include a serial number and delivery / receipt date and time information. When delivery is completed, the delivery information may include delivery completion information.

[0179] The first server 12 can provide various onboarding information via the terminal 30 during delivery.

[0180] Meanwhile, a user who desires to customize the settings can answer a questionnaire related to the customization settings through the home appliance management application and the terminal 30.

[0181] The terminal 30 transmits the user's answer to the first server 12, and the first server 12 can analyze the user's answer and generate customized recommended setting information.

[0182] Alternatively, the terminal 30 can directly generate the recommended setting information and transmit the recommended setting information to the first server 12 .

[0183] Meanwhile, the first server 12 stores the model name and new product MAC information based on the delivery information, and also stores the recommended setting information in association with the user account of the home appliance management application.

[0184] Meanwhile, when the delivery is completed, the first server 12 can transmit a push alarm to the user's terminal 30. In addition, the first server 12 transmits the recommended setting information stored in the home appliance 20 when the delivery is completed.

[0185] The first server 12 assigns a device ID to the home appliance 20 at the time of product registration, and can cause personalized data to be downloaded based on the device ID.

[0186] The home appliance 20 applies the recommended setting information downloaded from the first server 12. Here, the recommended setting information is a personalized customized setting that is applied from the initial use of the product, and therefore may also be called initial personalized information.

[0187] On the other hand, according to the present disclosure, the home appliance 20 can be easily registered and set in the home appliance management application based on the delivery information (Easy Set-up).

[0188] Based on the delivery completion information, the first server 12 transmits a push notification to the user's terminal 30. Based on the user information included in the delivery completion information, the first server 12 can transmit a push notification to the mobile terminal 30 of the corresponding user via a home appliance management application.

[0189] In one embodiment, the push notification may be a notification indicating that delivery of the home appliance 20 has been completed.

[0190] In another embodiment, the push notification may be a notification that the delivery of the home appliance 20 has been completed and a request to register the delivered home appliance 20 .

[0191] The terminal 30 executes a home appliance management application based on the received push notification.

[0192] The first server 12 can generate an auto registration key for auto registration of the home appliance 20 based on the delivery information reply.

[0193] The automatic registration key may be a key that is valid for only a certain period of time, such as a one-time password (OTP).

[0194] The first server 12 can transmit the generated automatic registration key and the delivery information to the terminal 30. The terminal 30 searches for the home appliance 20 based on the delivery information.

[0195] The terminal 30 uses the MAC address included in the delivery information to search for the home appliance 20. In addition, the mobile terminal 30 activates the SoftAP and checks whether a device having the MAC address is found.

[0196] The mobile terminal 30 transmits an interlocking request to the found home appliance 20 via the automatic registration key.

[0197] The mobile terminal 30 can transmit an automatic registration key to the home appliance 20 .

[0198] The mobile terminal 30 can encrypt the automatic registration key and transmit it to the home appliance 20 .

[0199] In response to the link request, the mobile terminal 30 and the home appliance 20 exchange information with each other, and complete the link based on the exchanged information.

[0200] After completing the link with the home appliance 20, the mobile terminal 30 transmits a product registration request to the first server 12 to request registration of the home appliance 20. The product registration request includes user information, a MAC address, and an automatic registration key.

[0201] The first server 12 responds to the product registration request, performs a registration procedure for the home appliance 20, and transmits a product registration response indicating the registration result to the mobile terminal 30.

[0202] Similarly, after linking with the home appliance 20 is completed, the home appliance 20 transmits a product registration request to the first server 12 to request registration of the home appliance 20 .

[0203] The first server 12 responds to the product registration request, registers the home appliance 20, and transmits a product registration response indicating the registration result to the home appliance 20.

[0204] In one embodiment, the first server 12 compares the automatic registration key received from the home appliance 20 with the automatic registration key received from the mobile terminal 30 .

[0205] The first server 12 receives a MAC address and an automatic registration key from the home appliance 20 , and receives the MAC address and the automatic registration key of the home appliance 20 from the mobile terminal 30 .

[0206] The first server 12 determines whether the MAC addresses match, and if the MAC addresses match, determines whether the automatic registration keys are the same.

[0207] If the automatic registration keys are identical to each other, the first server 12 completes the product registration of the home appliance 20.

[0208] The first server 12 then downloads the initial personalization information to the home appliance 20 .

[0209] FIG. 10 shows the delivery process of a home appliance.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 10, when the installation technician arrives at the delivery destination, he installs the home appliance 20, explains the product, receives a signature for receipt, and then leaves the delivery destination.

[0211] The installation technician can notify the second server 11 of the completion of delivery by performing a specified action, such as scanning the bar code on the packaging box.

[0212] Upon completion of delivery, delivery information is transmitted to the second server 11 and the first server 12, and the second server 11 can generate an easy add card 722 so that the user can easily register the product via the home appliance management application.

[0213] With a single touch of the quick add card 722, the user can easily register the delivered product and download the initial personalization data.

[0214] More preferably, the installation technician can take designated actions, such as scanning a bar code on a packaging box, prior to product presentation.

[0215] As a result, the delivery information and the generation of the easy add card 722 are completed during the product installation process, so that the easy add card 722 is generated while the installation technician is still at the delivery location. Therefore, the installation technician can directly guide the customer through product registration, use of the home appliance management application, application of initial personalization, etc., using the easy add card 722 during the product explanation stage.

[0216] Thus, initial personalization updates are automatically performed at the time of product registration, and convenience of use can be improved without causing confusion to customers even in an embodiment in which initial personalization is set.

[0217] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a home appliance system including a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0218] The home appliance system in Fig. 11 differs from the home appliance systems described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 9 in that the server 10 is made up of a greater number of servers. The following description will focus on the differences in the configuration of the server 10.

[0219] 11, a home appliance system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a mobile terminal 30, a home appliance 20, a first server 12 (12a, 12b), a second server 11, a third server 13, and a fourth server 14. That is, the server 10 may include the first servers 12a, 12b, the second server 11, the third server 13, and the fourth server 14.

[0220] The first servers 12a and 12b may include a ThinQ server 12a that manages a home appliance management application (ThinQ app) and a ThinQ home appliance service server 12b that directly controls the home appliance 20 in cooperation with the ThinQ server 12a.

[0221] When a user purchases a home appliance 20, purchase information of the home appliance 20 is transmitted to the third server 13, and the third server 13 transmits the purchase information to the ThinQ server 12a.

[0222] The second server 11 may include a delivery server (not shown) and a logistics server (not shown).

[0223] The delivery server can transmit to the logistics server the purchase information and product information of the home appliance 20. The product information may include a serial number or a logistics barcode of the home appliance 20.

[0224] The distribution server is a server for standardizing production standard information and managing integrated production information, and is divided into a Global View that manages key production and quality indicators, and a Local View that supports on-site production execution.

[0225] The logistics server can send delivery-related notifications to customers who purchase all products that pass through the manufacturer's logistics center.

[0226] The fourth server 14 can transmit the MAC address and the serial number of the mass-produced home appliance 20 to the ThinQ server 12a.

[0227] The ThinQ server 12a can store the MAC address and serial number of the home appliance 20 transmitted from the fourth server 14 in a database.

[0228] That is, the ThinQ server 12a can map and store the MAC addresses and serial numbers corresponding to each of the multiple home appliances 20.

[0229] The second server 11 can transmit delivery information to the first servers 12a and 12b. The ThinQ server 12a can generate recommended setting information based on information acquired using the mobile terminal 30 and the ThinQ app. The ThinQ server 12a can convert the questionnaire values ​​into operation courses (operation modes) and functions of the home appliances 20 to generate initial personalized information (recommended setting information).

[0230] The ThinQ server 12a transmits the initial personalized information to the ThinQ home appliance service server 12b. When the ThinQ server 12a receives the delivery completion information from the first server 112, the ThinQ server 12a issues a push alarm via the ThinQ app and prompts the home appliance 20 to register the product.

[0231] The ThinQ home appliance service server 12b can download initial personalized information to the home appliance 20 based on information received from the first server 12 and the ThinQ server 12a. For example, the ThinQ home appliance service server 12b can receive delivery completion information from the first server 12 and download initial personalized information to the home appliance 20.

[0232] Alternatively, the ThinQ home appliance service server 12b can download initial personalized information to the home appliance 20 when it receives delivery completion information from the first server 12 and an initial personalized download request signal from the ThinQ server 12a.

[0233] Alternatively, when the ThinQ server 12a receives delivery completion information from the first server 12, and upon completion of delivery, the ThinQ server 12a sends an initial personalization download request signal to the ThinQ home appliance service server 12b, so that the ThinQ home appliance service server 12b can download the initial personalization information to the home appliance 20.

[0234] 12 to 17 are diagrams illustrating information and user interface screens provided during the process from purchasing or subscribing to using a home appliance.

[0235] 12 and 13 are diagrams showing user interface screens provided to the contractor and the recipient, respectively, when they are different persons.

[0236] The subscriber is the person who enters into the subscription agreement, and the recipient is the person who receives (is delivered to or uses) the product, which may be different from the subscriber.

[0237] The contractor of the home appliance 20 and the recipient who actually uses the home appliance 20 may be different. For example, a daughter may purchase the home appliance 20 and order it to be delivered to her father's house. In this case, the actual user of the home appliance 20 is the father who receives the home appliance 20. Therefore, the server 10 or the terminal 30 generates recommended setting information based on the recipient information included in the delivery information of the home appliance 20 and on the father, who is the actual user, and transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance 20. In this case, the terminal 30 that answers the questionnaire for customization settings may be a terminal corresponding to the recipient information.

[0238] On the other hand, if the recipient of the home appliance 20 is different from the purchaser of the home appliance 20, the user interface screen provided to the terminal 30 of the recipient and the user interface screen provided to the terminal 30 of the purchaser may be configured to be different.

[0239] Referring to FIG. 12, the recipient's onboarding screen may be provided with a focus on product information of the home appliance 20 being delivered.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 13, the customer onboarding screen may include product information of the home appliance 20 to be delivered and contract-related information.

[0241] A subscriber can view the subscription information, but a recipient who is not a subscriber cannot view the subscription information. Therefore, the user interface screen provided differs depending on the status of the subscriber.

[0242] Meanwhile, the recipient may be asked to complete a questionnaire and answer it for customization settings.

[0243] 14 to 17 are diagrams illustrating an example of an initial personalized questionnaire process for a washer / dryer.

[0244] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a questionnaire can be conducted during product delivery to understand the user's preferences and recommend customization settings. For example, the customization settings may include at least one of a course (driving mode) list, automatic course (driving mode) optimization, and a personalized course (driving mode).

[0245] 14 and 15 show input screens provided via the server 10 or the terminal 30 in the input process during the course recommendation process of the delivery process (S320).

[0246] 14 and 15, in one embodiment of the present invention, the server 10 or the terminal 30 can collect information provided by a user through an input process in which the user inputs his / her information.

[0247] That is, information required for the server 10 or the terminal 30 to determine the recommended setting information can be provided to the server 10 or the terminal 30 through an input process in which the user inputs the information. In the input process, the server 10 or the terminal 30 provides the user with an input screen on which various individuals selectable by the user are displayed, and the user can input the information by selecting one of the various individuals.

[0248] A number of input screens having different themes are shown in Figures 14 and 15. Figures 14 and 15 show the first and third of three input screens, but the themes on which the user provides information during the input process and the number of input screens can vary as needed.

[0249] The server 10 or the terminal 30 receives information input by a user through an input process via an input screen. The information may be provided to the server 10 or the terminal 30 through a multiple input process in which the user inputs the information.

[0250] 14, the input screen may include a survey area 1410 for informing the user of the subject of the information. The survey area 1410 may display the type of information requested from the user, i.e., a phrase or image to indicate the content of the survey.

[0251] The user can understand the type of information to be input by understanding the words and phrases displayed in the questionnaire area 1410.

[0252] As an example of the present invention, the input screen may display a questionnaire for family members in a questionnaire area 1410 to receive information regarding the number of family members of the user.

[0253] Meanwhile, the input screen may display at least one selection item 1420 selectable by the user. The selection item 1420 may correspond to information corresponding to a response to the questionnaire content.

[0254] For example, a plurality of selection items 1420 may be displayed on the input screen, and each of the selection items 1420 may correspond to different information. Each selection item 1420 may display a word or phrase corresponding to a corresponding information value, allowing the user to confirm the information value for each selection item 1420.

[0255] The user can input information to the server 10 or the terminal 30 by understanding the survey contents and selecting a selection item 1420 that corresponds to the information that the user wishes to input. On the input screen, the user can understand the survey contents regarding the number of family members from the words in the survey area 1410, and can select the selection item 1420 that matches the user from among a plurality of selection items 1420 corresponding to one of 1 person, 2 people, and 3 or more people.

[0256] As described above, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the subject on which information is requested from the user may not be a direct subject on the course, and the server 10 or the terminal 30 may select a course that is advantageous or necessary for the user from among various courses through the questionnaire process as described above, and provide it to the user as recommended setting information.

[0257] Meanwhile, the server 10 or the terminal 30 may collect the information from an object selected by the user among the plurality of selection items 1420 during an input process in which the plurality of selection items 1420 are provided for the user to select.

[0258] That is, as described above, the server 10 or the terminal 30 may provide the user with screens for different subjects, and the user can input information by selecting from a number of options 1420 provided on each screen. The input screen displays an item 1430 indicating the screen number and the current position in the query process.

[0259] In addition, the server 10 or the terminal 30 may receive a plurality of pieces of information from the user through a plurality of input processes in which the user inputs the information, and may determine at least one piece of recommended setting information based on the plurality of pieces of information.

[0260] That is, the server 10 or the terminal 30 can determine at least one recommended setting information to be recommended to the user from among a plurality of courses pre-stored in the server 10 or the terminal 30 based on a plurality of different types of information collected during the input process.

[0261] For example, multiple pieces of recommended setting information may be determined based on any one of multiple pieces of information input by a user, or one piece of recommended setting information may be determined based on at least two or more pieces of information among the multiple pieces of information.

[0262] The input screen may display a next item 1450, a previous item 1440, and a skip item. The next item 1450 may be an item for a user to confirm the information input by selecting one of the multiple selection items 1420.

[0263] For example, when a user selects a selection item 1420 that matches the user from among a plurality of selection items 1420 and selects the next item 1450, the server 10 or the terminal 30 may provide an input screen corresponding to the next topic after the current topic, or, in the case of the last questionnaire, may end the input process. Alternatively, in the case of the last questionnaire, the next item 1450 may be switched to and displayed as a "Complete" item 1460.

[0264] When the previous item 1440 is selected, the server 10 or the terminal 30 can re-output the input screen that was output immediately before the input screen output to the current server 10 or the terminal 30, for example, the terminal 30.

[0265] When a skip item is selected, the input of information on the corresponding subject is omitted and the input screen for the next subject is presented, or if it is the last input screen, the input process ends.

[0266] That is, when the user selects "skip" on the input screen, the server 10 or the terminal 30 can proceed to the next process by omitting the information provision of the corresponding subject.

[0267] In the input process, the server 10 or the terminal 30 may provide multiple input screens, allowing the user to input information multiple times. The multiple input screens relate to different subjects, allowing the user to collect information on various subjects.

[0268] For example, in the embodiment of the washing machine, the information input by the user may include at least one of the following: the number of family members of the user, whether or not there are pets, whether or not there are infants, and the main type of clothes.

[0269] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, even before the home appliance 20 is installed as described above, information regarding the user's lifestyle, environment, etc. can be collected from the server 10 or the terminal 30, and an appropriate course can be analyzed by the server 10 or the terminal 30 and provided to the user.

[0270] The server 10 or the terminal 30 can determine recommended setting information for the user based on the user information input through the above-mentioned input process.

[0271] Through the input process, the server 10 or the terminal 30 can determine a plurality of pieces of recommended setting information based on the information, and a course group may include a plurality of pieces of recommended setting information.

[0272] The course group may be composed of a course that includes the recommended setting information and is determined to be suitable for the user via the server 10 or the terminal 30 among a plurality of courses prestored in the server 10 or the terminal 30.

[0273] The courses of the course group may be displayed on the suggestion screen 1610. The user may easily check which courses belong to the course group suggested by the server 10 or the terminal 30 through the suggestion screen 1610.

[0274] The course group may include a basic course in addition to the recommended setting information. The basic course is a course basically required for using the home appliance 20, and may be a course that is predetermined in the server 10 or the terminal 30.

[0275] The basic course may be stored in advance in the server 10 or the terminal 30 regardless of the information and the recommended setting information input by the user. Thus, the course group may include the basic course and the recommended setting information predetermined in the server 10 or the terminal 30 among the plurality of courses.

[0276] Meanwhile, the various courses stored in the server 10 or the terminal 30 may include a user course. The user course may be a course in which the user directly determines setting values ​​for various options and stores the set values ​​in the server 10 or the terminal 30.

[0277] A course determined by reflecting the user's opinion may be included in the course group to be provided from the home appliance 20. That is, the course group may include a user course in which the user determines basic setting values ​​of options through the server 10 or the terminal 30.

[0278] FIG. 16 shows a screen according to a suggestion process in the setting recommendation process for determining recommended setting information for a user and providing a course group.

[0279] The server 10 or the terminal 30 may perform a setting recommendation process for providing a course group including recommended setting information to a user, and may output a suggestion screen 1610 during a suggestion process in the setting recommendation process.

[0280] The user can perform a setting recommendation process through the server 10 or the terminal 30 even before the delivery of the home appliance 20 is completed, and a suggestion screen 1610 can be provided through the terminal 30.

[0281] The proposal screen 1610 may display a phrase indicating that a course group for the user from among a number of courses can be provided to the user via the server 10 or the terminal 30, and may include an application item 1640 for determining the progress of the setting recommendation process, a direct course setting item 1630 that the user can directly input settings, and a survey replay item 1620 for replaying the survey from the beginning.

[0282] When the application item 1640 is selected, the server 10 or the terminal 30 can save the proposed settings as recommended setting information.

[0283] When the survey restart item 1620 is selected, the terminal 30 can start the survey process again from the beginning.

[0284] When the "Direct Course Setting" item 1630 is selected, the terminal 30 provides a user interface screen as shown in FIG. 17, which allows the user to directly edit and set the course, etc.

[0285] On the other hand, if the user does not answer the questionnaire or does not enter any settings-related information, the server 10 or the terminal 30 may provide the user with a course group including a basic course that is pre-set in the server 10 or the terminal 30.

[0286] Although FIGS. 14 to 17 illustrate a questionnaire for setting a course of a washing machine and a course recommendation process based on the questionnaire, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may provide customized settings for each home appliance.

[0287] For example, the refrigerator can ask questions about menus or food combinations, the atmosphere of the space, interests, etc., and recommend color modes and cover screen image settings based on the answers.

[0288] For example, the air purifier can ask questions about whether or not the user has pets or babies, areas of interest, and preferred cleaning types (such as during sleep, cleaning air based on soot conditions, cleaning air based on indoor air conditions, cleaning air based on outdoor air conditions, etc.), and recommend settings for the refrigerator compartment temperature, color mode, and cover screen image according to the answers. A recommended operating mode can be determined.

[0289] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, various information is provided to the user during product delivery, and the recommended setting information determined during delivery can be easily applied to the product after delivery.

[0290] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical ideas and perspectives of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0291] 10: Server 20: Home appliances 30: Terminal

Claims

1. A home appliance system, Home appliances; A terminal that determines recommended setting information based on input information; and A server that receives the recommended setting information from the terminal and stores the received recommended setting information; When the home appliance is delivered and connected to the server, the server transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance; The home appliance applies the received recommended setting information.

2. The server, a first server that stores the recommended setting information and transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance; The home appliance system according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second server that transmits delivery information to the first server.

3. The terminal includes: When delivery completion information of the home appliance is received, a user interface screen is displayed to guide the user to register a management application for the home appliance; The home appliance system according to claim 1 , wherein when the management application is executed after the home appliance is registered, a user interface screen presenting the recommended setting information is displayed.

4. The terminal includes: When delivery completion information of the home appliance is received, a user interface screen is displayed to guide the user to register a management application for the home appliance; The home appliance system according to claim 1 , wherein when the home appliance is registered, a user interface screen that presents the recommended setting information is displayed.

5. The home appliance system according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal, upon receiving delivery completion information of the home appliance, registers the home appliance in a management application and displays a user interface screen presenting the recommended setting information.

6. The home appliance system according to claim 1 , wherein the server transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance based on recipient information of the home appliance.

7. The home appliance system according to claim 6 , wherein the terminal is a terminal corresponding to the recipient information.

8. If the recipient of the home appliance is different from the purchaser of the home appliance, The home appliance system according to claim 6, wherein a user interface screen provided to the recipient via a terminal and a user interface screen provided to the purchase contractor via a terminal are configured to be different from each other.

9. The home appliance system according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal provides tips on how to use the home appliance.

10. A home appliance system, Home appliances; A terminal into which predetermined information is input by a user; and A server that receives the predetermined information from the terminal and stores recommended setting information based on the predetermined information; When the home appliance is delivered and connected to the server, the server transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance; The home appliance applies the received recommended setting information.

11. The server, a first server that stores the recommended setting information and transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance; The home appliance system according to claim 10, further comprising: a second server that transmits delivery information to the first server.

12. The terminal includes: When delivery completion information of the home appliance is received, a user interface screen is displayed to guide the user to register a management application for the home appliance; The home appliance system according to claim 10, wherein when the management application is executed after the home appliance is registered, a user interface screen presenting the recommended setting information is displayed.

13. The terminal includes: When delivery completion information of the home appliance is received, a user interface screen is displayed to guide the user to register a management application for the home appliance; The home appliance system according to claim 10, wherein when the home appliance is registered, a user interface screen presenting the recommended setting information is displayed.

14. The home appliance system according to claim 10 , wherein the terminal, upon receiving delivery completion information of the home appliance, registers the home appliance in a management application and displays a user interface screen presenting the recommended setting information.

15. The home appliance system according to claim 10 , wherein the server transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance based on recipient information of the home appliance.

16. The home appliance system according to claim 15 , wherein the terminal is a terminal corresponding to the recipient information.

17. If the recipient of the home appliance is different from the purchaser of the home appliance, The home appliance system according to claim 15, wherein a user interface screen provided to the recipient via a terminal and a user interface screen provided to the purchase contractor via a terminal are configured to be different from each other.

18. The home appliance system according to claim 10 , wherein the terminal provides tips on how to use the home appliance.

19. A server, A communication interface through which predetermined information inputted via a terminal is transmitted; and a memory for storing recommended setting information based on said information; The communication interface transmits the recommended setting information to the home appliance when the home appliance is delivered and connected for communication.

20. 20. The server of claim 19, further comprising: a processor that determines the recommended settings information based on information received via the communication interface.

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