Stick cleaner and control method thereof

Abstract

A robot cleaner and a control method thereof are provided. A stick cleaner, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises: a body; a head which is connected to the body and to which a wet-mop is detachably attached; a supply unit which supplies water to the wet-mop; a driving unit which rotates the wet-mop; a communication interface; a display; and at least one processor which determines whether to proceed with a washing process of the wet-mop on the basis of a contamination level of the wet-mop based on at least one of the operating time of the stick cleaner, the power consumption of the driving unit, and the number of times the water is supplied by the supply unit, transmits, via the communication interface, information for requesting undocking of a cleaning station of the robot cleaner to a charging station in which wireless communication with the stick cleaner is established, displays, via the display, docking request information for the cleaning station of the stick cleaner, and establishes wireless communication with the cleaning station via the communication interface if it is identified that the stick cleaner has docked to the cleaning station.

Description

Stick vacuum cleaner and method of controlling the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stick vacuum cleaner and a control method thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a stick vacuum cleaner that jointly uses a robot vacuum cleaner and a cleaning station, and a control method thereof.

[0002] Recent advancements in electronic technology have led to an increase in the use of robot vacuum cleaners. Advances in object recognition and navigation technologies have enhanced the convenience of robot vacuum cleaners, and the number of users using them is increasing. However, despite the proliferation of robot vacuum cleaners, many users still use user-operated vacuum cleaners, such as handheld stick vacuums or canister vacuums (hereinafter referred to as stick vacuums). This is because users can move the vacuum cleaner directly while cleaning, resulting in a more thorough cleaning.

[0003] Ultimately, users own both robot vacuums and stick vacuums, using each vacuum (i.e., robot vacuums and stick vacuums) according to their intended use. Robot vacuums are often sold with cleaning stations that clean dust, debris, and the mops they produce. However, these cleaning stations are limited to robot vacuums, making them impractical. Therefore, there is a need for a method that allows cleaning stations to be shared by both robot vacuums and stick vacuums.

[0004] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a stick cleaner includes a body, a head connected to the body and having a mop detachable therefrom, a supply unit for supplying water to the mop, a driving unit for rotating the mop, a communication interface, a display, and one or more processors configured to identify a contamination level of the mop based on at least one of an operating time of the stick cleaner, power consumption of the driving unit, and the number of times water is supplied by the supply unit, determine whether to proceed with a cleaning process of the mop based on the identified contamination level, and if it is determined to proceed with the cleaning process, transmit information requesting undockment of a robot cleaner from a cleaning station to a charging station with which wireless communication has been established with the stick cleaner through the communication interface, and if it is determined that the robot cleaner has undocked from the cleaning station, display docking request information of the stick cleaner for the cleaning station through the display, and if it is determined that the stick cleaner has docked to the cleaning station, establish wireless communication with the cleaning station through the communication interface. Information requesting that the robot cleaner be undocked from the cleaning station is transmitted to the robot cleaner by the charging station.

[0005] In addition, when the one or more processors are identified as having docked the stick cleaner to the washing station, they can transmit information to the charging station through the communication interface requesting the robot cleaner to disconnect from the wireless communication connection with the washing station, and when the robot cleaner is identified as having disconnected from the wireless communication connection with the washing station, they can perform a wireless communication connection with the washing station through the communication interface.

[0006] Additionally, the one or more processors may receive identification information of the washing station from the charging station via the communication interface, and perform a wireless communication connection to the washing station via the communication interface based on the received identification information of the station. The identification information of the washing station may be transmitted to the charging station by the robot cleaner that has received information requesting a wireless communication disconnection with the washing station.

[0007] Additionally, when the one or more processors receive identification information of the washing station, the robot cleaner can identify that the wireless communication connection with the washing station has been disconnected.

[0008] In addition, the one or more processors may calculate a contamination level corresponding to the operating time of the stick vacuum cleaner, and if the power consumption of the driving unit is greater than or equal to a preset first value, apply a first weight to the contamination level, and if the contamination level to which the first weight is applied is greater than or equal to the preset contamination level, determine to proceed with the cleaning process of the mop.

[0009] In addition, the one or more processors may calculate a contamination level corresponding to the operating time of the stick vacuum cleaner, and if the number of times the water is supplied is greater than or equal to a preset second value, apply a second weight to the contamination level, and if the contamination level to which the second weight is applied is greater than or equal to the preset contamination level, determine to proceed with the cleaning process of the mop.

[0010] In addition, the one or more processors may receive washing process information from the washing station through the communication interface while the mop washing process of the stick cleaner docked to the washing station is in progress, identify a control command corresponding to the washing process based on the received washing process information, and control the driving unit based on the identified control command.

[0011] Additionally, the one or more processors may, based on the received washing process information, determine that the washing process is completed, release the wireless communication connection with the washing station, and transmit information to the charging station via the communication interface requesting docking of the robot cleaner to the washing station and wireless communication connection with the washing station. The information requesting docking to the washing station and wireless communication connection with the washing station may be transmitted to the robot cleaner by the charging station.

[0012] A method for controlling a stick cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the steps of: identifying a contamination level of a mop based on at least one of a driving time of the stick cleaner, a power consumption of a driving unit that rotates a mop attached to a head of the stick cleaner, and a number of times water is supplied by a supply unit that supplies water to the mop; determining whether to proceed with a washing process of the mop based on the identified contamination level; if it is determined to proceed with the washing process, transmitting information requesting undockment of a robot cleaner from a washing station to a charging station with which wireless communication has been established with the stick cleaner through a communication interface of the stick cleaner; if it is determined that the robot cleaner has undocked from the washing station, displaying docking request information of the stick cleaner for the washing station through a display of the stick cleaner; and if it is determined that the stick cleaner has docked to the washing station, establishing wireless communication with the washing station through the communication interface. Information requesting that the robot cleaner be undocked from the cleaning station may be transmitted to the robot cleaner by the charging station.

[0013] In addition, the step of establishing wireless communication with the washing station may include the step of, when the stick cleaner is identified as docked with the washing station, transmitting information to the charging station through the communication interface requesting the robot cleaner to disconnect the wireless communication connection with the washing station, and the step of establishing a wireless communication connection with the washing station through the communication interface when the robot cleaner is identified as disconnecting the wireless communication connection with the washing station.

[0014] In addition, the step of establishing a wireless communication connection with the washing station may further include the step of receiving identification information of the washing station from the charging station through the communication interface and the step of performing a wireless communication connection to the washing station through the communication interface based on the received identification information of the station. The identification information of the washing station may be transmitted to the charging station by the robot cleaner that has received information requesting a wireless communication disconnection with the washing station.

[0015] In addition, the control method may further include a step of identifying that the robot cleaner has disconnected the wireless communication connection with the washing station when receiving identification information of the washing station. , control method.

[0016] In addition, the step of identifying the contamination level of the mop may include calculating a contamination level corresponding to the operating time of the stick cleaner, applying a first weight to the contamination level if the power consumption of the driving unit is greater than or equal to a preset first value, and the step of determining whether to proceed with the cleaning process of the mop may include determining to proceed with the cleaning process of the mop if the contamination level to which the first weight has been applied is greater than or equal to the preset contamination level.

[0017] In addition, the step of identifying the contamination level of the mop may include calculating a contamination level corresponding to the operating time of the stick cleaner, applying a second weight to the contamination level if the number of times the water is supplied is greater than or equal to a preset second value, and determining whether to proceed with the cleaning process of the mop may include determining to proceed with the cleaning process of the mop if the contamination level to which the second weight is applied is greater than or equal to the preset contamination level.

[0018] In addition, the control method may include a step of receiving washing process information from the washing station through the communication interface while the mop washing process of the stick cleaner docked to the washing station is in progress, and a step of identifying a control command corresponding to the washing process based on the received washing process information, and controlling the driving unit based on the identified control command.

[0019] In addition, the control method may include, based on the received washing process information, a step of releasing a wireless communication connection with the washing station when the washing process is determined to be completed, and a step of transmitting information to the charging station via the communication interface requesting docking of the robot cleaner to the washing station and wireless communication connection with the washing station. The information requesting docking to the washing station and wireless communication connection with the washing station may be transmitted to the robot cleaner by the charging station.

[0020] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a stick vacuum cleaner, a charging station for the stick vacuum cleaner, a robot vacuum cleaner, and a cleaning station for the robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a stick vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a stick vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the calculation of the contamination level of a mop by considering the operating time of a stick vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power consumption of the driving unit, and the number of times water is supplied by the supply unit.

[0024] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a network connection between a stick vacuum cleaner, a charging station, a robot vacuum cleaner, and a washing station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating transmitting information requesting undocking of a robot cleaner from a cleaning station to a charging station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram illustrating identification of an undocking of a robot vacuum cleaner from a washing station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method for requesting to release a wireless communication connection to a washing station of a robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram illustrating the establishment of wireless communication between a docked stick vacuum cleaner and a washing station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating that when a washing process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is completed, information is transmitted requesting the robot cleaner to perform docking and wireless communication connection to the washing station.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a detailed configuration diagram of a stick vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] The present embodiments may be modified and have various embodiments. Therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope to specific embodiments, but should be understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0032] In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0033] Additionally, the following embodiments may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the technical concepts of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to further faithfully and completely convey the technical concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0034] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the rights. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0035] In this disclosure, expressions such as “has,” “can have,” “includes,” or “may include” indicate the presence of a corresponding feature (e.g., a component such as a number, function, operation, or part), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0036] In this disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and / or B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” can include all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” can all refer to (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B.

[0037] The expressions “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second,” etc., used in this disclosure can describe various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the components.

[0038] When it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that said component may be directly coupled to said other component, or may be coupled via another component (e.g., a third component).

[0039] On the other hand, when it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), it can be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between said component and said other component.

[0040] The expression "configured to" as used in the present disclosure may be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" in terms of hardware.

[0041] Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "a device configured to" may mean that the device, in conjunction with other devices or components, is "capable of" performing A, B, and C. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing those operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0042] In the embodiments, a 'module' or 'part' performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, a plurality of 'modules' or 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module and implemented as at least one processor, except for a 'module' or 'part' that needs to be implemented as a specific hardware.

[0043] Meanwhile, the various elements and areas in the drawings are schematically drawn. Therefore, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0044] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail so that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains can easily implement the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a stick vacuum cleaner (100), a charging station (200) of the stick vacuum cleaner (100), a robot vacuum cleaner (300), and a washing station (400) of the robot vacuum cleaner (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, a stick cleaner (100), a charging station (200) for the stick cleaner (100), a robot cleaner (300), and a washing station (400) for the robot cleaner (300) can be located in the same space and within a home. Since the stick cleaner (100) and the robot cleaner (300) perform cleaning for the same space (or home, etc.), the stick cleaner (100), the charging station (200) for the stick cleaner (100), the robot cleaner (300), and the washing station (400) for the robot cleaner (300) can constitute a cleaning system.

[0047] The stick cleaner (100) can be mounted on a charging station (200). Here, the charging station (200) serves as a support to fix and mount the stick cleaner (100), and also charges the stick cleaner (100) mounted on the charging station (200).

[0048] Meanwhile, the robot cleaner (300) can drive through the space where the robot cleaner (300) is located and perform cleaning operations based on the map data stored in the robot cleaner (300). At this time, the robot cleaner (300) can perform various cleaning operations (e.g., dust suction, mopping, etc.) according to user commands, and in particular, can perform mopping cleaning of the floor surface of the space using a mop attached to the lower surface of the robot cleaner (300).

[0049] The robot cleaner (300) that performed the mop cleaning performs mop cleaning by docking to the washing station (400) and performing mop cleaning upon completion of the mop cleaning (or upon input of a cleaning command by the user), thereby cleaning the contaminated mop. Specifically, upon completion of the mop cleaning, the robot cleaner (300) may identify the location of the washing station (400) on the map data and then move to the identified washing station (400). Then, the robot cleaner (300) may perform operations necessary for mop cleaning after docking to the washing station (400). For example, the robot cleaner (300) docked to the washing station (400) may rotate the mop while the cleaning process is in progress so that the mop can be washed properly.

[0050] Meanwhile, the washing station (400) performs washing for the robot cleaner (300) docked to the washing station (400). In particular, the washing station (400) may include a roller brush that moves left and right, a protrusion, or a nozzle that sprays a cleaning solution (or water). In addition, the washing station (400) may include a fan and a heating wire for discharging hot air. When the washing station (400) identifies that the robot cleaner (300) is docked to the washing station (400), the washing station (400) may perform a washing process for a mop attached to the lower surface of the robot cleaner (300). For example, the washing station (400) may spray a cleaning solution or water onto the mop to wash the mop, and may discharge hot air onto the mop after the washing is completed to dry the mop. Meanwhile, the washing station (400) can not only wash the mop of the robot cleaner (300), but can also charge the robot cleaner (300).

[0051] Meanwhile, the washing station (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can perform washing not only for the robot cleaner (300) but also for the stick cleaner (100). That is, the stick cleaner (100) and the robot cleaner (300) can jointly use the washing station (400).

[0052] Specifically, a mop can be attached to the head of the stick cleaner (100). Then, when a user (1) docks the head of the stick cleaner (100) to the washing station (400), and the washing station (400) detects the docking of the head of the stick cleaner (100) or receives a washing process command, a washing process can be performed on the head of the stick cleaner (100). To this end, the docking part of the washing station (400) to which the head of the stick cleaner (100) and the robot cleaner (300) are docked can be designed based on the size of the head of the stick cleaner (100) and the size of the robot cleaner (300).

[0053] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the stick cleaner (100) determines the contamination level of the mop of the stick cleaner (100) and identifies whether a cleaning process for the mop is required. In particular, if it is determined that a cleaning process for the mop of the stick cleaner (100) is required, the cleaning process for the mop of the stick cleaner (100) is performed by identifying whether a robot cleaner (300) is docked at the cleaning station (400). This is to enable the user to smoothly clean the stick cleaner (100) by coordinating the order of the cleaning process at the cleaning station (400) between the robot cleaner (300) and the stick cleaner (100). Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure related to this will be described.

[0054] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a stick vacuum cleaner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a control method of a stick vacuum cleaner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] A stick vacuum cleaner (100) includes a body (110), a head (120), a supply unit (121), a driving unit (122), a communication interface (130), a display (140), and one or more processors (150).

[0056] The body (110) is the main body of the vacuum cleaner and serves to support the vacuum cleaner (100). One side of the body (110) is provided with a handle portion that can be held by a user, and the other side of the main body (110) can be connected to a head (120) that sucks up dust, etc. In addition, the inside of the body (110) can include a fan (or drum), a motor, etc. so that the head (120) can suck up dust.

[0057] The head (120) is configured to suck up dust and may include a brush, a motor, a fan (or a drum), etc. At this time, the head (120) rotates the fan (or drum) as the motor rotates to suck up dust on the surface to be cleaned into the inside of the stick cleaner (100) (i.e., the inside of the main body (110)). The brush may be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction and good wear resistance, such as natural hair or PA (Polyamide: nylon).

[0058] Meanwhile, a mop may be attached to the head (120). Specifically, the bottom surface of the head (120) may include an adhesive portion to which at least one mop may be attached. When the mop is attached to the adhesive portion, the head (120) may perform mop cleaning of the floor surface. However, this is not limited thereto, and the head (120) may be implemented with multiple heads (120) so that they can be replaced depending on whether the head is used for suction cleaning or mop cleaning.

[0059] Meanwhile, the head (120) may include a supply unit (121) and a driving unit (122). Here, the supply unit (121) may supply water to a mop attached to the head (120) or spray water on a floor surface based on a user's water supply command or water supply conditions set at a preset cycle. For this purpose, the supply unit (121) may include a hose, a nozzle, or the like.

[0060] In addition, the head (120) may include a driving unit (122) that rotates the mop. Specifically, the driving unit (122) rotates at least one mop (or an adhesive portion to which the mop is attached) attached to the head (120) so that the stick cleaner (100) can perform mop cleaning on the floor. To this end, the driving unit (122) may further include a motor, a driving circuit, and the like.

[0061] The communication interface (130) enables information to be transmitted and received between the stick vacuum cleaner (100) and an external device through various types of wireless communication methods. For example, the communication interface (130) can communicate with an external device using a Bluetooth communication method. In particular, the stick vacuum cleaner (100) can perform Bluetooth communication with an external device based on the BR (Basic Rate) method, the EDR (Enhanced Data RATE) method, the HS (High Speed) method, and the LE (Low Energy) method.

[0062] Meanwhile, the communication interface (130) may include a plurality of Bluetooth communication modules. Specifically, the communication interface (130) may include a Bluetooth communication module that allows the stick cleaner (100) to perform a peripheral role (i.e., operate as a peripheral device) in performing Bluetooth communication, a Bluetooth communication module that allows the stick cleaner (100) to perform a central role (i.e., operate as a central device), and a plurality of Bluetooth communication modules. Through this, the stick cleaner (100) may be connected to a plurality of external devices via Bluetooth simultaneously.

[0063] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a stick vacuum cleaner (100) may be connected to a charging station (200) via Bluetooth. At this time, the stick vacuum cleaner (100) may be a peripheral device in communicating with the charging station (200) via Bluetooth, and thus, the charging station (200) may be a central device.

[0064] Specifically, when the stick cleaner (100) transmits an “Advertising Signal” containing identification information of the stick cleaner (100) (e.g., MAC Address, etc.) to the surroundings, the stick cleaner (100) can receive a “Connection Request Signal” from the charging station (200) that receives the “Advertising Signal”. Then, the stick cleaner (100) and the charging station (200) can be connected via Bluetooth.

[0065] Meanwhile, for this purpose, a pairing process must be performed first between the stick vacuum cleaner (100) and the charging station (200). The pairing process refers to the registration process between devices that communicate via Bluetooth. Specifically, it refers to the process of creating a bond by exchanging and registering profile information between each device.

[0066] For example, the stick vacuum cleaner (100) and the charging station (200) exchange identification information (e.g., MAC address, etc.) of each device and store them in their respective memories (not shown). In addition, a password required for Bluetooth connection can be set. After the pairing process is performed, the stick vacuum cleaner (100) and the charging station (200) can automatically perform a Bluetooth connection without a separate pairing process.

[0067] The display (140) can display various visual information. For this purpose, it can be implemented as a display of various forms such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, an LED (Light Emitting Diodes) display, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), etc. The display (140) can also include a driving circuit, a backlight unit, etc., which can be implemented in a form such as an a-si TFT, an LTPS (low temperature poly silicon) TFT, an OTFT (organic TFT), etc. Meanwhile, the display (140) can be implemented as a touch screen combined with a touch sensor, a flexible display, a 3D display, etc.

[0068] One or more processors (150) can control the overall operation of the stick vacuum cleaner (100). Specifically, one or more processors (150) can be electrically connected to various components within the stick vacuum cleaner (100), such as a supply unit (121), a drive unit (122), a communication interface (130), and a display (140), to control the overall operation of the vacuum cleaner. To this end, one or more processors (150) can include a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown), a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown), a CPU (central processing unit) (not shown), a GPU (Graphics processing unit) (not shown), and a system bus (not shown), and can execute calculations or data processing related to the control of one or more components included in the electronic device.

[0069] One or more processors (150) may control one or more components included in an electronic device by executing one or more instructions stored in storage (not shown), control one or more components as a hardware circuit or chip, or control one or more components as a combination of software and hardware.

[0070] The one or more processors (150) may include one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), a Many Integrated Core (MIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The one or more processors (150) may control one or any combination of other components of the electronic device, and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. The one or more processors (150) may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in a memory. For example, the one or more processors (150) may perform a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in a memory.

[0071] When a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one processor or by a plurality of processors. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by the first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by the first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by the second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence-dedicated processor).

[0072] One or more processors may be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or may be implemented as one or more multicore processors including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicores or heterogeneous multicores). When one or more processors are implemented as a multicore processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include internal memory of the processor (150), such as a cache memory or an on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by the multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. In addition, each of the multiple cores (or some of the multiple cores) included in the multicore processor may independently read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked to read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] When a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one core among the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by the plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in the multi-core processor.

[0074] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor (150) may mean a system on a chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an APU, a MIC, a DSP, an NPU, a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0075] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, one or more processors (150) will be referred to as processors (150).

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (150) identifies the contamination level of the mop based on at least one of the operating time of the stick cleaner (100), the power consumption of the driving unit (122), and the number of times water is supplied by the supply unit (121) (S310).

[0077] Here, the contamination level of the mop is a value that quantifies the degree of contamination of the mop, and the processor (150) can calculate the contamination level of the mop based on at least one of the operating time of the stick cleaner (100), the power consumption of the driving unit (122), and the number of times water is supplied by the supply unit (121).

[0078] In addition, the processor (150) may determine whether to proceed with the mop cleaning process based on the identified contamination level (S320). Specifically, if the processor (150) determines that the contamination level is high, the processor (150) may determine to proceed with the mop cleaning process. In particular, if the calculated contamination level is determined to be higher than a preset value, the processor (150) may determine to proceed with the mop cleaning process.

[0079] Below, we will explain a specific method for calculating the contamination level of a mop.

[0080] For example, the processor (150) can calculate the contamination level of the mop based on the operating time of the stick cleaner (100). In particular, the processor (150) can identify that the longer the operating time of the stick cleaner (100), the higher the contamination level of the mop, and can calculate the contamination level of the mop as a high value. Here, the operating time of the stick cleaner (100) may be the time that the stick cleaner (100) is used after being turned on. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the processor (150) can identify the operating time of the stick cleaner (100) by calculating only the time that the stick cleaner (100) performed mop cleaning. In particular, the processor (150) can calculate the time that the stick cleaner (100) performed mop cleaning based on the time that the driving unit (122) that rotates the mop operated.

[0081] In addition, as an example, the processor (150) can calculate the contamination level of the mop based on the power consumption of the driving unit (122). In particular, the processor (150) can identify that the higher the power consumption of the driving unit (122) while the stick cleaner (100) performs mopping cleaning, the higher the contamination level of the mop, and can calculate the contamination level as a high value. Here, the power consumption of the driving unit (122) is the power consumed by the motor of the driving unit (122) to rotate the mop while the stick cleaner (100) performs mopping cleaning. The driving unit (122) can consume more power the longer the mop is rotated. In addition, the driving unit (122) can consume more power the greater the load transmitted to the mop (or the head to which the mop is attached). Specifically, as the user applies pressure to the head of the stick cleaner (100) (for example, when the user performs mopping by bringing the head of the stick cleaner (100) closer to the floor surface), a greater load is transmitted to the head of the mop, and at this time, more power may be consumed by the driving unit (122) to rotate the mop. The processor (150) determines that the mop has been used for a long time or that the mop has been cleaning by bringing it closer to the floor surface, and determines that the level of contamination of the mop is high, and may calculate the level of contamination as a high value. Meanwhile, the processor (150) may also calculate the level of contamination of the mop based on the driving current applied to the driving unit (122) in addition to the power consumption.

[0082] Meanwhile, the processor (150) can calculate the contamination level of the mop by considering the operating time of the stick vacuum cleaner (100) and the power consumption of the driving unit (122).

[0083] For example, the contamination level corresponding to the operating time of the stick cleaner (100) may be calculated, and if the power consumption of the driving unit (122) is equal to or greater than a preset first value, a first weight may be applied to the contamination level. Specifically, the processor (150) may calculate the contamination level of the mop in proportion to the operating time of the stick cleaner (100). That is, since the longer the operating time of the stick cleaner (100), the higher the contamination level of the mop is identified, the processor (150) may identify the operating time of the stick cleaner (100) and calculate the contamination level in proportion to the identified operating time. For example, the processor (150) may identify the operating time in seconds and identify the identified operating time as the contamination level. At this time, the processor (150) may calculate the contamination level by taking into account the characteristics of the space where the stick cleaner (100) is located (e.g., characteristics of the floor surface, etc.), the total operating time of the stick cleaner (100) (i.e., the time the stick cleaner (100) is used from the time it is first operated), etc.

[0084] And, the processor (150) can identify the power consumption of the driving unit (122) and identify whether the power consumption of the identified driving unit (122) is equal to or greater than a preset first value. And, if the processor (150) identifies that the power consumption of the driving unit (122) is equal to or greater than the preset first value, the processor (150) can apply a first weight to the calculated pollution level. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and if the power consumption of the driving unit (122) is equal to or greater than the preset first value, the processor (150) can set a first weight corresponding to the power consumption of the driving unit (122) and apply the set first weight to the pollution level. That is, the higher the power consumption, the higher the first weight can be set.

[0085] Meanwhile, the processor (150) may determine to proceed with the mop cleaning process (150) if the contamination level to which the first weight is applied is equal to or greater than the preset contamination level. For example, when the operating time of the stick cleaner (100) is 70 seconds, the first weight is 1.5, the preset first value is 30 W, and the preset contamination level is 100, the processor (150) may calculate the contamination level corresponding to the operating time as 70. In addition, when the processor (150) identifies that the power consumption of the driving unit (122) is 40 W while the stick cleaner (100) is performing mop cleaning, the processor (150) may apply the first weight (1.5) to the calculated contamination level (70). That is, the processor (150) may calculate the contamination level (105) to which the first weight (1.5) is applied. And, since the contamination level (105) to which the first weight (1.5) is applied is identified as being higher than the preset contamination level (100), the processor (150) may decide to proceed with the cleaning process for the mop.

[0086] In addition, as an example, the processor (150) can calculate the contamination level of the mop based on the number of times the water is supplied to the mop by the supply unit (121) while the stick vacuum cleaner (100) performs mopping cleaning. In particular, as the number of times water is supplied increases, the amount of dust and contaminants adsorbed on the mop increases, and therefore, the processor (150) identifies that the contamination level of the mop increases as the number of times water is supplied increases. Accordingly, the processor (150) can identify that the contamination level of the mop increases as the number of times water is supplied increases, and calculate a high value for the contamination level.

[0087] Meanwhile, the processor (150) can calculate the contamination level of the mop by considering the operating time of the stick vacuum cleaner (100) and the number of times water is supplied from the supply unit (121).

[0088] For example, one or more processors (150) may calculate a contamination level corresponding to the operating time of the stick vacuum cleaner (100) and, if the number of times water is supplied is equal to or greater than a preset second value, apply a second weighting factor to the contamination level. Specifically, the processor (150) may calculate a contamination level of the mop in proportion to the operating time of the stick vacuum cleaner (100). In this regard, the above-described example may be equally applied, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] And, the processor (150) can identify the number of times water is supplied by the supply unit (121) and identify whether the power consumption of the identified number of times water is supplied is equal to or greater than a preset second value. And, if the processor (150) identifies that the number of times water is supplied by the driving unit (122) is equal to or greater than the preset second value, the processor (150) can apply a second weight to the calculated contamination level. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and if the number of times water is supplied by the supply unit (121) is equal to or greater than the preset second value, the processor (150) can set a second weight corresponding to the number of times water is supplied by the supply unit (121) and apply the set second weight to the contamination level. That is, the more the number of times water is supplied, the higher the second weight can be set to a value.

[0090] Meanwhile, the processor (150) may determine to proceed with the mop cleaning process (150) if the contamination level to which the second weight is applied is higher than the preset contamination level. For example, when the operating time of the stick cleaner (100) is 80 seconds, the second weight is 1.25, the preset second value is 3 times, and the preset contamination level is 100, the processor (150) may calculate the contamination level corresponding to the operating time as 80. In addition, when the processor (150) identifies that the number of times water is supplied from the supply unit (121) is 4 times while the stick cleaner (100) performs mop cleaning, the processor (150) may apply the first weight (1.25) to the calculated contamination level (80). That is, the processor (150) may calculate the contamination level (100) to which the second weight (1.25) is applied. And, since the contamination level (100) to which the second weight (1.25) is applied is identified as being higher than the preset contamination level (100), the processor (150) may decide to proceed with the cleaning process for the mop.

[0091] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the calculation of the contamination level of a mop by taking into account the driving time of a stick vacuum cleaner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power consumption of the driving unit (122), and the number of times water is supplied by the supply unit (121).

[0092] In addition, the processor (150) can calculate the contamination level of the mop by considering the operating time of the stick cleaner (100), the power consumption of the driving unit (122), and the number of times the water is supplied by the supply unit (121). For example, referring to FIG. 4, when the mop cleaning operation of the stick cleaner (100) starts, the processor (150) can identify the operating time of the stick cleaner (100) (S41). Then, the processor (150) can calculate the contamination level corresponding to the operating time of the stick cleaner (100) in real time (S42). At this time, the processor (150) can identify whether the power consumption of the driving unit (122) is equal to or greater than a first value (S43), and if the power consumption of the driving unit (122) is identified as being equal to or greater than the first value, the processor (150) can apply a first weight to the calculated contamination level (S45).

[0093] In addition, the processor (150) identifies whether the number of times the water is supplied from the supply unit (121) is equal to or greater than the second value (S44), and if it is identified that the number of times the water is supplied from the supply unit (121) is equal to or greater than the second value, a second weight can be applied to the calculated contamination level (S46). Accordingly, if the power consumption of the driving unit (122) is equal to or greater than the first value and the number of times the water is supplied from the supply unit (121) is equal to or greater than the second value, the first and second weights can be applied together to the contamination level. Meanwhile, the processor (150) identifies whether the contamination level to which the weight (i.e., at least one of the first and second weights) is applied is equal to or greater than the preset contamination level (S47), and can determine whether to proceed with the cleaning process for the mop (S48).

[0094] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a network connection between a stick vacuum cleaner, a charging station, a robot vacuum cleaner, and a washing station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing transmitting information requesting undocking of a robot cleaner (300) from a washing station (400) to a charging station (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the processor (150) determines to proceed with the washing process, it may transmit information requesting the robot cleaner (300) to be undocked from the washing station (400) to the charging station (200) with which wireless communication has been established with the stick cleaner (100) through the communication interface (130) (S310).

[0097] Specifically, referring to FIG. 6, if the processor (150) determines to proceed with the washing process (①), it may request the robot cleaner (300) to undock from the washing station (400) through the charging station (200). At this time, the processor (150) may transmit (②) information requesting the undock from the washing station (400) of the robot cleaner (300) to the charging station (200) through the communication interface (130). In particular, the stick cleaner (100) may transmit a data packet including information requesting the undock from the washing station (400) of the robot cleaner (300) to the charging station (200) through the communication interface (130).

[0098] For example, referring to FIG. 5, the stick vacuum cleaner (100) may be pre-connected to the charging station (200) via Bluetooth via the communication interface (130). Accordingly, the processor (150) may transmit a data packet containing information requesting the undocking of the robot vacuum cleaner (300) from the washing station (400) to the charging station (200) via the communication interface (130).

[0099] Meanwhile, information requesting to undock the robot cleaner (300) from the washing station (400) may be transmitted to the robot cleaner (300) by the charging station (200). For example, referring to FIG. 5, the washing station (400) and the robot cleaner (300) may perform wireless communication via WiFi through the same WiFi Access Point (AP) (e.g., a router, a shared device, etc.) in the home.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 6, when the washing station (400) receives information requesting to undock the robot cleaner (300) from the washing station (400) from the stick cleaner (100), the washing station (400) may transmit the received request information (i.e., information requesting to undock the robot cleaner (300) from the washing station (400)) to the robot cleaner (300) via a WiFi AP or request the robot cleaner (300) to undock (③). For example, the charging station (200) may transmit a data packet including information requesting to undock the robot cleaner (300) from the washing station (400) via a WiFi communication-based communication interface to the robot cleaner (300).

[0101] The processor (150) can receive approval from the user via the display (140) to proceed with the cleaning process of the stick cleaner (100). For example, the processor (150) can display information indicating the level of contamination of the mop of the stick cleaner (100) via the display (140) and display a message indicating that the cleaning process of the mop needs to proceed. In addition, when the processor (150) receives a user command to approve the cleaning process via the display (140) or the user interface, the processor (150) can transmit information requesting the undocking of the robot cleaner (300) from the cleaning station (400) to the charging station (200) with which wireless communication has been established with the stick cleaner (100) via the communication interface (130).

[0102] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method for identifying a docking undock of a robot cleaner (300) from a washing station (400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method for requesting to release a wireless communication connection to a washing station (400) of a robot cleaner (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Meanwhile, when the processor (150) identifies that the robot cleaner (300) has undocked from the washing station (400), it can display docking request information for the stick cleaner (100) to the washing station (400) through the display (140).

[0104] Specifically, the processor (150) can identify the docking of the robot cleaner (300) to the washing station (400). To this end, the processor (150) can receive information from the charging station (200) to determine whether the robot cleaner (300) is docked to the washing station (400).

[0105] For example, referring to FIG. 7, the robot cleaner (300), which has received information requesting to undock from the charging station (200) to the washing station (400), can transmit information indicating whether the robot cleaner (300) is docked to the washing station (400) to the stick cleaner (100). In particular, the robot cleaner (300) can transmit (④) information indicating undock to the stick cleaner (100) through the charging station (200) after undocked from the washing station (400).

[0106] At this time, if the robot cleaner (300) is not already docked to the charging station (200) at the time of receiving information requesting undockment from the washing station (400) from the charging station (200), the robot cleaner (300) may transmit information indicating that the robot cleaner (300) is not docked to the charging station (200) to the washing station (400). Alternatively, if the robot cleaner (300) that was docked to the washing station (400) undocks from the washing station (400) and departs after receiving information requesting undockment from the washing station (400) from the charging station (200), the robot cleaner (300) may transmit information indicating undockment of the robot cleaner (300) from the washing station (400) to the charging station (200).

[0107] In addition, the charging station (200) can transmit information received from the robot cleaner (300) (i.e., either information indicating that the robot cleaner (300) is not docked to the charging station (200) or information indicating that the robot cleaner (300) has undocked from the charging station (200)) to the stick cleaner (100). Alternatively, the charging station (200) can transmit (⑤) information to the stick cleaner (100) based on the received information, notifying that the robot cleaner (300) has undocked from the washing station (400).

[0108] Through this, the processor (150) can identify that the robot cleaner (300) has been undocked from the washing station (400). In addition, the processor (150) can display (⑥) docking request information for the washing station (400) of the stick cleaner (100) through the display (140). For example, a message requesting docking of the stick cleaner (100) to the washing station (400) can be displayed.

[0109] And, when the processor (150) identifies that the stick cleaner (100) is docked to the washing station (400), it can establish wireless communication with the washing station (400) through the communication interface (130). That is, when the processor (150) identifies that the stick cleaner (100) is docked to the washing station (400), it can perform a wireless communication connection with the washing station (400) through the communication interface (130).

[0110] For example, the processor (150) may perform a Bluetooth connection with the washing station (400) through the communication interface (130). At this time, for the Bluetooth connection with the washing station (400), when the processor (150) identifies that the stick cleaner (100) is docked to the washing station (400), the processor (150) may transmit information requesting the charging station (200) to disconnect the wireless communication connection of the robot cleaner (300) with the washing station (400) through the communication interface (130).

[0111] The processor (150) can identify whether the stick cleaner (100) is docked to the washing station (400). For example, whether the stick cleaner (100) is docked to the washing station (400) can be identified by the washing station (400). Specifically, if it is identified that the head of the stick cleaner (100) is docked to the washing station (400) based on a sensor included in the washing station (400), the washing station (400) can transmit docking information of the stick cleaner (100) to the robot cleaner (300) via Bluetooth communication. Then, the robot cleaner (300) can transmit the received docking information of the stick cleaner (100) to the charging station (200) via WiFi communication, and the charging station (200) that has received the docking information of the stick cleaner (100) can transmit it to the stick cleaner (100) via Bluetooth communication.

[0112] Through this, the stick cleaner (100) can identify the docking of the stick cleaner (100) (more specifically, the docking of the head of the stick cleaner (100) to the washing station (400). And, referring to FIG. 8, when the processor (150) identifies that the stick cleaner (100) is docked to the washing station (400), it can transmit (⑦) information requesting the disconnection of the wireless communication between the robot cleaner (300) and the washing station (400) to the charging station (200) through the communication interface (130). At this time, the information requesting the disconnection of the wireless communication between the robot cleaner (300) and the washing station (400) can be transmitted to the robot cleaner (300) by the charging station (200). That is, the charging station (200) that has received information requesting the disconnection of the wireless communication from the stick cleaner (100) can transmit the received request information (i.e., information requesting the disconnection of the wireless communication connection of the robot cleaner (300) to the washing station (400)) to the robot cleaner (300) via the WiFi AP, or directly request (⑧) the disconnection of the wireless communication connection to the robot cleaner (300). For example, the charging station (200) can transmit a data packet including information requesting the disconnection of the wireless communication connection of the robot cleaner (300) to the washing station (400) via a WiFi communication-based communication interface. Meanwhile, the robot cleaner (300) that has received a request for the disconnection of the wireless communication connection from the charging station (200) or information requesting the disconnection of the wireless communication connection can disconnect (⑨) the wireless communication connection with the charging station (300). For example, the robot vacuum cleaner (300) can disconnect the Bluetooth connection with the washing station (400).

[0113] Meanwhile, and not limited thereto, when the processor (150) identifies that the robot cleaner (300) is docked with the washing station (400), it may transmit information to the charging station (200) requesting the disconnection of the wireless communication connection between the robot cleaner (300) and the washing station (400).

[0114] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing the establishment of wireless communication between a docked stick cleaner (100) and a washing station (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] For example, referring to FIG. 9, when the processor (150) identifies that the robot cleaner (300) has disconnected the wireless communication connection with the washing station (400), the processor (150) can perform a wireless communication connection with the washing station (400) through the communication interface (130).

[0116] Specifically, the processor (150) can identify that the wireless communication connection between the robot cleaner (300) and the washing station (400) has been disconnected. To this end, the processor (150) can receive information confirming the disconnection of the wireless communication connection between the robot cleaner (300) and the washing station (400) from the charging station (200).

[0117] In particular, the robot cleaner (300), which has received information requesting to disconnect the wireless communication connection with the washing station (400) from the charging station (200), can transmit (⑩) information confirming the disconnection of the wireless communication connection (specifically, confirming that the wireless communication connection between the robot cleaner (300) and the washing station (400) has been disconnected) to the charging station (200) after disconnecting the wireless communication connection with the washing station (400).

[0118] And, the charging station (200) can transmit information received from the robot cleaner (300) (i.e., information confirming that the wireless communication connection between the robot cleaner (300) and the washing station (400) has been released) to the stick cleaner (100). Alternatively, the charging station (200) can transmit (⑪) information notifying the stick cleaner (100) that the connection between the robot cleaner (300) and the washing station (400) has been released based on the received information. Through this, the processor (150) can identify that the wireless communication connection between the robot cleaner (300) and the washing station (400) has been released. And, the processor (150) can perform (⑫) a wireless communication connection with the washing station (400) through the communication interface (130).

[0119] For example, in Bluetooth connection (and communication), the stick cleaner (100) may play a central role and the peripheral role. Accordingly, the processor (150) may scan for an “Advertising Signal” periodically transmitted from the washing station (400) whose Bluetooth connection with the robot cleaner (300) has been disconnected. In particular, the processor (150) may use identification information (e.g., Mac Address, frequency, etc.) of the washing station (400) of the stick cleaner (100) to identify the “Advertising Signal” transmitted from the washing station (400) and transmit a “Connection Request Signal” to the washing station (400). Accordingly, the processor (150) may perform a Bluetooth connection with the washing station (400) of the stick cleaner (100). Meanwhile, the stick cleaner (100) and the washing station (400) may be connected via Bluetooth based on a frequency hopping method.

[0120] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (150) may receive identification information of the washing station (400) from the charging station (200) through the communication interface (130), and perform a wireless communication connection to the washing station (400) through the communication interface (130) based on the received identification information of the station. At this time, the identification information of the washing station (400) may be transmitted to the charging station (200) by the robot cleaner (300) that has received information requesting a wireless communication disconnection with the washing station (400).

[0121] Specifically, the processor (150) can select a washing station (400) from among a plurality of external devices surrounding the stick vacuum cleaner (100) and connect wireless communication. To this end, the processor (150) can select the washing station (400) from among a plurality of external devices using identification information of the washing station (400). The identification information of the washing station (400) can include Mac address information of the washing station (400).

[0122] In particular, in order for the processor (150) to perform a Bluetooth connection between the stick cleaner (100) and the washing station (400), it must identify the “Advertising Signal” transmitted from the washing station (400). At this time, the processor (150) can identify whether the received “Advertising Signal” is transmitted from the washing station (400) by comparing the identification information of the stick cleaner (100) with the identification information of the stick cleaner (100) included in the “Advertising Signal.”

[0123] At this time, the processor (150) can obtain identification information of the washing station (400) from the robot cleaner (300). Specifically, the robot cleaner (300), which has received information requesting to release the wireless communication connection with the washing station (400) from the charging station (200), can release the wireless communication connection with the washing station (400) and then transmit (⑩) the identification information of the washing station (400) to the charging station (200). Then, the charging station (200) can transfer (⑪) the identification information of the washing station (400) received from the robot cleaner (300) to the stick cleaner (100). As a result, the processor (150) can obtain the identification information of the washing station (400) and perform (⑫) a Bluetooth connection with the washing station (400).

[0124] At this time, when the processor (150) receives the identification information of the washing station (400), it can identify that the robot cleaner (300) has released the wireless communication connection with the washing station (400). That is, when the processor (150) receives the identification information of the washing station (400) from the charging station (200), it can identify that the Bluetooth connection between the washing station (400) and the robot cleaner (300) has been released, and can perform a Bluetooth connection with the washing station (400).

[0125] Meanwhile, the processor (150) can maintain the Bluetooth connection between the stick cleaner (100) and the charging station (200) even after the Bluetooth connection between the stick cleaner (100) and the cleaning station (400) is established. Specifically, in the case of the stick cleaner (100), the communication interface (130) may include multiple Bluetooth communication modules (i.e., a first Bluetooth communication module and a second Bluetooth communication module). At this time, the first Bluetooth communication module is for the stick cleaner (100) to perform a peripheral role (i.e., operate as a peripheral device), and the second Bluetooth communication module is for the stick cleaner (100) to perform a central role (i.e., operate as a central device). Therefore, the stick cleaner (100) can be connected to multiple external devices simultaneously through Bluetooth.

[0126] Accordingly, the processor (150) can perform a Bluetooth connection between the stick cleaner (100) and the washing station (400) through the second Bluetooth communication module while maintaining a Bluetooth connection with the stick cleaner (100) and the charging station (200) through the first Bluetooth communication module (specifically, while maintaining a Bluetooth connection with the charging station (200) as a peripheral device). Accordingly, the processor (150) can perform Bluetooth communication with the charging station (200) even while the washing process for the stick cleaner (100) is being performed at the washing station (400), and further, can transmit and receive various information with the robot cleaner (300) through the washing station (400).

[0127] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (150) may receive cleaning process information from the cleaning station (400) through the communication interface (130) while the mop cleaning process of the stick cleaner (100) docked to the cleaning station (400) is in progress. Here, the cleaning process information may be information including the type and time of the process performed at the cleaning station (400) to clean the mop of the stick cleaner (100).

[0128] The processor (150) can receive washing process information in real time from the washing station (400) through the communication interface (130) while the mop washing process of the stick cleaner (100) is in progress after the stick cleaner (100) is docked to the washing station (400). For example, if the washing process in the washing station (400) consists of a washing process and a drying process, the processor (150) can receive type information of the washing process and the drying process and time information at which each process (washing process and drying process) is performed from the washing station (400) through the communication interface (130) each time the washing process and the drying process are performed.

[0129] And, the processor (150) can identify a control command corresponding to the washing process based on the received washing process information, and control the driving unit (122) based on the identified control command. For example, when the washing process starts at the washing station (400), the washing station (400) can transmit washing process information notifying that the washing process is being executed to the processor (150) of the stick cleaner (100). At this time, the processor (150) can identify a control command corresponding to the washing process. In particular, the driving unit (122) can be controlled to rotate the mop during the washing process so that the mop can be washed well. Therefore, the processor (150) can control the driving unit (122) to rotate the motor when the washing process for the mop of the stick cleaner (100) starts based on the washing information received from the washing station (400). And, the processor (150) can control the driving unit (122) to stop the rotation of the motor when the washing process ends.

[0130] In addition, the processor (150), when it is determined that the washing process is completed based on the received washing process information, may release the wireless communication connection with the washing station (400) and transmit information to the charging station (200) through the communication interface (130) requesting docking of the robot cleaner (300) to the washing station (400) and wireless communication connection with the washing station (400).

[0131] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating that when a washing process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is completed, information is transmitted requesting the robot cleaner (300) to perform docking and wireless communication connection to the washing station (400).

[0132] Specifically, the processor (150) can identify whether the cleaning process for the mop is completed based on the cleaning process information received from the cleaning station (400). In particular, when the cleaning process for the mop of the stick cleaner (100) is completed, the cleaning station (400) can transmit information indicating that the cleaning process is completed to the processor (150) of the stick cleaner (100). As a result, the processor (150) can identify that the cleaning process for the mop is completed.

[0133] At this time, the processor (150) may display information indicating that the cleaning of the stick cleaner (100) is completed through the display (140) or the speaker. For example, the processor (150) may display a message indicating that the cleaning is completed and a message requesting to undock the stick cleaner (100) from the cleaning station (400) through the display (140). Alternatively, the processor (150) may display a voice message indicating that the cleaning is completed and a voice message requesting to undock the stick cleaner (100) from the cleaning station (400) through the speaker.

[0134] Meanwhile, when the processor (150) determines that the washing process is complete, the processor (150) may disconnect the wireless communication connection with the washing station (400). For example, referring to FIG. 10, the processor (150) may disconnect (⑬) the Bluetooth connection with the washing station (400).

[0135] In addition, the processor (150) may transmit (⑭) information requesting docking of the robot cleaner (300) to the washing station (400) and wireless communication connection with the washing station (400) to the charging station (200) via the communication interface (130). For example, the charging station (200), which maintains a Bluetooth connection with the stick cleaner (100), may transmit information requesting docking of the robot cleaner (300) to the washing station (400) and wireless communication connection with the washing station (400).

[0136] At this time, referring to FIG. 10, information requesting docking to the washing station (400) and wireless communication connection with the washing station (400) can be transmitted (⑮) to the robot cleaner (300) by the charging station (200).

[0137] Meanwhile, the robot cleaner (300), which has received information requesting docking to the washing station (400) from the charging station (200) and wireless communication connection with the washing station (400), can control the driving unit (122) to perform docking to the washing station (400) again. In addition, the robot cleaner (300) can perform a Bluetooth connection with the washing station (400).

[0138] Meanwhile, when the process is identified as completing the washing process, the charging station (200) may transmit information requesting the robot cleaner (300) to the washing station (400) for docking and wireless communication with the washing station (400), as well as identification information about the washing station (400). At this time, the identification information about the washing station (400) may be transmitted to the robot cleaner (300) by the charging station (200). Then, the robot cleaner (300) may perform a Bluetooth connection with the charging station (200) based on the received identification information about the washing station (400).

[0139] FIG. 11 is a detailed configuration diagram of a stick vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 11, a stick vacuum cleaner (100) includes a body (110), a head (120), a supply unit (121), a driving unit (122), a communication interface (130), a display (140), a sensor (160), a user interface (170), a speaker (180), a memory (190), and one or more processors (150). A detailed description of the configuration of the stick vacuum cleaner illustrated in FIG. 11 that overlaps with that of FIG. 2 will be omitted.

[0141] The sensor (160) obtains various information about objects around the stick vacuum cleaner (100) and the space in which the stick vacuum cleaner (100) is located. To this end, the sensor (160) may be implemented as a temperature sensor, a Lidar sensor, a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor, etc.

[0142] Alternatively, the sensor (160) detects the movement of the stick cleaner (100) and obtains data regarding the movement of the stick cleaner (100). Specifically, the sensor (160) can detect movements such as movement and rotation of the stick cleaner (100) and obtain data related to the movement and rotation of the stick cleaner (100). Meanwhile, the sensor (160) is provided on one side of the body (110) to detect the movement of the body (110) and obtain data regarding the movement of the main body (110). To this end, the sensor (160) can be implemented as a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor, etc.

[0143] The user interface (170) is a configuration used by the stick vacuum cleaner (100) to interact with the user, and the processor (150) can receive various information, such as control information of the stick vacuum cleaner (100), through the user interface (170). Meanwhile, the user interface (170) may include at least one of a touch sensor, a motion sensor, a button, a jog dial, a switch, and a microphone, but is not limited thereto.

[0144] The speaker (180) is a component that outputs various audio data that have undergone various processing operations, such as decoding, amplification, and noise filtering, by an audio processing unit (not shown). The speaker (180) can output various notification sounds or voice messages. For example, the processor (150) can output a voice message through the speaker (180) notifying that the cleaning process for the stick vacuum cleaner (100) has been completed or a voice message requesting that the cleaning process for the stick vacuum cleaner (100) be performed.

[0145] The memory (190) can store data necessary for various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the memory (190) can store identification information and pairing information of the washing station (400).

[0146] The memory (190) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the stick cleaner (100) or may be implemented in the form of a memory detachable from the stick cleaner (100) depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the stick cleaner (100) may be stored in a memory embedded in the stick cleaner (100), and data for expanding the functions of the stick cleaner (100) may be stored in a memory detachable from the stick cleaner (100).

[0147] Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the stick vacuum cleaner (100) may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., one time programmable ROM (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD)).

[0148] In addition, in the case of a memory (190) that can be attached or detached to a stick vacuum cleaner (100), it can be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), an external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory (190), etc.).

[0149] Meanwhile, the methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be implemented in the form of applications that can be installed on existing stick vacuum cleaners. Alternatively, the methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be performed using a deep learning-based trained neural network (or a deep learning neural network), i.e., a learning network model. Furthermore, the methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be implemented only with a software upgrade or hardware upgrade for an existing vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may also be performed through an embedded server provided in the device or an external server of the vacuum cleaner.

[0150] Meanwhile, according to a temporary example of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above can be implemented as software including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The machine is a device that can call instructions stored in the storage medium and operate according to the called instructions, and may include a stick vacuum cleaner according to the disclosed embodiments. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the processor can perform a function corresponding to the instructions directly or under the control of the processor by using other components. The instructions may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' means that the storage medium does not contain signals and is tangible, but does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0151] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments described above may be provided as included 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 device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or online through an application store (e.g., Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0152] In addition, each of the components (e.g., modules or programs) according to the various embodiments described above may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the corresponding sub-components described above may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each of the corresponding components prior to integration. Operations performed by modules, programs or other components according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

[0153] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. For stick vacuum cleaners, body; A head connected to the above body and having a mop attached thereto; A supply unit for supplying water to the above mop; A driving unit that rotates the above mop; display; Communication interface; and Based on at least one of the operating time of the stick cleaner, the power consumption of the driving unit, and the number of times water is supplied by the supply unit, the contamination level of the mop is identified, Based on the identified contamination level, it is determined whether to proceed with the cleaning process of the mop, When it is decided to proceed with the above cleaning process, information is transmitted through the communication interface to request the robot cleaner to undock from the cleaning station to the charging station with which wireless communication is established with the stick cleaner, When the robot cleaner is identified as having undocked from the washing station, the display displays docking request information for the stick cleaner to the washing station, When said stick cleaner is identified as being docked to said cleaning station, one or more processors are included that establish wireless communication with said cleaning station via said communication interface; A stick cleaner, wherein information requesting to undock the robot cleaner from the cleaning station is transmitted to the robot cleaner by the charging station.

2. In paragraph 1, One or more of the above processors, When the stick cleaner is identified as docked to the washing station, information is transmitted to the charging station through the communication interface requesting the robot cleaner to disconnect from the wireless communication with the washing station, A stick cleaner, which performs a wireless communication connection with the washing station through the communication interface when it is identified that the robot cleaner has disconnected the wireless communication connection with the washing station.

3. In paragraph 2, One or more of the above processors, Receive identification information of the washing station from the charging station through the communication interface, and perform a wireless communication connection to the washing station through the communication interface based on the received identification information of the station, The identification information of the above washing station is: A stick cleaner, wherein the information requesting to disconnect wireless communication with the washing station is transmitted to the charging station by the robot cleaner.

4. In paragraph 3, One or more of the above processors, A stick cleaner, which, upon receiving identification information of the washing station, identifies that the robot cleaner has disconnected the wireless communication connection with the washing station.

5. In paragraph 1, One or more of the above processors, A stick cleaner, which calculates a contamination level corresponding to the operating time of the stick cleaner, applies a first weight to the contamination level if the power consumption of the driving unit is equal to or greater than a preset first value, and determines to proceed with the cleaning process of the mop if the contamination level to which the first weight is applied is equal to or greater than the preset contamination level.

6. In paragraph 1, One or more of the above processors, A stick cleaner, which calculates a contamination level corresponding to the operating time of the stick cleaner, applies a second weight to the contamination level if the number of times the water is supplied is equal to or greater than a preset second value, and determines to proceed with the washing process of the mop if the contamination level to which the second weight is applied is equal to or greater than the preset contamination level.

7. In paragraph 1, One or more of the above processors, A stick cleaner, which receives cleaning process information from the cleaning station through the communication interface while the mop cleaning process of the stick cleaner docked to the cleaning station is in progress, identifies a control command corresponding to the cleaning process based on the received cleaning process information, and controls the driving unit based on the identified control command.

8. In paragraph 7, One or more of the above processors, Based on the received washing process information, if it is determined that the washing process is completed, the wireless communication connection with the washing station is released, Transmitting information requesting docking of the robot cleaner to the washing station and wireless communication connection with the washing station to the charging station through the communication interface; A stick cleaner, wherein information requesting docking to the washing station and wireless communication connection with the washing station is transmitted to the robot cleaner by the charging station.

9. In the method of controlling a stick vacuum cleaner, A step of identifying the contamination level of the mop based on at least one of the operating time of the stick cleaner, the power consumption of the driving unit that rotates the mop attached to the head of the stick cleaner, and the number of times water is supplied by the supply unit that supplies water to the mop; A step of determining whether to proceed with the cleaning process of the mop based on the identified contamination level; If it is determined to proceed with the above cleaning process, a step of transmitting information requesting undockment of the robot cleaner from the cleaning station to the charging station with which wireless communication has been established with the stick cleaner through the communication interface of the stick cleaner; When the robot cleaner is identified as having undocked from the washing station, a step of displaying docking request information for the stick cleaner to the washing station through the display of the stick cleaner; and When the stick cleaner is identified as being docked to the washing station, the step of establishing wireless communication with the washing station through the communication interface is included. A control method, wherein information requesting to undock the robot cleaner from the washing station is transmitted to the robot cleaner by the charging station.

10. In paragraph 9, The step of establishing wireless communication with the above washing station is: When the stick cleaner is identified as being docked to the washing station, a step of transmitting information to the charging station through the communication interface requesting the disconnection of the wireless communication of the robot cleaner with the washing station; and A control method comprising the step of establishing a wireless communication connection with the washing station through the communication interface when it is identified that the robot cleaner has disconnected the wireless communication connection with the washing station.

11. In paragraph 10, The step of establishing a wireless communication connection with the above washing station is: A step of receiving identification information of the washing station from the charging station through the communication interface; and Further comprising a step of performing a wireless communication connection to the washing station through the communication interface based on the identification information of the received station; The identification information of the above washing station is: A control method, wherein information requesting a wireless communication disconnection with the washing station is transmitted by the robot cleaner to the charging station.

12. In paragraph 11, A control method further comprising the step of identifying that the robot cleaner has disconnected the wireless communication connection with the washing station upon receiving the identification information of the washing station.

13. In paragraph 9, The step of identifying the contamination level of the above mop is: The contamination level corresponding to the operating time of the stick vacuum cleaner is calculated, and if the power consumption of the driving unit is greater than or equal to a preset first value, a first weight is applied to the contamination level. The step for determining whether to proceed with the cleaning process of the above mop is: A control method for determining to proceed with the washing process of the mop if the contamination level to which the first weight is applied is higher than a preset contamination level.

14. In paragraph 1, The step of identifying the contamination level of the above mop is: The contamination level corresponding to the operating time of the stick cleaner is calculated, and if the number of times the water is supplied is greater than or equal to a preset second value, a second weight is applied to the contamination level. The step for determining whether to proceed with the above mop cleaning process is: A control method for determining to proceed with the washing process of the mop if the contamination level to which the second weighting is applied is higher than a preset contamination level.

15. In paragraph 9, A step of receiving cleaning process information from the cleaning station through the communication interface while the mop cleaning process of the stick cleaner docked to the cleaning station is in progress; and A control method comprising the steps of identifying a control command corresponding to the washing process based on the received washing process information and controlling the driving unit based on the identified control command.

Images