Clothing care apparatus and method for controlling clothing care apparatus

Abstract

A clothing care apparatus is provided. The clothing care apparatus includes a first clothing care apparatus storing clothing, a second clothing care apparatus configured to remove foreign substances from the clothing, wherein the second clothing care apparatus may include a care room in which the clothing is accommodated, a blowing module configured to ventilate the clothing, at least one hanger configured to hang the clothing and including an identification module, and at least one processor configured to control the identification module to identify a tag of the clothing, obtain clothing information related to the clothing stored in the tag from the identification module, and control driving of the blowing module based on the clothing information.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application is a continuation application, claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 365(c), of an International application No. PCT / KR2024 / 008891, filed on Jun. 26, 2024, which is based on and claims the benefit of a Korean patent application number 10-2023-0115607, filed on Aug. 31, 2023, in the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), and of a Korean patent application number 10-2023-0141410, filed on Oct. 20, 2023, in the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND1. Field

[0002] The disclosure relates to a clothing care apparatus and a method of controlling the clothing care apparatus. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a clothing care apparatus for managing clothing by using a hanger that automatically identifies clothing information, and a control method of the clothing care apparatus.2. Description of Related Art

[0003] A clothing care apparatus may be an apparatus for storing and managing clothing. The clothing care apparatus may be a smart closet. The clothing care apparatus may include a closet for storing clothing and a clothing care device for removing foreign substances from the clothing.

[0004] The closet may store a plurality of pieces of clothing. The clothing care device may be a home appliance that manages clothing in home. The clothing care device may deodorize clothing, smooth wrinkles of clothing, dry clothing, and sterilize clothing. The clothing care device may clean clothing by applying steam, airflow, and heat to the clothing. The clothing care device may rapidly manage clothing in a home.

[0005] It may not be easy to identify a position of desired clothing from among a plurality of pieces of clothing stored in the closet. Also, it may not be easy to manage clothing stored for a long time in the closet.

[0006] The clothing care device may have a plurality of operation modes. To prevent clothing from being damaged and improve clothing management performance, an operation mode corresponding to clothing among the plurality of operation modes may be selected. It may be inconvenient for a user to select an operation mode of the clothing care device. Also, when a user selects an operation mode of the clothing care device, the user may select an operation mode that may damage the clothing.

[0007] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.SUMMARY

[0008] Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a clothing care apparatus for managing clothing by using a hanger that automatically identifies clothing information, and a control method of the clothing care apparatus.

[0009] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a clothing care apparatus is provided. The clothing care apparatus includes a first clothing care apparatus storing clothing, a second clothing care apparatus configured to remove foreign substances from clothing, wherein the second clothing care apparatus includes a care room in which the clothing is accommodated, a blowing module configured to ventilate the clothing, at least one hanger configured to hang the clothing and including an identification module, and at least one processor configured to control the identification module to identify a tag of the clothing, obtain, from the identification module, clothing information related to the clothing stored in the tag and control driving of the blowing module based on the clothing information.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of controlling a clothing care apparatus is provided. The method includes controlling an identification module included in at least one hanger to identify a tag of clothing, obtaining clothing information related to the clothing and stored in the tag from the identification module, and controlling driving of the blowing module for ventilating the clothing based on the clothing information.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of clothing care apparatus individually or collectively, cause the clothing care apparatus to perform operations are provided. The operations include controlling an identification module included in at least one hanger to identify a tag of clothing, obtaining clothing information related to the clothing and stored in the tag from the identification module, and controlling driving of a blowing module for ventilating the clothing based on the clothing information.

[0013] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a first clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a second clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of a second clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hanger according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a first clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a first clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0026] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] The same reference numerals are used to represent the same elements throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0029] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0030] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0031] Although general terms being currently widely used were selected as terminology used in the disclosure while considering the functions in an embodiment of the disclosure, they may vary according to intentions of one of ordinary skill in the art, judicial precedents, the advent of new technologies, and the like. Also, terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant of the disclosure may also be used in a specific case. In this case, their meanings will be described in detail in the detailed description of the disclosure. Hence, the terms used in the disclosure must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents of the entire specification, not by simply stating the terms themselves.

[0032] In the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” indicates “a,”“b,”“c,”“a and b,”“a and c,”“b and c,”“all of a, b, and c,” or variations thereof.

[0033] In the entire specification, it will be understood that when a certain part “includes” a certain component, the part does not exclude another component but can further include another component, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, the terms “portion,”“part,”“module,” etc. used in this specification refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0034] It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

[0035] Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a clothing care apparatus 100 according to an embodiment may include a first clothing care apparatus 110 and a second clothing care apparatus 120. The clothing care apparatus 100 may be a smart closet in which the first clothing care apparatus 110 and the second clothing care apparatus 120 are integrated.

[0038] The first clothing care apparatus 110 may include a plurality of shelves and a plurality of partitions. The plurality of partitions may include a plurality of identifiers 111. Each of the plurality of identifiers 111 may be a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may store clothing 112. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may be a closet in which a plurality of RFID readers are arranged.

[0039] The second clothing care apparatus 120 may include at least one identifier 121. The at least one identifier 121 may be an RFID reader. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may accommodate clothing 122. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may remove foreign substances from the clothing 122. For example, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may decompose odors in the clothing 122, smooth wrinkles of the clothing 122, dry the clothing 122, and sterilize the clothing 122. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may clean the clothing 122 by applying steam, airflow, and heat to the clothing 122.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may include a holder 201 and a storage room 202.

[0042] The holder 201 may hold a hanger 200. The holder 201 may include an identification module capable of identifying the hanger 200. For example, the holder 201 may include a camera capable of identifying an identifier located at an upper end of the hanger 200. For example, the holder 201 may include a current identification circuit capable of identifying a microcurrent flowing through the hanger 200.

[0043] The storage room 202 may be defined by the plurality of shelves and the plurality of partitions included in the first clothing care apparatus 110. The storage room 202 may store the clothing 112.

[0044] The hanger 200 may identify the clothing 112 positioned in the storage room 202. For example, the hanger 200 may include an identification module that identifies a tag located at an upper end of the clothing 112. The hanger 200 may obtain clothing information related to the clothing 112.

[0045] The first clothing care apparatus 110 may obtain the clothing information from the hanger 200. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may determine which clothing information has been obtained from each of the at least one hanger 200. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may obtain position information of each of the at least one hanger 200. Accordingly, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may obtain a position at which the clothing 112 is hung and clothing information related to the clothing 112.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a second clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may include a main body 310 and a door 320. The main body 310 may include a hanger holder 301 and a care room 302.

[0048] The main body 310 may form an appearance of the second clothing care apparatus 120. The main body 310 may be composed of a housing 311. The housing 311 may include at least one side wall, a bottom, and a top. For example, the housing 311 may be in a shape of a square column that opens in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction).

[0049] The hanger holder 301 may be provided inside the care room 302. The hanger holder 301 may be provided in a shape of a bar that crosses the care room 302. For example, the hanger holder 301 may be a bar that crosses an upper area of the care room 302 in a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) that is perpendicular to the first direction. The hanger holder 301 may hold the hanger 200.

[0050] The care room 302 may be provided inside the main body 310. A shape of the care room 302 may be defined by the housing 311. For example, in a case where the housing 311 is in the shape of the square column, the care room 302 may be defined as a space in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The care room 302 may accommodate the clothing 122. While the second clothing care apparatus 120 operates, foreign substances of the clothing 122 accommodated in the care room 302 may be removed.

[0051] The door 320 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 310. For example, the door 320 may be coupled to one edge of an open side of the housing 311. The door 320 may open or close the second clothing care apparatus 120. When clothing is accommodated in the care room 302, the door 320 may open. While the second clothing care apparatus 120 operates, the door 320 may maintain a closed state.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a side view of the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may include a machine room 70, a blowing module 410, and at least one processor (not shown).

[0054] The machine room 70 may be provided in a lower part of the main body 310. The machine room 70 may dehumidify or heat inside air of the main body 310. The machine room 70 may include a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may include an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor. The evaporator, the condenser, and the compressor may evaporate, condense, and compress a refrigerant, while circulating the refrigerant. The machine room 70 may remove moisture in inside air of the main body 310 and heat the inside air of the main body 310 through a heat exchange phenomenon according to the circulation of the refrigerant.

[0055] The blowing module 410 may be provided in an upper part of the main body 310. The blowing module 410 may circulate inside air of the care room 302. The blowing module 410 may include a fan. The blowing module 410 may discharge heated air which has been generated in the machine room 70 and of which moisture has been removed, in the upper area of the care room 302. The blowing module 410 may dry and manage the clothing 122 hung on the hanger 200.

[0056] The at least one processor included in the second clothing care apparatus 120 may control overall operations of the second clothing care apparatus 120. The at least one processor may control an operation start and stop of the second clothing care apparatus 120.

[0057] The hanger 200 may identify the clothing 122 placed in the care room 302. For example, the hanger 200 may include an identification module that identifies a tag located at the upper end of the clothing 112. The hanger 200 may obtain clothing information related to the clothing 122.

[0058] The second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain the clothing information from the hanger 200. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine which clothing information is obtained from each of the at least one hanger 200. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain position information of each of the at least one hanger 200. Accordingly, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain a position at which the clothing 122 is hung and clothing information related to the clothing 122.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hanger according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, the hanger 200 according to an embodiment may include an identification module 510, a clothing support 520, at least one clothing holder 521 and 522, a head 530, a first body 541, a second body 542, a first wing 551, and a second wing 552.

[0061] The identification module 510 may identify clothing 112 or 122. The identification module 510 may identify a tag attached to the clothing 112 or 122. For example, the identification module 510 may include a camera that photographs the tag attached to an upper part of the clothing 112 or 122. For example, the identification module 510 may include a RFID reader that identifies the tag attached to the upper part of the clothing 112 or 122. The identification module 510 may obtain information related to clothing.

[0062] The clothing support 520 may be positioned at a lower part of the hanger 200. The clothing support 520 may hold the clothing 112 or 122.

[0063] The at least one clothing holder 521 and 522 may be attached to the clothing support 520. For example, the at least one clothing holder 521 and 522 may be a clip attached to the clothing support 520. The at least one clothing holder 521 and 522 may hold the clothing 112 or 122. The at least one clothing holder 521 and 522 may prevent the clothing 112 or 122 hung on the clothing support 520 from slipping down.

[0064] The head 530 may be positioned at an upper part of the hanger 200. The head 530 may have a structure by which the hanger 200 is mounted on the holder 201 of the first clothing care apparatus 110 or the hanger holder 301 of the second clothing care apparatus 120. The head 530 may support the identification module 510 such that the identification module 510 faces the clothing 112 or 122.

[0065] The first body 541 and the second body 542 may extend downward from both sides of the head 530. The first body 541 and the second body 542 may connect the head 530 to the first wing 551 and the second wing 552.

[0066] The first wing 551 may be positioned at an end of the first body 541. The second wing 552 may be positioned at an end of the second body 542. The first wing 551 and the second wing 552 may enable the hanger 200 to hang the clothing 112 or 122.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a first clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 6, in operation 610, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may identify a tag of clothing 112 hung on the at least one hanger 200. The at least one hanger 200 may include the identification module 510 that identifies the tag of the clothing 112. For example, the at least one hanger 200 may include a camera or lens. The tag of the clothing 112 may be located at an upper end of the at least one hanger 200. The identification module 510 may identify a Quick Response (QR) code marked on the tag of the clothing 112. The identification module 510 may obtain clothing information included in the QR code and related to the clothing 112.

[0069] In an embodiment, the clothing information related to the clothing 112 may include a color of the clothing 112, a size of the clothing 112, a material of the clothing 112, a weather type of the clothing 112, and a washing method of the clothing 112.

[0070] In an embodiment, the at least one hanger 200 may move the clothing 112 to accurately identify the tag positioned at the upper end of the clothing 112. For example, the at least one hanger 200 may move the clothing 112 by deforming at least one of the first wing 551 or the second wing 552 to accurately identify the tag of the clothing 112. The at least one hanger 200 may move the clothing 112 such that the tag of the clothing 112 corresponds to the camera or lens of the at least one hanger 200.

[0071] In an embodiment, the at least one hanger 200 may adjust the identification module 510 to accurately identify the tag positioned at the upper end of the clothing 112. For example, the at least one hanger 200 may rotate the camera or lens in a direction in which the tag of the clothing 112 is located to accurately identify the tag.

[0072] In operation 620, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may identify a position of the at least one hanger 200 placed inside the storage room 202. The at least one hanger 200 may include a mark capable of being identified by the first clothing care apparatus 110. For example, in a case where the at least one hanger 200 is provided as a plurality of hangers, an upper end of each of the at least one hanger 200 may be provided with a mark.

[0073] The first clothing care apparatus 110 may include the identification module 510 that identifies the mark of the at least one hanger 200. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may include a camera at an upper area inside the storage room 202. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify the mark of the at least one hanger 200 through the camera. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify a position of each of the at least one hanger 200 through the identified mark of the at least one hanger 200.

[0074] The at least one clothing care apparatus 110 may include an identification circuit that identifies a position of the at least one hanger 200. For example, the holder 201 of the first clothing care apparatus 110 may include an identification circuit capable of identifying a current flowing through the at least one hanger 200. Different microcurrents may flow through the at least one hanger 200. The identification circuit may identify a microcurrent flowing through each of the at least one hanger 200. The identification circuit may identify a position of each of the at least one hanger 200 based on the identified microcurrent.

[0075] In operation 630, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may identify a position of the clothing 112 based on the tag and position. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify the tag of the clothing 112 hung on the at least one hanger 200. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may obtain clothing information related to the clothing 112 hung on the at least one hanger 200. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify a position of the at least one hanger 200. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify the position of the at least one hanger 200 on the holder 201 of the first clothing care apparatus 110 based on the obtained clothing information and the identified position of the at least one hanger 200. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify a position of the clothing 112 hung on the at least one hanger 200 based on the obtained clothing information and the identified position of the at least one hanger 200.

[0076] In an embodiment, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may provide the identified position of the clothing 112 and the clothing information related to the clothing 112 to a user. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may display a user interface (UI) screen representing inside of the first clothing care apparatus 110 through a display or a user's terminal.

[0077] In operation 640, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may select the clothing 112 based on a user input and display clothing information related to the clothing 112. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may receive a user input of selecting the at least one hanger 200 through an input interface of the first clothing care apparatus 110 or the user's terminal. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may display a position of the clothing 112 hung on the at least one hanger 200 and clothing information related to the clothing 112 hung on the at least one hanger 200 through the display or the user's terminal.

[0078] In an embodiment, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the user of the position of the selected clothing 200. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the position of the clothing 112 by turning on a light emitting module included in the hanger 200 on which the selected clothing 112 is hung. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the position of the clothing 112 by generating sound through an audio module included in the hanger 200 on which the selected clothing 112 is hung. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the position of the clothing 112 by changing a color of the hanger 200 on which the selected clothing 112 is hung in the UI screen representing the inside of the first clothing care apparatus 110.

[0079] In an embodiment, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may select the clothing 112 based on clothing information input by a user or information related to the user. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may select the clothing 112 matching with the clothing information input by the user. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may select the clothing 112 matching with the user's schedule based on the user's schedule information. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may recommend the clothing 112 based on the clothing information input by the user or the information related to the user, and select the clothing 112 in response to the user's final confirmation.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a first clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 7, in operation 710, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may identify long-term storage clothing stored for a designated period of time or longer. For example, in a case where a position of the hanger 200 does not change for the designated period of time or longer, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify clothing 112 hung on the hanger 200 as long-term storage clothing. For example, in a case where the clothing 112 is hung on the hanger 200 in the same manner for the designated period of time or longer, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify the clothing 112 hung on the hanger 200 as long-term storage clothing.

[0082] In operation 720, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may provide information about the long-term storage clothing.

[0083] In an embodiment, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform a user of a position of the long-term storage clothing. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the position of the clothing 112 by turning on the light-emitting module included in the hanger 200 on which the long-term storage clothing is hung. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the position of the clothing 112 by generating sound through the sound module included in the hanger 200 on which the long-term storage clothing is hung. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the position of the clothing 112 by changing a color of the hanger 200 on which the long-term storage clothing is hung in the UI screen representing the inside of the first clothing care apparatus 110.

[0084] In an embodiment, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may provide information related to management of the long-term storage clothing. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may provide information related to washing and drying of the long-term storage clothing. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may provide information related to a storage duration of the long-term storage clothing.

[0085] In operation 730, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may manage the clothing 112 according to a season or weather. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may obtain information related to a season or weather. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may manage the clothing 112 based on the information related to the season or weather. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may ventilate the storage room 202 when it is rainy weather.

[0086] In operation 740, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may recommend management corresponding to the clothing 112 according to the season or weather. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may provide information related to a method of managing the clothing 112 based on the season or weather. For example, the first clothing apparatus 110 may provide a long-term storage method for winter clothing and a pre-wearing management method for spring clothing when a season changes from winter to spring.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation 810, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may control the identification module 510 to identify a tag of clothing 122. In the care room 302 of the second clothing care apparatus 120, the hanger 200 may be provided. The hanger 200 may include the identification module 510. The identification module 510 of the hanger 200 may be a camera or lens. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may include a communication module connected to the identification module 510 of the hanger 200 through wireless communication. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may control the identification module 510 of the hanger 200 connected through the communication module. When the clothing 122 is hung on the hanger 200, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may control the identification module 510 of the hanger 200 to identify the tag of the clothing 122.

[0089] In operation 820, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may obtain clothing information related to the clothing stored in the tag from the identification module 510. A QR code may be marked on the tag of the clothing 122. The QR code may include the clothing information related to the clothing 122. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain the clothing information included in the QR code through the identification module 510.

[0090] In operation 830, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may control driving of the blowing module 410 based on the clothing information. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine an operation course for driving the second clothing care apparatus 120 based on the clothing information. While the second clothing care apparatus 120 operates, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine, based on the clothing information, a driving strength of the blowing module 410, a driving time of the blowing module 410, a steam amount of the blowing module 410, and a steam temperature of the blowing module 410. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may operate in the operation course suitable for the identified clothing 122 based on the clothing information.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 9, in operation 910, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may recognize clothing 122.

[0093] In operation 920, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may determine an operation course. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine an operation course for operating the second clothing care apparatus 120 based on clothing information.

[0094] In operation 930, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may receive a first user input. The first user input may be a user input of determining whether to operate the second clothing care apparatus 120 in the operation course determined by the second clothing care apparatus 120.

[0095] In operation 940, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may determine whether to automatically operate the second clothing care apparatus 120 based on the first user input. According to a determination to automatically operate the second clothing care apparatus 120 (YES in operation 940), the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 950. According to a determination not to automatically operate the second clothing care apparatus 120 (NO in operation 940), the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 960.

[0096] In operation 950, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may perform the operation course. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may operate according to the operation course determined based on the clothing information in response to the first user input that has approved of automatically operating the second clothing care apparatus 120.

[0097] In operation 960, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may display the operation course. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may display the operation course determined based on the clothing information in response to the first user input that has refused to automatically operate the second clothing care apparatus 120. For example, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may display the determined operation course through the display or the user terminal.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 10, in operation 1010, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may receive a second user input. The second user input may be a user input of determining whether to operate the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to a displayed operation course.

[0100] In operation 1010, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may determine whether to perform the operation course based on the second user input. According to a determination to perform the operation course (YES in operation 1020), the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 1030. According to a determination not to perform the operation course (NO in operation 1020), the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 1040.

[0101] In operation 1030, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may perform the operation course. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may perform the operation course determined based on clothing information in response to the second user input that has approved of performing the displayed operation course.

[0102] In operation 1040, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may guide an input of a user set course. The user set course may be an operation method other than the operation course. The user set course may be an operation method of the second clothing care apparatus 120 to allow a user to make an input or setting. The user set course may be an operation method of the second clothing care apparatus 120, desired by a user. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may guide the user to input the user set course in response to the second user input that has refused to perform the displayed operation course. For example, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may display a UI screen that guides the user to input the user set course in response to the second user input that has refused to perform the operation course displayed through the display or the user terminal.

[0103] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 11, in operation 1110, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may receive a third user input. The third user input may be a user input of inputting a user set course. For example, the third user input may be a user input of inputting a user set course, such as “Power Course”, through the input interface or the user terminal.

[0105] In operation 1120, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may determine whether the user set course is suitable for the clothing 122. For example, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine whether the user set course may damage the clothing 122. According to the user set course being suitable for the clothing 122 (YES in operation 1120), the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 1130. According to the user set course being not suitable for the clothing 122 (NO in operation 1120), the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 1140. For example, in a case where the user set course may damage the clothing 122, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 1140. That is, in a case where the clothing 122 is made of a leather material and the user set course includes an operation using steam, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 1140 because the clothing 122 may be damaged.

[0106] In operation 1130, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may perform the user set course. According to the user set course input by the third user input being suitable for the clothing 122, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may operate according to the user set course.

[0107] In operation 1140, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may perform a similar course. According to the user set course input by the third user input being not suitable for the clothing 122, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may provide a similar course that is suitable for the clothing 122 and has a similar effect to the user set course. For example, in a case where the user set course may damage the clothing 122, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may provide a similar course that has a similar effect to the user set course and does not damage the clothing 122. That is, as described above, in the case where the clothing 122 is made of a leather material and the user set course includes an operation using steam, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may perform the user set course excluding only the operation using steam.

[0108] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 12, in operation 1210, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may recognize each of a plurality of pieces of clothing 122. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine whether a plurality of hangers 200 are arranged inside the care room 302. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine whether clothing has been hung on each of the plurality of hangers 200.

[0110] In operation 1220, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may obtain clothing information and position information about each of the plurality of pieces of clothing 122. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain information about each of the plurality of pieces of clothing 122 respectively hung on the plurality of hangers 200. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain a position of each of the plurality of hangers 200 through the identification module 510 inside the care room 302. Accordingly, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain position information about each of the plurality of pieces of clothing 122.

[0111] In operation 1230, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may determine a plurality of operation courses respectively corresponding to the plurality of pieces of clothing 122 based on the clothing information and position information. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may individually determine the plurality of operation courses for the plurality of pieces of clothing 122 respectively hung on the plurality of hangers 200.

[0112] In operation 1240, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may provide the plurality of operation courses to the plurality of pieces of clothing 122, respectively. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may provide the plurality of operation courses respectively determined for the plurality of pieces of clothing 122 to the plurality of pieces of clothing 122. For example, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may individually provide the plurality of operation courses to the plurality of pieces of clothing 122 by adjusting inclination angles of the first wing 551 and the second wing 552 of each of the plurality of hangers 200. For example, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may individually provide the plurality of operation courses to the plurality of pieces of clothing 122 by individually controlling a plurality of fans included in the blowing module 410. For example, a plurality of partition walls for partitioning the care room 302 may be provided inside the care room 302 of the second clothing care apparatus 120 to individually provide the plurality of operation courses.

[0113] The disclosure may provide a clothing care apparatus for easily identifying and selecting clothing stored in the clothing care apparatus and a control method of the clothing care apparatus.

[0114] The disclosure may provide a clothing care apparatus that operates according to an operation course suitable for clothing stored in the clothing care apparatus to manage the clothing, and a control method of the clothing care apparatus.

[0115] A clothing care apparatus 100 according to an embodiment may include a first clothing care apparatus 110 storing clothing 112 or 122, a second clothing care apparatus 120 configured to remove foreign substances from the clothing 112 or 122, and at least one processor. The second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may include a care room 302 in which the clothing 112 or 122 is accommodated, a blowing module 410 configured to ventilate the clothing 112 or 122, and at least one hanger 200 configured to hang the clothing 112 or 122 and including an identification module 510. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to control the identification module 510 to identify a tag of the clothing 112 or 122. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to obtain clothing information related to the clothing 112 or 122 stored in the tag from the identification module 510. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to control driving of the blowing module 410 based on the clothing information.

[0116] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to determine an operation course of the blowing module 410 based on the clothing information.

[0117] The second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may include a display. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to receive a first user input related to whether to automatically perform the operation course. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to automatically perform the operation course or display information about the operation course on the display based on the first user input.

[0118] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to receive a second user input related to whether to perform the operation course. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to perform the operation course or display, on the display, a UI that guides an input of a user set course other than the operation course, based on the second user input.

[0119] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to receive a third user input related to the user set course. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to determine whether the input user set course is suitable for the clothing 112 or 122.

[0120] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to, according to a determination that the input user set course is suitable for the clothing 112 or 122, perform the user set course.

[0121] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to, according to a determination that the input user set course damages the clothing 112 or 122, provide a similar course suitable for the clothing 112 or 122.

[0122] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to recognize each of a plurality of pieces of clothing 112 and 122. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to obtain clothing information and position information of each of the plurality of pieces of clothing 112 and 122. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to determine a plurality of operation courses respectively corresponding to the plurality of pieces of clothing 112 and 122 based on the clothing information and the position information. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to provide the plurality of operation courses to the plurality of pieces of clothing, respectively.

[0123] The first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may include a storage room 202 storing the clothing 112 or 122, and at least one hanger 200 configured to hang the clothing 112 or 122 and including an identification module 510. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to identify a tag of the clothing 112 or 122 hung on the at least one hanger 200. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to identify a position of the at least one hanger 200 placed inside the storage room 202. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to identify a position of the clothing 112 or 122 based on the tag and the position. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to select the clothing 112 or 122 based on a user input and display the clothing information related to the clothing 112 or 122.

[0124] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to identify long-term storage clothing stored for a designated period of time or longer. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to provide information related to the long-term storage clothing.

[0125] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to manage the clothing 112 or 122 according to a season or weather.

[0126] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to recommend management corresponding to the clothing 112 or 122 according to the season or weather.

[0127] A method of controlling a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include controlling an identification module included in at least one hanger to identify a tag of clothing. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include obtaining clothing information related to the clothing and stored in the tag from the identification module. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include controlling driving of a blowing module for ventilating the clothing based on the clothing information.

[0128] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include determining an operation course of the blowing module based on the clothing information.

[0129] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include receiving a first user input related to whether to automatically perform the operation course. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include automatically performing the operation course or displaying information about the operation course on a display of the clothing care apparatus, based on the first user input.

[0130] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include receiving a second user input related to whether to perform the operation course. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include performing the operation course or displaying, on the display, a UI that guides an input of a user set course other than the operation course, based on the second user input.

[0131] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include receiving a third user input related to the user set course. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include determining whether the input user set course is suitable for the clothing.

[0132] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include, according to a determination that the input user set course is suitable for the clothing, performing the user set course.

[0133] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include, according to a determination that the input user set course damages the clothing, providing a similar course suitable for the clothing.

[0134] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include recognizing each of a plurality of pieces of clothing. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include obtaining clothing information and position information of each of the plurality of pieces of clothing. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include determining a plurality of operation courses respectively corresponding to the plurality of pieces of clothing based on the clothing information and the position information. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include providing the plurality of operation courses to the plurality of pieces of clothing, respectively.

[0135] The clothing care apparatus and the control method of the clothing care apparatus according to the disclosure may easily identify clothing stored in the clothing care apparatus to allow a user to easily select desired clothing.

[0136] Also, the clothing care apparatus and the control method of the clothing care apparatus according to the disclosure may manage clothing stored in the clothing care apparatus according to an operation course suitable for the clothing, thereby improving management performance and quality of the clothing.

[0137] The method according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented in a program command form that can be executed by various computer means, and may be recorded on computer-readable media The computer-readable media may also include, alone or in combination with program commands, data files, data structures, and the like. Program commands recorded in the media may be the kind specifically designed and constructed for the disclosure or well-known and available to those of ordinary skill in the computer software field. Examples of the computer-readable media include magnetic media, such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media, such as compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) and digital versatile disc (DVD), magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, and the like, specifically configured to store and execute program commands. Examples of the program commands include high-level language codes that can be executed on a computer through an interpreter or the like, as well as machine language codes produced by a compiler.

[0138] Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in the form of recording media that store instructions being executable by a computer, such as a program module that is executed by a computer. The computer-readable media may be arbitrary available media that is accessible by a computer, and may include volatile and non-volatile media and separable and non-separable media. Also, the computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile media and separable and non-separable media implemented by an arbitrary method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. The communication media may generally include a computer readable instruction, a data structure, a program module, other data of a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave, or another transmission mechanism, and include arbitrary information transmission media.

[0139] Also, some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented as a computer program including instructions executable by a computer, such as a computer program that is executed by a computer, or as a computer program product.

[0140] The computer-readable storage media may be provided in a form of non-transitory storage media. Herein, the term ‘non-transitory storage medium’ means that it is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, a ‘non-transitory storage medium’ may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0141] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM), or be distributed (e.g., downloadable or uploadable) online via an application store or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. When distributed online, at least a part of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in machine-readable storage media, such as a memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

[0142] It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0143] Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.

[0144] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0145] While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028]The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0029]The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of variou...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application is a continuation application, claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 365(c), of an International application No. PCT / KR2024 / 008891, filed on Jun. 26, 2024, which is based on and claims the benefit of a Korean patent application number 10-2023-0115607, filed on Aug. 31, 2023, in the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), and of a Korean patent application number 10-2023-0141410, filed on Oct. 20, 2023, in the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND1. Field

[0002] The disclosure relates to a clothing care apparatus and a method of controlling the clothing care apparatus. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a clothing care apparatus for managing clothing by using a hanger that automatically identifies clothing information, and a control method of the clothing care apparatus.2. Description of Related Art

[0003] A clothing care apparatus may be an apparatus for storing and managing clothing. The clothing care apparatus may be a smart closet. The clothing care apparatus may include a closet for storing clothing and a clothing care device for removing foreign substances from the clothing.

[0004] The closet may store a plurality of pieces of clothing. The clothing care device may be a home appliance that manages clothing in home. The clothing care device may deodorize clothing, smooth wrinkles of clothing, dry clothing, and sterilize clothing. The clothing care device may clean clothing by applying steam, airflow, and heat to the clothing. The clothing care device may rapidly manage clothing in a home.

[0005] It may not be easy to identify a position of desired clothing from among a plurality of pieces of clothing stored in the closet. Also, it may not be easy to manage clothing stored for a long time in the closet.

[0006] The clothing care device may have a plurality of operation modes. To prevent clothing from being damaged and improve clothing management performance, an operation mode corresponding to clothing among the plurality of operation modes may be selected. It may be inconvenient for a user to select an operation mode of the clothing care device. Also, when a user selects an operation mode of the clothing care device, the user may select an operation mode that may damage the clothing.

[0007] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.SUMMARY

[0008] Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a clothing care apparatus for managing clothing by using a hanger that automatically identifies clothing information, and a control method of the clothing care apparatus.

[0009] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a clothing care apparatus is provided. The clothing care apparatus includes a first clothing care apparatus storing clothing, a second clothing care apparatus configured to remove foreign substances from clothing, wherein the second clothing care apparatus includes a care room in which the clothing is accommodated, a blowing module configured to ventilate the clothing, at least one hanger configured to hang the clothing and including an identification module, and at least one processor configured to control the identification module to identify a tag of the clothing, obtain, from the identification module, clothing information related to the clothing stored in the tag and control driving of the blowing module based on the clothing information.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of controlling a clothing care apparatus is provided. The method includes controlling an identification module included in at least one hanger to identify a tag of clothing, obtaining clothing information related to the clothing and stored in the tag from the identification module, and controlling driving of the blowing module for ventilating the clothing based on the clothing information.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of clothing care apparatus individually or collectively, cause the clothing care apparatus to perform operations are provided. The operations include controlling an identification module included in at least one hanger to identify a tag of clothing, obtaining clothing information related to the clothing and stored in the tag from the identification module, and controlling driving of a blowing module for ventilating the clothing based on the clothing information.

[0013] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a first clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a second clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of a second clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hanger according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a first clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a first clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0026] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] The same reference numerals are used to represent the same elements throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0029] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0030] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0031] Although general terms being currently widely used were selected as terminology used in the disclosure while considering the functions in an embodiment of the disclosure, they may vary according to intentions of one of ordinary skill in the art, judicial precedents, the advent of new technologies, and the like. Also, terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant of the disclosure may also be used in a specific case. In this case, their meanings will be described in detail in the detailed description of the disclosure. Hence, the terms used in the disclosure must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents of the entire specification, not by simply stating the terms themselves.

[0032] In the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” indicates “a,”“b,”“c,”“a and b,”“a and c,”“b and c,”“all of a, b, and c,” or variations thereof.

[0033] In the entire specification, it will be understood that when a certain part “includes” a certain component, the part does not exclude another component but can further include another component, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, the terms “portion,”“part,”“module,” etc. used in this specification refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0034] It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

[0035] Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a clothing care apparatus 100 according to an embodiment may include a first clothing care apparatus 110 and a second clothing care apparatus 120. The clothing care apparatus 100 may be a smart closet in which the first clothing care apparatus 110 and the second clothing care apparatus 120 are integrated.

[0038] The first clothing care apparatus 110 may include a plurality of shelves and a plurality of partitions. The plurality of partitions may include a plurality of identifiers 111. Each of the plurality of identifiers 111 may be a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may store clothing 112. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may be a closet in which a plurality of RFID readers are arranged.

[0039] The second clothing care apparatus 120 may include at least one identifier 121. The at least one identifier 121 may be an RFID reader. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may accommodate clothing 122. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may remove foreign substances from the clothing 122. For example, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may decompose odors in the clothing 122, smooth wrinkles of the clothing 122, dry the clothing 122, and sterilize the clothing 122. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may clean the clothing 122 by applying steam, airflow, and heat to the clothing 122.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may include a holder 201 and a storage room 202.

[0042] The holder 201 may hold a hanger 200. The holder 201 may include an identification module capable of identifying the hanger 200. For example, the holder 201 may include a camera capable of identifying an identifier located at an upper end of the hanger 200. For example, the holder 201 may include a current identification circuit capable of identifying a microcurrent flowing through the hanger 200.

[0043] The storage room 202 may be defined by the plurality of shelves and the plurality of partitions included in the first clothing care apparatus 110. The storage room 202 may store the clothing 112.

[0044] The hanger 200 may identify the clothing 112 positioned in the storage room 202. For example, the hanger 200 may include an identification module that identifies a tag located at an upper end of the clothing 112. The hanger 200 may obtain clothing information related to the clothing 112.

[0045] The first clothing care apparatus 110 may obtain the clothing information from the hanger 200. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may determine which clothing information has been obtained from each of the at least one hanger 200. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may obtain position information of each of the at least one hanger 200. Accordingly, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may obtain a position at which the clothing 112 is hung and clothing information related to the clothing 112.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a second clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may include a main body 310 and a door 320. The main body 310 may include a hanger holder 301 and a care room 302.

[0048] The main body 310 may form an appearance of the second clothing care apparatus 120. The main body 310 may be composed of a housing 311. The housing 311 may include at least one side wall, a bottom, and a top. For example, the housing 311 may be in a shape of a square column that opens in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction).

[0049] The hanger holder 301 may be provided inside the care room 302. The hanger holder 301 may be provided in a shape of a bar that crosses the care room 302. For example, the hanger holder 301 may be a bar that crosses an upper area of the care room 302 in a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) that is perpendicular to the first direction. The hanger holder 301 may hold the hanger 200.

[0050] The care room 302 may be provided inside the main body 310. A shape of the care room 302 may be defined by the housing 311. For example, in a case where the housing 311 is in the shape of the square column, the care room 302 may be defined as a space in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The care room 302 may accommodate the clothing 122. While the second clothing care apparatus 120 operates, foreign substances of the clothing 122 accommodated in the care room 302 may be removed.

[0051] The door 320 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 310. For example, the door 320 may be coupled to one edge of an open side of the housing 311. The door 320 may open or close the second clothing care apparatus 120. When clothing is accommodated in the care room 302, the door 320 may open. While the second clothing care apparatus 120 operates, the door 320 may maintain a closed state.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a side view of the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may include a machine room 70, a blowing module 410, and at least one processor (not shown).

[0054] The machine room 70 may be provided in a lower part of the main body 310. The machine room 70 may dehumidify or heat inside air of the main body 310. The machine room 70 may include a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may include an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor. The evaporator, the condenser, and the compressor may evaporate, condense, and compress a refrigerant, while circulating the refrigerant. The machine room 70 may remove moisture in inside air of the main body 310 and heat the inside air of the main body 310 through a heat exchange phenomenon according to the circulation of the refrigerant.

[0055] The blowing module 410 may be provided in an upper part of the main body 310. The blowing module 410 may circulate inside air of the care room 302. The blowing module 410 may include a fan. The blowing module 410 may discharge heated air which has been generated in the machine room 70 and of which moisture has been removed, in the upper area of the care room 302. The blowing module 410 may dry and manage the clothing 122 hung on the hanger 200.

[0056] The at least one processor included in the second clothing care apparatus 120 may control overall operations of the second clothing care apparatus 120. The at least one processor may control an operation start and stop of the second clothing care apparatus 120.

[0057] The hanger 200 may identify the clothing 122 placed in the care room 302. For example, the hanger 200 may include an identification module that identifies a tag located at the upper end of the clothing 112. The hanger 200 may obtain clothing information related to the clothing 122.

[0058] The second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain the clothing information from the hanger 200. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine which clothing information is obtained from each of the at least one hanger 200. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain position information of each of the at least one hanger 200. Accordingly, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain a position at which the clothing 122 is hung and clothing information related to the clothing 122.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hanger according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, the hanger 200 according to an embodiment may include an identification module 510, a clothing support 520, at least one clothing holder 521 and 522, a head 530, a first body 541, a second body 542, a first wing 551, and a second wing 552.

[0061] The identification module 510 may identify clothing 112 or 122. The identification module 510 may identify a tag attached to the clothing 112 or 122. For example, the identification module 510 may include a camera that photographs the tag attached to an upper part of the clothing 112 or 122. For example, the identification module 510 may include a RFID reader that identifies the tag attached to the upper part of the clothing 112 or 122. The identification module 510 may obtain information related to clothing.

[0062] The clothing support 520 may be positioned at a lower part of the hanger 200. The clothing support 520 may hold the clothing 112 or 122.

[0063] The at least one clothing holder 521 and 522 may be attached to the clothing support 520. For example, the at least one clothing holder 521 and 522 may be a clip attached to the clothing support 520. The at least one clothing holder 521 and 522 may hold the clothing 112 or 122. The at least one clothing holder 521 and 522 may prevent the clothing 112 or 122 hung on the clothing support 520 from slipping down.

[0064] The head 530 may be positioned at an upper part of the hanger 200. The head 530 may have a structure by which the hanger 200 is mounted on the holder 201 of the first clothing care apparatus 110 or the hanger holder 301 of the second clothing care apparatus 120. The head 530 may support the identification module 510 such that the identification module 510 faces the clothing 112 or 122.

[0065] The first body 541 and the second body 542 may extend downward from both sides of the head 530. The first body 541 and the second body 542 may connect the head 530 to the first wing 551 and the second wing 552.

[0066] The first wing 551 may be positioned at an end of the first body 541. The second wing 552 may be positioned at an end of the second body 542. The first wing 551 and the second wing 552 may enable the hanger 200 to hang the clothing 112 or 122.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a first clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 6, in operation 610, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may identify a tag of clothing 112 hung on the at least one hanger 200. The at least one hanger 200 may include the identification module 510 that identifies the tag of the clothing 112. For example, the at least one hanger 200 may include a camera or lens. The tag of the clothing 112 may be located at an upper end of the at least one hanger 200. The identification module 510 may identify a Quick Response (QR) code marked on the tag of the clothing 112. The identification module 510 may obtain clothing information included in the QR code and related to the clothing 112.

[0069] In an embodiment, the clothing information related to the clothing 112 may include a color of the clothing 112, a size of the clothing 112, a material of the clothing 112, a weather type of the clothing 112, and a washing method of the clothing 112.

[0070] In an embodiment, the at least one hanger 200 may move the clothing 112 to accurately identify the tag positioned at the upper end of the clothing 112. For example, the at least one hanger 200 may move the clothing 112 by deforming at least one of the first wing 551 or the second wing 552 to accurately identify the tag of the clothing 112. The at least one hanger 200 may move the clothing 112 such that the tag of the clothing 112 corresponds to the camera or lens of the at least one hanger 200.

[0071] In an embodiment, the at least one hanger 200 may adjust the identification module 510 to accurately identify the tag positioned at the upper end of the clothing 112. For example, the at least one hanger 200 may rotate the camera or lens in a direction in which the tag of the clothing 112 is located to accurately identify the tag.

[0072] In operation 620, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may identify a position of the at least one hanger 200 placed inside the storage room 202. The at least one hanger 200 may include a mark capable of being identified by the first clothing care apparatus 110. For example, in a case where the at least one hanger 200 is provided as a plurality of hangers, an upper end of each of the at least one hanger 200 may be provided with a mark.

[0073] The first clothing care apparatus 110 may include the identification module 510 that identifies the mark of the at least one hanger 200. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may include a camera at an upper area inside the storage room 202. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify the mark of the at least one hanger 200 through the camera. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify a position of each of the at least one hanger 200 through the identified mark of the at least one hanger 200.

[0074] The at least one clothing care apparatus 110 may include an identification circuit that identifies a position of the at least one hanger 200. For example, the holder 201 of the first clothing care apparatus 110 may include an identification circuit capable of identifying a current flowing through the at least one hanger 200. Different microcurrents may flow through the at least one hanger 200. The identification circuit may identify a microcurrent flowing through each of the at least one hanger 200. The identification circuit may identify a position of each of the at least one hanger 200 based on the identified microcurrent.

[0075] In operation 630, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may identify a position of the clothing 112 based on the tag and position. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify the tag of the clothing 112 hung on the at least one hanger 200. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may obtain clothing information related to the clothing 112 hung on the at least one hanger 200. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify a position of the at least one hanger 200. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify the position of the at least one hanger 200 on the holder 201 of the first clothing care apparatus 110 based on the obtained clothing information and the identified position of the at least one hanger 200. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify a position of the clothing 112 hung on the at least one hanger 200 based on the obtained clothing information and the identified position of the at least one hanger 200.

[0076] In an embodiment, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may provide the identified position of the clothing 112 and the clothing information related to the clothing 112 to a user. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may display a user interface (UI) screen representing inside of the first clothing care apparatus 110 through a display or a user's terminal.

[0077] In operation 640, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may select the clothing 112 based on a user input and display clothing information related to the clothing 112. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may receive a user input of selecting the at least one hanger 200 through an input interface of the first clothing care apparatus 110 or the user's terminal. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may display a position of the clothing 112 hung on the at least one hanger 200 and clothing information related to the clothing 112 hung on the at least one hanger 200 through the display or the user's terminal.

[0078] In an embodiment, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the user of the position of the selected clothing 200. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the position of the clothing 112 by turning on a light emitting module included in the hanger 200 on which the selected clothing 112 is hung. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the position of the clothing 112 by generating sound through an audio module included in the hanger 200 on which the selected clothing 112 is hung. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the position of the clothing 112 by changing a color of the hanger 200 on which the selected clothing 112 is hung in the UI screen representing the inside of the first clothing care apparatus 110.

[0079] In an embodiment, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may select the clothing 112 based on clothing information input by a user or information related to the user. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may select the clothing 112 matching with the clothing information input by the user. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may select the clothing 112 matching with the user's schedule based on the user's schedule information. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may recommend the clothing 112 based on the clothing information input by the user or the information related to the user, and select the clothing 112 in response to the user's final confirmation.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a first clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 7, in operation 710, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may identify long-term storage clothing stored for a designated period of time or longer. For example, in a case where a position of the hanger 200 does not change for the designated period of time or longer, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify clothing 112 hung on the hanger 200 as long-term storage clothing. For example, in a case where the clothing 112 is hung on the hanger 200 in the same manner for the designated period of time or longer, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may identify the clothing 112 hung on the hanger 200 as long-term storage clothing.

[0082] In operation 720, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may provide information about the long-term storage clothing.

[0083] In an embodiment, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform a user of a position of the long-term storage clothing. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the position of the clothing 112 by turning on the light-emitting module included in the hanger 200 on which the long-term storage clothing is hung. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the position of the clothing 112 by generating sound through the sound module included in the hanger 200 on which the long-term storage clothing is hung. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may inform the position of the clothing 112 by changing a color of the hanger 200 on which the long-term storage clothing is hung in the UI screen representing the inside of the first clothing care apparatus 110.

[0084] In an embodiment, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may provide information related to management of the long-term storage clothing. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may provide information related to washing and drying of the long-term storage clothing. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may provide information related to a storage duration of the long-term storage clothing.

[0085] In operation 730, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may manage the clothing 112 according to a season or weather. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may obtain information related to a season or weather. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may manage the clothing 112 based on the information related to the season or weather. For example, the first clothing care apparatus 110 may ventilate the storage room 202 when it is rainy weather.

[0086] In operation 740, the first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may recommend management corresponding to the clothing 112 according to the season or weather. The first clothing care apparatus 110 may provide information related to a method of managing the clothing 112 based on the season or weather. For example, the first clothing apparatus 110 may provide a long-term storage method for winter clothing and a pre-wearing management method for spring clothing when a season changes from winter to spring.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation 810, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may control the identification module 510 to identify a tag of clothing 122. In the care room 302 of the second clothing care apparatus 120, the hanger 200 may be provided. The hanger 200 may include the identification module 510. The identification module 510 of the hanger 200 may be a camera or lens. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may include a communication module connected to the identification module 510 of the hanger 200 through wireless communication. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may control the identification module 510 of the hanger 200 connected through the communication module. When the clothing 122 is hung on the hanger 200, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may control the identification module 510 of the hanger 200 to identify the tag of the clothing 122.

[0089] In operation 820, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may obtain clothing information related to the clothing stored in the tag from the identification module 510. A QR code may be marked on the tag of the clothing 122. The QR code may include the clothing information related to the clothing 122. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain the clothing information included in the QR code through the identification module 510.

[0090] In operation 830, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may control driving of the blowing module 410 based on the clothing information. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine an operation course for driving the second clothing care apparatus 120 based on the clothing information. While the second clothing care apparatus 120 operates, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine, based on the clothing information, a driving strength of the blowing module 410, a driving time of the blowing module 410, a steam amount of the blowing module 410, and a steam temperature of the blowing module 410. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may operate in the operation course suitable for the identified clothing 122 based on the clothing information.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 9, in operation 910, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may recognize clothing 122.

[0093] In operation 920, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may determine an operation course. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine an operation course for operating the second clothing care apparatus 120 based on clothing information.

[0094] In operation 930, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may receive a first user input. The first user input may be a user input of determining whether to operate the second clothing care apparatus 120 in the operation course determined by the second clothing care apparatus 120.

[0095] In operation 940, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may determine whether to automatically operate the second clothing care apparatus 120 based on the first user input. According to a determination to automatically operate the second clothing care apparatus 120 (YES in operation 940), the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 950. According to a determination not to automatically operate the second clothing care apparatus 120 (NO in operation 940), the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 960.

[0096] In operation 950, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may perform the operation course. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may operate according to the operation course determined based on the clothing information in response to the first user input that has approved of automatically operating the second clothing care apparatus 120.

[0097] In operation 960, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may display the operation course. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may display the operation course determined based on the clothing information in response to the first user input that has refused to automatically operate the second clothing care apparatus 120. For example, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may display the determined operation course through the display or the user terminal.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 10, in operation 1010, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may receive a second user input. The second user input may be a user input of determining whether to operate the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to a displayed operation course.

[0100] In operation 1010, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may determine whether to perform the operation course based on the second user input. According to a determination to perform the operation course (YES in operation 1020), the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 1030. According to a determination not to perform the operation course (NO in operation 1020), the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 1040.

[0101] In operation 1030, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may perform the operation course. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may perform the operation course determined based on clothing information in response to the second user input that has approved of performing the displayed operation course.

[0102] In operation 1040, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may guide an input of a user set course. The user set course may be an operation method other than the operation course. The user set course may be an operation method of the second clothing care apparatus 120 to allow a user to make an input or setting. The user set course may be an operation method of the second clothing care apparatus 120, desired by a user. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may guide the user to input the user set course in response to the second user input that has refused to perform the displayed operation course. For example, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may display a UI screen that guides the user to input the user set course in response to the second user input that has refused to perform the operation course displayed through the display or the user terminal.

[0103] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 11, in operation 1110, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may receive a third user input. The third user input may be a user input of inputting a user set course. For example, the third user input may be a user input of inputting a user set course, such as “Power Course”, through the input interface or the user terminal.

[0105] In operation 1120, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may determine whether the user set course is suitable for the clothing 122. For example, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine whether the user set course may damage the clothing 122. According to the user set course being suitable for the clothing 122 (YES in operation 1120), the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 1130. According to the user set course being not suitable for the clothing 122 (NO in operation 1120), the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 1140. For example, in a case where the user set course may damage the clothing 122, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 1140. That is, in a case where the clothing 122 is made of a leather material and the user set course includes an operation using steam, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may proceed to operation 1140 because the clothing 122 may be damaged.

[0106] In operation 1130, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may perform the user set course. According to the user set course input by the third user input being suitable for the clothing 122, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may operate according to the user set course.

[0107] In operation 1140, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may perform a similar course. According to the user set course input by the third user input being not suitable for the clothing 122, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may provide a similar course that is suitable for the clothing 122 and has a similar effect to the user set course. For example, in a case where the user set course may damage the clothing 122, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may provide a similar course that has a similar effect to the user set course and does not damage the clothing 122. That is, as described above, in the case where the clothing 122 is made of a leather material and the user set course includes an operation using steam, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may perform the user set course excluding only the operation using steam.

[0108] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a second clothing care apparatus of a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 12, in operation 1210, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may recognize each of a plurality of pieces of clothing 122. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine whether a plurality of hangers 200 are arranged inside the care room 302. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may determine whether clothing has been hung on each of the plurality of hangers 200.

[0110] In operation 1220, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may obtain clothing information and position information about each of the plurality of pieces of clothing 122. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain information about each of the plurality of pieces of clothing 122 respectively hung on the plurality of hangers 200. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain a position of each of the plurality of hangers 200 through the identification module 510 inside the care room 302. Accordingly, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may obtain position information about each of the plurality of pieces of clothing 122.

[0111] In operation 1230, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may determine a plurality of operation courses respectively corresponding to the plurality of pieces of clothing 122 based on the clothing information and position information. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may individually determine the plurality of operation courses for the plurality of pieces of clothing 122 respectively hung on the plurality of hangers 200.

[0112] In operation 1240, the second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may provide the plurality of operation courses to the plurality of pieces of clothing 122, respectively. The second clothing care apparatus 120 may provide the plurality of operation courses respectively determined for the plurality of pieces of clothing 122 to the plurality of pieces of clothing 122. For example, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may individually provide the plurality of operation courses to the plurality of pieces of clothing 122 by adjusting inclination angles of the first wing 551 and the second wing 552 of each of the plurality of hangers 200. For example, the second clothing care apparatus 120 may individually provide the plurality of operation courses to the plurality of pieces of clothing 122 by individually controlling a plurality of fans included in the blowing module 410. For example, a plurality of partition walls for partitioning the care room 302 may be provided inside the care room 302 of the second clothing care apparatus 120 to individually provide the plurality of operation courses.

[0113] The disclosure may provide a clothing care apparatus for easily identifying and selecting clothing stored in the clothing care apparatus and a control method of the clothing care apparatus.

[0114] The disclosure may provide a clothing care apparatus that operates according to an operation course suitable for clothing stored in the clothing care apparatus to manage the clothing, and a control method of the clothing care apparatus.

[0115] A clothing care apparatus 100 according to an embodiment may include a first clothing care apparatus 110 storing clothing 112 or 122, a second clothing care apparatus 120 configured to remove foreign substances from the clothing 112 or 122, and at least one processor. The second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may include a care room 302 in which the clothing 112 or 122 is accommodated, a blowing module 410 configured to ventilate the clothing 112 or 122, and at least one hanger 200 configured to hang the clothing 112 or 122 and including an identification module 510. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to control the identification module 510 to identify a tag of the clothing 112 or 122. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to obtain clothing information related to the clothing 112 or 122 stored in the tag from the identification module 510. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to control driving of the blowing module 410 based on the clothing information.

[0116] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to determine an operation course of the blowing module 410 based on the clothing information.

[0117] The second clothing care apparatus 120 according to an embodiment may include a display. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to receive a first user input related to whether to automatically perform the operation course. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to automatically perform the operation course or display information about the operation course on the display based on the first user input.

[0118] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to receive a second user input related to whether to perform the operation course. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to perform the operation course or display, on the display, a UI that guides an input of a user set course other than the operation course, based on the second user input.

[0119] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to receive a third user input related to the user set course. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to determine whether the input user set course is suitable for the clothing 112 or 122.

[0120] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to, according to a determination that the input user set course is suitable for the clothing 112 or 122, perform the user set course.

[0121] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to, according to a determination that the input user set course damages the clothing 112 or 122, provide a similar course suitable for the clothing 112 or 122.

[0122] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to recognize each of a plurality of pieces of clothing 112 and 122. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to obtain clothing information and position information of each of the plurality of pieces of clothing 112 and 122. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to determine a plurality of operation courses respectively corresponding to the plurality of pieces of clothing 112 and 122 based on the clothing information and the position information. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to provide the plurality of operation courses to the plurality of pieces of clothing, respectively.

[0123] The first clothing care apparatus 110 according to an embodiment may include a storage room 202 storing the clothing 112 or 122, and at least one hanger 200 configured to hang the clothing 112 or 122 and including an identification module 510. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to identify a tag of the clothing 112 or 122 hung on the at least one hanger 200. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to identify a position of the at least one hanger 200 placed inside the storage room 202. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to identify a position of the clothing 112 or 122 based on the tag and the position. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to select the clothing 112 or 122 based on a user input and display the clothing information related to the clothing 112 or 122.

[0124] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to identify long-term storage clothing stored for a designated period of time or longer. The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to provide information related to the long-term storage clothing.

[0125] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to manage the clothing 112 or 122 according to a season or weather.

[0126] The at least one processor according to an embodiment may be configured to recommend management corresponding to the clothing 112 or 122 according to the season or weather.

[0127] A method of controlling a clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include controlling an identification module included in at least one hanger to identify a tag of clothing. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include obtaining clothing information related to the clothing and stored in the tag from the identification module. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include controlling driving of a blowing module for ventilating the clothing based on the clothing information.

[0128] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include determining an operation course of the blowing module based on the clothing information.

[0129] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include receiving a first user input related to whether to automatically perform the operation course. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include automatically performing the operation course or displaying information about the operation course on a display of the clothing care apparatus, based on the first user input.

[0130] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include receiving a second user input related to whether to perform the operation course. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include performing the operation course or displaying, on the display, a UI that guides an input of a user set course other than the operation course, based on the second user input.

[0131] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include receiving a third user input related to the user set course. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include determining whether the input user set course is suitable for the clothing.

[0132] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include, according to a determination that the input user set course is suitable for the clothing, performing the user set course.

[0133] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include, according to a determination that the input user set course damages the clothing, providing a similar course suitable for the clothing.

[0134] The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include recognizing each of a plurality of pieces of clothing. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include obtaining clothing information and position information of each of the plurality of pieces of clothing. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include determining a plurality of operation courses respectively corresponding to the plurality of pieces of clothing based on the clothing information and the position information. The method of controlling the clothing care apparatus according to an embodiment may include providing the plurality of operation courses to the plurality of pieces of clothing, respectively.

[0135] The clothing care apparatus and the control method of the clothing care apparatus according to the disclosure may easily identify clothing stored in the clothing care apparatus to allow a user to easily select desired clothing.

[0136] Also, the clothing care apparatus and the control method of the clothing care apparatus according to the disclosure may manage clothing stored in the clothing care apparatus according to an operation course suitable for the clothing, thereby improving management performance and quality of the clothing.

[0137] The method according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented in a program command form that can be executed by various computer means, and may be recorded on computer-readable media The computer-readable media may also include, alone or in combination with program commands, data files, data structures, and the like. Program commands recorded in the media may be the kind specifically designed and constructed for the disclosure or well-known and available to those of ordinary skill in the computer software field. Examples of the computer-readable media include magnetic media, such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media, such as compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) and digital versatile disc (DVD), magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, and the like, specifically configured to store and execute program commands. Examples of the program commands include high-level language codes that can be executed on a computer through an interpreter or the like, as well as machine language codes produced by a compiler.

[0138] Some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in the form of recording media that store instructions being executable by a computer, such as a program module that is executed by a computer. The computer-readable media may be arbitrary available media that is accessible by a computer, and may include volatile and non-volatile media and separable and non-separable media. Also, the computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile media and separable and non-separable media implemented by an arbitrary method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. The communication media may generally include a computer readable instruction, a data structure, a program module, other data of a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave, or another transmission mechanism, and include arbitrary information transmission media.

[0139] Also, some embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented as a computer program including instructions executable by a computer, such as a computer program that is executed by a computer, or as a computer program product.

[0140] The computer-readable storage media may be provided in a form of non-transitory storage media. Herein, the term ‘non-transitory storage medium’ means that it is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, a ‘non-transitory storage medium’ may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0141] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM), or be distributed (e.g., downloadable or uploadable) online via an application store or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. When distributed online, at least a part of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in machine-readable storage media, such as a memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

[0142] It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0143] Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.

[0144] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0145] While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028]The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0029]The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of variou...

Claims

1. A clothing care apparatus comprising:a first clothing care apparatus storing clothing; anda second clothing care apparatus configured to remove foreign substances from the clothing,wherein the second clothing care apparatus comprises:a care room in which the clothing is accommodated,a blowing module configured to ventilate the clothing,at least one hanger configured to hang the clothing and including an identification module, andat least one processor configured to:control the identification module to identify a tag of the clothing,obtain, from the identification module, clothing information related to the clothing stored in the tag, andcontrol driving of the blowing module based on the clothing information.

2. The clothing care apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:determine an operation course of the blowing module based on the clothing information.

3. The clothing care apparatus of claim 2,wherein the second clothing care apparatus further comprises a display, andwherein the at least one processor is configured to:receive a first user input related to whether to automatically perform the operation course, andautomatically perform the operation course or display information about the operation course on the display based on the first user input.

4. The clothing care apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:receive a second user input related to whether to perform the operation course; andperform the operation course or display, on the display, a UI that guides an input of a user-set course other than the operation course, based on the second user input.

5. The clothing care apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:receive a third user input related to the user-set course; anddetermine whether the user-set course is suitable for the clothing.

6. The clothing care apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:according to a determination that the user-set course is suitable for the clothing, perform the user-set course.

7. The clothing care apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:according to a determination that the user-set course damages the clothing, provide a similar course suitable for the clothing.

8. The clothing care apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:recognize each of a plurality of pieces of clothing;obtain clothing information and position information of each of the plurality of pieces of clothing;determine a plurality of operation courses respectively corresponding to the plurality of pieces of clothing based on the clothing information and the position information; andprovide the plurality of operation courses to the plurality of pieces of clothing, respectively.

9. The clothing care apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first clothing care apparatus comprises:a storage room storing the clothing, andat least one hanger configured to hang the clothing and including an identification module, andwherein the at least one processor is configured to:identify a tag of the clothing hung on the at least one hanger,identify a position of the at least one hanger placed inside the storage room,identify a position of the clothing based on the tag and the position, andselect the clothing based on a user input and display the clothing information related to the clothing.

10. The clothing care apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:identify long-term storage clothing stored for a designated period of time or longer; andprovide information related to the long-term storage clothing.

11. The clothing care apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:manage the clothing according to a season or weather.

12. The clothing care apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:recommend management corresponding to the clothing according to a season or weather.

13. A method of controlling a clothing care apparatus, the method comprising:controlling an identification module included in at least one hanger to identify a tag of clothing;obtaining clothing information related to the clothing and stored in the tag from the identification module; andcontrolling driving of a blowing module for ventilating the clothing based on the clothing information.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:determining an operation course of the blowing module based on the clothing information.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:receiving a first user input related to whether to automatically perform the operation course; andautomatically performing the operation course or displaying information about the operation course on a display of the clothing care apparatus, based on the first user input.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:receiving a second user input related to whether to perform the operation course; andperforming the operation course or display, on the display, a UI that guides an input of a user-set course other than the operation course, based on the second user input.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:receiving a third user input related to the user-set course; anddetermining whether the user-set course is suitable for the clothing.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising:recognizing each of a plurality of pieces of clothing;obtaining clothing information and position information of each of the plurality of pieces of clothing;determining a plurality of operation courses respectively corresponding to the plurality of pieces of clothing based on the clothing information and the position information; andproviding the plurality of operation courses to the plurality of pieces of clothing, respectively.

19. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of clothing care apparatus individually or collectively, cause the clothing care apparatus to perform operations, the operations comprising:controlling an identification module included in at least one hanger to identify a tag of clothing;obtaining clothing information related to the clothing and stored in the tag from the identification module; andcontrolling driving of a blowing module for ventilating the clothing based on the clothing information.

20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 19, the operations further comprising:determining an operation course of the blowing module based on the clothing information;receiving a first user input related to whether to automatically perform the operation course; andautomatically performing the operation course or displaying information about the operation course on a display of the clothing care apparatus, based on the first user input.

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