Dehumidifier management method and dehumidifier

Abstract

A dehumidifier management method according to the present disclosure comprises: receiving a notification condition associated with the water level of a water tank of a dehumidifier from a user; acquiring water level information regarding the water level of the water tank; and in response to the acquired water level information satisfying the received notification condition, providing a notification corresponding to the notification condition to the user, wherein the received notification condition is different from a full water level notification condition in which the water level of the water tank reaches a full water level.

Description

How to maintain a dehumidifier and dehumidifiers

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dehumidifier management method and a dehumidifier for implementing the dehumidifier management method.

[0002] In general, a dehumidifier is a device that lowers the humidity in a room by sucking in moist air from the room into the body, passing it through a heat exchanger consisting of a condenser and an evaporator through which refrigerant flows, lowering the humidity, and then discharging the dehumidified air back into the room.

[0003] Dehumidifiers work by removing heat from the surrounding air by evaporating a liquid refrigerant in an evaporator. As the refrigerant evaporates, the temperature of the evaporator decreases, and the temperature of the air passing through the evaporator also decreases.

[0004] Therefore, as the temperature around the evaporator drops, the moisture contained in the air condenses and forms dew on the surface of the evaporator.

[0005] The dehumidifier may be equipped with a water tank to store condensate formed on the surface of the evaporator. Users must empty the water tank themselves. If water remains in the tank for extended periods, bacteria and mold can develop, hindering the dehumidifier's dehumidifying effect.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a dehumidifier management method and computing device that enable maintenance and management of a dehumidifier.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a dehumidifier management method and computing device that can maintain a dehumidifying effect by preventing the growth of various bacteria and molds in a water tank of the dehumidifier.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a dehumidifier management method and computing device that can improve user convenience by providing various functions.

[0009] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] A dehumidifier management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes receiving a notification condition related to a water level of a water tank of a dehumidifier from a user; obtaining water level information regarding the water level of the water tank; and providing a notification corresponding to the notification condition to the user in response to the obtained water level information satisfying the received notification condition; wherein the received notification condition may be different from a full water level notification condition in which the water level of the water tank reaches a full water level.

[0011] A dehumidifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a communication interface for communicating with an external device; a memory for storing at least one command; and at least one processor for receiving a notification condition related to a water level of a water tank of the dehumidifier from the external device through the communication interface by executing the at least one command, obtaining water level information about the water level of the water tank of the dehumidifier, and outputting an electrical signal indicating a notification corresponding to the notification condition in response to the obtained water level information satisfying the received notification condition; wherein the received notification condition may be different from a full water level notification condition in which the water level of the water tank reaches a full water level.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a dehumidifier management system including a dehumidifier according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a front perspective view of a dehumidifier according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a rear perspective view of a dehumidifier according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a water tank separated from the main body of a dehumidifier according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an example of the configuration of a water tank of a dehumidifier according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the dehumidification principle of a dehumidifier according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a control block diagram illustrating the configurations of a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a dehumidifier management method according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a first interface provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a first notification provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a second interface provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a second notification provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a third interface provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a third notification provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a fourth interface provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment to provide a personalized notification list.

[0028] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a fifth interface provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a sixth interface provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a dehumidifier management method performed by a dehumidifier according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a dehumidifier management method performed by a user device according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a dehumidifier management method performed by a computing device according to one embodiment.

[0033] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of this application.

[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosed invention.

[0035] 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 cases where (1) only A is included, (2) only B is included, or (3) both A and B are included.

[0036] For example, in this specification, a singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] Additionally, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to express the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude the possibility of the additional presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0038] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0039] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0040] 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 the component may be directly coupled to the other component, or may be connected through another component (e.g., a third component).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 the operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform the operations by executing at least one software program stored in a memory device.

[0043] Additionally, terms that include ordinal numbers, such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit one component.

[0044] Additionally, terms such as "~part", "~device", "~block", "~absence", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one piece of hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one piece of software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0045] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols used in the attached drawings may represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0046] The operating principle and embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a dehumidifier management system including a dehumidifier according to one embodiment.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment may include a dehumidifier (1), a user device (2), a computing device (3), and / or other home appliances (4).

[0049] A dehumidifier (1) may include a communication interface capable of communicating with a user device (2), a computing device (3) and / or a home appliance (4), a user interface device for receiving user input or outputting various types of information, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the dehumidifier (1), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the dehumidifier (1) is stored.

[0050] Home appliances (4) may include various types of electronic products. For example, home appliances (4) may include at least one of a refrigerator, a dishwasher, an electric range, an electric oven, an air conditioner, a clothes care device, a vacuum cleaner, a clothes processor, and a microwave oven. The aforementioned home appliances are merely examples, and therefore, in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, various types of electronic products, such as televisions, may also be included in home appliances (4).

[0051] The computing device (3) may include a server device.

[0052] The computing device (3) may include a communication interface capable of communicating with the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the home appliance (4). The computing device (3) may include at least one processor capable of processing data received from the dehumidifier (1), another computing device (or another server device), the user device (2), and / or the home appliance (4), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing the data or processed data. The computing device (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, a data station, etc. The computing device (3) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on functions, detailed configurations of functions, or data, and may transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0053] The computing device (3) can store and / or manage user accounts, register a dehumidifier (1), a user device (2), and / or an appliance (4) by linking them to a user account, and perform functions of managing or controlling the registered dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the appliance (4). For example, a user can access the computing device (3) through the user device (2) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The user can access the computing device (3) through the user device (2) and manage the user account. The computing device (3) can register the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the appliance (4) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the computing device (3) can link identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) of the dehumidifier (1) to the user account, thereby registering, managing, and controlling the dehumidifier (1). Likewise, the computing device (3) can register and control the user device (2) and / or the home appliance (4) to the user account.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the computing device (3) may include multiple servers.

[0055] For example, the computing device (3) may include a first server device and a second server device. The first server device may create and / or manage user account information, and register and / or manage information of the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the home appliance (4) in the user account information. The second server device may receive registration information of the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the home appliance (4) from the first server, and control the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the home appliance (4).

[0056] As another example, the second server device may perform the management function of a dehumidifier (1), a user device (2), and / or a home appliance (4) registered to the first server device on behalf of the first server device.

[0057] The number of computing devices (3) is not limited thereto, and the computing devices (3) may include multiple servers for performing the same operation and / or different operations.

[0058] The user device (2) may include a communication interface capable of communicating with the dehumidifier (1), the computing device (3), and / or the home appliance (4). The user device (2) may include a user interface device that receives user input or outputs information to the user. The user device (2) may include at least one processor that controls the operation of the user device (2) and at least one memory that stores a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2).

[0059] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, a display device, etc.

[0060] The memory of the user device (2) may store a program, i.e., an application, for controlling the dehumidifier (1), the computing device (3), and / or the home appliance (4). The application may be sold installed on the user device (2), or may be downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0061] By executing an application installed on a user device (2), a user can access a computing device (3), create a user account, and perform communication with the computing device (3) based on the logged-in user account to register a dehumidifier (1) and / or a home appliance (4) on the computing device (3).

[0062] For example, if the dehumidifier (1) is operated so that the dehumidifier (1) can be connected to the computing device (3) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2), the dehumidifier (1) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the dehumidifier (1) in the corresponding user account on the computing device (3). The home appliance (4) can also be registered in the user account in the same manner. It goes without saying that the information required to register a device such as the dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4) in the user account may be other information that can identify the device in addition to the serial number or MAC address of the device.

[0063] The user can control the dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4) using the application installed on the user device (2). For example, when the user logs into a user account using the application installed on the user device (2), a visual indicator indicating the dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4) registered to the user account may appear. When a control command for the dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4) is input from the user device (2), the user device (2) can transmit the control command to the dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4) via the computing device (3).

[0064] The user device (2) can receive various information through the computing device (3) or directly from the dehumidifier (1) and / or home appliance (4) registered to the user account.

[0065] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0066] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an access point (AP). Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc.

[0067] An access point (AP) can connect a dehumidifier (1), a user device (2), and / or an appliance (4) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a computing device (3) is connected. The dehumidifier (1), a user device (2), and / or an appliance (4) can be connected to the computing device (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0068] The access point (AP) communicates with the dehumidifier (1), user device (2) and / or home appliance (4) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but the wireless communication method of the access point (AP) is not limited to this.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the dehumidifier (1) may be directly connected to a user device (2), a computing device (3) and / or a home appliance (4) without going through an access point (AP).

[0070] The dehumidifier (1) can be connected to a user device (2), a computing device (3) and / or a home appliance (4) via a long-range wireless network or a short-range wireless network.

[0071] For example, the dehumidifier (1) may be connected to a user device (2) and / or an appliance (4) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth). As another example, the dehumidifier (1) may be connected to a user device (2), a computing device (3), and / or an appliance (4) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-range wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0072] The dehumidifier (1) can transmit information about the operation or status of the dehumidifier (1) (e.g., water level information of a water tank) to a user device (2), a computing device (3), and / or a home appliance (4) via a network. For example, the dehumidifier (1) can transmit information about the operation or status to the user device (2), the computing device (3), and / or the home appliance (4) when a request is received from the user device (2), the computing device (3), and / or the home appliance (4), when a specific event occurs in the dehumidifier (1), and / or periodically or in real time.

[0073] When information about the operation or status is received from the dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4), the computing device (3) can update the stored information about the operation or status of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4), and transmit the updated information about the operation and / or status of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4) to the user device (2) via the network. Here, the updating of information can include various operations in which existing information is changed, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information, an operation of replacing existing information with new information, etc.

[0074] Information about the operation and / or status of the dehumidifier (1) may include information related to the operation of the dehumidifier (1).

[0075] For example, information related to the operation of the dehumidifier (1) may include information about the operation time and the operation end time of the dehumidifier (1).

[0076] Information about the operation and / or status of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4) may include information collected by at least one sensor provided in the dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4).

[0077] For example, information about the operation and / or status of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4) may include humidity information and / or temperature information of the surrounding air.

[0078] The dehumidifier (1) can obtain various information from a user device (2), a computing device (3), and / or a home appliance (4), and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the dehumidifier (1) can obtain information related to the function of the dehumidifier (1) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the computing device (3), and output the obtained information through a user interface device.

[0079] The dehumidifier (1) can receive electrical signals corresponding to various notifications from a user device (2), a computing device (3) and / or a home appliance (4), and provide a notification corresponding to the electrical signal to the user.

[0080] The user device (2) can receive electrical signals corresponding to various notifications from the dehumidifier (1), computing device (3) and / or home appliance (4), and provide notifications corresponding to the electrical signals to the user.

[0081] The dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4) can operate according to control commands received from the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3). For example, if the dehumidifier (1) has obtained prior approval from the user so that it can operate according to control commands of the computing device (3) even without user input through the user device (2), the dehumidifier (1) can operate according to control commands received from the computing device (3). Here, the control commands received from the computing device (3) may include, but are not limited to, control commands input by the user through the user device (2) or control commands based on preset conditions.

[0082] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the dehumidifier (1), the computing device (3), and / or the home appliance (4) via the communication interface. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, the user's health status, the user's preferences, the user's schedule, etc. to the computing device (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the computing device (3) with the user's prior consent.

[0083] In one embodiment, the user device (2) can transmit notification settings (e.g., notification conditions) related to the dehumidifier (1) to the dehumidifier (1), the computing device (3), and / or the appliance (4) via the communication interface.

[0084] The dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), the computing device (3), and / or the home appliance (4) can determine control commands using artificial intelligence technology. For example, the computing device (3) can process information about the operation or status of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the home appliance (4) and information about the user of the user device (2) using artificial intelligence technology, and transmit the processing result or control command to the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the home appliance (4) based on the processing result.

[0085] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an example of a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment in which a dehumidifier (1), a user device (2), a computing device (3) and / or an appliance (4) exchange information and / or control commands with each other. The communication method of the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), the computing device (3) and / or the appliance (4) or examples of information transmitted from the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), the computing device (3) and / or the appliance (4) are not limited to the above-described description.

[0086] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a front perspective view of a dehumidifier according to one embodiment. Figure 3 illustrates an example of a rear perspective view of a dehumidifier according to one embodiment. Figure 4 illustrates a water tank separated from the main body of a dehumidifier according to one embodiment.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the dehumidifier (1) may include a main body (10).

[0088] The main body (10) may include an input interface (301, see FIG. 7) that receives user input related to the dehumidifier (1).

[0089] The main body (10) may include an output interface (302, see FIG. 7) that outputs information related to the dehumidifier (1).

[0090] The dehumidifier (1) may include a water tank (100) configured to be detachable from the main body (10).

[0091] The water tank (100) can store water (condensed water) generated by the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1).

[0092] In one embodiment, the water tank (100) may further include a handle (120). The handle (120) may be rotatably coupled to the water tank (100). In addition, the handle (120) may be detachably coupled to the water tank (100). The handle (120) may be rotatably coupled to the water tank (100) so that the handle (120) can be gripped during the process of separating the water tank (100) from the main body (10) in a sliding manner and during the process of lifting and transporting the water tank (100) separated from the main body (10).

[0093] A recessed member (102) that is recessed inwardly of the water tank (100) so as to be adjacent to the handle (120) may be formed on the front of the water tank (100). A user can easily attach or detach the water tank (100) from the main body (10) using the handle (120) formed on the water tank (100).

[0094] The water tank (100) may further include a cover (110). The cover (110) may be provided with a drain port (111) that is open to allow condensate stored inside the water tank (100) to be drained to the outside. Accordingly, a user can easily remove condensate through the drain port (111) without having to open and close the cover (110) during the process of removing condensate inside the water tank (100). In addition, the cover (110) may be provided with an inlet port (112).

[0095] Water generated by the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1) can be introduced into the water tank (100) through the inlet (112).

[0096] The cover (110) can be detachably connected to the water tank (100). The cover (110) can form a part of the exterior of the water tank (100). Specifically, the cover (110) can form the upper exterior of the water tank (100).

[0097] A water tank mounting portion (46) may be formed in the main body (10). The water tank (100) may be detachably coupled to the water tank mounting portion (46) to form the exterior of at least one of the front, side, rear or top surface of the dehumidifier (1) together with the main body (10).

[0098] The water tank (100) can be installed in a sunken space (14a) formed in the main body (10) so as to have a shape corresponding to the lower surface of the water tank (100).

[0099] The water tank mounting portion (46) can be exposed to the outside when the water tank (100) is separated.

[0100] A fastening member (47) may be provided on the water tank mounting portion (46). The fastening member (47) may be provided on the water tank mounting portion (46) so as to enable elastic deformation.

[0101] A suction port (15a) may be formed in the main body (10). A filter (20) may be mounted on the main body (10) to purify air flowing into the main body (10) through the suction port (15a). The filter (20) may serve to filter out foreign substances in the air flowing into the main body (10).

[0102] The filter (20) may be detachable from the main body (10) for easy replacement.

[0103] Air from outside the main body (10) can be introduced into the inside of the main body (10) through the filter (20) and the intake port (15a).

[0104] The filter (20) may include at least one of a pre-filter that removes relatively large dust contained in the air, a deodorizing filter that removes odor, a dust collecting filter that collects dust by electrical action, and a HEPA filter that removes fine dust.

[0105] The main body (10) may be provided with a discharge port (16a). Air drawn into the main body (10) through the intake port (15a) is discharged to the outside through the discharge port (16a).

[0106] In one embodiment, the discharge port (16a) can be opened and closed by a discharge louver (17) coupled to the main body (10). When the dehumidifier (1) operates according to a user input received through the input interface (301), the discharge louver (17) can move upward to open the discharge port (16a). When the dehumidifier (1) stops operating, the discharge louver (17) can move downward to block the discharge port (16a). Accordingly, malfunction of the dehumidifier (1) due to foreign substances penetrating into the main body (10) can be prevented.

[0107] Fig. 5 is a drawing for explaining an example of the configuration of a water tank of a dehumidifier according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the dehumidification principle of a dehumidifier according to one embodiment.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the dehumidifier (1) may include a dehumidification cycle for dehumidification. The dehumidification cycle may include a compressor (50) through which refrigerant circulates, an expansion device, and a heat exchanger (60). The dehumidification cycle may include a refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor (50), the expansion device, and the heat exchanger (60). The dehumidification cycle may be provided inside the main body (10) of the dehumidifier (1).

[0109] The heat exchanger (60) can dehumidify the air introduced into the main body (10) through heat exchange with the surrounding air.

[0110] The heat exchanger (60) may include a condenser (60a) and an evaporator (60b).

[0111] The condenser (60a) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and air by utilizing a phase change (e.g., condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is condensed in the condenser (60a), the refrigerant can release heat to the surrounding air.

[0112] Likewise, the evaporator (60b) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the surrounding air by utilizing a phase change (e.g., evaporation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator (60b), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the surrounding air.

[0113] The dehumidifier (1) performs a dehumidifying operation through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating through the condenser (60a) and the evaporator (60b). For this circulation of the refrigerant, the dehumidifier (1) may include a compressor (50) that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor (50) can suck in refrigerant gas through an intake port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor (50) can discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through an exhaust port.

[0114] The refrigerant can circulate in the order of a compressor (50), a condenser (60a), an expansion device, and an evaporator (60b) through a refrigerant pipe.

[0115] The dehumidifier (1) may include an expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator (60b).

[0116] An expansion device can, for example, utilize a throttling effect to lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Refrigerant passing through the orifice may experience a decrease in temperature and pressure.

[0117] The expansion device may be implemented as, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when fully open). Depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0118] The dehumidifier (1) may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor (50). Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator (60b) may be introduced into the accumulator.

[0119] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor (50).

[0120] The dehumidifier (1) may include a fan (70). For example, a fan (70) may be provided near the condenser (60a). The fan (70) may blow air that has passed through the condenser (60a). The fan (70) may also allow air to flow into the interior of the main body (10) of the dehumidifier (1).

[0121] As the fan (70) rotates, external air is drawn into the body (10) through the intake port (15a, see FIG. 2), and air that has passed through the heat exchanger (60) can be discharged to the outside of the body (10) through the discharge port (16a).

[0122] The dehumidifier (1) performing the dehumidifying operation may include operating the fan (70) and the compressor (50).

[0123] The heat exchanger (60) dehumidifies air containing moisture, and the condensate formed in the heat exchanger (60) can be guided to a water tank (100).

[0124] That is, water generated by the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1) can be guided to the water tank (100).

[0125] The water tank (100) may include a storage space (103). Water generated by the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1) may be stored in the storage space (103) formed inside the water tank (100). An inlet (112) may be formed on the upper surface of the water tank (100) facing the main body (10) while being coupled to the water tank mounting portion (46) so that condensate transferred from the heat exchanger (60) along the flow path formed in the main body (10) may flow into the storage space (103). In one embodiment, the inlet (112) may be formed in the cover (110) of the water tank (100). The inlet (112) may have a hole or slit shape, and the shape of the inlet (112) is not limited thereto.

[0126] A recessed member (102) may be formed in the water tank (100) so as to be recessed inwardly of the water tank (100) so as to be adjacent to the handle (120). The recessed member (102) may be formed on the upper front side of the water tank (100). The recessed member (102) may be welded to the front side of the water tank (100). Preferably, the recessed member (102) may be vibrationally welded to the front side of the water tank (100). A user may insert a hand into the recessed member (102) to grasp the handle (120), and then pull the water tank (100) to separate the water tank (100) from the main body (10).

[0127] The handle (120) can be detachably coupled to the water tank (100). Specifically, the handle (120) can be detachably coupled to a handle mounting portion (104) formed on the inner wall of the water tank (100). The handle mounting portion (104) can be provided on the inner wall of the water tank (100). The handle mounting portion (104) can have a shape that protrudes inwardly of the water tank (100), i.e., toward the storage space (103) of the water tank (100). A fastening hole (105) can be provided in the handle mounting portion (104).

[0128] The handle (120) may be provided with a fastening projection (123) that can be combined with a fastening hole (105).

[0129] FIG. 7 is a control block diagram illustrating the configurations of a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 7, a dehumidifier (1) according to one embodiment may include a user interface device (300), a water level sensor (150), a water tank detection sensor (160), an environmental sensor (170), a compressor (50), a fan (70), a communication interface (400) and / or a control unit (200).

[0131] The user interface device (300) can enable interaction between the user and the dehumidifier (1).

[0132] The user interface device (300) may include an output interface (302) and an input interface (301).

[0133] At least one output interface (302) can transmit various information related to the operation of the dehumidifier (1) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0134] For example, at least one output interface (302) can transmit information related to the settings of the dehumidifier (1) and the operating time of the dehumidifier (1) to the user. Information related to the operation of the dehumidifier (1) can be output by a display, an indicator, and / or a voice. The at least one output interface (302) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0135] In one embodiment, at least one output interface (302) can output sensory information (e.g., visual information, auditory information, etc.) related to the water level of the water tank (100).

[0136] At least one input interface (301) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0137] At least one input interface (301) may include a power button for turning on the power of the dehumidifier (1), a setting button for setting the operation mode of the dehumidifier (1), a control button for adjusting the speed of the compressor (50) and / or the fan (70), and / or a timer button for setting the dehumidification time of the dehumidifier (1).

[0138] Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, an icon, etc.) that indicates its function.

[0139] At least one input interface (301) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0140] In the present disclosure, 'button' may be replaced with a UI element (User Interface Element), a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0141] The power button is used to turn the dehumidifier (1) on or off.

[0142] When the dehumidifier (1) is turned on, the setting button and / or timer button may be activated.

[0143] When the power of the dehumidifier (1) is turned on, the compressor (50) and the fan (70) can operate. That is, when the power of the dehumidifier (1) is turned on, the dehumidification operation can be performed.

[0144] The setting button is a button for changing the operation mode of the dehumidifier (1). The operation mode of the dehumidifier (1) may include clothing mode, smart mode, general mode, low noise mode, etc.

[0145] Depending on each mode, the operating frequency of the compressor (50) and the rotation speed of the fan (70) may be different.

[0146] The control button is a button for controlling the operating frequency of the compressor (50) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the rotation speed of the fan (70). Depending on the operation of the control button, the operating frequency of the compressor (50) and / or the rotation speed of the fan (70) can be controlled.

[0147] The timer button is a button for setting the operation time of the dehumidifier (1). The dehumidifier (1) performs the dehumidification operation for the operation time set by the timer button, and can end the dehumidification operation when the operation time set by the timer button has elapsed.

[0148] The dehumidifier (1) can process user input received through the input interface (301) or output information related to the dehumidifier (1) through the output interface (302).

[0149] For example, user input received through the input interface (301) can be transmitted to the control unit (200). As another example, the control unit (200) can control the output interface (302) to output information related to the dehumidifier (1).

[0150] The water level sensor (150) can detect the water level of the water tank (100). That is, the water level sensor (150) can obtain water level information of the water tank (100). The water level sensor (150) can transmit the water level information of the water tank (100) to the control unit (200).

[0151] The control unit (200) can perform various operations based on the water level information of the water tank (100) or control the communication interface (400) to transmit the water level information of the water tank (100) to an external device (e.g., user device (2) and / or computing device (3)).

[0152] The water level sensor (150) may be employed as a variety of sensors capable of detecting the water level of the water tank (100). For example, the water level sensor (150) may include a weight sensor capable of detecting the weight of the water tank (100), a capacitance sensor capable of detecting a change in capacitance corresponding to the water level of the water tank (100), an optical sensor that projects a signal (e.g., light, ultrasonic, radar) toward the water stored inside the water tank (100) and receives a signal reflected from the water stored in the water tank (100) to measure the water level of the water tank (100), an ultrasonic sensor, and / or a radar sensor.

[0153] However, the water level sensor (150) is not limited to this example, and any configuration capable of measuring the water level of a water tank (100) can be employed without limitation as the water level sensor (150) of the present disclosure.

[0154] The water tank detection sensor (160) can detect the attachment or removal of the water tank (100).

[0155] For example, a water tank detection sensor (160) can be provided in a fastening portion (47, see Fig. 4) of a water tank (100) mounting portion (46, see Fig. 4).

[0156] The water tank detection sensor (160) can detect whether a water tank (100) is connected to the main body (10).

[0157] For example, the water tank detection sensor (160) can detect elastic deformation of the fastening part (47).

[0158] The water tank detection sensor (160) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to whether the water tank (100) is attached or detached to the control unit (200).

[0159] The control unit (200) can identify whether the water tank (100) is connected to the main body (10) or separated from the main body (10) based on an electrical signal received from the water tank detection sensor (160).

[0160] The environmental sensor (170) can measure the temperature and humidity of the air around the dehumidifier (1).

[0161] The environmental sensor (170) may include at least one temperature sensor (170a) and at least one humidity sensor (170b).

[0162] Sensor data collected from the environmental sensor (170) may include temperature data and humidity data. The temperature data may include temperature data of air that has not passed through the heat exchanger (60) (hereinafter referred to as "intake air") and temperature data of air that has passed through the heat exchanger (60) (hereinafter referred to as "discharge air"). The humidity data may include humidity data of intake air and humidity data of discharge air.

[0163] At least one temperature sensor (170a) can measure the temperature of the air surrounding the dehumidifier (1). At least one temperature sensor (170a) can transmit temperature data of the air surrounding the dehumidifier (1) to the control unit (200).

[0164] At least one temperature sensor (170a) may include a first temperature sensor (170a) that measures the temperature of air (intake air) that is sucked into the body (10) from the outside of the body (10), and a second temperature sensor (170a) that measures the temperature of air (discharge air) that is discharged from the inside of the body (10) to the outside of the body (10).

[0165] The first temperature sensor (170a) may be formed around the intake port (15a). The first temperature sensor (170a) may measure the temperature of intake air. The first temperature sensor (170a) may transmit temperature data of the intake air to the control unit (200).

[0166] A second temperature sensor (170a) may be formed around the discharge port (16a). The second temperature sensor (170a) may measure the temperature of the discharged air. The second temperature sensor (170a) may transmit temperature data of the discharged air to the control unit (200).

[0167] At least one humidity sensor (170b) can measure the humidity of the air surrounding the dehumidifier (1). At least one humidity sensor (170b) can transmit humidity data of the air surrounding the dehumidifier (1) to the control unit (200).

[0168] At least one humidity sensor (170b) may include a first humidity sensor (170b) that measures the humidity of air sucked into the body (10) from the outside of the body (10), and a second humidity sensor (170b) that measures the humidity of air discharged from the inside of the body (10) to the outside of the body (10).

[0169] The first humidity sensor (170b) may be formed around the intake port (15a). The first humidity sensor (170b) may measure the humidity of intake air. The first humidity sensor (170b) may transmit humidity data of the intake air to the control unit (200).

[0170] A second humidity sensor (170b) may be formed around the discharge port (16a). The second humidity sensor (170b) may measure the humidity of the discharged air. The second humidity sensor (170b) may transmit humidity data of the discharged air to the control unit (200).

[0171] The fan (70) may include a fan motor. The fan motor may include a motor whose rotation speed can be controlled. For example, the fan motor may be a BLDC motor.

[0172] Controlling the fan (70) by the control unit (200) may include controlling the fan motor by the control unit (200). The control unit (200) may control the rotation speed of the fan (70) by controlling the fan motor.

[0173] The control unit (200) can rotate the fan (70) based on the start of the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1).

[0174] The compressor (50) can operate based on a control signal from the control unit (200).

[0175] The control unit (200) can operate the compressor (50) based on the start of the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1).

[0176] The dehumidifier (1) may include a communication interface (400) for communicating with an external device (e.g., a user device (2), a computing device (3), and / or a home appliance (4)) via wired and / or wireless communication.

[0177] The communication interface (400) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0178] The communication interface (400) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a user device (2), a computing device (3), and / or a home appliance (4)), or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface (400) can establish communication with the user device (2), the computing device (3), and / or the home appliance (4), and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0179] To this end, the communication interface (400) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (400) can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module can communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0180] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0181] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0182] In one embodiment, the communication interface (400) can communicate with external devices such as a user device (2), a computing device (3), and / or a home appliance (4) via a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the user device (2) and / or the home appliance (4) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the computing device (3) is connected. The dehumidifier (1) can be connected to the computing device (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0183] The control unit (200) can process user input received from the input interface (301).

[0184] The control unit (200) can process data collected from various sensors (e.g., water level sensor (150), water tank detection sensor (160), and environment sensor (170)).

[0185] The control unit (200) can control various components of the dehumidifier (1) (e.g., output interface (302), compressor (50), fan (70), communication interface (400)).

[0186] The control unit (200) may include at least one processor (201) that controls the operation of the dehumidifier (1) and at least one memory (202) that stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the dehumidifier (1).

[0187] At least one memory (202) can store data required for various embodiments. The memory (202) may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the dehumidifier (1) or in the form of memory that can be attached or detached from the dehumidifier (1), depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the dehumidifier (1) may be stored in a memory embedded in the dehumidifier (1), and data for expanding the functions of the dehumidifier (1) may be stored in a memory that can be attached or detached from the dehumidifier (1). Meanwhile, in the case of the memory embedded in the dehumidifier (1), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD)). In addition, in the case of the memory that can be detachably attached to the dehumidifier (1), it may be implemented as 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)), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc. Can be.

[0188] At least one processor (201) controls the overall operation of the dehumidifier (1). Specifically, at least one processor (201) is connected to each component of the dehumidifier (1) and can control the overall operation of the dehumidifier (1). For example, at least one processor (201) is electrically connected to a memory (202) and can control the overall operation of the dehumidifier (1). The processor (201) may be composed of one or more processors.

[0189] At least one memory (202) can store an algorithm for determining whether a notification condition related to the water level of the water tank (100) is satisfied according to the notification condition.

[0190] At least one processor (201) can perform the operation of the dehumidifier (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (202).

[0191] At least one processor (201) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (201) may control one or any combination of other components of the dehumidifier (1), and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. At least one processor (201) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory (202). For example, at least one processor (201) may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory (202), thereby performing a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0192] At least one memory (202) can store an algorithm for controlling the compressor (50) and / or the fan (70) depending on the operating mode of the dehumidifier (1).

[0193] At least one memory (202) may store an algorithm for providing notifications related to the water level of the water tank (100).

[0194] The configurations illustrated in FIG. 7 are examples of the configurations of a dehumidifier (1). The dehumidifier (1) according to one embodiment may include some configurations in addition to the configurations illustrated in FIG. 7, and conversely, may not include some of the configurations illustrated in FIG. 7 (e.g., water tank detection sensor (160)).

[0195] A user device (2) according to one embodiment may include a user interface device (230), a communication interface (240) and / or a control unit (220).

[0196] The user interface device (230) can enable interaction between a user and a user device (2).

[0197] The user interface device (230) may include an output interface (232) and an input interface (231).

[0198] At least one output interface (232) can transmit various information to the user by generating sensory information.

[0199] For example, at least one output interface (232) can transmit information related to the operation or status of a dehumidifier (1) connected to a user device (2) to a user. Various pieces of information can be output by a display, an indicator, and / or a voice. The at least one output interface (232) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0200] In one embodiment, at least one output interface (232) can output sensory information (e.g., visual information, auditory information, etc.) related to the water level of the water tank (100) of the dehumidifier (1).

[0201] At least one input interface (231) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0202] At least one input interface (231) can receive user input for manipulating an interface element included in an interface provided by the user device (2).

[0203] Each interface element may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, icon, etc.) that indicates its function.

[0204] At least one input interface (231) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0205] The user device (2) can process user input received through the input interface (231) or output information related to the user device (2) through the output interface (232).

[0206] For example, user input received through the input interface (231) can be transmitted to the control unit (220). As another example, the control unit (220) can control the output interface (232) to output various information.

[0207] The control unit (220) can process user input received from the input interface (231).

[0208] The control unit (220) can process data collected from an external device (e.g., a dehumidifier (1), a computing device (3), and / or a home appliance (4)) through a communication interface (240).

[0209] The control unit (220) can control various components of the user device (2) (e.g., output interface (232), communication interface (240)).

[0210] The control unit (220) may include at least one processor (221) that controls the operation of the user device (2) and at least one memory (222) that stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the user device (2).

[0211] At least one memory (222) can store data required for various embodiments. The memory (222) may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the user device (2) or in the form of memory that can be detachably attached to the user device (2), depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the user device (2) may be stored in a memory embedded in the user device (2), and data for expanding functions of the user device (2) may be stored in a memory that can be detachably attached to the user device (2). Meanwhile, in the case of memory embedded in the user device (2), it 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)). In addition, in the case of memory that can be detachably attached to the user device (2), it may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), multi-media card (MMC), etc.), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc.

[0212] At least one processor (221) controls the overall operation of the user device (2). Specifically, at least one processor (221) is connected to each component of the user device (2) and can control the overall operation of the user device (2). For example, at least one processor (221) is electrically connected to a memory (222) and can control the overall operation of the user device (2). The processor (221) may be composed of one or more processors.

[0213] At least one memory (222) can store an algorithm for determining whether a notification condition related to the water level of the water tank (100) is satisfied according to the notification condition.

[0214] At least one processor (221) can perform operations of the user device (2) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (222).

[0215] At least one processor (221) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), an MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (221) may control one or any combination of other components of the user device (2), and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. At least one processor (221) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory (222). For example, at least one processor (221) may perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (222).

[0216] At least one memory (222) can store an algorithm for providing a notification related to the water level of the water tank (100) based on information received from an external device (e.g., a dehumidifier (1), a computing device (3), and / or a home appliance (4)) and a notification condition input through a user interface device (230).

[0217] The communication interface (240) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0218] The communication interface (240) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a dehumidifier (1), a computing device (3), and / or a home appliance (4)), or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface (240) can establish communication with the dehumidifier (1), the computing device (3), and / or the home appliance (4), and transmit and receive various data.

[0219] To this end, the communication interface (240) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (240) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module may communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0220] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0221] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0222] A computing device (3) according to one embodiment may include a processor (321), a memory (322), and / or a communication interface (340).

[0223] The processor (321) can process data received from the communication interface (340).

[0224] For example, the processor (321) can process data collected from an external device (e.g., a dehumidifier (1), a user device (2), and / or a home appliance (4)) via a communication interface (340).

[0225] The processor (321) can control the overall operation of the computing device (3).

[0226] The computing device (3) may include at least one memory (322) in which programs and data for controlling the operation of the computing device (3) are stored.

[0227] At least one memory (322) can store data required for various embodiments. The memory (322) may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the computing device (3) or in the form of memory that can be detachably attached to the computing device (3), depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the computing device (3) may be stored in a memory embedded in the computing device (3), and data for expanding the functions of the computing device (3) may be stored in a memory that can be detachably attached to the computing device (3). Meanwhile, in the case of memory embedded in the computing device (3), it 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)). In addition, in the case of memory that can be detachably attached to the computing device (3), it may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), multi-media card (MMC), etc.), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc.

[0228] At least one processor (321) controls the overall operation of the computing device (3). Specifically, at least one processor (321) is connected to each component of the computing device (3) and can control the overall operation of the computing device (3). For example, at least one processor (321) is electrically connected to a memory (322) and can control the overall operation of the computing device (3). The processor (321) may be composed of one or more processors.

[0229] At least one processor (321) can perform operations of a computing device (3) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in a memory (322).

[0230] At least one processor (321) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), an MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (321) may control one or any combination of other components of the computing device (3), and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. At least one processor (321) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory (322). For example, at least one processor (321) may perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (322).

[0231] At least one memory (322) can store an algorithm for determining whether a notification condition related to the water level of the water tank (100) is satisfied based on information and notification conditions received from an external device (e.g., a dehumidifier (1), a user device (2), and / or a home appliance (4)).

[0232] At least one memory (322) may store an algorithm for transmitting a notification to an external device (e.g., a dehumidifier (1) and / or a user device (2)) in response to a notification condition being satisfied.

[0233] In the present disclosure, transmitting a notification may include transmitting data (or information) corresponding to the notification or transmitting an electrical signal corresponding to the notification.

[0234] Transmitting a notification in the present disclosure may include providing the notification by a target receiving the notification (e.g., a dehumidifier (1) and / or a user device (2)).

[0235] The communication interface (340) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0236] The communication interface (340) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a dehumidifier (1), a user device (2), and / or a home appliance (4)), or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface (340) can establish communication with the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the home appliance (4), and transmit and receive various data.

[0237] To this end, the communication interface (340) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (340) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module may communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0238] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0239] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0240] When a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one processor (201, 221, 321), or may be performed by a plurality of processors (201, 221, 321). For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to at least one 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-only processor).

[0241] At least one processor (201, 221, 321) may be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or may be implemented as at least one multicore processor including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicore or heterogeneous multicore). When at least one processor (201, 221, 321) is implemented as a multicore processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include an internal memory of the processor, 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 at least one 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 at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0242] When a method according to at least one 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 at least one 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.

[0243] In embodiments of the present disclosure, a processor (201, 221, 321) may mean a system on a chip (SoC) in which at least one processor 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.

[0244] According to various embodiments, the communication interface (400) of the dehumidifier (1) may be directly connected (e.g., connected via a short-range communication module) to the communication interface (240) of the user device (2).

[0245] According to various embodiments, the communication interface (400) of the dehumidifier (1) may be indirectly connected to the communication interface (240) of the user device (2) (e.g., connected via the communication interface (340) of the computing device (3)).

[0246] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a dehumidifier management method according to one embodiment.

[0247] Referring to FIG. 8, a dehumidifier management method according to one embodiment may include an operation (1000) of receiving a notification condition from a user.

[0248] The notification condition may include at least one condition regarding the water level of the water tank (100).

[0249] For example, the notification condition may include at least one of a first condition including that the water level of the water tank (100) has reached a designated level set by the user, a second condition including that a designated time has passed while the water level of the water tank (100) has maintained the designated level, or a third condition including that the remaining water level of the water tank (100) is lower than the average usage level.

[0250] In the present disclosure, a notification corresponding to the first condition is defined as a first notification, a notification corresponding to the second condition is defined as a second notification, and a notification corresponding to the third condition is defined as a third notification.

[0251] The action of receiving a notification condition (1000) may be performed by the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3).

[0252] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1) can receive a notification condition from a user via the user interface device (300). For example, the dehumidifier (1) can provide an interface for setting a notification condition via the user interface device (300) and can receive a user input for setting the notification condition.

[0253] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1) can receive a notification condition from a user via a communication interface (400). For example, the user device (2) can provide an interface for setting a notification condition via a user interface device (230), receive a user input for setting a notification condition, and transmit the set notification condition to the dehumidifier (1) via a communication interface (240). The dehumidifier (1) can receive the notification condition from the user device (2) via the communication interface (400).

[0254] In one embodiment, the user device (2) may receive a notification condition from the user through the user interface device (230). For example, the user device (2) may provide an interface for setting a notification condition through the user interface device (230) and may receive a user input for setting the notification condition.

[0255] In one embodiment, the user device (2) can receive a notification condition from the user via the communication interface (240). For example, the dehumidifier (1) can provide an interface for setting a notification condition via the user interface device (300), receive a user input for setting the notification condition, and transmit the set notification condition to the user interface device via the communication interface (400). The user device (2) can receive the notification condition from the dehumidifier (1) via the communication interface (240).

[0256] In one embodiment, the computing device (3) can receive a notification condition from the user via the communication interface (340). For example, the user device (2) can provide an interface for setting a notification condition via the user interface device (230), receive a user input for setting a notification condition, and transmit the set notification condition to the computing device (3) via the communication interface (240). The computing device (3) can receive the notification condition from the user device (2) via the communication interface (340). As another example, the dehumidifier (1) can provide an interface for setting a notification condition via the user interface device (300), receive a user input for setting a notification condition, and transmit the set notification condition to the computing device (3) via the communication interface (400). The computing device (3) can receive the notification condition from the dehumidifier (1) via the communication interface (340).

[0257] A dehumidifier management method according to one embodiment may include an operation (1100) of obtaining water level information of a water tank (100).

[0258] The operation (1100) of obtaining water level information can be performed by the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3).

[0259] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1) can obtain water level information of the water tank (100) through the water level sensor (150).

[0260] In one embodiment, the user device (2) can obtain water level information from an external device through a communication interface (240). For example, the dehumidifier (1) can obtain water level information of a water tank (100) through a water level sensor (150) and transmit the water level information of the water tank (100) to the user device (2) through a communication interface (400), and the user device (2) can receive water level information from the dehumidifier (1) through the communication interface (240). As another example, the dehumidifier (1) can obtain water level information of a water tank (100) through a water level sensor (150) and transmit the water level information of the water tank (100) to a computing device (3) through a communication interface (400), and the computing device (3) can transmit the water level information received from the dehumidifier (1) to a user device (2) through a communication interface (340), and the user device (2) can receive the water level information from the computing device (3) through a communication interface (240).

[0261] In one embodiment, the computing device (3) can obtain water level information from the dehumidifier (1) via the communication interface (340). For example, the dehumidifier (1) can obtain water level information of a water tank (100) via a water level sensor (150) and transmit the water level information of the water tank (100) to the computing device (3) via the communication interface (400), and the computing device (3) can receive water level information from the dehumidifier (1) via the communication interface (340).

[0262] A dehumidifier management method according to one embodiment may include operations (1110, 1120, 1130) of determining whether water level information satisfies a notification condition.

[0263] The operation (1110, 1120, 1130) of determining whether the water level information satisfies the notification condition may be performed by the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3).

[0264] As described above, each of the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) can receive a notification condition and obtain water level information. Accordingly, each of the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) can determine whether the water level information satisfies the notification condition using at least one processor (201, 221, 321).

[0265] When the first notification is activated, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) can determine whether the water level information satisfies the first condition (1110).

[0266] For example, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) may determine that the first condition is satisfied in response to the water level of the water tank (100) corresponding to the water level information reaching a designated water level set by the user.

[0267] If the second notification is activated, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) can determine whether the water level information satisfies the second condition (1120).

[0268] For example, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) may determine that the second condition is satisfied in response to a predetermined time elapsed while the water level of the water tank (100) corresponding to the water level information has reached a predetermined water level.

[0269] When the third notification is activated, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) can determine whether the water level information satisfies the third condition (1130).

[0270] For example, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) may determine that the third condition is satisfied in response to the residual water level of the water tank (100) corresponding to the water level information being lower than the average usage water level.

[0271] A dehumidifier management method according to one embodiment may include an operation (1115, 1125, 1135) of providing a user with a notification corresponding to a notification condition in response to the water level information satisfying the notification condition.

[0272] The operation (1115, 1125, 1135) of providing a notification to the user in response to the notification condition may include an operation (1115) of providing a first notification in response to the level information satisfying the first condition while the first notification is activated, an operation (1125) of providing a second notification in response to the level information satisfying the second condition while the second notification is activated, and / or an operation (1135) of providing a third notification in response to the level information satisfying the third condition while the third notification is activated.

[0273] The actions (1115, 1125, 1135) of providing a notification to the user corresponding to the notification condition may be performed by the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3).

[0274] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1) may provide a notification via the user interface device (300) in response to the water level information satisfying the notification condition.

[0275] Providing a notification via the user interface device (300) may include outputting the notification via the user interface device (300). The notification may be output visually or audibly. For example, the notification may be output as a visual indication via the display of the user interface device (300) or as a sound via the speaker of the user interface device (300).

[0276] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1) may transmit a notification to the user device (2) via the communication interface (400) in response to the water level information satisfying the notification condition. The user device (2) may provide the notification via the user interface device (230) in response to receiving the notification from the dehumidifier (1). Providing the notification via the user interface device (230) may include outputting the notification via the user interface device (230). The notification may be output visually or audibly. For example, the notification may be output as a visual indication via the display of the user interface device (230) or as a sound via the speaker of the user interface device (230).

[0277] As previously described, transmitting a notification in the present disclosure may include transmitting data (or information) corresponding to the notification or transmitting an electrical signal corresponding to the notification. Transmitting a notification in the present disclosure may include providing the notification to a receiving entity (e.g., a dehumidifier (1) and / or a user device (2)).

[0278] In one embodiment, the user device (2) may provide a notification via the user interface device (230) in response to the water level information satisfying the notification condition.

[0279] In one embodiment, the user device (2) may transmit a notification to the dehumidifier (1) via the communication interface (240) in response to the water level information satisfying the notification condition. The dehumidifier (1) may provide the notification via the user interface device (300) in response to receiving the notification from the user device (2).

[0280] In one embodiment, the computing device (3) may transmit a notification to the dehumidifier (1) and / or the user device (2) in response to the water level information satisfying the notification condition.

[0281] According to the present disclosure, a dehumidifier management method is provided that provides a user with a notification function according to various conditions related to the water level of a water tank (100), thereby facilitating the user's management of a water tank (100).

[0282] The dehumidifier (1) can, of course, provide a full water level notification in response to the water level of the water tank (100) reaching the full water level, separately from the first, second, and third notifications. Here, the full water level may mean a state in which the water level of the water tank (100) can no longer increase. In other words, if the water level of the water tank (100) increases beyond the full water level, there may be a concern that water may overflow from the water tank (100).

[0283] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1) may be configured to stop the dehumidifying operation when the water level in the water tank (100) reaches the full water level.

[0284] That is, the various notifications related to the water level of the water tank (100) in the present disclosure should be understood to be distinct from the full water level notification provided in response to the water level of the water tank (100) reaching the full water level.

[0285] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a first interface provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0286] Referring to FIG. 9, the dehumidifier management system may provide a first interface (U1) for setting a first notification corresponding to a first condition.

[0287] The first interface (U1) provided by the dehumidifier management system may be provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the user interface device (230) of the user device (2).

[0288] The first interface (U1) may include an interface element (U11) for activating a first notification and / or an interface element (U12) for setting a specified level corresponding to a first condition.

[0289] The interface element (U11) for activating the first notification may include a visual indication indicating the activation status of the first notification.

[0290] In response to the selection of the interface element (U11) to activate the first notification, the first notification can be activated or deactivated.

[0291] For example, if the interface element (U11) is selected while the first notification is disabled, the first notification may be activated, and if the interface element (U11) is selected while the first notification is enabled, the first notification may be deactivated.

[0292] An interface element (U12) for setting a specified water level may include a tool for setting a specified water level.

[0293] A tool for setting a designated water level may be implemented in the form of a bar, but examples of tools for setting a designated water level are not limited to this.

[0294] In one embodiment, a tool for setting a designated water level may be provided so that it can only be operated while the first notification is active.

[0295] The user can set the specified water level by manipulating the interface element (U12) for setting the specified water level.

[0296] The first interface (U1) may include an indicator (U13) indicating the expected weight of the water tank (100) corresponding to the designated water level set by the interface element (U12) for setting the designated water level.

[0297] The indicator (U13) can display the designated water level set by the interface element (U12) for setting the designated water level as the weight of water (kg) and / or the water level (%).

[0298] According to the present disclosure, a user can intuitively determine the degree of the specified water level desired.

[0299] The user can activate or deactivate the first notification through the first interface (U1) and set a designated level corresponding to the first condition.

[0300] In one embodiment, when the first interface (U1) is provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1), when the first notification is activated through the first interface (U1), the dehumidifier (1) can transmit information that the first notification has been activated and information related to the specified water level of the first condition to the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) through the communication interface (400).

[0301] In one embodiment, when the first interface (U1) is provided by the user interface device (230) of the user device (2), when the first notification is activated through the first interface (U1), the user device (2) can transmit information that the first notification is activated and information related to the specified water level of the first condition to the dehumidifier (1) and / or the computing device (3) through the communication interface (240).

[0302] In one embodiment, when the first interface (U1) is provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1), when the first notification is deactivated through the first interface (U1), the dehumidifier (1) can transmit information that the first notification is deactivated to the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) through the communication interface (400).

[0303] In one embodiment, when the first interface (U1) is provided by the user interface device (230) of the user device (2), when the first notification is deactivated through the first interface (U1), the user device (2) can transmit information that the first notification is deactivated to the dehumidifier (1) and / or the computing device (3) through the communication interface (240).

[0304] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a first notification provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0305] Referring to FIG. 10, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) may provide a first notification (K1) in response to the water level of the water tank (100) corresponding to the water level information reaching a designated level while the first notification corresponding to the first condition is activated.

[0306] The first notification (K1) may be provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the user interface device (230) of the user device (2).

[0307] The first notification (K1) may also be referred to as a designated water level notification in that it is a notification to notify that the water level of the water tank (100) has reached a designated water level set by the user.

[0308] The designated water level notification (K1) may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, shape, animation, image, etc.) to notify that the water level of the water tank (100) has reached the designated water level set by the user.

[0309] The designated water level notification (K1) may include a visual indicator indicating the weight (kg) of water and / or the water level (%) indicating the designated water level.

[0310] It will be appreciated that, depending on various embodiments, the designated water level notification (K1) may be provided audibly by a user interface device (300) (e.g., a speaker) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or a user interface device (230) (e.g., a speaker) of the user device (2).

[0311] The user can check the designated water level notification (K1) and confirm that the water level of the water tank (100) has reached the designated water level set by the user.

[0312] A user's intentions for setting a specified water level may vary. For example, a user may feel that the water tank (100) is too heavy when emptying the water tank (100) if the water level in the water tank (100) exceeds the specified level. As another example, a user may be concerned about contamination of the water tank (100) if the water level in the water tank (100) exceeds the specified level.

[0313] According to various embodiments, the designated water level notification (K1) may include an interface element (K11) for receiving a user input to stop the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1).

[0314] The user can stop the operation of the dehumidifier (1) using the interface element (K11).

[0315] In one embodiment, when a designated water level notification (K1) is provided by the dehumidifier (1), the user can stop the operation of the dehumidifier (1) through a power button for turning on the power of the dehumidifier (1), which is at least one input interface (301) of the dehumidifier (1).

[0316] In one embodiment, when a designated water level notification (K1) is provided by the user device (2), the user can input a command to stop the operation of the dehumidifier (1) through the interface element (K11), and the user device (2) can, in response to receiving the command to stop the operation of the dehumidifier (1) through the interface element (K11), transmit an operation stop command to the dehumidifier (1).

[0317] According to the present disclosure, a user can recognize that the water level of a water tank (100) has reached a designated level and perform a desired response action.

[0318] According to various embodiments, the dehumidifier management system may provide a designated water level limit function that stops the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1) in response to the water level information of the water tank (100) satisfying a first condition.

[0319] When the designated water level limit function is turned on, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) can perform an operation to stop the dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier (1) in response to the water level information satisfying the first condition.

[0320] For example, when the designated water level limit function is turned on, the dehumidifier (1) can stop the dehumidification operation in response to the water level information satisfying the first condition. As another example, when the designated water level limit function is turned on, the user device (2) can transmit a control command to the dehumidifier (1) to stop the dehumidification operation in response to the water level information satisfying the first condition. As another example, when the designated water level limit function is turned on, the computing device (3) can transmit a control command to the dehumidifier (1) to stop the dehumidification operation in response to the water level information satisfying the first condition.

[0321] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a second interface provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0322] Referring to FIG. 11, the dehumidifier management system may provide a second interface (U2) for setting a second notification corresponding to a second condition.

[0323] The second interface (U2) provided by the dehumidifier management system may be provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the user interface device (230) of the user device (2).

[0324] The second interface (U2) may include an interface element (U21) for activating a second notification.

[0325] The interface element (U21) for activating the second notification may include a visual indication indicating the activation status of the second notification.

[0326] In response to the selection of the interface element (U21) to activate the second notification, the second notification can be activated or deactivated.

[0327] For example, if the interface element (U21) is selected while the second notification is disabled, the second notification may be activated, and if the interface element (U21) is selected while the second notification is enabled, the second notification may be deactivated.

[0328] Users can enable or disable second notifications via the second interface (U2).

[0329] In one embodiment, when the second interface (U2) is provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1), when the second notification is activated through the second interface (U2), the dehumidifier (1) can transmit information that the second notification is activated to the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) through the communication interface (400).

[0330] In one embodiment, when the second interface (U2) is provided by the user interface device (230) of the user device (2), when the second notification is activated through the second interface (U2), the user device (2) can transmit information that the second notification is activated to the dehumidifier (1) and / or the computing device (3) through the communication interface (240).

[0331] In one embodiment, when the second interface (U2) is provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1), when the second notification is deactivated via the second interface (U2), the dehumidifier (1) can transmit information that the second notification is deactivated to the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) via the communication interface (400).

[0332] In one embodiment, when the second interface (U2) is provided by the user interface device (230) of the user device (2), when the first notification is deactivated through the second interface (U2), the user device (2) can transmit information that the second notification has been deactivated to the dehumidifier (1) and / or the computing device (3) through the communication interface (240).

[0333] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a second notification provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0334] Referring to FIG. 12, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) may provide a second notification (K2) in response to a predetermined time elapsed while the water level of the water tank (100) corresponding to the water level information reaches a predetermined level while the second notification corresponding to the second condition is activated.

[0335] The starting point for determining that a certain amount of time has elapsed may be the point at which the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1) stops.

[0336] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) may provide a second notification (K2) in response to the operation of the dehumidifier (1) being terminated while the water level of the water tank (100) corresponding to the water level information reaches a predetermined water level in a state where a second notification corresponding to a second condition is activated, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation of the dehumidifier (1) was terminated.

[0337] The fact that a predetermined time has passed while the water level of the water tank (100) has reached a predetermined level may include the fact that the water level of the water tank (100) is higher than the predetermined level and the separation of the water tank (100) is not detected by the water tank (100) detection sensor (160) of the dehumidifier (1) for a predetermined time.

[0338] At this time, a predetermined water level and a predetermined time may be pre-stored in memory (202, 222, 322). For example, the predetermined water level may be pre-set to approximately 20%, and the predetermined time may be pre-set to approximately 24 hours, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0339] A predetermined water level and predetermined time can also be set by the user.

[0340] As will be described below, according to various embodiments, the predetermined water level and the predetermined time may be determined by the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) depending on environmental conditions.

[0341] The second notification (K2) may be provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the user interface device (230) of the user device (2).

[0342] The second notification (K2) may also be referred to as a water emptying recommendation notification in that it is a notification to notify that the water tank (100) needs to be emptied because water has been stored in the tank for a long time.

[0343] The water emptying advisory notification (K2) may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, shape, animation, image, etc.) to notify that the water tank (100) needs to be emptied because water has been stored in the tank (100) for a long period of time.

[0344] The water emptying advisory notification (K2) may include a visual indicator indicating the weight (kg) of water and / or the water level (%) indicating the current water level of the water tank (100). The water emptying advisory notification (K2) may include a visual indicator indicating the period for which the current water level of the water tank (100) has been maintained.

[0345] It should be noted that, depending on various embodiments, the water emptying recommendation notification (K2) may also be provided audibly by the user interface device (300) (e.g., speaker) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the user interface device (230) (e.g., speaker) of the user device (2).

[0346] In one embodiment, the water emptying recommendation notification (K2) may be provided in response to the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1) being terminated while the water level of the water tank (100) reaches a predetermined level, and a predetermined period of time has elapsed without the water tank (100) being separated from the dehumidifier (1) based on the time at which the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1) was terminated. In one embodiment, the water emptying recommendation notification (K2) may be provided at predetermined intervals while the water tank (100) is not separated from the dehumidifier (1).

[0347] Whether the water tank (100) is separated from the dehumidifier (1) can be detected by the water tank detection sensor (160) of the dehumidifier (1), and the dehumidifier (1) can transmit information about whether the water tank is separated to the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3).

[0348] The user can prevent the water tank (100) from being contaminated by microorganisms in advance by checking the water emptying recommendation notification (K2) and performing the action of emptying the water tank (100).

[0349] According to the present disclosure, a dehumidifier management method is provided that can prevent a water tank (100) from being contaminated by microorganisms in advance by inducing a user to perform an action of emptying the water tank (100) when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0350] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a third interface provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0351] Referring to FIG. 13, the dehumidifier management system may provide a third interface (U3) for setting a third notification corresponding to a third condition.

[0352] The third interface (U3) provided by the dehumidifier management system may be provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the user interface device (230) of the user device (2).

[0353] The third interface (U3) may include an interface element (U31) for activating a third notification, a visual indicator (U32) for describing a third condition, and / or a visual indicator (U33) for guiding the user's average usage level.

[0354] To determine the average usage level, the dehumidifier management method according to one embodiment may further include an operation for determining the average usage level.

[0355] The dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) can determine the average usage water level based on the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (100) from the time the dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier (1) starts until the time the dehumidification operation ends.

[0356] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) may store, in memory (202, 222, 322), a change in the water level of the water tank (100) from the time the dehumidification operation is started until the dehumidification operation is ended in response to the end of the dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier (1), as one of a plurality of factors; and may determine an average value of the plurality of factors stored in the memory (202, 222, 322) as the average use water level.

[0357] That is, when a user uses the dehumidifier (1) once, the average rising water level of the water tank (100) can be determined as the average use water level.

[0358] The interface element (U31) for activating the third notification may include a visual indication indicating the activation status of the third notification.

[0359] In response to the selection of the interface element (U31) to activate the third notification, the third notification can be activated or deactivated.

[0360] Users can enable or disable third-party notifications through the third interface (U3).

[0361] A visual indicator (U32) for explaining the third condition can enable the user to clearly understand the meaning of the third notification.

[0362] The third notification is a notification provided when the remaining water level of the water tank (100) is lower than the average usable water level. Accordingly, the visual indicator (U32) for explaining the third condition may include a visual indicator for notifying that the third notification is a notification provided when the remaining water level of the water tank (100) is lower than the average usable water level.

[0363] A visual indicator (U33) for guiding the average usage level can indicate an average usage level corresponding to the user's usage pattern.

[0364] According to various embodiments, the third interface (U3) may further include interface elements that can modify the average usage level according to the user's needs.

[0365] In one embodiment, when the third interface (U3) is provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1), when the third notification is activated through the third interface (U3), the dehumidifier (1) can transmit information that the third notification is activated to the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) through the communication interface (400).

[0366] In one embodiment, when the third interface (U3) is provided by the user interface device (230) of the user device (2), when the third notification is activated through the third interface (U3), the user device (2) can transmit information that the third notification is activated to the dehumidifier (1) and / or the computing device (3) through the communication interface (240).

[0367] In one embodiment, when the third interface (U3) is provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1), when the third notification is deactivated through the third interface (U3), the dehumidifier (1) can transmit information that the third notification is deactivated to the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) through the communication interface (400).

[0368] In one embodiment, when the third interface (U3) is provided by the user interface device (230) of the user device (2), when the third notification is disabled through the third interface (U3), the user device (2) can transmit information that the third notification is disabled to the dehumidifier (1) and / or the computing device (3) through the communication interface (240).

[0369] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a third notification provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0370] Referring to FIG. 14, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) may provide a third notification (K3) in response to the remaining water level of the water tank (100) corresponding to the water level information being lower than the average usage level while the third notification corresponding to the third condition is activated.

[0371] In one embodiment, the time at which the third notification (K3) is provided may be the time at which the dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier (1) is completed; however, the time at which the third notification (K3) is provided is not limited thereto. For example, the time at which the third notification (K3) is provided may be the time at which a command to start the dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier (1) is received. As another example, the time at which the third notification (K3) is provided may be the time at which the remaining water level of the water tank (100) reaches the average usable water level.

[0372] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) may provide a third notification (K3) in response to the operation of the dehumidifier (1) being terminated while the remaining water level of the water tank (100) corresponding to the water level information is lower than the average usage water level while the third notification corresponding to the third condition is activated.

[0373] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) may provide a third notification (K3) in response to receiving a command to start operation of the dehumidifier (1) while the remaining water level of the water tank (100) corresponding to the water level information is lower than the average usage water level while the third notification corresponding to the third condition is activated.

[0374] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2), and / or the computing device (3) may provide a third notification (K3) in response to the remaining water level of the water tank (100) corresponding to the water level information reaching the average usage level while the third notification corresponding to the third condition is activated.

[0375] The third notification (K3) may be provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the user interface device (230) of the user device (2).

[0376] The third notification (K3) may be referred to as an operation stop expected notification in that it is a notification that notifies that when the dehumidifier (1) is operated, the water level in the water tank (100) will reach the full water level and the operation of the dehumidifier (1) will be stopped.

[0377] The operation stop prediction notification (K3) may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, shape, animation, image, etc.) to notify that when the dehumidifier (1) is operated, the water level in the water tank (100) will reach the full water level and the operation of the dehumidifier (1) will be stopped.

[0378] The motion stop expected notification (K3) may include a visual indicator indicating the weight (kg) of water and / or the water level (%) indicating the remaining water level (or current water level) of the water tank (100). The motion stop expected notification (K3) may include a visual indicator indicating the average usage water level.

[0379] It should be noted that, depending on various embodiments, the expected stop notification (K3) may be provided audibly by the user interface device (300) (e.g., speaker) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the user interface device (230) (e.g., speaker) of the user device (2).

[0380] The user can prevent a situation in which the water level of the water tank (100) reaches the full level and the dehumidification operation is automatically stopped after the dehumidifier (1) performs the dehumidification operation by checking the operation stop expected notification (K3) and performing an action of emptying the water tank (100).

[0381] According to the present disclosure, a dehumidifier management method is provided that can prevent the operation of the dehumidifier (1) from stopping in advance when the dehumidifier (1) is operated according to a user pattern.

[0382] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a fourth interface provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0383] Referring to FIG. 15, the dehumidifier management system may provide a fourth interface (U4) for setting a second notification corresponding to a second condition.

[0384] The fourth interface (U4) provided by the dehumidifier management system may be provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the user interface device (230) of the user device (2).

[0385] The fourth interface (U4) may include an interface element (U41) for activating a second notification and a visual indicator (U42) for describing a second condition.

[0386] The interface element (U41) for activating the second notification may include a visual indication indicating the activation status of the second notification.

[0387] In response to the selection of the interface element (U41) to activate the second notification, the second notification can be activated or deactivated.

[0388] Users can enable or disable the second notification through the fourth interface (U4).

[0389] As previously explained, the second notification may also be referred to as a water drainage recommendation notification. However, unlike the second notification activated or deactivated via the second interface (U2), the second notification, activated or deactivated via the fourth interface (U4), may be provided after determining whether the second condition is satisfied based on temperature and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1).

[0390] In one embodiment, the visual indicator (U42) for describing the second condition may include a visual indication that the second notification is a water drain advisory notification provided at an appropriate time based on temperature and humidity.

[0391] The function that can be set through the 4th interface (U4) can also be called an artificial intelligence water bottle (100) management function in that it provides a water emptying recommendation notification at an appropriate time according to temperature and humidity.

[0392] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1) can obtain temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air.

[0393] For example, the environmental sensor (170) of the dehumidifier (1) can obtain temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1).

[0394] As another example, temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1) may be obtained by another home appliance (4) and may be transmitted from the other home appliance (4) to the dehumidifier (1).

[0395] In one embodiment, the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) can obtain temperature information and humidity information of the air surrounding the dehumidifier (1).

[0396] For example, the dehumidifier (1) can transmit temperature information and humidity information acquired through the environmental sensor (170) to the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) through the communication interface (400), and the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) can receive temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1) from the dehumidifier (1).

[0397] As another example, temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1) may be obtained by another home appliance (4) and may be transmitted from the other home appliance (4) to the user device (2) and / or computing device (3).

[0398] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) can determine a predetermined water level corresponding to a second condition and / or a predetermined time corresponding to the second condition based on temperature information and humidity information of the ambient air of the dehumidifier (1).

[0399] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) can determine a predetermined water level based on the humidity of the air, the temperature of the air and the operating time of the dehumidifier (1).

[0400] The humidity of the air may include the average humidity of the humidity of the surrounding air at the time when the dehumidifier (1) stops the dehumidifying operation and the humidity of the surrounding air at the time before the dehumidifier (1) starts the dehumidifying operation.

[0401] The temperature of the air may include the temperature of the surrounding air at the time when the dehumidifier (1) stops dehumidifying operation.

[0402] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) can store information about the water level of the water tank (100) whenever the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1) is stopped according to a manual operation of the user, and can determine the average water level of the water levels of the water tank (100) at the times when the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1) is stopped as a reference water level.

[0403] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) may utilize the water level of the water tank (100) as a factor for calculating the reference water level only when the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1) has been in progress for a minimum period of time (e.g., 5 minutes).

[0404] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) may determine the predetermined water level corresponding to the second condition as the minimum value of the first predetermined percentage (e.g., 20%) of the reference water level or the predetermined minimum water level (e.g., 20%) when the humidity of the ambient air is equal to or greater than a predetermined humidity (e.g., 70%), the temperature of the ambient air is within a predetermined range (e.g., 20°C or higher and 30°C or lower), and the time for which the dehumidifier (1) performs the dehumidification operation is equal to or greater than a first time (e.g., 90 minutes). For example, when the reference water level corresponds to 50%, the predetermined water level corresponding to the second condition may be determined as the minimum value of the first predetermined percentage (e.g., 20%) of the reference water level and the predetermined minimum water level (e.g., 20%), which is 10%.

[0405] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) may determine the predetermined water level corresponding to the second condition as the minimum value of the second predetermined ratio (e.g., 25%) of the reference water level or the predetermined minimum water level (e.g., 20%) when the humidity of the ambient air is equal to or greater than a predetermined humidity (e.g., 70%), the temperature of the ambient air is within a predetermined range (e.g., 20°C or higher and 30°C or lower), and the time for which the dehumidifier (1) performs the dehumidification operation is equal to or greater than a second time (e.g., 30 minutes) that is shorter than the first time. For example, when the reference water level corresponds to 50%, the predetermined water level corresponding to the second condition may be determined as the minimum value of the second predetermined ratio (e.g., 25%) of the reference water level and the predetermined minimum water level (e.g., 20%), which is 12.5%. The second predetermined ratio may be greater than the first predetermined ratio.

[0406] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) may determine the predetermined water level corresponding to the second condition as the minimum value of a third predetermined ratio (e.g., 30%) of the reference water level or a predetermined minimum water level (e.g., 20%) when the humidity of the ambient air is equal to or greater than a predetermined humidity (e.g., 70%), the temperature of the ambient air is within a predetermined range (e.g., 20°C or higher and 30°C or lower), and the time for which the dehumidifier (1) performs the dehumidification operation is less than a second time. For example, when the reference water level corresponds to 50%, the predetermined water level corresponding to the second condition may be determined as the minimum value of 15% of the third predetermined ratio (e.g., 25%) of the reference water level and the predetermined minimum water level (e.g., 20%). The third predetermined ratio may be greater than the second predetermined ratio.

[0407] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) may determine the predetermined water level corresponding to the second condition as the minimum value of a fourth predetermined ratio (e.g., 50%) of the reference water level or a predetermined minimum water level (e.g., 20%) when the humidity of the ambient air is lower than a predetermined humidity (e.g., 70%) or when the temperature of the ambient air does not fall within a predetermined range (e.g., 20°C or higher and 30°C or lower). For example, when the reference water level is 50%, the predetermined water level corresponding to the second condition may be determined as 20%, which is the minimum value between the fourth predetermined ratio (e.g., 50%) of the reference water level and the predetermined minimum water level (e.g., 20%).

[0408] According to the present disclosure, a dehumidifier management method is provided that can provide a water emptying recommendation notification only when the water level of a water tank (100) corresponds to a predetermined water level suitable for mold growth by determining a predetermined water level corresponding to a second condition based on the degree of mold growth that changes depending on temperature and humidity.

[0409] In one embodiment, a predetermined water level corresponding to a second condition determined based on temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1) may be utilized as a recommended water level.

[0410] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) may determine the predetermined time corresponding to the second condition as a third time (e.g., 12 hours) when the humidity of the surrounding air is equal to or higher than a predetermined humidity (e.g., 70%), the temperature of the surrounding air is within a predetermined range (e.g., 20°C or higher and 30°C or lower), and the time for which the dehumidifier (1) performs the dehumidification operation is equal to or higher than a second time (e.g., 30 minutes), and in other cases, the predetermined time corresponding to the second condition may be determined as a fourth time (e.g., 24 hours) that is longer than the third time.

[0411] According to various embodiments, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) may input temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1) into an artificial intelligence model to determine a predetermined water level corresponding to a second condition and / or a predetermined time corresponding to the second condition.

[0412] The AI ​​model is characterized by being created through learning. Here, being created through learning means that a basic AI model is trained using a learning algorithm using a large amount of learning data, thereby creating a predefined set of operation rules or an AI model set to perform a desired characteristic (or purpose). This learning may be performed on the device itself on which the AI ​​according to the present disclosure is performed, or may be performed through a separate server and / or system. Examples of learning algorithms include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning.

[0413] An artificial intelligence model may be composed of multiple neural network layers. Each of the multiple neural network layers has multiple weight values, and performs neural network operations through operations between the operation results of the previous layer and the multiple weights. The multiple weights of the multiple neural network layers may be optimized based on the learning results of the artificial intelligence model. For example, the multiple weights may be updated so that the loss value or cost value obtained from the artificial intelligence model is reduced or minimized during the learning process. The artificial neural network may include a deep neural network (DNN), and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, a convolutional neural network (CNN), a deep neural network (DNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or deep Q-networks.

[0414] In one embodiment, a predetermined time corresponding to a second condition determined based on temperature information and humidity information of the ambient air of the dehumidifier (1) may be utilized as a recommended notification cycle.

[0415] According to the present disclosure, when there is a high possibility that the water tank (100) will be contaminated with mold, contamination of the water tank (100) can be prevented in advance by providing a water emptying recommendation notification to the user at a relatively fast cycle.

[0416] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for providing a personalized notification list by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a fifth interface provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment. FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a sixth interface provided by a dehumidifier management system according to one embodiment.

[0417] Users can set up a personalized notification list that includes the notification conditions they want.

[0418] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, the dehumidifier management method may include an operation (2100) of providing a fifth interface (U5) for setting a personalized notification list.

[0419] A fifth interface (U5) for setting a personalized notification list may be provided by a user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or a user interface device (230) of the user device (2).

[0420] The fifth interface (U5) may include a first interface element (U51) for setting a cycle of notification corresponding to a first condition, a second interface element (U52) for setting a designated level corresponding to the first condition, a third interface element (U53) for activating or deactivating notification corresponding to a third condition, and a fourth interface element (U54) for storing a set personalized notification list.

[0421] The first interface element (U51) may include a tool for setting the frequency of notifications.

[0422] The user can set the notification cycle using the first interface element (U51).

[0423] The second interface element (U52) may include a tool for setting a specified water level.

[0424] The user can set a designated level for the second interface element (U52).

[0425] When the water level of the water tank (100) reaches a designated level set via the second interface element (U52), a notification can be provided by the dehumidifier management system at set intervals via the first interface element (U51).

[0426] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1), the user device (2) and / or the computing device (3) may provide a notification at set intervals via the first interface element (U51) when the water level of the water tank (100) reaches a set level set via the second interface element (U52).

[0427] The user can enable or disable a third notification corresponding to a third condition via the third interface element (U53).

[0428] When the first interface element (U51) sets the notification cycle, the second interface element (U52) sets the designated level, and the third interface element (U53) sets whether to activate the third notification, the user can save a personalized notification list through the fourth interface element (U54).

[0429] The dehumidifier management method may include an operation (2200) of receiving a storage command for storing a personalized notification list and an operation (2300) of storing a personalized notification list when the storage command for storing the personalized notification list is received.

[0430] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier management system may store the personalized notification list in response to a selection of a fourth interface element (e.g., U54) for storing the personalized notification list.

[0431] The personalized notification list (L1, L2, L3, L4) stored through the fourth interface element (U54) can be displayed on the sixth interface (U6) for activating or deactivating the stored personalized notification list.

[0432] A method for managing a dehumidifier according to one embodiment may include an operation (2400) of providing a sixth interface (U6) for activating or deactivating a stored personalized notification list.

[0433] The sixth interface (U6) may be provided by the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1) and / or the user interface device (230) of the user device (2).

[0434] In one embodiment, the sixth interface (U6) may include a visual display representing a list of stored personalized notifications (L1, L2, L3, L4) and interface elements (U61, U62, U63, U64) for activating or deactivating the list of stored personalized notifications (L1, L2, L3, L4).

[0435] A visual representation of a saved personalized notification list (L1, L2, L3, L4) may include information about the notification conditions included in each personalized notification list.

[0436] For example, a visual representation of a list of saved personalized notifications (L1, L2, L3, L4) may include information about the notification cycle, information about the specified water level, and / or information about whether a third notification is activated.

[0437] The sixth interface (U6) may further include an interface element (U66) for adding a personalized notification list.

[0438] When an interface element (U66) for adding a personalized notification list is selected, a fifth interface (U5) for setting a personalized notification list may be provided.

[0439] The sixth interface (U6) may include guidance information (U60) for setting up a personalized notification list.

[0440] In one embodiment, the guidance information (U60) may include a recommended water level determined based on temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1), and a recommended notification cycle determined based on temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1).

[0441] In one embodiment, the guidance information (U60) may further include average relative humidity information of the ambient air of the dehumidifier (1) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 days) and average relative temperature information of the ambient air of the dehumidifier (1) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 days).

[0442] Users can more easily set up personalized notification lists based on guidance information (U60).

[0443] A dehumidifier management method according to one embodiment may include an operation (2500) of automatically deactivating one of the personalized notification lists when personalized notification lists having conflicting conditions are activated.

[0444] For example, a dehumidifier management method may include, when a first personalized notification list and a second personalized notification list have conflicting conditions, activating the second personalized notification list while simultaneously deactivating the first personalized notification list in response to receiving a user input for activating the second personalized notification list while the first personalized notification list is activated.

[0445] When a dehumidifier (1) and / or a user device (2) providing a sixth interface (U6) includes a first personalized notification list and a second personalized notification list having conflicting conditions, the dehumidifier (1) can activate the second personalized notification list and deactivate the first personalized notification list in response to receiving a user input for activating the second personalized notification list while the first personalized notification list is activated.

[0446] In the example illustrated in Figure 18, the first personalized notification list (L1) and the second personalized notification list (L2) have non-conflicting conditions. Accordingly, even if the second personalized notification list (L2) is activated while the first personalized notification list (L1) is activated, the first personalized notification list (L1) can remain activated.

[0447] On the other hand, since the third notification must be activated according to the first personalized notification list (L2) and the third notification must be deactivated according to the third personalized notification list (L3) or the fourth personalized notification list (L4), the first personalized notification list (L1) and the third personalized notification list (L3) or the fourth personalized notification list (L4) have conflicting conditions.

[0448] Accordingly, when the third personalized notification list (L3) or the fourth personalized notification list (L4) is activated while the first personalized notification list (L1) is activated, the first personalized notification list (L1) can be automatically changed to a deactivated state.

[0449] Having conflicting conditions may include having interdependent conditions.

[0450] For example, if two personalized notification lists have the same specified water level conditions and have mutually dependent notification cycle conditions, they can be determined to have mutually dependent conditions.

[0451] For example, assuming that the third personalized notification list (L3) and the fourth personalized notification list (L4) each have the same designated level conditions, since the notification cycle of the third personalized notification list (L3) is an integer multiple of the notification cycle of the fourth personalized notification list (L4), when a notification is provided according to the fourth personalized notification list (L4), the third personalized notification list (L3) is also provided. In other words, if the fourth personalized notification list (L4) is activated, the third personalized notification list (L3) does not need to be activated.

[0452] Accordingly, under the above conditions, when the third personalized notification list (L3) is activated while the fourth personalized notification list (L4) is activated, the fourth personalized notification list (L4) can be automatically changed to a deactivated state.

[0453] According to the present disclosure, a user can set notification settings as desired, and an interface provided by the dehumidifier management system can guide the user to conveniently set notification settings.

[0454] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a dehumidifier management method performed by a dehumidifier according to one embodiment.

[0455] Referring to FIG. 19, the dehumidifier (1) can receive notification conditions (3100) through the user interface device (300). For example, the dehumidifier (1) can provide interfaces (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5) for setting notification conditions through the output interface (302) of the user interface device (300), and can receive settings of notification conditions from the user through the input interface (301) of the user interface device (300).

[0456] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1) can receive a notification condition (3100) via the communication interface (400). For example, the user device (2) can provide interfaces (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5) for setting a notification condition via the output interface (232) of the user interface device (230), and can receive a setting of a notification condition from the user via the input interface (231) of the user interface device (230) and transmit it to the communication interface (400) of the dehumidifier (1) via the communication interface (240).

[0457] The dehumidifier (1) can determine whether the notification condition is satisfied based on the water level information obtained by the water level sensor (150) (3200).

[0458] The dehumidifier (1) may provide a notification (3400) via the user interface device (300) in response to a determination that a notification condition has been satisfied (example of 3300). For example, the dehumidifier (1) may output a notification via the output interface (302) of the user interface device (300).

[0459] The dehumidifier (1) may transmit a notification to the user device (2) via the communication interface (400) in response to determining that a notification condition has been satisfied (example of 3300) (3400). For example, the dehumidifier (1) may transmit a notification to the user device (2) via the communication interface (400), and the user device (2) may output the notification via the user interface device (230) of the user device (2) in response to receiving the notification from the dehumidifier (1).

[0460] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a dehumidifier management method performed by a user device according to one embodiment.

[0461] Referring to FIG. 20, the user device (2) can receive a notification condition through the user interface device (230) (4100). For example, the user device (2) can provide interfaces (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5) for setting a notification condition through the output interface (232) of the user interface device (230), and can receive a setting of a notification condition from the user through the input interface (231) of the user interface device (230).

[0462] In one embodiment, the user device (2) can receive water level information from the dehumidifier (1) through the communication interface (240) and determine whether a notification condition is satisfied based on the water level information received from the dehumidifier (1) (4200).

[0463] The user device (2) may provide a notification (4400) via the user interface device (230) in response to determining that a notification condition has been satisfied (example of 4300). For example, the dehumidifier (1) may output a notification via the output interface (232) of the user interface device (230).

[0464] The user device (2) may transmit a notification to the dehumidifier (1) via the communication interface (240) in response to determining that a notification condition has been satisfied (example of 4300) (4400). For example, the user device (2) may transmit a notification to the dehumidifier (1) via the communication interface (240), and the dehumidifier (1) may output the notification via the user interface device (300) of the dehumidifier (1) in response to receiving the notification from the user device (2).

[0465] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a dehumidifier management method performed by a computing device according to one embodiment.

[0466] Referring to FIG. 21, the user device (2) can receive a notification condition through the user interface device (230) and transmit information about the notification condition to the computing device (3) (5100). For example, the user device (2) can provide interfaces (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5) for setting the notification condition through the output interface (232) of the user interface device (230), and can receive the setting of the notification condition from the user through the input interface (231) of the user interface device (230). The user device (2) can transmit information about the notification condition received through the input interface (231) to the computing device (3).

[0467] The computing device (3) can receive a notification condition from the user device (2).

[0468] According to various embodiments, operation 5100 may be performed by a dehumidifier (1).

[0469] In one embodiment, the dehumidifier (1) can obtain water level information through a water level sensor (150) and transmit the water level information to a computing device (3) (5200).

[0470] The computing device (3) can receive water level information from the dehumidifier (1).

[0471] The computing device (3) can determine whether the water level information received from the dehumidifier (1) satisfies the notification condition received from the user device (2) (5300).

[0472] The computing device (3) may provide a notification (5500) in response to determining that a notification condition has been satisfied (e.g., 5400). For example, the computing device (3) may transmit a notification to the dehumidifier (1), and the dehumidifier (1) may output the notification in response to receiving the notification from the computing device (3). As another example, the computing device (3) may transmit a notification to the user device (2), and the user device (2) may output the notification in response to receiving the notification.

[0473] According to various embodiments, at least one of the operations illustrated in FIG. 21 may be performed by the dehumidifier (1).

[0474] According to the present disclosure, the computing device (3) can reduce the data processing burden of the dehumidifier (1) and the user device (2) by acting as an intermediary for managing the user device (2) and the dehumidifier (1).

[0475] A dehumidifier management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes receiving a notification condition related to a water level of a water tank (100) of a dehumidifier (1) from a user; obtaining water level information regarding the water level of the water tank (100); and providing a notification corresponding to the notification condition to the user in response to the obtained water level information satisfying the received notification condition; wherein the received notification condition may be different from a full water level notification condition in which the water level of the water tank (100) reaches a full water level.

[0476] The received notification condition may include at least one of a first condition including that the water level of the water tank (100) has reached a designated water level set by the user, a second condition including that a predetermined time has passed without separation of the water tank (100) and the dehumidifier (1), or a third condition including that the water level of the water tank (100) is lower than the average usage water level.

[0477] In response to the water level of the water tank (100) reaching the designated water level while the received notification condition includes the first condition, providing the notification to the user may include providing a designated water level reaching notification (K1).

[0478] Providing the notification to the user in response to the water level of the water tank (100) reaching a predetermined level and the predetermined time elapses while the received notification condition includes the second condition may include providing a water emptying recommendation notification (K2).

[0479] The above water emptying recommendation notification can be provided to the user in response to the passage of the predetermined time without separation of the water tank (100) and the dehumidifier (1) from the time the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1) is completed.

[0480] The above dehumidifier management method may further include determining the average usage water level based on the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (100) from the time the dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier (1) starts until the time the dehumidification operation ends.

[0481] Providing the notification to the user in response to the water level of the water tank (100) being lower than the average usage water level in a state where the received notification condition includes the third condition may include providing an operation stop prediction notification (K3).

[0482] Determining the average usage level may include storing, in response to the end of the dehumidification operation, a change in the water level of the water tank (100) from the time the dehumidification operation is started until the end of the dehumidification operation as one of a plurality of factors in a memory (202, 222, 322); and determining an average value of the plurality of factors stored in the memory (202, 222, 322) as the average usage level.

[0483] The above dehumidifier management method further includes providing an interface (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5) for setting a notification corresponding to the notification condition; and the interface (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5) for setting a notification corresponding to the provided notification condition may include a first interface element (U11) for activating or deactivating a notification corresponding to the first condition, a second interface element (U12) for setting the designated water level, and an indicator (U13) for indicating an expected weight of the water tank (100) corresponding to the designated water level set by the second interface element (U12).

[0484] The above dehumidifier management method may further include: obtaining temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1); and determining the predetermined water level corresponding to the second condition based on the obtained temperature information and the obtained humidity information.

[0485] The above dehumidifier management method may further include: obtaining temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1); and determining the predetermined time corresponding to the second condition based on the obtained temperature information and the obtained humidity information.

[0486] The above dehumidifier management method further includes providing an interface (U5) for setting a personalized notification list including the notification condition; and the interface (U5) for setting the provided personalized notification list may include a first interface element (U51) for setting a cycle of a notification corresponding to the first condition, a second interface element (U52) for setting the designated water level corresponding to the first condition, a third interface element (U53) for activating or deactivating a notification corresponding to the third condition, and a fourth interface element (U54) for storing the set personalized notification list.

[0487] The above dehumidifier management method may further include: storing the set personalized notification list in response to the selection of the fourth interface element (U54); and providing an interface (U6) for activating or deactivating the stored set personalized notification list (L1, L2, L3, L4).

[0488] If the above-mentioned stored set personalized notification list (L1, L2, L3, L4) includes a first personalized notification list and a second personalized notification list having conflicting conditions, the dehumidifier management method may further include: activating the second personalized notification list and deactivating the first personalized notification list in response to receiving a user input for activating the second personalized notification list while the first personalized notification list is activated.

[0489] A dehumidifier (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a memory (202) storing at least one command; and at least one processor (201) that receives a notification condition related to a water level of a water tank (100) of the dehumidifier (1) from a user by executing the at least one command, obtains water level information about the water level of the water tank (100) of the dehumidifier (1), and outputs an electrical signal indicating a notification corresponding to the notification condition in response to the obtained water level information satisfying the received notification condition; wherein the received notification condition may be different from a full water level notification condition in which the water level of the water tank (100) reaches a full water level.

[0490] Outputting an electrical signal indicating a notification corresponding to the above notification condition may include transmitting an electrical signal indicating a notification corresponding to the above notification condition to an external device (2 and / or 3) via a communication interface (400).

[0491] The external device (2 and / or 3) may output a notification corresponding to the notification condition in response to receiving an electrical signal from the dehumidifier (1) indicating a notification corresponding to the notification condition.

[0492] Outputting an electrical signal representing a notification corresponding to the above notification condition may include controlling an output interface (302) to output a notification corresponding to the above notification condition.

[0493] The output interface (302) can output a notification corresponding to the notification condition in response to the at least one processor (201) outputting an electrical signal indicating a notification corresponding to the notification condition.

[0494] The received notification condition may include at least one of a first condition including that the water level of the water tank (100) has reached a designated water level set by the user, a second condition including that a predetermined time has passed without separation of the water tank (100) and the dehumidifier (1), or a third condition including that the remaining water level of the water tank (100) is lower than the average usable water level.

[0495] The at least one processor (201) can output the electrical signal indicating a designated water level reaching notification in response to the water level of the water tank (100) reaching the designated water level in a state where the received notification condition includes the first condition by executing the at least one command.

[0496] The at least one processor (201) may transmit the electrical signal indicating a water emptying recommendation notification in response to the water level of the water tank (100) corresponding to the water level information reaching a predetermined level and the predetermined time elapses while the received notification condition includes the second condition by executing the at least one command.

[0497] The at least one processor (201) can output the electrical signal indicating the water emptying recommendation notification in response to the passage of the predetermined time without separation of the water tank (100) and the dehumidifier (1) from the time point at which the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier (1) is terminated by executing the at least one command.

[0498] The at least one processor (201) may determine the average usage level based on the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (100) from the time the dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier (1) starts until the dehumidification operation ends by executing the at least one command, and output the electrical signal indicating an operation stop prediction notification in response to the water level of the water tank (100) being lower than the determined average usage level in a state where the notification condition includes the third condition.

[0499] The at least one processor (201) may, by executing the at least one command, store, in the memory (202), as one of a plurality of factors, a change in the water level of the water tank (100) from the time the dehumidification operation is started until the dehumidification operation is terminated in response to the dehumidification operation being terminated; and may determine an average value of the plurality of factors stored in the memory (202) as the average use water level.

[0500] The at least one processor (201) can receive temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1) by executing the at least one command, and determine the predetermined water level corresponding to the second condition based on the received temperature information and the received humidity information.

[0501] The at least one processor (201) can receive temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the dehumidifier (1) by executing the at least one command, and determine the predetermined time corresponding to the second condition based on the received temperature information and the received humidity information.

[0502] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0503] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0504] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0505] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document 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 machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0506] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Receive notification conditions related to the water level of the water tank of the dehumidifier from the user; Obtain water level information regarding the water level of the above water tank; Including providing a notification corresponding to the notification condition to the user in response to the acquired water level information satisfying the received notification condition; The above received notification conditions are: A dehumidifier management method, wherein the water level of the water tank is different from the full water level notification condition in which the water level reaches the full water level.

2. In paragraph 1, The above received notification conditions are: A dehumidifier management method comprising at least one of a first condition including that the water level of the water tank has reached a designated water level set by the user, a second condition including that a designated time has passed without separation of the water tank and the dehumidifier, or a third condition including that the remaining water level of the water tank is lower than the average usage water level.

3. In paragraph 2, A dehumidifier management method comprising: providing a notification of reaching a specified water level in response to the water level of the water tank reaching the specified water level while the received notification condition includes the first condition; 4. In paragraph 2, A dehumidifier management method comprising: providing a water emptying recommendation notification in response to the water level of the water tank reaching a predetermined level and the predetermined time elapses while the received notification condition includes the second condition; 5. In paragraph 4, A dehumidifier management method in which the above water emptying recommendation notification is provided to the user in response to the passage of the predetermined time without separation of the water tank and the dehumidifier from the time when the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier is terminated.

6. In paragraph 2, Further comprising: determining the average usage water level based on the amount of change in the water level of the water tank from the time the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier starts until the dehumidifying operation ends; A dehumidifier management method comprising: providing a notification to the user in response to the water level of the water tank being lower than the determined average usage level while the received notification condition includes the third condition; providing a notification of expected operation stop; 7. In paragraph 6, Determining the above average usage level is: In response to the termination of the dehumidifying operation, the amount of change in the water level of the water tank from the time the dehumidifying operation is started until the dehumidifying operation is terminated is stored in the memory as one of a plurality of factors; A dehumidifier management method comprising: determining an average value of the plurality of factors stored in the memory as the average usage level.

8. In paragraph 2, Further comprising providing an interface for setting a notification corresponding to the above notification condition; An interface for setting up notifications corresponding to the notification conditions provided above, A dehumidifier management method comprising a first interface element for activating or deactivating a notification corresponding to the first condition, a second interface element for setting the designated water level, and an indicator for indicating an expected weight of the water tank corresponding to the designated water level set by the second interface element.

9. In paragraph 4, Obtain temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the above dehumidifier; A dehumidifier management method further comprising: determining the predetermined water level corresponding to the second condition based on the acquired temperature information and the acquired humidity information.

10. In paragraph 2, Obtain temperature information and humidity information of the surrounding air of the above dehumidifier; A dehumidifier management method further comprising: determining the predetermined time corresponding to the second condition based on the acquired temperature information and the acquired humidity information.

11. In paragraph 2, Further comprising providing an interface for setting up a personalized notification list including the above notification conditions; The interface for setting up the personalized notification list provided above is: A dehumidifier management method comprising a first interface element for setting a cycle of a notification corresponding to the first condition, a second interface element for setting the designated water level corresponding to the first condition, a third interface element for activating or deactivating a notification corresponding to the third condition, and a fourth interface element for storing the set personalized notification list.

12. In paragraph 11, In response to the selection of the fourth interface element, store the set personalized notification list; A method for managing a dehumidifier, further comprising: providing an interface for activating or deactivating the stored set personalized notification list.

13. In paragraph 12, If the above-mentioned stored set personalized notification list includes a first personalized notification list and a second personalized notification list having conflicting conditions, the dehumidifier management method, A dehumidifier management method further comprising: activating the second personalized notification list and deactivating the first personalized notification list in response to receiving a user input for activating the second personalized notification list while the first personalized notification list is activated; 14. In the dehumidifier, a memory storing at least one instruction; and By executing at least one of the above commands, Receive a notification condition related to the water level of the water tank of the dehumidifier from the user, Obtain water level information regarding the water level of the water tank of the above dehumidifier, At least one processor for outputting an electrical signal indicating a notification corresponding to the received notification condition in response to the acquired water level information satisfying the notification condition; The above received notification conditions are: A dehumidifier, wherein the water level of the water tank is different from the full water level notification condition in which the water level reaches the full water level.

15. In paragraph 14, The above received notification conditions are: A dehumidifier comprising at least one of a first condition including that the water level of the water tank has reached a designated water level set by the user, a second condition including that a designated time has elapsed without separation of the water tank and the dehumidifier, or a third condition including that the remaining water level of the water tank is lower than the average usage water level.

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