Dryer and operating method thereof

Abstract

A method of a dryer according to an embodiment disclosed herein may include the operations of: obtaining a reference temperature difference for determining whether a drying cycle of the dryer has ended; obtaining temperature difference data including the temperature difference between the temperature, obtained using a first temperature sensor, of air entering a drum, and the temperature, obtained using a second temperature sensor, of air exiting the drum; identifying whether the temperature difference is less than or equal to the reference temperature difference; and determining whether to end the drying cycle on the basis of the temperature difference data on the basis of the temperature difference being identified as being equal to or less than the reference temperature difference.

Description

Dryer and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dryer and a method of operating the dryer.

[0002] A dryer is a home appliance that dries items. Using a dryer is generally more effective and faster than hanging items to dry after washing.

[0003] To ensure optimal drying conditions for the object being dried, the dryer must accurately assess the dryness of the object as the drying process progresses. This accurate assessment of the dryness of the object allows the dryer to accurately determine when to terminate the drying process.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a dryer comprises: a drum for accommodating an object to be dried; a first temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of air flowing into the drum; a second temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of air flowing out from the drum; a memory for storing at least one program; and at least one processor electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the memory, the processor including a processing circuit for executing at least one command of the program stored in the memory, wherein the at least one processor may be configured to individually or commonly: obtain a reference temperature difference for determining the end of a drying cycle of the dryer, obtain temperature difference data including a temperature difference between a temperature of air flowing into the drum obtained using the first temperature sensor and a temperature of air flowing out from the drum obtained using the second temperature sensor, identify whether the temperature difference is less than or equal to the reference temperature difference, and determine whether to end the drying cycle based on the temperature difference data based on the temperature difference being identified as being less than or equal to the reference temperature difference.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of a dryer may include: obtaining a reference temperature difference for determining the end of a drying process of the dryer; obtaining temperature difference data including a temperature difference between a temperature of air flowing into the drum obtained using the first temperature sensor and a temperature of air flowing out of the drum obtained using the second temperature sensor; identifying whether the temperature difference is less than or equal to the reference temperature difference; and determining whether to end the drying process based on the temperature difference data based on the identification that the temperature difference is less than or equal to the reference temperature difference.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a schematic structure of the interior of a dryer and an air circulation path circulating inside and outside the drum of the dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the function of a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5A is a drawing illustrating a layout structure of an electrode sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5b is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electrode sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5c is a graph illustrating changes in touch values ​​per minute as a drying process progresses, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in the temperature difference of air as the drying process progresses according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the dryness of an object to be dried by using a temperature difference of air according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a dryer obtaining a reference temperature difference according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a dryer obtaining a reference temperature difference according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating changes in touch values ​​per minute as a drying process progresses, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating changes in touch values ​​per minute and changes in air temperature difference as a drying process progresses, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a dryer to determine whether to terminate a drying process based on temperature difference data, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a dryer to determine whether to terminate a drying process based on temperature difference data, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining whether to end a drying process using a slope pattern value based on temperature difference data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the dryness of an object to be dried by using a temperature difference of air according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 16 illustrates a screen in which a dryer displays a drying status according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0025] The present disclosure proposes a method for determining the end of a drying process (or determining the degree of dryness) by using temperature difference data of air before and after passage of a drum (or air before and after flowing into and out of the drum).

[0026] The present disclosure enables a dryer to directly determine the dryness level corresponding to the humidity of a drying object by utilizing air temperature changes or temperature change patterns based on temperature difference data. This enables accurate dryness determination and termination of the drying process at the precise time.

[0027] The present disclosure proposes a method for determining the end of a drying cycle (or determining the dryness) by using at least one sensor (e.g., a plurality of temperature sensors, electrode sensors, and / or weight sensors) for the drying function of a dryer, without adding additional mechanisms and equipment used only for determining the dryness.

[0028] The present disclosure proposes a method for measuring the weight of an object to be dried using a current pattern of a motor of a dryer at the beginning of a drying process, for primarily detecting the dryness state of the object to be dried using an electrode sensor disposed inside a drum, calculating a reference temperature difference for starting a dryness measurement judgment using a value (e.g., a temperature difference value) obtained based on the values ​​measured using the weight and electrode sensors as a factor, and estimating the amount of moisture remaining in the object to be dried and / or the dryness by using a gradient pattern of a temperature difference between the temperature of air flowing into the drum and the temperature of air flowing out of the drum using a plurality of temperature sensors from a time corresponding to the reference temperature difference.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dryer (100) according to one embodiment may include a housing (110) forming an exterior. The housing (110) may have, for example, a hexahedral shape.

[0031] The housing (110) may include a base plate (111) forming the bottom of the dryer (100), a front cover (112) forming the front of the dryer (100), a top cover (113) forming the upper surface of the dryer (100), and a side cover (114) forming the side and rear sides of the dryer (100).

[0032] According to one embodiment, an opening may be formed in the center of the front cover (112) for loading or unloading a drying object into or from the drum (120).

[0033] According to one embodiment, the housing (110) may include a door (115) rotatably connected to the front cover (112). The door (115) may be positioned corresponding to an opening of the front cover (112). The opening may be opened and closed by rotation of the door (115).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may include an input unit (117) for receiving a command from a user regarding the control of the operation of the dryer (100). The input unit (117) may be arranged on the front cover (112). The input unit (117) may include, for example, at least one of an input unit (117a) in the form of a jog shuttle or dial that a user can grasp and rotate, and an input unit (117b) in the form of a touch pad or key / button.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may include a display (118) that outputs various information regarding the operation of the dryer (100). The display (118) may be disposed on the front cover (112). The display (118) may include, for example, at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), a light emitting polymer display (LPD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED), or a flexible LED (FLED). For example, a touch pad may be disposed on the front of the display (118) to be implemented as a touch screen.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may include a drum (120) configured to receive an object to be dried. The drum (120) may be rotatably arranged within a housing (110). The drum (120) may have open front and rear sides. The drum (120) may be formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The front end of the drum (120) may be rotatably supported by a front panel (121) connected to a front cover (112). In addition, the rear end of the drum (120) may be rotatably supported by a rear panel (122) connected to a side cover (114).

[0037] According to one embodiment, the drying object may be an object accommodated within the drum (120) of the dryer (100) and subject to drying as the drying process progresses. For example, the drying object may be laundry, clothing, and / or wet cloth, but is not limited thereto. In the present disclosure, the drying object may be abbreviated as "drying object."

[0038] According to one embodiment, an opening (123) may be formed in the center of the front panel (121). The opening (123) may be formed at a position corresponding to the opening of the front cover (112) and the door (115). Depending on the opening and closing of the door (115), the opening of the front cover (112) and the opening (123) of the front panel (121) may be opened and closed together. When the door (115) is opened, the drum (120) may be in communication with the dryer (100), and a user may put an object to be dried into the drum (120) or take an object to be dried out from the inside of the drum (120). When the door (115) is closed, the drum (120) may be blocked from the outside of the dryer (100).

[0039] According to one embodiment, an air outlet (124) through which air flows may be formed on the lower side of the front panel (121). The internal air of the drum (120) may be discharged to the outside of the drum (120) through the air outlet (124).

[0040] According to one embodiment, an air inlet (125) through which air flows may be formed in the rear panel (122). External air of the drum (120) may be supplied to the interior of the drum (120) through the air inlet (125).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the drum (120) may include a plurality of lifters (126) protruding from the inner surface of the drum (120). Each of the plurality of lifters (126) may repeatedly raise and lower the drying object as the drum (120) rotates. Accordingly, the drying object may be evenly dried during the drying process.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may include a roller (128) that supports the rotation of the drum (120). The roller (128) may be arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the drum (120).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may include a drum drive unit (130) that rotates a drum (120). The drum drive unit (130) may include a motor (131) that generates power, a pulley (132) that rotates by receiving power from the motor (131), and a belt (133) that connects the pulley (131) and the drum (120). The belt (133) may be installed to wrap around the outer circumference of the pulley (132) and the outer circumference of the drum (120), and the pulley (132) may rotate according to the driving of the motor (131), and the drum (120) may also rotate. The drum (120) may rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise according to the driving of the motor (131).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may include an air path (140) that guides air circulating inside and outside the drum (120), and a blower fan (141) that forms the air flow.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the air path (140) may include a front duct (144) connecting an air outlet (124) of a front panel (121) and a blower fan (141), and a rear duct (145) connecting an air inlet (125) of a rear panel (122) and a blower fan (141).

[0046] According to one embodiment, a pulley (132) may be connected to one side of the drive motor (131), and a blower fan (141) may be connected to the other side of the drive motor (132). Accordingly, when the drive motor (131) operates, not only the pulley (132) but also the blower fan (141) may rotate by receiving power from the drive motor (131). According to one embodiment, a separate motor for driving the blower fan (141) may be further provided within the housing (110). Accordingly, the pulley (132) and the blower fan (141) may rotate independently regardless of the operation of the drive motor (131). When the blower fan (141) is in operation, the air inside the drum (120) is discharged to the outside of the drum (120) through the air outlet (124) by the air flow generated by the rotation of the blower fan (141), and the air outside the drum (120) can be supplied to the inside of the drum (120) through the air inlet (125). Accordingly, air can circulate inside and outside the drum (120).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may include a filter (146) that filters foreign substances contained in the air circulating inside and outside the drum (120). The filter (146) may filter foreign substances such as dust or lint generated from the object to be dried during the drying process. The filter (146) may be placed in the front duct (144) of the air passage (140).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may include a heat pump system (150) that dehumidifies or heats air circulating inside and outside the drum (120) through heat exchange between a refrigerant and air.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the heat pump system (150) may be installed on the base plate (111) of the housing (110). At least some of the components of the heat pump system (150), for example, the condenser (152) and the evaporator (154), may be disposed in the air passage (140). The heat pump system (150) may include a compressor (156 in FIG. 3) that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser (152) that heats air through heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant, an evaporator (154) that dehumidifies air through heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant, and an expansion valve (158 in FIG. 3) that expands the refrigerant.

[0050] In one embodiment, the compressor (156) can compress the refrigerant through the reciprocating motion of a piston within a cylinder. In one embodiment, the compressor (156) can compress the refrigerant through the rotational motion of a rotor. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0051] According to one embodiment, air discharged from the drum (120) and introduced into the front duct (144) may be cooled by exchanging heat with a refrigerant in an evaporator (154) disposed on the air passage (140). Through the heat exchange process, moisture contained in the air discharged from the drum (120) may be condensed and removed. Accordingly, condensate may be generated near the evaporator (154). The air cooled in the evaporator (154) may be heated by exchanging heat with a refrigerant in a condenser (152) disposed on the air passage (140). Through the heat exchange process, the air supplied to the drum (120) may be heated.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may include a heater (147) for heating air supplied to the drum (120). The heater (147) may be disposed in the rear duct (145) of the air passage (140). The heater (147) may be positioned between the condenser (152) of the heat pump system (150) and the air inlet (125) of the rear panel (122). The heater (147) may additionally heat the air heated by the condenser (152).

[0053] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a schematic structure of the interior of a dryer and an air circulation path circulating inside and outside the drum of the dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, the dryer (100) may include at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may be a sensor used for the drying function of the dryer (100).

[0055] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor may include a first temperature sensor (310), a second temperature sensor (320), and / or at least one electrode sensor (330). In one embodiment, the at least one sensor may further include a weight sensor (not shown).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first temperature sensor (310) can measure the temperature of air flowing into (or supplied to) the interior of the drum (120). The first temperature sensor (310) can be positioned adjacent to the heater (147). For example, the first temperature sensor (310) can be attached to or included in the heater (147). The first temperature sensor (310) can be positioned between the heater (147) and the drum (120). For example, the first temperature sensor (310) can be positioned between the heater (147) and the drum (120), adjacent to the heater (147).

[0057] In one embodiment, the second temperature sensor (320) can measure the temperature of air flowing out (or discharged) from the drum (120). The second temperature sensor (320) can be positioned adjacent to the filter (146) (e.g., a lint filter). For example, the second temperature sensor (320) can be attached to or included in the filter (146). The second temperature sensor (320) can be positioned between the filter (146) and the heat exchanger (340) (e.g., the heat pump system (150) of FIG. 2). For example, the second temperature sensor (320) can be positioned between the filter (146) and the heat exchanger (340), adjacent to the filter (146).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the electrode sensor (330) may include at least one electrode pair. The electrode pair may include a pair of electrodes. The electrode sensor (330) may be disposed on the inside of the drum (120).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the electrode sensor (330) can measure the number of times that current flows between two electrodes within the electrode pair for a certain period of time (e.g., 1 minute) by using an electrode pair disposed inside the drum (120). For example, when a drying object is accommodated inside the drum (120) and a drying process is in progress, current flows between the two electrodes whenever a wet drying object touches both electrodes within the electrode pair. The electrode sensor (330) can measure the number of times that current flows between the two electrodes within the electrode pair. In the present disclosure, the number of times that current flows between two electrodes within the electrode pair may be referred to as a current-carrying count, a touch count, or a touch value.

[0060] According to one embodiment, a weight sensor (not shown) can measure the weight of a drying object accommodated inside the drum (120). According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can also measure the weight of a drying object accommodated inside the drum (120) by using a current value pattern (e.g., a change pattern of a current value) of a motor (131) without using a separate weight sensor.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the air circulation path shows the flow of air between the drum (120) and the air path (e.g., the air path (140) of FIG. 2). Air introduced into the heat exchanger (340) (e.g., the heat pump system (150) of FIG. 2) may be converted into high-temperature, dry air through the heat exchange action of the heat exchanger (340) and transferred to the heater (147). The air introduced into the heater (147) may be additionally heated and introduced into the interior of the drum (120). The temperature of the air introduced into the interior of the drum (120) (e.g., air heated by the heater (147) and introduced into the interior of the drum (120)) may be measured by the first temperature sensor (310). The high-temperature, dry air introduced into the interior of the drum (120) may be used to dry an object to be dried contained inside the drum (120). The air used to dry the object to be dried may be discharged to the outside of the drum (120) at a lower temperature due to evaporation of moisture in the object to be dried during drying. The air discharged to the outside of the drum (120) may be filtered of foreign substances such as lint through a filter (146) and transferred to a heat exchanger (340). The temperature of the air discharged to the outside of the drum (120) (e.g., air discharged to the outside of the drum (120) and filtered by the filter (146)) may be measured by a second temperature sensor (320). The air introduced into the heat exchanger (340) may be converted into high-temperature, dry air through the heat exchange action of the heat exchanger (340) and transferred to the heater (147). In this manner, the air may be repeatedly circulated through the drum (120) to dry the object to be dried contained inside the drum (120).

[0062] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the function of a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] In this drawing and related description, for convenience of explanation, detailed descriptions of components other than those necessary for understanding the function of the dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are omitted.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may include an input unit (117), a display unit (118), at least one sensor (410), at least one processor (420), at least one memory (430), and / or a transceiver (440). Depending on the embodiment, at least one of these components (e.g., the transceiver (440)) may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Depending on the embodiment, some of these components may be integrated into a single component.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the input unit (117) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the dryer (100) (e.g., the processor (420)) from an external source of the dryer (100) (e.g., a user). The input unit (117) can include, for example, at least one of a jog shuttle or dial-shaped input unit that a user can grasp and rotate (e.g., the input unit (117a) of FIG. 1) and a touch pad or key / button-shaped input unit (e.g., the input unit (117b) of FIG. 1).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the input unit (117) can receive various inputs / commands from the user. The input unit (117) can receive an input from the user to select an operation mode of the dryer (100), for example, a drying mode. The input unit (117) can receive a command to start and / or stop operation according to the operation mode of the dryer selected by the user. The input unit (117) can receive an input from the user requesting to provide a drying progress status.

[0067] According to one embodiment, at least one sensor (410) can detect the operating state of the dryer (100) or the external environmental state, and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. For example, at least one sensor (410) can include a first temperature sensor (e.g., the first temperature sensor (310) of FIG. 3), a second temperature sensor (e.g., the second temperature sensor (320) of FIG. 3), at least one electrode sensor (e.g., the electrode sensor (330) of FIG. 3), and / or a weight sensor. Sensor data measured (or detected) by at least one sensor can be stored in the memory (430) and used by at least one processor (420).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the first temperature sensor may measure the temperature of air flowing into (or supplied to) the interior of a drum (e.g., drum (120) of FIG. 2). For a description of the first temperature sensor, reference may be made to the description of FIG. 3.

[0069] In one embodiment, the second temperature sensor may measure the temperature of air flowing out (or discharged) from the drum (e.g., drum (120) of FIG. 2). For a description of the second temperature sensor, see the description of FIG. 3.

[0070] In one embodiment, the electrode sensor may measure the number of times a current flows between two electrodes within the electrode pair over a given period of time (e.g., 1 minute) by using a pair of electrodes positioned inside a drum (e.g., drum (120) of FIG. 2). A description of the electrode sensor may refer to the description of FIG. 3.

[0071] In one embodiment, the weight sensor can measure the weight of a drying object contained inside a drum (e.g., drum (120) of FIG. 2). For a description of the weight sensor, see the description of FIG. 3.

[0072] In one embodiment, the display (118) can visually provide information to an external user (e.g., a user) of the dryer (100). The display (118) can include a touch sensor configured to detect touch. The display (118) can display a drying progress status. The display (118) can display the drying progress status in response to receiving an input from the user requesting to provide the drying progress status.

[0073] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (420) may be electrically or operatively connected to a memory (430), a transceiver (430), and at least one sensor (410). The at least one processor (420) may include a processing circuit that executes at least one instruction stored in the memory (430).

[0074] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (420) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. One or more of the at least one processor (420) may be individually and / or collectively configured to perform various functions described in the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, when "a processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms encompass, for example, but are not limited to, a situation where one processor performs some of the recited functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the recited functions, and also encompass a situation where a single processor can perform all of the recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor (420) may include a combination of processors that perform the various recited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor (420) can execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0075] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (420) may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory (430) to perform calculations or data processing related to control and / or communication of at least one other component of the dryer (100). The at least one processor (420) may include, for example, at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a sensor hub, a supplementary processor, a communication processor, an application processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and may have multiple cores.

[0076] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (420) may control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the dryer (100) connected to the processor (420), for example, by executing software, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, at least one processor (420) may store commands or data received from other components in volatile memory, process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory, and store result data in non-volatile memory. According to one embodiment, at least one processor (420) may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, when the electronic device (100) includes a main processor and an auxiliary processor, the auxiliary processor may be configured to use less power than the main processor or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor may be implemented separately from the main processor or as part of it.

[0077] According to one embodiment, at least one memory (430) may store various information or data related to the operation of the dryer (100). For example, the memory (430) may include one or more storage media (or storage circuits) that store at least one instruction. For example, the memory (430) may include instructions that, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor (100), cause the dryer (100) to perform at least one operation and / or function (e.g., at least one operation and / or function for determining the dryness of an object to be dried).

[0078] According to one embodiment, at least one memory (430) can store various data used by at least one component of the dryer (100) (e.g., a processor (420) or at least one sensor (410)). The data can include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., a program) and instructions related thereto. The memory (430) can include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the transceiver (440) may provide a wired / wireless communication interface that enables communication with an external device. The transceiver (440) may include at least one of a wired Ethernet, a wireless LAN communication module, and a short-range communication module. The wireless LAN communication module may include, for example, Wi-Fi and may support the wireless LAN standard (IEEE802.11x) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The wireless LAN communication module may be wirelessly connected to an Access Point (AP) under the control of the processor (420). The AP may include a device that enables devices to be connected using a related standard using Wi-Fi in a computer network. The short-range communication module may wirelessly perform short-range communication with an external device under the control of the processor (420). Short-range communication may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), and Near Field Communication (NFC). External devices may include server devices that provide services, etc., and mobile terminals (e.g., phones, tablets, etc.).

[0080] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating the arrangement structure of an electrode sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electrode sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5C is a graph illustrating changes in touch values ​​per minute as a drying process progresses according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5A, the electrode sensor (330) may include a pair of electrodes (e.g., electrode (331) and electrode (332)). According to one embodiment, the electrode sensor (330) may be disposed inside the drum (120) of the dryer (100). For example, the electrode sensor (330) may be disposed in an area adjacent to the opening of the dryer (100) inside the drum (120). In this way, by disposing the electrode sensor (330) inside the drum (120), the electrode sensor (330) may measure the number of touches per a certain time period (e.g., per minute) through a drying object accommodated inside the drum (120). Although FIG. 5A illustrates only one electrode sensor (330), a plurality of electrode sensors (330) may be disposed inside the drum (120) depending on the embodiment.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5b, when a wet drying object (510) comes into contact with both electrodes of the electrode sensor (330), current flows between the two electrodes due to the moisture in the drying object (510). As the drying process progresses, the moisture in the drying object evaporates, causing the drying object to become dry. In this case, even if the dried drying object (520) comes into contact with both electrodes of the electrode sensor (330), current does not flow between the two electrodes. In this way, the number of touches measured by the electrode sensor (330) depends on the degree of dryness of the drying object. For example, as the degree of dryness of the drying object decreases, the number of touches per a certain period of time (e.g., 1 minute) may decrease. For example, when the drying object is dried to a certain level or higher, the number of touches per a certain period of time may be 0. Therefore, the dryer (100) can indirectly determine the dryness of the target object by using the number of touches per fixed time measured by the electrode sensor (330).

[0083] Fig. 5c shows an example of the number of touches per minute (touch #) measured by the electrode sensor (330) according to the progress of the drying process. Hereinafter, with reference to the graph of Fig. 5c, a method by which the dryer (100) determines the dryness level using the electrode sensor will be exemplarily described.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 5c, it can be confirmed that the number of touches per minute is high at the beginning of the drying process because the moisture content of the drying object is high. As the drying process progresses, the moisture content decreases due to the drying of the drying object by the high-temperature dry air introduced into the drum (120), and after a certain period of time (e.g., 6500 seconds), the number of touches per minute becomes lower than a preset number (e.g., 0). For example, when the number of touches per minute becomes 0, the dryer (100) can recognize that the drying object is dried to a certain level or higher. However, at that point in time, the drying of the drying object is not yet completely completed. Therefore, in order to completely dry the drying object, the dryer (100) can end the drying process after a certain period of time (e.g., 3250 seconds) from the time point (t1) when the number of touches per minute becomes 0. The period (first period) from the time (t1) when the number of touches per minute becomes 0 to the time (t2) when the drying process ends can be set based on the period (second period) from the time (t0) when the drying process starts to the time (t1) when the number of touches per minute becomes 0. That is, the first period can be set using the second period as a factor. For example, the first period can be set to half of the second period, but is not limited thereto. From the time (t1) when the number of touches per minute becomes 0 to the time (t2) when the drying process ends, the dryer (100) may not measure the number of touches per minute using the electrode sensor (330). That is, the dryer (100) may add drying time from the time (t1) when the number of touches per minute becomes 0 to the time (t2) when the drying process ends, without measurement by the electrode sensor (330).

[0085] The method of determining the dryness using the electrode sensor (330) described above cannot determine the dryness state of the drying object based on the sensing results because the number of touches per minute does not change after the drying object has dried to a certain level or higher, for example, after the number of touches per minute becomes 0. Therefore, this method has difficulty in accurately determining the point in time when the drying object has completely dried.

[0086] In addition, the method of determining dryness using an electrode sensor (330) indirectly determines the dryness of the object to be dried through the number of touches, making it difficult to accurately determine the actual dryness corresponding to the moisture content of the object to be dried. Therefore, under-drying or over-drying may occur.

[0087] In addition, the method of determining the dryness using the electrode sensor (330) is difficult to accurately measure the dryness because the area where the electrode sensor (330) is placed is very small compared to the entire area of ​​the drum (120). For example, when the amount of the object to be dried contained in the drum (120) is small, the probability of the electrode sensor (330) coming into contact with the object to be dried is low, so the number of touches may be small compared to the actual degree of dryness. For example, when the amount of the object to be dried contained in the drum (120) is large, the object to be dried is not smoothly tumbling inside the drum (120), so the number of touches is measured only for the object to be dried located around the electrode sensor (330), making it difficult to accurately measure the dryness of the object to be dried stuck inside. As a result, a blind spot of the electrode sensor (330) occurs.

[0088] As such, the method of determining dryness using an electrode sensor (330) makes it difficult to accurately determine dryness. Therefore, a different dryness determination method is needed for accurate dryness measurement. For example, a method that directly determines dryness using the temperature difference between the air flowing into and out of the drum (120) can be used. This will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 15.

[0089] FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in the temperature difference of air as the drying process progresses according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] According to one embodiment, air passing through (or circulating through) a drum (e.g., drum (120) of FIG. 2) may be air that is introduced into the interior of the drum (120), used for drying the object to be dried inside the drum (120), and then discharged to the exterior of the drum (120). In this way, since the air is used for drying the object to be dried inside the drum (120), the temperature of the object to be dried drops due to evaporation of moisture in the object to be dried. Therefore, the air before / after passing through the drum (120) (or before / after flowing into / out of the drum (120)) has a temperature difference.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can obtain temperature difference data of air passing through the drum (120). The dryer (100) can obtain the temperature difference of air passing through the drum (120) while the drying process is in progress. For example, the dryer (100) can obtain the temperature difference of air passing through the drum (120) in preset time units (e.g., 1 second units) while the drying process is in progress.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can obtain the temperature difference of the air passing through the drum (120) using the first temperature sensor (310) and the second temperature sensor (320). For example, while the drying process is in progress, the dryer (100) can measure the temperature (first temperature) of the air flowing into the drum (120) using the first temperature sensor (310), measure the temperature (second temperature) of the air flowing out of the drum (120) using the second temperature sensor (320), and determine the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature as the temperature difference of the air passing through the drum (120). In the present disclosure, the temperature difference of the air or the temperature difference of the air passing through the drum can be understood to refer to the temperature difference of the air before / after passing through the drum (120) (or, before / after flowing out of the drum (120).

[0093] Referring to Fig. 6, the change pattern of the temperature difference of the air passing through the drum (120) can be confirmed according to the progress of the drying process.

[0094] In the initial section after the drying process begins, the dryer (100) raises the temperature of the air to dry the object to be dried. Therefore, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the initial section corresponds to the rising section (610) in which the temperature difference of the air increases.

[0095] In the section following the rising section (610), the wet drying target can be dried by the high-temperature dry air introduced into the drum (120). As illustrated in Fig. 6, this section corresponds to the equilibrium section (620) in which the temperature difference of the air gradually decreases. This first equilibrium section (620) may be referred to as the first equilibrium section.

[0096] In the section after the first equilibrium section (620), a descending section (630) appears in which the temperature difference of the air decreases more steeply than in the first equilibrium section (620), as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0097] In the section after the descending section (630), the drying object is dried to a certain level or higher, for example, most of the moisture in the drying object has evaporated, and an equilibrium section (640) appears in which the temperature difference in the air reaches an equilibrium state again, as illustrated in FIG. 6. This second equilibrium section (640) may be referred to as a second equilibrium section. The second equilibrium section (640) may be, for example, a section in which it can be determined that the drying of the drying object is substantially complete. Accordingly, the dryer (100) can determine whether the drying of the drying object is complete by identifying a temperature difference change pattern in the air that is substantially the same as the pattern (equilibrium pattern) corresponding to the second equilibrium section (640). To this end, the dryer (100) needs to distinguish between the first equilibrium section (620) and the second equilibrium section (640). An embodiment for clearly identifying the second equilibrium section (640) by distinguishing between the first equilibrium section (620) and the second equilibrium section (640) is described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 15.

[0098] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the dryness of an object to be dried by using a temperature difference of air according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 7, in operation 7010, the dryer (100) can obtain a reference temperature difference.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the reference temperature difference may include a temperature difference value used to distinguish a first equilibrium section (e.g., the first equilibrium section (620) of FIG. 6) and a second equilibrium section (e.g., the second equilibrium section (640) of FIG. 6). For example, if an equilibrium section has a temperature difference higher than the reference temperature difference, the dryer (100) may determine the corresponding equilibrium section as the first equilibrium section (620). Alternatively, if the equilibrium section has a temperature difference lower than the reference temperature difference, the dryer (100) may determine the corresponding equilibrium section as the second equilibrium section (640).

[0101] In one embodiment, the reference temperature difference may be used to determine the end of the drying process of the dryer (100). For example, the reference temperature difference may be used to determine the end of the drying process of the dryer (100) (e.g., determining whether a termination condition is satisfied) or to determine whether to initiate dryness measurement (e.g., measuring a temperature difference slope or a temperature difference slope pattern value (X)). In one example, in response to the temperature difference of the air reaching the reference temperature difference, the dryer (100) may determine to initiate the end of the drying process or the dryness measurement.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can obtain a reference temperature difference using touch value data acquired using an electrode sensor (330). An embodiment of obtaining a reference temperature difference using touch value data is described below with reference to FIG. 8.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can obtain a reference temperature difference using pre-stored temperature difference change pattern data. An embodiment of obtaining a reference temperature difference using pre-stored temperature difference change pattern data is described below with reference to FIG. 9.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can obtain a reference temperature difference by using at least one of the temperature difference values ​​within the descending section (e.g., the descending section (630) of FIG. 6) as a factor.

[0105] In operation 7020, the dryer (100) can obtain temperature difference data.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the temperature difference data may include at least one temperature difference value for air passing through the drum (120). The temperature difference value may be a value indicating a temperature difference between air flowing into the drum (120) and air flowing out from the drum (120) at a given point in time. For example, the temperature difference value may be a value (e.g., a current temperature difference value) indicating a temperature difference between air flowing into the drum (120) and air flowing out from the drum (120) at a first point in time (e.g., a current point in time).

[0107] In one embodiment, the dryer (100) can acquire temperature difference values ​​at preset time intervals (e.g., 1 second). In this case, the temperature difference data may include air temperature difference values ​​acquired every second. The temperature difference data thus acquired may be stored in a memory (e.g., memory (430) of FIG. 4).

[0108] In operation 7030, the dryer (100) can identify whether the temperature difference is lower than or equal to the reference temperature difference. In other words, the dryer (100) can identify whether the temperature difference is lower than or equal to the reference temperature difference. For example, the dryer (100) can identify whether the temperature difference (e.g., the current temperature difference) of the air at a first point in time (e.g., the current point in time) included in the temperature difference data is lower than or equal to the reference temperature difference. If the temperature difference is identified as lower than or equal to the reference temperature difference, operation 7040 can be performed. If the temperature difference is identified as higher than the reference temperature difference, the process proceeds to A, and operation 7020 can be performed again. When operation 7020 is performed again, the dryer (100) can additionally acquire a temperature difference value of air at a time point (e.g., a second time point) after a time point (e.g., a first time point) at which the previous temperature difference data was acquired, and can acquire temperature difference data including the additionally acquired temperature difference value (e.g., a changed current temperature difference value). For example, the dryer (100) can additionally acquire a temperature difference value of air at a second time point that is 1 second after the first time point, and can acquire temperature difference data including the additionally acquired temperature difference value.

[0109] In operation 7040, the dryer (100) can determine whether to end the drying process (or drying of the drying object) based on the temperature difference data.

[0110] According to one embodiment, in response to identifying that the temperature difference is lower than or equal to the reference temperature difference, the dryer (100) can determine whether to terminate the drying process based on the temperature difference data. As described above with reference to FIG. 6, when the temperature difference is lower than or equal to the reference temperature difference, the equilibrium section that appears after the time having the corresponding temperature difference corresponds to a second equilibrium section (e.g., the second equilibrium section (640) of FIG. 6) in which it can be determined that drying of the object to be dried is substantially completed. Therefore, after identifying that the temperature difference is lower than or equal to the reference temperature difference, the dryer (100) can determine whether to terminate the drying process by identifying a section corresponding to the second equilibrium section (640) based on the temperature difference data. An embodiment of determining whether to terminate the drying process based on the temperature difference data will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0111] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a dryer obtaining a reference temperature difference according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] The embodiment of FIG. 8 may be, for example, an example of operation 7010 of FIG. 7. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the dryer (100) may obtain a reference temperature difference using touch value data obtained using an electrode sensor (330).

[0113] In operation 8010, the dryer (100) may acquire touch value data using the electrode sensor (330). According to one embodiment, the touch value data may include a value of the number of touches (touch value) measured over a preset period of time using the electrode sensor (330). For example, the touch value data may include a value of the number of touches per minute.

[0114] In operation 8020, the dryer (100) can identify whether a touch value included in the touch value data (e.g., current touch value per minute) is lower than or equal to a reference touch value (e.g., touch value per minute = 0). If the touch value is lower than or equal to the reference touch value, operation 8030 can be performed. If the touch value is higher than the reference touch value, operation 8010 can be performed again. For example, if the touch value is higher than the reference touch value, operation 8010 can be performed again using touch value data acquired in a period (a second period) following the period (a first period) in which the current touch value data was acquired. For example, if the touch value is higher than the reference touch value, the dryer (100) can perform operation 8010 again using touch value data including a touch value measured for 1 minute following the first period.

[0115] In operation 8030, the dryer (100) may calculate a reference temperature difference based on a touch value (e.g., a current touch value per minute) and weight information indicating the weight of the object to be dried. According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may calculate the reference temperature difference based on the touch value and the weight information of the object to be dried using the following mathematical expression 1.

[0116]

[0117] Here,

[0118] T: Reference temperature difference (but the minimum value of T is 6)

[0119] dT: Temperature difference at the point where the touch value (e.g. touch value per minute) is 0

[0120] W: Weight of the dry object

[0121] a, b, c: constants

[0122] The constants a, b, and c may be constant values ​​determined in advance, for example, according to an experiment, and may be values ​​independent of the type, amount, and weight of the drying target.

[0123] As in mathematical expression 1, the value of the reference temperature difference may be a value proportional to the temperature difference at a point where the touch value (e.g., touch value per minute) is 0 and the weight value of the drying target.

[0124] In one embodiment, the dryer (100) may perform the operations of FIG. 8 (e.g., operations 8010, 8020, and / or 8030) once per preset period of time (e.g., one minute). For example, the dryer (100) may perform operations 8010, 8020, and 8030 once per minute. The preset period of time may be, for example, the same as the period of time for measuring the number of touches.

[0125] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a dryer obtaining a reference temperature difference according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] The embodiment of FIG. 9 may be, for example, an example of operation 7010 of FIG. 7. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the dryer (100) may obtain a reference temperature difference using pre-stored temperature difference change pattern data.

[0127] In operation 9010, the dryer (100) may acquire temperature difference change pattern data. According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may acquire temperature difference change pattern data pre-stored in memory. The temperature difference change pattern data may include, for example, data corresponding to the temperature difference change pattern graph of FIG. 6.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the temperature difference change pattern data may be data generated by the dryer (100) or an external electronic device (e.g., a server connected to the dryer (100)).

[0129] In one embodiment, the temperature difference change pattern data may be experimentally acquired or generated by a pre-trained artificial intelligence (AI) model. If the temperature difference change pattern data is generated by a pre-trained AI model, the input data of the AI ​​model may include data on the weight, type, quantity, and / or type of the drying object.

[0130] In one embodiment, the temperature difference change pattern data may be associated with factors such as the weight, type, quantity, and / or type of the drying object. The temperature difference change pattern data may be generated for each of the factors and stored in the memory of the dryer (100) (e.g., the memory (430) of FIG. 4).

[0131] In operation 9020, the dryer (100) can determine a reference temperature difference based on a temperature difference change pattern of the temperature difference change pattern data. For example, if the temperature difference change pattern data includes data corresponding to the temperature difference change pattern graph of FIG. 6, the dryer (100) can determine a temperature difference corresponding to a point within a descending section (630) of the temperature difference change pattern graph of FIG. 6, a starting point of a second equilibrium section (640), or a point within a second equilibrium section (640), as the reference temperature difference.

[0132] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating changes in touch values ​​per minute as a drying process progresses, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating changes in touch values ​​per minute and changes in air temperature difference as a drying process progresses, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the touch value change graph (1000) per minute may be, for example, the same graph as the touch value change graph (1000) per minute of FIG. 10.

[0134] Referring to the graph (1000) of the touch value change per minute in Fig. 10, it can be seen that the number of touches per minute (touch value per minute) is high at the beginning of the drying process because the moisture content of the drying object is high. As the drying process progresses, the moisture content of the drying object decreases due to drying, and after a certain period of time (e.g., 2 hours), the number of touches per minute becomes 0.

[0135] Referring to the graph of touch value change per minute (1000) and the graph of air temperature difference change (1100) of FIG. 11, the point in time (1001) when the number of touches per minute becomes 0 in the graph of touch value change per minute (1000) may correspond to a point in time within a descending section (e.g., descending section (630) of FIG. 6) of the graph of air temperature difference change (1100). For example, the point in time (1001) when the number of touches per minute becomes 0 may correspond to an initial point in time within the descending section. The point in time corresponding to the reference temperature difference (1102) in the graph of air temperature difference change (1100) may correspond to, for example, a point in time (1101) when a determination is made as to whether a termination condition for determining whether to terminate a drying process is satisfied. Therefore, if the temperature difference at the point in time (1001) when the number of touches per minute corresponding to the initial point in time of the descending section becomes 0 is determined as the reference temperature difference, the dryer (100) must continue to determine whether to end the drying process for most of the descending section. This is inefficient because it lengthens the section in which it must determine whether to end the drying process. Therefore, it may be efficient to determine the temperature difference corresponding to another point in time (e.g., point in time (1101)) after the point in time (1001) when the number of touches per minute becomes 0 as the reference temperature difference (1102). At this time, in order to determine the reference temperature difference (1102), for example, an equation such as the above-described mathematical expression 1 may be used.

[0136] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a dryer to determine whether to terminate a drying process based on temperature difference data, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] The embodiment of FIG. 12 may be, for example, an example of operation 7040 of FIG. 7.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 12, in operation 12010, the dryer (100) can identify a temperature difference change pattern based on temperature difference data.

[0139] In operation 12020, the dryer (100) can determine whether the temperature difference change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern (e.g., an equilibrium pattern after a time corresponding to a reference temperature difference). According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can determine whether the temperature difference change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern corresponding to a second equilibrium section (e.g., the second equilibrium section (640) of FIG. 6). If the temperature difference change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern, operation 12030 is performed. If the temperature difference change pattern does not correspond to an equilibrium pattern, the process proceeds to A, and operation 7020 of FIG. 7 can be performed again. If operation 7020 is performed again, the dryer (100) can additionally acquire a temperature difference value of air at a time point (e.g., a second time point) after a time point (e.g., a first time point) at which the previous temperature difference data was acquired, and acquire temperature difference data including the additionally acquired temperature difference value. For example, the dryer (100) can additionally obtain a temperature difference value of air at a second time point that is one second later than the first time point, and obtain temperature difference data including the additionally obtained temperature difference value.

[0140] At operation 12030, the dryer (100) may terminate the drying process. In one embodiment, in response to identifying that the temperature difference change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern, the dryer (100) may terminate the drying process.

[0141] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a dryer determining whether to terminate a drying process based on temperature difference data, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a method of a dryer determining whether to terminate a drying process using a slope pattern value based on temperature difference data, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] The embodiment of FIG. 13 may be an example of operation 7040 of FIG. 7.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 13, in operation 13010, the dryer (100) can determine whether the slope pattern value (X) acquired based on the temperature difference data satisfies the termination condition. The slope pattern value (X) may be a value associated with the slope at a given point in time (e.g., the current point in time).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can obtain a slope pattern value (X) based on the temperature difference data. For example, the dryer (100) can calculate the slope pattern value (X) by using the temperature difference value of the air at a first time point (e.g., the current time point) included in the temperature difference data and the temperature difference of the air at a time point (a third time point) prior to a specific time (t) (e.g., 5 seconds) from the first time point. The slope pattern value (X) may be, for example, a value obtained by subtracting the temperature difference value of the air at the third time point from the temperature difference value of the air at the first time point. Alternatively, the slope pattern value (X) may be, for example, a value obtained by dividing the value obtained by subtracting the temperature difference value of the air at the third time point from the temperature difference value of the air at the first time point by a specific time (t) (slope value).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can determine whether the slope pattern value (X) satisfies the termination condition by determining whether the slope pattern value (X) falls within a preset specific range (e.g., -α ≤ X ≤ α). If the slope pattern value (X) falls within the preset specific range, the dryer (100) can determine that the slope pattern value (X) satisfies the termination condition. If the slope pattern value (X) does not fall within the preset specific range, the dryer (100) can determine that the slope pattern value (X) does not satisfy the termination condition. Here, α can be set to a value such that the slope value at the current point in time becomes substantially 0. For example, α can be set to a value close to 0 (e.g., 0.5).

[0146] If the slope pattern value (X) satisfies the termination condition, operation 13020 may be performed. If the slope pattern value (X) does not satisfy the termination condition, the process proceeds to A, and operation 7020 of FIG. 7 may be performed again. If operation 7020 is performed again, the dryer (100) may additionally acquire a temperature difference value of air at a time point (e.g., a second time point) after a time point (e.g., a first time point) at which previous temperature difference data was acquired, and may acquire temperature difference data including the additionally acquired temperature difference value. For example, the dryer (100) may additionally acquire a temperature difference value of air at a second time point that is 1 second after the first time point, and may acquire temperature difference data including the additionally acquired temperature difference value.

[0147] In operation 13020, the dryer (100) may update the end condition satisfaction count. For example, in response to identifying that the slope pattern value (X) satisfies the end condition, the dryer (100) may increase the value of the end condition satisfaction count by a preset number (e.g., 1).

[0148] In operation 13030, the dryer (100) can determine whether the termination condition satisfaction count is greater than or equal to the reference count (c).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can obtain a reference count (C) based on weight information of the object to be dried. The value of the reference count (C) can be set to a value such that a certain number or more of numbers that make the slope value substantially 0 are accumulated so that the slope change pattern of the corresponding section corresponds to an equilibrium pattern. For example, the dryer (100) can calculate the value of the reference count (c) based on weight information indicating the weight of the object to be dried using the following mathematical expression 2.

[0150]

[0151] Here,

[0152] C: Value of the reference count

[0153] W: Weight of the dry object

[0154] d, e: constants

[0155] The constants d and e may be, for example, constant values ​​determined in advance according to an experiment, and may be values ​​independent of the type, amount, and weight of the drying target.

[0156] As in mathematical expression 2, the value of the reference count (C) may be a value proportional to the weight of the drying target.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can measure a tilt count (C) once during a drying cycle in response to measuring the weight of the object to be dried.

[0158] If the value of the end condition satisfaction count is greater than or equal to the value of the reference count, operation 13040 may be performed. If the value of the end condition satisfaction count is less than the value of the reference count, the process proceeds to A, and operation 7020 of FIG. 7 may be performed again. If operation 7020 is performed again, the dryer (100) may additionally acquire a temperature difference value of air at a time point (e.g., a second time point) after a time point (e.g., a first time point) at which the previous temperature difference data was acquired, and may acquire temperature difference data including the additionally acquired temperature difference value. For example, the dryer (100) may additionally acquire a temperature difference value of air at a second time point that is 1 second after the first time point, and may acquire temperature difference data including the additionally acquired temperature difference value.

[0159] In operation 13040, the dryer (100) may terminate the drying process. In one embodiment, in response to identifying that the value of the termination condition satisfaction count is greater than or equal to the value of the reference count, the dryer (100) may terminate the drying process. If the value of the termination condition satisfaction count is greater than or equal to the value of the reference count, the dryer (100) may terminate the drying process because the slope change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern.

[0160] In the embodiment of Fig. 13, rather than terminating the drying process when a single termination condition is satisfied, the drying process is terminated when a preset slope count or more is satisfied, thereby reducing misjudgment of the dryness level.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may perform the operations of FIG. 13 (e.g., operations 13010, 13020, 13030, and / or 13040) once per preset period of time (e.g., 1 second). The preset period of time may be, for example, the same as the period of time for measuring the temperature difference value of the air.

[0162] FIG. 14 is, for example, an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 11. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 14, a method for determining whether to end a drying process by using a slope pattern value based on temperature difference data by a dryer (100) will be described.

[0163] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the dryer (100) may perform operations 13010, 13020, 13030, and 13040 once per preset period, and increase the value of the end condition satisfaction count by 1 each time the slope pattern value (X) satisfies the end condition. Thereafter, when the value of the end condition satisfaction count corresponds to the value of the reference count (e.g., n), the dryer (100) may recognize that the slope change pattern reaches (or corresponds to) an equilibrium pattern, and may terminate the drying process.

[0164] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the dryness of an object to be dried by using a temperature difference of air according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 15, at operation 15010, the dryer (100) can start a drying process.

[0166] In operation 15020, the dryer (100) can measure (or obtain) the weight of the drying object contained in the drum. The description of operation 15020 may refer to the description of FIG. 3. Therefore, any duplicate description will be omitted.

[0167] In one embodiment, the dryer (100) may measure the weight of the object to be dried once in response to identifying that a drying cycle has begun. The weight of the object to be dried may be measured once while the drying cycle is in progress, and weight information indicating the weight of the object to be dried may be stored in memory.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can measure the weight of the object to be dried using a weight sensor or a current value pattern of a motor.

[0169] In operation 15030, the dryer (100) can obtain a reference count (C). The description of operation 15030 may refer to the descriptions of FIGS. 13 and 14. Therefore, any duplicate description will be omitted.

[0170] In operation 15040, the dryer (100) can identify a point in time when a touch value (e.g., touch value per minute) is less than or equal to a reference touch value (e.g., 0). The description of operation 15040 may refer to the descriptions of FIG. 7, FIG. 8 (e.g., operations 8010 and 8020 of FIG. 8), FIG. 10, and FIG. 11. Therefore, any duplicate description will be omitted.

[0171] In one embodiment, the dryer (100) may be in a standby state until a point in time when the touch value (e.g., touches per minute) is less than or equal to a reference touch value (e.g., 0) is identified. In response to identifying a point in time when the touch value (e.g., touches per minute) is less than or equal to the reference touch value (e.g., 0), the dryer (100) may perform a subsequent action (e.g., action 15050).

[0172] In operation 15050, the dryer (100) can obtain a reference temperature difference (T). The description of operation 15050 may refer to the descriptions of FIGS. 7, 8 (e.g., operation 8030 of FIG. 8), 9, 10, and 11. Therefore, any duplicate description will be omitted.

[0173] In operation 15061, the dryer (100) can measure the temperature of air flowing into the drum. The description of operation 15061 may refer to the description of FIG. 3. Therefore, a duplicate description is omitted.

[0174] In operation 15062, the dryer (100) can measure the temperature of air flowing out of the drum. The description of operation 15062 may refer to the description of FIG. 3. Therefore, a duplicate description is omitted.

[0175] In operation 15070, the dryer (100) is configured to measure the temperature difference (T) between the air flowing into the drum and the air flowing out of the drum. diff ) can be obtained. The description of operation 15070 may refer to the description of FIG. 7 (e.g., operation 7020 of FIG. 7). Therefore, duplicate description is omitted.

[0176] In operation 15080, the dryer (100) can obtain a slope pattern value (X) for the temperature difference of the air. The description of operation 15080 may refer to the descriptions of FIGS. 13 and 14. Therefore, a duplicate description is omitted.

[0177] At operation 15090, the dryer (100) is used to control the temperature difference (T) of the air. diff ) can determine whether the reference temperature difference (T) has reached. According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) determines whether the temperature difference (T) of the air diff ) is less than or equal to the reference temperature difference (T), thereby determining the temperature difference of the air (T diff ) can determine whether the reference temperature difference (T) has been reached. The temperature difference of the air (T diff ) reaches the reference temperature difference (T), operation 15100 can be performed. The temperature difference of the air (T diff ) does not reach the reference temperature difference (T), operations 15061 and 15062, and subsequent operations, may be performed again. The description of operation 15090 may refer to the description of FIG. 7 (e.g., operation 7040 of FIG. 7). Therefore, any duplicate description is omitted.

[0178] In operation 15100, the dryer (100) can determine whether the slope pattern value (X) for the temperature difference of the air has reached the termination condition. According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can determine whether the slope pattern value (X) satisfies the termination condition by determining whether the slope pattern value (X) falls within a preset specific range (e.g., -α ≤ X ≤ α). If the slope pattern value (X) satisfies the termination condition, operation 15110 can be performed. If the slope pattern value (X) does not satisfy the termination condition, operations 15061 and 15062, and subsequent operations can be performed again. The description of operation 15100 may refer to the description of FIGS. 13 and 14. Therefore, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0179] In operation 15110, the dryer (100) can update the termination condition satisfaction count (Count). The description of operation 15110 may refer to the descriptions of FIGS. 13 and 14. Therefore, any duplicate description will be omitted.

[0180] In operation 15120, the dryer (100) can determine whether the updated end condition satisfaction count (Count) has reached the reference count (C). According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) can determine whether the end condition satisfaction count (Count) has reached the reference count (C) by checking whether the end condition satisfaction count (Count) is greater than or equal to the reference count (c). If the end condition satisfaction count (Count) has reached the reference count (C), operation 15130 can be performed. If the end condition satisfaction count (Count) does not reach the reference count (C), operations 15061 and 15062, and subsequent operations can be performed again. The description of operation 15120 may refer to the description of FIGS. 13 and 14. Therefore, duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0181] At operation 15130, the dryer (100) may end the drying cycle. Through this, drying of the object to be dried may be ended.

[0182] Table 1 below illustrates examples of data stored in memory (e.g., memory (430) of FIG. 4) through at least one of the operations of the embodiments of FIGS. 7 to 15.

[0183] Data storage Data acquisition cycle Sensor Weight of drying target (W) 11 times Weight sensor Touch value (e.g. Touch value per minute) 160 seconds (1 minute) Electrode sensor Drum inlet temperature (T drum_in )(e.g. heater temperature)11 seconds 1st temperature sensor drum outlet temperature (T drum_out )(e.g. filter temperature)11 seconds2 Temperature sensor Air temperature difference (T diff ) Slope pattern value for 1 second temperature difference (X) 11 seconds Base temperature difference (T) 11 times End condition satisfaction count (Count) 11 seconds Base count (C) 11 times

[0184] Referring to Table 1, the weight (W) of the drying object can be initially acquired once using a weight sensor or a current value pattern of a motor and stored in memory. The touch value (e.g., touch value per minute) can be acquired at a cycle of 60 seconds (1 minute) using an electrode sensor and stored in memory. The temperature of the air flowing into the drum (drum inlet temperature (Tdrum_in)) can be acquired at a cycle of 1 second using a first temperature sensor and stored in memory. The temperature of the air flowing out from the drum (drum outlet temperature (Tdrum_out)) can be acquired at a cycle of 1 second using a second temperature sensor and stored in memory. The air temperature difference (Tdiff) is a value obtained by subtracting the drum outlet temperature from the drum inlet temperature acquired at a cycle of 1 second, and can be acquired at a cycle of 1 second and stored in memory. The memory can store, for example, data of the temperature difference of the air during a time (slope time) (e.g., t) that defines the slope pattern value (X) (or slope). The slope pattern value (X) for the air temperature difference can be obtained at a 1-second interval and stored in the memory as a value obtained by subtracting the temperature difference of the air before a specific time (t) from the current air temperature difference, or as a value obtained by subtracting the temperature difference of the air before a specific time (t) from the current air temperature difference and dividing the value by the specific time (t). The reference temperature difference (T) can be obtained once and stored in the memory. For example, the reference temperature difference (T) can be obtained once and stored in the memory in response to identifying that the number of touches per minute is 0. For example, the reference temperature difference can be obtained once and stored in the memory after identifying that the number of touches per minute is 0. The slope count (Count) that satisfies the termination condition can be obtained (or updated) at a 1-second interval and stored in the memory. The reference count (C) can be acquired once and stored in memory. For example, the reference count can be acquired once during weight measurement and stored in memory.

[0185] FIG. 16 illustrates a screen in which a dryer displays a drying status according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 16, the dryer (100) can display information indicating the drying state (e.g., dryness) of the drying object on a display (e.g., display (118) of FIGS. 1 and 4).

[0187] According to one embodiment, the drying state (e.g., dryness) of the drying object may be expressed as a percentage value or a level value (e.g., high, medium, low), but is not limited thereto.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the dryer (100) may display information indicating a drying state of the drying object on the display (118) in response to receiving an input (e.g., user input) requesting display of a drying state of the drying object. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the information indicating the drying state of the drying object may include information indicating a dryness degree of the drying object as a percentage (e.g., 65% dried) and / or information indicating a drying degree in a graph (e.g., a bar graph filled with an amount corresponding to 65% of 100%). The user may check the extent of drying through the information displayed on the display (118).

[0189] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a dryer (100) may include a drum (120) for accommodating an object to be dried, a first temperature sensor (310) for measuring the temperature of air flowing into the drum, a second temperature sensor (320) for measuring the temperature of air flowing out of the drum, a memory (430) for storing at least one program, and at least one processor (420) including a processing circuit electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the memory and executing at least one command of the program stored in the memory.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may individually or commonly obtain a reference temperature difference for determining the end of a drying process of the dryer, obtain temperature difference data including a temperature difference between a temperature of air flowing into the drum obtained using the first temperature sensor and a temperature of air flowing out of the drum obtained using the second temperature sensor, identify whether the temperature difference is less than or equal to the reference temperature difference, and determine whether to end the drying process based on the temperature difference data based on the temperature difference being identified as being less than or equal to the reference temperature difference.

[0191] In one embodiment, the dryer may include an electrode sensor (330) disposed inside the drum and including a pair of electrodes. The at least one processor may individually or commonly obtain the reference temperature difference using touch value data obtained using the electrode sensor. The touch value data may include a touch value indicating the number of times a current flows between the pair of electrodes during a preset period of time.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to individually or commonly identify whether a touch value included in the touch value data is less than or equal to a reference touch value, and in response to identifying that the touch value is less than or equal to the reference touch value, calculate the reference temperature difference based on the touch value and weight information indicating a weight of the drying object.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may individually or jointly acquire temperature difference change pattern data stored in the memory, and calculate the reference temperature difference based on the temperature difference change pattern of the temperature difference change pattern data. The temperature difference change pattern data may be generated by a pre-learned AI model, and may include data corresponding to a graph showing a change pattern of the temperature difference of the air as the drying process progresses.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may individually or commonly identify a temperature difference change pattern based on the temperature difference data, identify whether the temperature difference change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern, and, upon identification that the temperature difference change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern, terminate the drying process.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may individually or commonly identify whether a slope pattern value obtained based on the temperature difference data satisfies a termination condition, update a value of a termination condition satisfaction count in response to identifying that the slope pattern value satisfies the termination condition, identify whether the value of the updated termination condition satisfaction count is greater than or equal to a reference count, and terminate the drying process in response to identifying that the value of the updated termination condition satisfaction count is greater than or equal to a reference count.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the slope pattern value may be a value obtained by subtracting the temperature difference value of the air at a time point before a preset time from the temperature difference value of the air at the current time point included in the temperature difference data, or a value obtained by subtracting the temperature difference value of the air at a time point before the preset time from the temperature difference value of the air at the current time point included in the temperature difference data, and dividing the value by the preset time.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor may individually or commonly calculate a reference count based on weight information indicating a weight of the drying object.

[0198] In one embodiment, the first temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to a motor that drives the drum, and the second temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to a filter that filters air flowing out of the drum.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor can individually or commonly obtain weight information indicating the weight of the drying object by using a weight sensor or a current value change pattern of the motor.

[0200] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of a dryer may include: obtaining a reference temperature difference for determining the end of a drying process of the dryer; obtaining temperature difference data including a temperature difference between a temperature of air flowing into the drum obtained using the first temperature sensor and a temperature of air flowing out of the drum obtained using the second temperature sensor; identifying whether the temperature difference is less than or equal to the reference temperature difference; and determining whether to end the drying process based on the temperature difference data based on the identification that the temperature difference is less than or equal to the reference temperature difference.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the dryer may include an electrode sensor (330) disposed inside the drum and including a pair of electrodes. The operation of obtaining the reference temperature difference includes an operation of obtaining the reference temperature difference using touch value data obtained using the electrode sensor, and the touch value data may include a touch value indicating the number of times a current flows between the pair of electrodes during a preset period of time.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the operation of obtaining the reference temperature difference using the touch value data may include an operation of identifying whether a touch value included in the touch value data is less than or equal to a reference touch value; and an operation of calculating the reference temperature difference based on the touch value and weight information indicating the weight of the drying object in response to identifying that the touch value is less than or equal to the reference touch value.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the operation of obtaining the reference temperature difference includes an operation of obtaining temperature difference change pattern data stored in the memory; and an operation of calculating the reference temperature difference based on a temperature difference change pattern of the temperature difference change pattern data, wherein the temperature difference change pattern data is generated by a pre-learned AI model and may include data corresponding to a graph showing a change pattern of the temperature difference of the air as the drying process progresses.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the operation of determining whether to terminate the drying process may include: an operation of identifying a temperature difference change pattern based on the temperature difference data; an operation of identifying whether the temperature difference change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern; and an operation of terminating the drying process in response to the identification that the temperature difference change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the operation of determining whether to terminate the drying process may include: an operation of identifying whether a slope pattern value obtained based on the temperature difference data satisfies a termination condition; an operation of updating a value of a termination condition satisfaction count in response to identifying that the slope pattern value satisfies the termination condition; an operation of identifying whether a value of the updated termination condition satisfaction count is greater than or equal to a reference count; and an operation of terminating the drying process in response to identifying that the value of the updated termination condition satisfaction count is greater than or equal to a reference count.

[0206] According to one embodiment, the slope pattern value may be a value obtained by subtracting the temperature difference value of the air at a time point before a preset time from the temperature difference value of the air at the current time point included in the temperature difference data, or a value obtained by subtracting the temperature difference value of the air at a time point before the preset time from the temperature difference value of the air at the current time point included in the temperature difference data, and dividing the value by the preset time.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the method may include calculating a reference count based on weight information indicating a weight of the drying object.

[0208] In one embodiment, the first temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to a motor that drives the drum, and the second temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to a filter that filters air flowing out of the drum.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of obtaining weight information indicating the weight of the drying object by using a weight sensor or a current value change pattern of the motor.

[0210] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0211] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0212] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In the dryer (100), A drum (120) for accommodating a drying object; A first temperature sensor (310) that measures the temperature of air flowing into the drum; A second temperature sensor (320) that measures the temperature of air flowing out of the drum; a memory (430) storing at least one program; and At least one processor (420) including a processing circuit electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the memory, and executing at least one instruction of a program stored in the memory, The at least one processor individually or collectively: Obtain a reference temperature difference for determining the end of the drying process of the above dryer, Obtaining temperature difference data including the temperature difference between the temperature of air flowing into the drum obtained using the first temperature sensor and the temperature of air flowing out of the drum obtained using the second temperature sensor, Identify whether the above temperature difference is less than or equal to the above reference temperature difference, A dryer configured to determine whether to terminate the drying process based on the temperature difference data, based on the temperature difference being identified as being less than or equal to the reference temperature difference.

2. In paragraph 1, The dryer is placed inside the drum and includes an electrode sensor (330) including a pair of electrodes, At least one of the processors individually or in common: It is configured to obtain the reference temperature difference using the touch value data obtained using the above electrode sensor, A dryer, wherein the above touch value data includes a touch value indicating the number of times current flows between the pair of electrodes during a preset period of time.

3. In the second paragraph, the at least one processor individually or commonly: Identify whether the touch value included in the above touch value data is less than or equal to the reference touch value, A dryer configured to calculate the reference temperature difference based on the touch value and weight information indicating the weight of the drying object in response to identifying that the touch value is less than or equal to the reference touch value.

4. In the first paragraph, the at least one processor individually or commonly: Obtaining temperature difference change pattern data stored in the above memory, It is configured to calculate the reference temperature difference based on the temperature difference change pattern of the above temperature difference change pattern data, A dryer wherein the above temperature difference change pattern data is generated by a pre-learned AI model and includes data corresponding to a graph showing a change pattern of the temperature difference of the air as the drying process progresses.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, the at least one processor individually or commonly: Based on the above temperature difference data, the temperature difference change pattern is identified, Identify whether the above temperature difference change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern, A dryer configured to terminate the drying process in response to the identification that the above temperature difference change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, the at least one processor individually or commonly: Identify whether the slope pattern value obtained based on the above temperature difference data satisfies the termination condition, In response to identifying that the above slope pattern value satisfies the above termination condition, update the value of the termination condition satisfaction count, Identify whether the value of the above updated termination condition satisfaction count is greater than or equal to the reference count, A dryer configured to terminate the drying process in response to identifying that the value of the above updated termination condition satisfaction count is greater than or equal to a reference count.

7. In the 6th paragraph, the slope pattern value is: The value obtained by subtracting the temperature difference value of the air at the current point in time from the temperature difference value of the air at the current point in time included in the temperature difference data above, or A dryer, wherein the value obtained by subtracting the temperature difference value of the air at the current point in time from the temperature difference value of the air at the current point in time before the preset time is divided by the preset time.

8. In the 6th or 7th paragraph, the at least one processor individually or commonly: A dryer set to calculate a reference count based on weight information indicating the weight of the above-mentioned drying object.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The first temperature sensor is positioned adjacent to the motor driving the drum, A dryer wherein the second temperature sensor is positioned adjacent to a filter that filters air flowing out of the drum.

10. In the 9th paragraph, the at least one processor individually or commonly: A dryer configured to obtain weight information indicating the weight of the drying object by using a weight sensor or a current value change pattern of the motor.

11. In the method of drying, An operation of obtaining a reference temperature difference for determining the end of the drying process of the above dryer; An operation of acquiring temperature difference data including a temperature difference between the temperature of air flowing into the drum acquired using a first temperature sensor and the temperature of air flowing out of the drum acquired using a second temperature sensor; An operation for identifying whether the above temperature difference is less than or equal to the reference temperature difference; and A method comprising an operation of determining whether to terminate the drying process based on the temperature difference data, based on the temperature difference being identified as being less than or equal to the reference temperature difference.

12. In paragraph 11, The dryer is placed inside the drum and includes an electrode sensor (330) including a pair of electrodes, The operation of obtaining the above reference temperature difference is: It includes an operation of obtaining the reference temperature difference using the touch value data obtained using the above electrode sensor, A method wherein the above touch value data includes a touch value indicating the number of times a current flows between the pair of electrodes during a preset period of time.

13. In the 12th paragraph, the operation of obtaining the reference temperature difference using the touch value data is: An operation for identifying whether the touch value included in the above touch value data is less than or equal to a reference touch value; and A method comprising an operation of calculating the reference temperature difference based on the touch value and weight information indicating the weight of the drying object, in response to identifying that the touch value is less than or equal to the reference touch value.

14. In paragraph 11, The operation of obtaining the above reference temperature difference is: An operation of acquiring temperature difference change pattern data stored in the above memory; and It includes an operation of calculating the reference temperature difference based on the temperature difference change pattern of the above temperature difference change pattern data, A method wherein the above temperature difference change pattern data is generated by a pre-learned AI model and includes data corresponding to a graph showing a change pattern of the temperature difference of the air as the drying process progresses.

15. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, the operation for determining whether to terminate the drying process is: An operation of identifying a temperature difference change pattern based on the above temperature difference data; An operation for identifying whether the above temperature difference change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern; and A method comprising an operation of terminating the drying process in response to identifying that the above temperature difference change pattern corresponds to an equilibrium pattern.

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