Command input device and control method thereof

Abstract

A control method of a command input device disclosed herein comprises: a connection detection step of detecting a connection between an electronic device and the command input device; a control target confirmation step of confirming the connected electronic device as a control target electronic device when it is detected that the electronic device and the command input device are connected; an activation step of activating, in the command input device, a remote controller corresponding to the control target electronic device; and a sensitivity setting step of setting the sensitivity of the command input device to correspond to the control target electronic device.

Description

Command input device and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a command input device and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a command input device to which a magnetorheological fluid is applied and a control method thereof.

[0002] A dial typically inputs a user's command into a device. For example, a dial is installed in an electronic device or vehicle to control the increase or decrease of a control variable.

[0003] Typically, a single dial controls a single control variable. For example, a speaker's first dial controls the volume, and a second dial controls the radio's frequency. Similarly, a fan's first dial controls the wind speed, and a second dial controls the operating mode. To this end, multiple dials in an electronic device may each have different rotation angles (which may be referred to as "ticks") for inputting commands to control different control variables. For example, the more control variable values ​​a user can input, the smaller the rotation angle, or tick, for inputting a command. On the other hand, the smaller the control variable values ​​that a user can input, the larger the tick.

[0004] The 'dial-type shoelace tightening device (hereinafter referred to as 'dial device')' disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1737885 includes a base plate, a dial rotatably connected to the upper portion of the base plate, and a locking operating means that locks the dial to prevent it from rotating or unlocks it to allow it to rotate.

[0005] The above conventional dial device has a ratchet-shaped gear portion formed on the circumference of the dial, and the ratchet-shaped gear portion rotates while engaging with a lock button formed on a lock operating means. The conventional dial device, which corresponds to a mechanical dial device, has a problem in that the tick of the dial device or the user's sense of gap cannot be varied due to the ratchet-shaped gear portion that has already been formed.

[0006] Additionally, because the dial device is set to a single tick, there is a problem that it is not suitable for manipulating various control variables.

[0007] As disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-20250059840, a command input device is used to control electronic devices. Typically, a controller that inputs user commands and displays the status of the home appliance is provided for each home appliance.

[0008] Controlling each appliance separately with a remote controller corresponding to each appliance causes inconvenience to users.

[0009] To solve these problems, a method of controlling multiple home appliances with a single remote controller is being developed. However, when controlling multiple home appliances with a single remote controller, the home appliance to be controlled cannot be determined, resulting in control confusion. In addition, the remote object appropriate for each home appliance is not activated, making it impossible to perform detailed control for each home appliance.

[0010]

[0011] [Prior Art Literature]

[0012] [Patent Document]

[0013] Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1737885 (Published on November 23, 2021)

[0014] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-20250059840

[0015] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a command input device and a control method thereof that can solve the problems of the prior art described above.

[0016] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device and a control method thereof that can be applied to a plurality of electronic devices.

[0017] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device and a control method thereof that can easily control a plurality of electronic devices with a single device by activating a customized remote controller and a dial sensitivity suitable for the electronic device when the command input device is connected to the electronic device.

[0018]

[0019] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device capable of controlling a plurality of control variables and a control method thereof.

[0020] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device with improved intuitive operation and a control method thereof.

[0021] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device having a variable command input angle and a control method thereof.

[0022] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device and a control method thereof that enable a user to adjust control variables in more detail.

[0023] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device and a control method thereof capable of controlling a control variable within a smaller rotation angle range.

[0024] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device that displays the current status of an electronic device and a control method thereof.

[0025] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device that displays a control variable to be manipulated and a control method thereof.

[0026] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device that displays a control variable value and a control method thereof.

[0027] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device that indicates the type of a connected electronic device and a method for controlling the same.

[0028] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device capable of wireless charging and a control method thereof.

[0029] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a command input device that receives power from an electronic device and a method for controlling the same.

[0030] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a portable command input device and a method for controlling the same.

[0031] The tasks of the present disclosure are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object, a method for controlling a command input device is characterized by including a connection detection step for detecting a connection between an electronic device and the command input device; a control target determination step for determining the connected electronic device as a control target electronic device when the connection between the electronic device and the command input device is detected; an activation step for activating a remote controller corresponding to the control target electronic device to the command input device; and a sensitivity setting step for setting the sensitivity of the command input device to correspond to the control target electronic device.

[0033] The above sensitivity setting step can set different sensitivities of the command input device depending on the type of the electronic device to be controlled and the operation mode of the electronic device to be controlled.

[0034] The above sensitivity setting step can change the sensitivity of the command input device in accordance with the command input operation characteristics of the user.

[0035] In addition, the present disclosure may further include a manual adjustment step of activating a user interface for receiving input of the sensitivity of the command input device and adjusting the sensitivity of the command input device according to the input sensitivity.

[0036] The above sensitivity setting step can set at least one of the strength of the rotation resistance of the knob and the strength change cycle of the rotation resistance of the knob differently.

[0037] The above sensitivity setting step can set at least one of the strength of the rotation resistance of the knob and the strength change cycle of the rotation resistance of the knob differently depending on the operation mode of the electronic device to be controlled.

[0038] The above sensitivity setting step can change the rotational resistance of the knob temporally, periodically, or aperiodically by adjusting the electric application time (on-time), non-application time (off-time), and cycle period of the electricity applied to the magnetorheological module according to the operation mode of the electronic device to be controlled.

[0039] The above sensitivity setting step can be set to gradually increase or decrease the rotational resistance of the knob as a function of a certain time or according to the amount of rotation of the knob.

[0040] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the method is characterized by including: a connection detection step for detecting a connection between an electronic device and a command input device; a selection step for activating a user interface (UI) for displaying at least one of controllable electronic devices as a controllable electronic device on a display so that the controllable electronic device can be selected when the connection between the electronic device and the command input device is detected; an activation step for activating a remote controller corresponding to the controllable electronic device selected from the UI on the command input device; and a sensitivity setting step for setting the sensitivity of the command input device to correspond to the controllable electronic device.

[0041]

[0042] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object, a command input device includes: a case; a knob rotatably coupled to the case and rotating in the circumferential direction of the case; a shaft disposed at the center of the case and rotating in accordance with the rotation of the knob; a magnetorheological module coupled to the shaft and changing the rotational resistance of the shaft; a connection detection module for detecting a connection with an electronic device; a communication module for transmitting and receiving data with a controlled electronic device; a display for outputting a remote object for controlling the controlled electronic device; and a control unit for controlling the overall operation of the command input device, wherein, when the electronic device and the command input device are connected, the control unit determines the connected electronic device as the controlled electronic device, outputs a control signal for activating a remote controller corresponding to the controlled electronic device to the display unit, and outputs a control signal for setting the rotational resistance corresponding to the controlled electronic device to the magnetorheological module.

[0043] The magnetorheological module includes: an inner disk connected to a magnetorheological fluid, coupled to the shaft and rotating together with the shaft; and a coil that applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid, so that the magnetorheological fluid can apply variable resistance to the inner disk depending on the strength of the magnetic field.

[0044] The coil is an annular coil extending in the circumferential direction of the inner disk and spaced radially from the inner disk, and the inner disk is arranged inside the coil, so that the inner disk can be positioned within a magnetic field formed by the coil.

[0045] The magnetorheological fluid is positioned between the inner disk and the coil, is positioned within a magnetic field formed by the coil, and can be connected to the inner disk.

[0046] The knob includes a knob housing coupled to the case so as to rotate relative to the case; and a rotary wheel protruding from the knob housing toward the inside of the case and extending in the rotational direction of the knob, such that the rotary wheel located inside the case can rotate in accordance with the rotation of the knob housing.

[0047] The device may further include a gear that transmits the rotational power of the knob to the shaft, wherein the gear includes: a main gear coupled to the shaft; and a sub gear that is disposed between the main gear and the rotary wheel and transmits the rotational power of the knob to the main gear.

[0048] The case includes: an upper case; a lower case; and a middle case positioned between the upper case and the middle case, wherein the knob is rotationally coupled to the outside of the middle case, such that the knob can rotate relative to the fixed middle case.

[0049] The knob may surround at least a portion of the upper case and the middle case, and the rotary wheel may protrude into a gap between the upper case and the middle case.

[0050] Further comprising a sensor module for detecting rotation of the shaft, the sensor module including: a sensor disk coupled to the shaft and rotating together with the shaft; and a sensor unit for detecting rotation of the sensor disk, so that the sensor module can detect a rotation angle of the knob.

[0051] The sensor disk includes: a plurality of slits arranged spaced apart from each other in the rotational direction of the knob; and a plurality of screen bars positioned between the plurality of slits, so that the sensor unit can detect the rotation angle of the knob by detecting the alternation of the plurality of slits and the plurality of screen bars.

[0052] The sensor unit includes: a transmitting sensor facing one side of the sensor disk; and a receiving sensor facing the other side of the sensor disk, wherein the transmitting sensor and the receiving sensor are aligned in the axial direction of the shaft, such that the receiving sensor can receive a signal emitted from the transmitting sensor.

[0053] The plurality of slits and the plurality of screen bars can pass through a spaced gap between the transmitting sensor and the receiving sensor when the sensor disk rotates, so that the plurality of slits can pass a signal transmitted from the transmitting sensor, and the plurality of screen bars can block a signal transmitted from the transmitting sensor.

[0054] The device further includes a gear that transmits the rotational power of the knob to the shaft, and the sensor disk can be positioned between the gear and the magnetorheological module.

[0055] The magnetorheological module includes: an inner disk connected to the magnetorheological fluid and coupled to the shaft, and the sensor disk can be positioned between the gear and the inner disk.

[0056] It may further include a disk cover positioned between the sensor disk and the magnetorheological module and supporting the sensor disk.

[0057] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a command input device comprising: a case; a knob rotatably coupled to the case and surrounding a portion of the case; a shaft disposed within the case and rotating in accordance with rotation of the knob; and a magnetorheological module disposed within the case, coupled to the shaft, and configured to change rotational resistance of the shaft.

[0058] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0059] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, different rotational resistances can be formed depending on the type or mode of the electronic device. This allows for the provision of a single command input device capable of operating multiple electronic devices. Furthermore, a single command input device capable of operating multiple control variables can be provided.

[0060] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a magnetorheological module that changes the rotational resistance of a shaft can be used to form various rotational resistances. More specifically, the magnetorheological module includes an inner disk connected to a magnetorheological fluid and a coil that applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid, and the strength of the magnetic field can be adjusted by controlling the power supplied to the coil. Through this, the viscosity or hardness of the magnetorheological fluid can be controlled. Accordingly, the rotational resistance of the inner disk can be varied.

[0061] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by varying the magnetic field strength of a coil for each input rotation angle of a command input device, a user can detect whether a command has been input through the rotational resistance that changes for each input rotation angle. This allows for providing a command input device with improved intuitive operation.

[0062] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of ticks, which are units of input for a command, can be increased by reducing the rotation angle at which the strength of the magnetic field changes. This allows for adjusting a control variable within a small rotation angle range.

[0063] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a command input device can be provided that displays the current status of a connected electronic device by a display disposed on a front panel of the command input device.

[0064] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a command input device can be provided that displays a control variable to be manipulated by a display disposed on a front panel of the command input device.

[0065] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a command input device can be provided that displays a current value of a control variable by a display disposed on a front panel of the command input device.

[0066] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a command input device that receives power from an electronic device and is wirelessly charged can be provided due to a wireless charging module.

[0067] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a command input device can be provided in which a display is arranged on a front panel of a command input device, a knob is rotatable on a side of a case, and a user can view the display when inputting a command by rotating the knob, and since the display does not rotate, a stable field of view is secured.

[0068] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a command input device capable of mounting a display over a large area can be provided by arranging a battery, a magnetorheological module, and a sensing module at the bottom of a display of the command input device and positioning a knob on the outside of the case.

[0069] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case of a home appliance that has a risk factor during use of the electronic device, the sensitivity of the command input device is set to be high, so as to provide the user with a great sense of resistance during the command input device, and to enable the user to recognize the risk in advance.

[0070] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensitivity of the command input device in the mode for selecting the operation mode can be set differently from the sensitivity of the command input device in the mode for setting the details of each operation mode, and there is an advantage in that the user can recognize the current stage only by touch or resistance without looking at the display of the command input device.

[0071] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case of a cooking appliance such as an oven or an induction cooker, the operating time of each burner can be set in different time units for each rotation angle of the knob, and if the sensitivity of the command input device (100) is different for each time unit, there is an advantage in that the user can know the time increasing or decreasing when the knob rotates a unit angle without looking at the display.

[0072] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case of an air conditioner, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) is set differently for each set temperature range, so that the user can recognize the set temperature range only by the resistance of the knob without looking at the display.

[0073]

[0074]

[0075] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0076] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a command input device system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a command input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a command input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] FIG. 4 is a combined exploded view of a command input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sensor module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of a sensor disk according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a sensor module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram of a sensor module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a home appliance system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] FIG. 10a is a drawing illustrating a command input device attached to a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Figure 10b is a cross-sectional view of one side of the command input device attached to the home appliance in Figure 10a.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a command input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a command input device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a command input device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] FIG. 14 is a PWM waveform diagram according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] FIG. 15 is a time-voltage graph according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] FIG. 16 is a time-voltage graph according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] FIG. 17 is a time-voltage graph according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094]

[0095] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0096] The suffixes “module” and “part” used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0097] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0098] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0099] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0100] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0101] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0102] The direction marks of up (U), down (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), back (R), and out (O) shown in the drawings are only for convenience of explanation, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited thereby.

[0103]

[0104] Referring to Fig. 1, the connection system and function of the command input device (100) are described.

[0105] Electronic devices include home appliances. The following description focuses on, but is not limited to, home appliances, an example of electronic devices.

[0106] The command input device (100) may include a communication module (120) that transmits and receives data with the controlled home appliance (700). The communication module (120) may transmit and receive data between the controlled home appliance (700) and the command input device (100). The communication module (120) may transmit received data to the control unit (110) and transmit a control signal received from the control unit (110) to the controlled home appliance (700).

[0107] The communication module (120) may use not only wireless Internet communication such as WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), and WiFi, but also short-range communication technologies such as Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association), UWB (Ultra Wideband), and ZigBee, and may not be limited to any one communication method.

[0108] The command input device (100) may include a display (60) that outputs a remote object that controls the controlled home appliance (700). The display (60) may be a device that outputs an image that can be visually recognized by a user.

[0109] The display (60) can display information processed by the control unit (110) as visual information recognizable to the user.

[0110] For example, the display (60) can display control information for controlling a home appliance (700). The display (60) can display searched home appliances (700) and status information of the home appliances (700). A remote object for controlling the home appliances (700) can be output to the display (60).

[0111] The display (60) may, depending on the embodiment, include a touch panel that detects touch and thus may detect touch input. When the display (60) includes a touch panel, it may be used as a touch screen that allows the user to input control commands by touch.

[0112] For example, the display (60) may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, and a 3D display.

[0113] Specifically, a UI (USER INTERFACE) screen that displays information on a home appliance (700) and control information on the home appliance (700) through a management application is implemented on the display (60), and when a touch panel is used, a remote object that receives a user's control command can be displayed. The remote object can receive a control command by a user's touch and output it to the control unit (110).

[0114] The command input device (100) may include an input module (72) that receives a control command from a user to control a target home appliance (700). The input module (72) may receive a control command from a user. The input module (72) may output the input control command to the control unit (110). The input module (72) may receive a control command from a user to control a target home appliance (700) and output the control command to the control unit (110).

[0115] The input module (72) may include a mechanical input means (or a mechanical key, for example, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.) and a touch input means. For example, the touch input means may be formed of a virtual key, a soft key, or a visual key displayed on a touch screen through software processing, or may be formed of a touch key placed on a part other than the touch screen. Meanwhile, the virtual key or visual key may have various forms and be displayed on the touch screen, and may be formed of, for example, a graphic, text, an icon, a video, or a combination thereof. For example, the command input device (100) may include an input unit (72), which is a touch input means located on the front panel (11).

[0116] The command input device (100) may include a power supply (80). The power supply (80) may supply electricity used in the command input device (100) and store electricity. For example, the power supply (80) may include a battery (80) that stores electrical energy.

[0117] The command input device (100) may include a power receiving module (90). The power receiving module (90) may receive power transmitted from a controlled home appliance (700) and supply it to the power supply unit (80) or / and the command input device (100). For example, the power receiving module (90) may include a wireless charging module (91) that wirelessly receives power from the home appliance (700).

[0118] When the power receiving module (90) is provided, the power supply unit (80) of the command input device (100) can be reduced in size, there is no need to charge the command input device (100) separately, and there may be advantages in that the manufacturing cost of the command input device (100) can be reduced.

[0119] The main memory (130) may include high-speed random access memory. The main memory (130) may also include non-volatile memory, such as, but not limited to, one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices, and may include a readable storage medium.

[0120] For example, the main memory (130) may include, but is not limited to, an EEP-ROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). The EEP-ROM can have information written and erased by the control module during the operation of the control module. The EEP-ROM may be a storage device in which information stored therein is not erased and is maintained even when the power supply to the control device is turned off and the power supply is stopped.

[0121] The main memory (130) can store various programs or data in conjunction with the control module. The main memory (130) can store programs necessary for the control module to control the home appliance (700). The control module can search for or control the home appliance (700) based on the programs stored in the main memory (130).

[0122] The main memory (130) may store operation information regarding the method of operating the home appliance (700). In addition, the main memory (130) may store history information regarding the method of controlling the home appliance (700) based on the control command of the input module (72). In addition, the main memory (130) may store a password for security purposes.

[0123] In addition, the present disclosure may further include a connection detection module (150) that detects a connection with a home appliance (700). The connection detection module (150) detects that the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected. Here, the connection between the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) does not mean a complete connection, but also includes the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) being located within a close distance (within approximately 1 mm).

[0124] The connection detection module (150) detects the connection between one side of the casing (761) of the home appliance (700) and the case (10) of the command input device (100), or detects that one side of the casing (761) of the home appliance (700) and the case (10) of the command input device (100) are approaching within a close range.

[0125] The connection detection module (150) detects the connection between the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) and provides the information to the control unit (110).

[0126] For example, the connection detection module (150) can detect the connection between the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) by measuring the distance between the outer surface of the command input device (100) and one surface of the home appliance (700), or can detect the connection between the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) by measuring the pressure applied to the outer surface of the command input device (100) or one surface of the home appliance (700), or can detect the connection between the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) by measuring whether there is electrical current between the outer surface of the command input device (100) and one surface of the home appliance (700).

[0127] For example, the connection detection module (150) may include at least one of a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, a touch sensor, an infrared sensor (IR sensor), an ultrasonic sensor, and an optical sensor.

[0128] This connection detection module (150) can be installed on the outer surface of the command input device (100) or the home appliance (700).

[0129]

[0130] A user can control a home appliance (700) by executing a management application stored in the main memory (130) of a command input device (100). After connecting to the Internet via the command input device (100), the user can download and install the management application, execute it, and control the home appliance (700).

[0131] The command input device (100) may include a control unit (110) that controls the overall operation of the command input device (100). The control unit (110) may perform overall control of the command input device (100) or the home appliance (700).

[0132] The control unit (110) can identify the type and status of the home appliance (700) through data of the home appliance (700) transmitted from the communication module (120).

[0133] The control unit (110) can determine the connected home appliance (700) as the controlled home appliance (700). Specifically, when the control unit (110) detects that a command input device (100) is connected to the home appliance (700), the control unit (110) can transmit an identification code from the home appliance (700) connected to the command input device (100) and cause the command input device (100) connected to the home appliance (700) to receive the identification code. Conversely, when the control unit (110) detects that a command input device (100) is connected to the home appliance (700), the control unit (110) can transmit an identification code from the command input device (100) connected to the home appliance (700) and cause the home appliance (700) connected to the command input device (100) to receive the identification code.

[0134] When the control unit (110) determines that the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected, the connected home appliance (700) or command input device (100) transmits an identification code, and the connected home appliance (700) or command input device (100) receives the identification code, thereby determining the home appliance (700) to be controlled. The control unit (110) pairs the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) that transmit and receive identification codes to each other. The home appliance (700) paired to the command input device (100) can be named a home appliance (700) to be controlled.

[0135] If the control unit (110) determines that the control target home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected, the control unit (110) can output a control signal for transmitting power from the home appliance (700) to the command input device (100). The control unit (110) can operate the power transmission module of the home appliance (700) to transmit power to the command input device (100).

[0136] If the control unit (110) determines that the control target home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected, the control unit (110) can activate a remote controller corresponding to the control target home appliance (700) on the command input device (100). Alternatively, if the control unit (110) determines that the control target home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected, and operates the power transmission module of the home appliance (700), the control unit (110) can activate a remote controller corresponding to the control target home appliance (700) on the command input device (100).

[0137] Here, activating the remote controller in the command input device (100) may mean that the command input device (100) is in a state where it can receive a control command for the home appliance (700). Specifically, the control unit (110) may output a control signal that outputs a remote object that controls the home appliance (700) to be controlled that is paired with the command input device (100). Alternatively, the control unit (110) may output a control signal that activates an input module (72) that controls the home appliance (700) to be controlled that is paired with the command input device (100).

[0138] Here, the remote controller corresponding to the home appliance (700) may be a remote controller that can control the home appliance (700) in an optimal state by considering the type and current state of the home appliance to be controlled.

[0139] In addition, the control unit (110) can output a control signal to the mobile terminal that activates a remote controller that controls the control target home appliance (700) connected to the command input device (100) via a wireless communication method.

[0140] The control unit (110) can control the mobile terminal or command input device (100) to execute the management application of the home appliance (700) in order to activate the remote controller, or control the mobile terminal or command input device (100) to download the management application from the server (800) and execute it.

[0141] The control unit (110) can display the current status of the controlled home appliance (700) and the type of the controlled home appliance (700) on an activated remote controller or remote object.

[0142] The control unit (110) can generate a control signal for controlling a home appliance (700) based on a user's control command input from an input module (72), a management application (140), a remote controller, and a remote object. The control unit (110) can transmit the generated control signal to the home appliance (700) to be controlled via a communication module (120).

[0143] In addition, when the connection between the control target home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) is disconnected, the control unit (110) can output a control signal to switch the command input device (100) to a standby mode. Here, the standby mode of the command input device can include deactivating the remote controller activated on the display (60) or turning off the display (60). In addition, when the connection between the control target home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) is disconnected, the control unit (110) can output a control signal to cause the home appliance (700) to stop transmitting power to the command input device (100), thereby stopping the power transmission of the home appliance (700).

[0144]

[0145] Referring to Fig. 2, the structure of the command input device (100) is described.

[0146] Case (10)

[0147] The command input device (100) may include a case (10) forming an outer shape. The case (10) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The case (10) may include a peripheral wall extending in a circumferential direction. The peripheral wall may rotate in the circumferential direction.

[0148] The case (10) may include a bottom surface that is coupled to the home appliance (700). For example, the bottom surface of the case (10) may be coupled to the home appliance (700).

[0149] The case (10) may include a surface facing the bottom surface. For example, the case (10) may include a surface forming the top surface.

[0150] <Perimeter Wall>

[0151] The peripheral wall of the case (10) can rotate relative to the bottom and / or the surface of the case (10). The peripheral wall of the case (10) can include a knob (14) and a middle case (16). The knob (14) and the middle case (16) can extend in the circumferential direction. The knob (14) can rotate in the circumferential direction relative to the middle case (16).

[0152] Middle Case (16)

[0153] The case (10) may include a middle case (16) forming a side surface. The middle case (16) may form a peripheral wall of the case (10). For example, the middle case (16) may form a lower peripheral wall of the case (10). The middle case (16) may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0154] The middle case (16) may have a cylindrical shape centered on the extension direction (axial direction) of the shaft (22).

[0155] The middle case (16) may be formed with a slide groove (162) that slidably accommodates a portion of the knob (14). The slide groove (162) may be formed by the outer surface of the middle case (16) being sunken into the inner surface of the middle case (16).

[0156] The middle case (16) may be formed with a connecting hole (161) through which a part of the knob (14) passes. The connecting hole (161) may accommodate a part of the knob (14). The connecting hole (161) is positioned to connect a part of the knob (14) located inside and outside the middle case (16).

[0157]

[0158] Knob (14)

[0159] The case (10) may include a knob (14) forming a side surface. The knob (14) may form a peripheral wall of the case (10). For example, the knob (14) may form an upper peripheral wall of the case (10). The knob (14) may rotate circumferentially with respect to the upper surface of the case (10). The knob (14) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The knob (14) may rotate circumferentially with respect to a fixed middle case (16).

[0160] The knob (14) may be ring-shaped when viewed from the top surface of the case (10). The diameter of the knob (14) may be greater than or equal to the diameter of the upper case (12).

[0161] The diameter of the knob (14) may be larger than that of the display (60). The display (60) may be positioned inside the knob (14) on the upper surface of the case (10). If the diameter of the knob (14) is larger than that of the display (60), when the knob (14) is rotated, the display (60) is advantageously positioned stably inside the knob (14) without being rotated. A pattern that increases the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the knob (14) may be formed on the outer surface of the knob (14). When a pattern that increases the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the knob (14) is formed on the outer surface of the knob (14), the frictional force with the user's hand increases, which has the advantage of improving the gripping force.

[0162] The pattern that increases the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the knob (14) may include a plurality of protrusions or ribs.

[0163]

[0164] Upper Case (12)

[0165] The case (10) may include an upper case (12) coupled to the peripheral wall. The upper case (12) may form the upper portion of the case (10). The upper case (12) may form the upper end of the case (10). The upper case (12) may be coupled to the upper side of the peripheral wall. The upper case (12) may be coupled to a knob (14). The knob (14) may rotate circumferentially with respect to the upper case (12).

[0166] The middle case (16) can be located between the upper case (12) and the lower case (18).

[0167] Front Panel (11)

[0168] The case (10) may include a front panel (11) forming an upper surface. The front panel (11) may be coupled to an upper case (12). For example, the front panel (11) may be coupled to an upper side of the upper case (12). The front panel (11) may be formed flat. The front panel (11) may be fixed to the upper case (12). The front panel (11) may be arranged on the inner side of the periphery of the upper case (12).

[0169] The front panel (11) can be formed of a transparent material.

[0170] <Display (60)>

[0171] The command input device (100) may include a display (60) disposed inside the case (10). The display (60) may be disposed on the inside of the front panel (11). For example, the display (60) may be disposed on the lower side of the front panel (11). Visual information displayed on the display (60) may be exposed on the surface of the case (10) through the front panel (11).

[0172] <Input section (72)>

[0173] The command input device (100) may include an input unit (72) arranged inside the case (10). The input unit (72) may be arranged on the inside of the front panel (11). The input unit (72) may include a touch panel. A user may input a command to the home appliance (700) through the input unit (72).

[0174] <Lore Case (18)>

[0175] The case (10) may include a lower case (18) coupled to the peripheral wall. The lower case (18) may form the lower portion of the case (10). The lower case (18) may form the bottom of the case (10). The lower case (18) may be coupled to the lower side of the peripheral wall. The lower case (18) may be coupled to the middle case (16).

[0176] The base (19) may include a coupling member (Fig. 10b, 191) that provides a bonding force with one surface of the home appliance. For example, the coupling member (191) may include a material having magnetic force. In addition, the coupling member (191) may have a structure that is mechanically bonded to a bonded member (Fig. 10b, 764) installed on one surface of the home appliance.

[0177]

[0178] Referring to Fig. 3, the internal structure of the command input device (100) is described.

[0179] Shaft (22)

[0180] The command input device (100) may include a shaft (22) that rotates according to the rotation of the knob (14). The shaft (22) may be disposed at the center of the case (10). The shaft (22) may be disposed at the center of the peripheral wall. The axial direction of the shaft (22) may intersect the rotational direction of the knob (14). For example, the axial direction of the shaft (22) may be orthogonal to the rotational direction of the knob (14). For example, the shaft (22) may extend in the vertical direction. The rotational direction of the shaft (22) may correspond to the rotational direction of the knob (14).

[0181] <Knob Housing (142)>

[0182] The knob (14) may include a knob housing (142) extending along the periphery of the case (10). A user may hold the knob housing (142) and rotate it relative to the case (10). The knob housing (142) may have a surface with a protrusion formed thereon. The knob housing (142) may be disposed on the outer periphery of the middle case (16). The knob housing (142) may be disposed on the outer periphery of the upper case (12). The knob (14) may be coupled to the upper case (12) and the middle case (16).

[0183] The knob housing (142) may be a ring shape centered around the center of the shaft (22) or the case (10). The knob housing (142) may be placed on the outside of the case (10). The knob housing (142) may be accommodated in the slide groove (162) of the middle case (16).

[0184]

[0185] <Rotating Wheel (144)>

[0186] The knob (14) may include a rotation wheel (144) formed on the inner surface of the knob housing (142). The rotation wheel (144) may protrude from the inner surface of the knob housing (142) toward the center of the case (10). The rotation wheel (144) may extend in the rotational direction of the knob (14). The rotation wheel (144) may rotate along with the rotation of the knob (14). The rotation wheel (144) may transmit the rotational power of the knob (14) to the shaft (22).

[0187]

[0188] The rotating wheel (144) can be positioned between the middle case (16) and the upper case (12). The rotating wheel (144) can slide between the middle case (16) and the upper case (12). The rotating wheel (144) can protrude from the knob housing (142) through the gap between the middle case (16) and the upper case (12).

[0189] The rotary wheel (144) may have a ring shape that surrounds the shaft (22). The rotary wheel (144) is constrained to the rotation of the knob housing (142) and rotates together with the knob housing (142).

[0190] The diameter of the rotary wheel (144) is now smaller than that of the knob housing (142), and they can share the same center. The outer surface of the rotary wheel (144) can be joined to the inner surface of the knob housing (142).

[0191] Specifically, a protrusion (143) protruding toward the center of the knob housing (142) may be formed on the inner surface of the knob housing (142), and the protrusion (143) may extend along the circumference of the knob housing (142). A groove (145) into which the protrusion (143) of the knob housing (142) is inserted may be formed on the outer surface of the rotary wheel (144). The groove (145) of the rotary wheel (144) may extend in the circumferential direction of the rotary wheel (144).

[0192] The rotating wheel (144) may be positioned inside the middle case (16). The rotating wheel (144) may be connected to the knob housing (142) located outside the middle case (16). A portion of the rotating wheel (144) and a portion of the knob housing (142) may be positioned inside the connecting hole (161).

[0193] <Magnetorheological module (20)>

[0194] The command input device (100) may include a magnetorheological module (20) that changes the rotational resistance of a shaft (22). The shaft (22) may be coupled to the magnetorheological module (20). The magnetorheological module (20) may increase or decrease the rotational resistance of the shaft (22). The magnetorheological module (20) may periodically increase the rotational resistance of the shaft (22) at a certain rotational angle and then return it to its original state. Through this, the rotational angle, which is a unit for inputting a command, may be distinguished. The magnetorheological module (20) may increase or decrease the rotational angle that changes the rotational resistance. Through this, a tick suitable for each control variable may be formed.

[0195] The magnetorheological module (20) may be positioned inside the case (10). The magnetorheological module (20) may be positioned inside the knob (14) when viewed from above. That is, the knob (14) may be arranged to surround the magnetorheological module (20).

[0196]

[0197] The magnetorheological module (20) can be positioned to overlap the shaft (22) in the axial direction of the shaft (22). The center of the magnetorheological module (20) can be positioned to coincide with the center of the shaft (22).

[0198] The width of the magnetorheological module (20) may be smaller than the width of the display (60). If the width of the magnetorheological module (20) is smaller than the width of the display (60), a wide screen display (60) can be provided to the user, and there is an advantage in that the size of the command input device (100) can be reduced.

[0199] The vertical thickness of the magnetorheological module (20) may be smaller than the vertical thickness of the knob (14). The vertical thickness or length of the knob (14) is formed to be larger than that of the magnetorheological module (20), so that the resistance of the knob can be adjusted with a small magnetorheological module (20), and a high grip feeling can be provided to the user due to the large surface area of ​​the knob (14).

[0200] <Internal disk (21)>

[0201] The magnetorheological module (20) may include an internal disk (21) coupled to a shaft (22). The internal disk (21) may be coupled to the shaft (22) and rotate together. The internal disk (21) may include a plurality of internal disks (21) coupled to the shaft (22). The plurality of internal disks (21) may rotate together according to the rotation of the shaft (22). The plurality of internal disks (21) may be spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the shaft (22).

[0202] The inner disk (21) may be positioned inside the case (10). The inner disk (21) may be positioned to overlap the shaft (22) in the axial direction of the shaft (22). The center of the inner disk (21) may be positioned to coincide with the center of the shaft (22).

[0203] The inner disk (21) may be circular when viewed in the axial direction of the shaft (22). The inner disk (21) may be a disk shape centered in the axial direction of the shaft (22).

[0204] The inner disk (21) may include a pattern or structure that increases resistance to the magnetorheological fluid. For example, the inner disk (21) may include at least one of a groove, a hole, and a protrusion. Specifically, one of a groove, a hole, and a protrusion may be formed in the thickness direction of the inner disk (21) having a circular shape.

[0205]

[0206] <Coil (24)>

[0207] The magnetorheological module (20) may include a coil (24) that forms a magnetic field. The coil (24) may extend along the periphery of the magnetorheological module (20). The coil (24) may be radially spaced from the inner disk (21). The coil (24) may be an annular coil (24). The strength of the magnetic field formed by the coil (24) may be variable.

[0208] The coil (24) may be positioned inside the case (10). The coil (24) may be positioned so as not to overlap the shaft (22) and the inner disk (21) in the axial direction of the shaft (22). The coil (24) may be arranged to surround the inner disk (21) and the shaft (22). Specifically, the coil (24) may be arranged to surround the inner disk (21) and the shaft (22) when viewed in the axial direction of the shaft (22).

[0209] Magnetorheological liquid

[0210] The magnetorheological module (20) may include a magnetorheological fluid (26) connected to the inner disk (21). The magnetorheological fluid (26) may have a viscosity that changes depending on the strength of the magnetic field. For example, as the strength of the magnetic field increases, the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid (26) may increase. As the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid (26) increases, the rotational resistance applied to the inner disk (21) may increase. Conversely, for example, as the strength of the magnetic field decreases, the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid (26) may decrease. As the score of the magnetorheological fluid (26) decreases, the rotational resistance applied to the inner disk (21) may decrease.

[0211] Gear (50)

[0212] The command input device (100) may include a gear (50) that transmits the rotational power of the knob (14) to the shaft (22). The gear (50) may rotate by engaging with the rotary wheel (144). The gear (50) may be coupled to the shaft (22).

[0213] <Sensor module (40)>

[0214] The command input device (100) may include a sensor module (40) that detects the rotation of the knob (14). The sensor module (40) may detect at least one of the rotation angle or rotation direction of the knob (14). The sensor module (40) may detect at least one of the rotation angle or rotation direction of the shaft (22). In addition, the sensor module (40) may detect at least one of the rotation speed or rotation acceleration of the knob (14).

[0215] The sensor module (40) may be arranged to surround the shaft (22). The sensor module (40) may be positioned to overlap the magnetorheological module (20) when viewed from the top of the case (10). The sensor module (40) may be positioned above the magnetorheological module (20). The sensor module (40) is arranged so as not to overlap the shaft (22) in the vertical direction and to overlap it in the horizontal direction.

[0216] The sensor module (40) is arranged to surround the shaft (22), is positioned to overlap the magnetorheological module (20) when viewed from the top of the case (10), and is positioned above the magnetorheological module (20), so that there is an advantage in that the space surrounding the shaft (22), which is the top of the magnetorheological module (20), can be utilized.

[0217] The sensor module (40) may be positioned so as not to overlap with the second battery (82) in the vertical direction. Additionally, at least a portion of the sensor module (40) may be positioned so as to overlap with the second battery (82) in the horizontal direction. The sensor module (40) may be positioned between two second batteries (82).

[0218] When the sensor module (40) is positioned so as not to overlap with the second battery (82) in the vertical direction, and at least a part of the sensor module (40) is positioned so as to overlap with the second battery (82) in the horizontal direction, and the sensor module (40) is positioned between two second batteries (82), the second battery (82) is placed in the space surrounding the sensor module (40), so that the thickness of the command input device (100) can be reduced, the battery capacity of the command input device (100) can be increased, and the usage time of the command input device (100) can be extended.

[0219]

[0220] Sensor Disk (42)

[0221] The sensor module (40) may include a sensor disk (42) coupled to a shaft (22). The sensor disk (42) may rotate together with the shaft (22). The sensor disk (42) may be positioned on the upper side of the magnetorheological module (20). The sensor disk (42) may be positioned on the lower side of the gear (50).

[0222] The sensor disk (42) may be a ring shape that surrounds the shaft (22). The sensor disk (42) may be a ring shape that surrounds the gear (50). The sensor disk (42) may be positioned so as not to overlap with the shaft (22) in a vertical direction, and may be arranged so as not to overlap with the gear (50) in a vertical direction.

[0223] When the sensor disk (42) is positioned so as not to overlap with the shaft (22) in the vertical direction and so as not to overlap with the gear (50) in the vertical direction, there is an advantage in that the thickness of the command input device (100) can be reduced.

[0224]

[0225] <Sensor section (44)>

[0226] The sensor module (40) may include a sensor unit (44) that detects the rotation of the sensor disk (42). The rotating sensor disk (42) passes through the sensor unit (44), and the sensor unit (44) can detect the rotation angle of the sensor disk (42).

[0227] The sensor unit (44) may be positioned so as not to overlap with the shaft (22) in a vertical direction, so as not to overlap with the gear (50) in a vertical direction, so as to overlap with the magnetorheological module (20) in a vertical direction, and so as to overlap with the display (60) in a vertical direction. That is, the sensor unit (44) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart in one direction in the horizontal direction with respect to the shaft (22).

[0228] When the sensor unit (44) is positioned so as not to overlap with the shaft (22) in the vertical direction, so as not to overlap with the gear (50) in the vertical direction, so as to overlap with the magnetorheological module (20) in the vertical direction, and so as to overlap with the display (60) in the vertical direction, there is an advantage in that the thickness of the command input device (100) can be reduced.

[0229] The sensor unit (44) may include a portion positioned above the sensor disk (42) and a portion positioned below the sensor disk (42), and a portion connecting the two portions.

[0230] The sensor unit (44) may have a T-shaped structure that accommodates a portion of the sensor disk (42).

[0231]

[0232] <Substrate (70)>

[0233] The command input device (100) may include a substrate (70) placed on the upper side of the upper case (12). The substrate (70) may be connected to the display (60). The substrate (70) may be connected to the input unit (72). The substrate (70) may be placed between the front panel (11) and the upper case (12).

[0234] <Display (60)>

[0235] The display (60) may be placed on the upper side of the substrate (70). The display (60) may be placed on the lower side of the front panel (11). The display (60) may be placed between the substrate (70) and the front panel (11). The display (60) may receive power from the substrate (70).

[0236] Upper Case (12)

[0237] The upper case (12) can be coupled to the knob (14). The upper case (12) can be positioned above the rotating wheel (144). The upper case (12) can include an upper surface on which a substrate (70) and a display (60) are arranged. A front panel (11) can be coupled to the upper case (12). The front panel (11) can be spaced apart from the upper surface of the upper case (12). The substrate (70) and the display (60) can be arranged between the front panel (11) and the upper case (12).

[0238] Middle Case (16)

[0239] The middle case (16) can be coupled to the knob (14). The middle case (16) can be located on the lower side of the rotary wheel (144). The knob housing (142) can surround the periphery of the upper case (12) and the middle case (16). For example, the knob housing (142) can surround a portion of the upper case (12) and a portion of the middle case (16). The upper case (12) can be spaced apart from the middle case (16).

[0240] The rotating wheel (144) may be placed in the gap between the upper case (12) and the middle case (16). The rotating wheel (144) may protrude toward the center from the inner circumference of the knob housing (142).

[0241] Gear (50)

[0242] The gear (50) may be located on the lower side of the upper case (12). The shaft (22) may be located on the lower side of the upper case (12). The gear (50) may be located on the upper side of the sensor module (40). The gear (50) may be located on the upper side of the sensor disk (42). The gear (50) may be located between the sensor disk (42) and the upper case (12).

[0243] <Disc Cover (30)>

[0244] The command input device (100) may include a disk cover (30) coupled to the shaft (22). The disk cover (30) may be disposed on the upper side of the magnetorheological module (20). The disk cover (30) may be disposed on the lower side of the sensor disk (42). The disk cover (30) may support the sensor disk (42). The sensor disk (42) may be mounted on the upper side of the disk cover (30). The sensor disk (42) may be disposed on the upper side of the disk cover (30) and may rotate.

[0245] Battery (80)

[0246] The command input device (100) may include a battery (80) placed inside the case (10). The battery (80) may supply power to the substrate (70), the display (60), the magnetorheological module (20), etc. The control unit (110) may control the power supplied from the battery (80) to the magnetorheological module (20). Through this, the strength of the magnetic field formed by the coil (24) may be adjusted, and the rotational resistance of the shaft (22) may be adjusted.

[0247] The battery may include a first battery (81) arranged on the lower side of the magnetorheological module (20). The first battery (81) may be arranged on the upper side of the lower case (18).

[0248] The battery may include a second battery (82) disposed between the magnetorheological module (20) and the case (10). The second battery (82) may be radially spaced from the magnetorheological module (20).

[0249] The second battery (82) may be arranged to surround the magnetorheological module (20) when viewed from the top of the case (10). When the second battery (82) is arranged to surround the magnetorheological module (20) when viewed from the top of the case (10), the magnetorheological module (20) is positioned so as not to overlap with the second battery (82) in the vertical direction, thereby providing an advantage in reducing the thickness of the command input device (100).

[0250] A plurality of second batteries (82) may be arranged, and a magnetorheological module (20) may be positioned between two second batteries (82). The second batteries (82) may be positioned to overlap the magnetorheological module (20) in the horizontal direction. The plurality of second batteries (82) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the shaft (22) when viewed from above.

[0251] Here, the horizontal direction is a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the shaft (22), and the vertical direction may mean the extension direction of the shaft (22).

[0252]

[0253] Specifically, the second battery (82) may be positioned between the upper case (11) and the lower case (18). The second battery (82) may be positioned inside the knob (14) when viewed from the upper direction.

[0254] The second battery (82) is positioned at the bottom of the display (60), and the second battery (82) can be positioned so as not to overlap with the display (60) in the vertical direction.

[0255] According to an embodiment, the battery may include only the second battery (82). If the first battery (81) positioned at the lower side of the magnetorheological module (20) is omitted, there is an advantage in that the thickness of the command input device (100) can be reduced.

[0256]

[0257]

[0258] <Wireless charging module (91)>

[0259] The command input device (100) may include a wireless charging module (91) that receives power from an external power source. The wireless charging module (91) may supply power received from the external power source to the battery (80). For example, the wireless charging module (91) may receive power wirelessly.

[0260]

[0261] Referring to Fig. 4, the internal configuration of the command input device (100) is described.

[0262] Front panel (11) ~ Upper case (10)

[0263] The front panel (11) can be coupled to the upper side of the upper case (12). A display (60) and / or a substrate (70) can be arranged between the front panel (11) and the upper case (12). A through hole through which a wire connected to the substrate (70) passes can be formed in the upper case (12). The substrate (70) can be mounted on the upper surface of the upper case (12). The display (60) can be arranged on the upper side of the substrate (70). The front panel (11) can cover the substrate (70) and the display (60) arranged on the upper side of the upper case (12).

[0264] <Rotating Wheel (144)>

[0265] The rotary wheel (144) can be detachably coupled to the knob housing (142). The rotary wheel (144) is fixed to the inside of the knob housing (142) and can rotate together with the knob housing (142).

[0266] Gear (50)

[0267] The gear (50) may include a main gear (51) coupled to a shaft (22). The gear (50) may include a sub gear (52) that engages with a rotary wheel (144). The sub gear (52) may engage with the main gear (51). When the rotary wheel (144) rotates, the sub gear (52) may rotate. The sub gear (52) may transmit the rotational power of the rotary wheel (144) to the main gear (51). That is, the rotational power of the knob (14) may be transmitted to the shaft (22) through the rotary wheel (144), the sub gear (52), and the main gear (51). Accordingly, when a user rotates the knob (14), the shaft (22) may rotate.

[0268] <Sensor module (40)>

[0269] The sensor module (40) may be placed on the lower side of the main gear (51). The sensor module (40) may be located on the upper side of the disk cover (30).

[0270] <Disc Cover (30)>

[0271] The disk cover (30) can be coupled to the shaft (22). The disk cover (30) may not rotate. The shaft (22) can rotate by being coupled to the fixed disk cover (30).

[0272] <Magnetorheological module (20)>

[0273] The magnetorheological module (20) may be coupled to the middle case (16). The middle case (16) may include a middle housing (162) in which the magnetorheological module (20) is arranged. The middle housing (162) may be located at the center of the middle case (16). The middle housing (162) may be spaced inward from the peripheral wall of the middle case (16). The disk cover (30) may be coupled to the upper side of the middle housing (162).

[0274] Battery

[0275] The battery (80) may be placed on the lower side of the middle housing (162). The battery (80) may be placed between the middle housing (162) and the lower case (18).

[0276] The wireless charging module (91) can be placed on the lower side of the lower case (18).

[0277] <Bass (19)>

[0278] The command input device (100) may include a base (19) forming a lower surface. The base (19) may be connected to a home appliance (700). The base (19) may be coupled to the lower side of the lower case (18). A wireless charging module (91) may be placed between the base (19) and the lower case (18).

[0279]

[0280] Referring to Fig. 5, the structure of the sensor module (40) is described.

[0281] Sensor Disk (42)

[0282] The sensor disk (42) may be formed in a circular shape. The shaft (22) may be coupled to the center of the sensor disk (42). The shaft (22) may be positioned on the rotational axis of the sensor disk (42). The sensor disk (42) may include a pattern formed in a circumferential direction. The pattern may be repeatedly formed in the circumferential direction.

[0283] <Sensor section (44)>

[0284] The sensor unit (44) can be coupled to the sensor disk (42). The sensor unit (44) can detect the rotation of the sensor disk (42). For example, the sensor unit (44) can detect the pattern of the rotating sensor disk (42) and determine the rotation angle of the sensor disk (42).

[0285] The sensor unit (44) may include a first sensor unit (441) and a second sensor unit (442) arranged parallel to each other in the rotational direction of the sensor disk (42). The first sensor unit (441) and the second sensor unit (442) may be arranged adjacent to each other. The first sensor unit (441) may be coupled to the second sensor unit (442).

[0286]

[0287] Referring to Fig. 6, the structure of the sensor disk (42) is described.

[0288] <Disk Body (421)>

[0289] The sensor disk (42) may include a disk body (421) in the shape of a disk. The disk body (421) may be coupled to a shaft (22) and rotate. A pattern may be formed on the disk body (421).

[0290] Slit (420)

[0291] The sensor disk (42) may include a slit (420) formed in the disk body (421). The slit (420) may be a through hole formed in the disk body (421). The slit (420) may include a plurality of slits (420) arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the rotational direction of the sensor disk (42). The plurality of slits (420) may be spaced apart radially with respect to the shaft (22). The plurality of slits (420) may extend radially with respect to the shaft (22). For example, the plurality of slits (420) may extend long in a direction away from the shaft (22).

[0292] Screen Bar (422)

[0293] The sensor disk (42) may include a screen bar (422) formed between a plurality of slits (420). The screen bar (422) may include a plurality of screen bars (422) arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the rotational direction of the sensor disk (42). The plurality of screen bars (422) may be spaced apart radially with respect to the shaft (22). The plurality of screen bars (422) may extend radially with respect to the shaft (22). For example, the plurality of screen bars (422) may extend long in a direction away from the shaft (22). The plurality of screen bars (422) and the plurality of slits (420) may be arranged alternately along the rotational direction of the sensor disk (42).

[0294]

[0295] Referring to Fig. 7, the arrangement of the sensor disk (42) and the sensor unit (44) will be described.

[0296] <Sensor - Transmitting sensor (44a) and receiving sensor (44b)>

[0297] The sensor unit (44) may include a transmitting sensor (44a) located on one side of the sensor disk (42). The sensor unit (44) may include a receiving sensor (44b) located on the other side of the sensor disk (42).

[0298] The transmitting sensor (44a) may be spaced apart from one surface of the sensor disk (42). The transmitting sensor (44a) may face one surface of the sensor disk (42). For example, the transmitting sensor (44a) may be positioned so as to be spaced upward from the upper surface of the sensor disk (42) and face the lower surface. The transmitting sensor (44a) may send a signal toward one surface of the sensor disk (42). For example, the transmitting sensor (44a) may be a light sensor that emits light.

[0299] The receiving sensor (44b) may be spaced apart from the other surface of the sensor disk (42). The receiving sensor (44b) may face the other surface of the sensor disk (42). For example, the receiving sensor (44b) may be positioned so as to be spaced downward from the lower surface of the sensor disk (42) and face the upper side. The receiving sensor (44b) may receive a signal from the transmitting sensor (44a). For example, the receiving sensor (44b) may be a light sensor that detects light emitted from the transmitting sensor (44a). The receiving sensor (44b) and the transmitting sensor (44a) may be aligned in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the sensor disk (42). For example, the receiving sensor (44b) and the transmitting sensor (44a) may be aligned in the vertical direction.

[0300] <Support (44c)>

[0301] The sensor unit (44) may include a support (44c) to which a transmitting sensor (44a) and a receiving sensor (44b) are coupled.

[0302] Sensor Disk (42)

[0303] The sensor disk (42) may be disposed between the transmitting sensor (44a) and the receiving sensor (44b). The transmitting sensor (44a) and the receiving sensor (44b) may be spaced apart in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the sensor disk (42). The sensor disk (42) may be disposed in the gap between the transmitting sensor (44a) and the receiving sensor (44b) and may rotate. The sensor disk (42) may be disposed such that the pattern is located in the gap between the transmitting sensor (44a) and the receiving sensor (44b). For example, the radial distance from the rotational axis of the sensor disk (42) to the pattern may correspond to the radial distance from the rotational axis of the sensor disk (42) to the transmitting sensor (44a) and / or the receiving sensor (44b). That is, when the sensor disk (42) rotates, the pattern formed on the sensor disk (42) may pass between the transmitting sensor (44a) and the receiving sensor (44b).

[0304]

[0305] Referring to Fig. 8, the rotation detection mechanism of the sensor module (40) is described.

[0306] <First detection point (P1)>

[0307] The sensor unit (44) can detect a change in the pattern of the rotating sensor disk (42). The sensor unit (44) can detect the rotation speed and / or rotation angle of the sensor disk (42) through a change in the detected pattern.

[0308] The first sensor unit (441) can detect a pattern change at the first detection point (P1). The first detection point (P1) can be located on a pattern formed on the sensor disk (42). The first detection point (P1) can be aligned with the first sensor unit (441) in the axial direction of the rotational axis. For example, the first sensor unit (441) includes a first transmitting sensor (44a) and a first receiving sensor (44b), and the first detection point (P1) can be located between the first transmitting sensor (44a) and the second receiving sensor (44b). The first transmitting sensor (44a), the first detection point (P1), and the first receiving sensor (44b) can be aligned in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the sensor disk (42).

[0309] <Second Detection Point (P2)>

[0310] The second sensor unit (442) can detect a pattern change at the second detection point (P2). The second detection point (P2) can be located on a pattern formed on the sensor disk (42). The second detection point (P2) can be aligned with the second sensor unit (442) in the axial direction of the rotational axis. For example, the second sensor unit (442) includes a second transmitting sensor (44a) and a second receiving sensor (44b), and the second detection point (P2) can be located between the second transmitting sensor (44a) and the second receiving sensor (44b). The second transmitting sensor (44a), the second detection point (P2), and the second receiving sensor (44b) can be aligned in the axial direction of the rotational axis of the sensor disk (42).

[0311] The second detection point (P2) may be spaced apart from the first detection point (P1). For example, the second detection point (P2) may be spaced apart from the first detection point (P1) in the rotational direction of the sensor disk (42).

[0312] Rotation detection mechanism

[0313] The first detection unit can detect the rotation of the sensor disk (42) through a change in the pattern detected at the first detection point (P1). For example, when the slit (420) is positioned at the first detection point (P1), light emitted from the first transmission sensor (44a) can pass through the slit (420) and reach the first reception sensor (44b). The first reception sensor (44b) can detect the light emitted from the first transmission sensor (44a) and determine that the slit (420) is positioned at the first detection point (P1). Conversely, when the screen bar (422) is positioned at the first detection point (P1), light emitted from the first transmission sensor (44a) can be blocked by the screen bar (422). The first reception sensor (44b) may not detect the light emitted from the first transmission sensor (44a). Through this, it is possible to determine whether the screen bar (422) is located at the first detection point (P1). The control unit (110) can determine the rotational speed and / or rotational angle of the sensor disk (42) through the signal detected by the first receiving sensor (44b).

[0314] The second detection unit can detect the rotation of the sensor disk (42) through a change in the pattern detected at the second detection point (P2). For example, when the slit (420) is located at the second detection point (P2), light emitted from the second transmission sensor (44a) can pass through the slit (420) and reach the second reception sensor (44b). The second reception sensor (44b) can detect the light emitted from the second transmission sensor (44a) and determine that the slit (420) is located at the second detection point (P2). Conversely, when the screen bar (422) is located at the second detection point (P2), light emitted from the second transmission sensor (44a) can be blocked by the screen bar (422). The second reception sensor (44b) may not detect the light emitted from the second transmission sensor (44a). Through this, it is possible to determine that the screen bar (422) is located at the second detection point (P2). The control unit (110) can determine the rotational speed and / or rotational angle of the sensor disk (42) through the signal detected by the second receiving sensor (44b).

[0315]

[0316] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a home appliance system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0317] Referring to FIG. 9, a home appliance (700) system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of home appliances (700) and a command input device (100) that, when connected to any one of the plurality of home appliances (700), is capable of controlling the connected home appliance (700). Of course, the home appliance (700) system may further include a mobile terminal (300) connected to the command input device (100) or / and the home appliance (700) via a wireless communication method.

[0318] The plurality of home appliances (700) typically include home appliances (700) used in the home. For example, the plurality of home appliances (700) may include at least one of a television, an air conditioner, an audio device, a refrigerator, a lighting device, an air purifier, and a cooking device. However, the types of home appliances (700) are not limited thereto.

[0319] The mobile terminal (300) may be a portable device. However, the mobile terminal (300) is not limited thereto, and is a device capable of performing communication and control with a command input device (100) or / and a home appliance (700), and is not limited in its type.

[0320]

[0321] FIG. 10a is a drawing showing a command input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure attached to a home appliance, and FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional view of one side of FIG. 10a where the command input device is attached to the home appliance.

[0322] Referring to FIG. 10, the base (19) may include a coupling member (FIG. 10b, 191) that provides a bonding force with one surface of the home appliance. For example, the coupling member (191) may include a material having magnetic force. In addition, the coupling member (191) may have a structure that is mechanically bonded with a bonded member (FIG. 10b, 764) installed on one surface of the home appliance.

[0323] The coupling portion (764) provides a return force that returns the command input device (100) to its original position even if it is moved by the magnetic force with the magnetic body. In addition, the coupling portion (764) facilitates alignment of the command input device (100) and the coupling portion (191) of the controlled device with the magnetic force with the coupling portion (191).

[0324] The coupling part (764) is installed in the casing (761). For example, the coupling part (764) includes a magnetic body (25) and a magnet that exerts an attractive force. Specifically, the coupling part (191) is a magnet having a first polarity, and the coupling part (764) is a magnet having a second polarity that is opposite to the first polarity.

[0325] For another example, the coupling portion (191) is magnetic, and the coupled portion (764) includes a magnetic metal that exerts an attractive force on the coupling portion (191). The magnetic metal includes a magnetic material that is attracted to the magnetic force of the magnet as a metal. The magnetic metal includes a ferromagnetic material. Specifically, the coupled portion (764) includes any one element among Ni, Cr, Mo, and Fe, or an alloy of these elements.

[0326] That is, the position of the coupling part (191) of the command input device (100) is aligned and fixed by the magnetic force with the casing (761) of the home appliance (700) itself or the magnetic force with the coupling part (764) installed in the casing (761) of the home appliance (700).

[0327] The case (10) may further include a positioning unit (not shown) that determines the alignment position of the control target home appliance and the case (10). The positioning unit may be an alignment protrusion protruding from the base (19) or an alignment groove formed by being sunken.

[0328]

[0329] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a command input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Electronic devices include home appliances. The following description focuses on home appliances, which are examples of electronic devices, but is not limited thereto and can be applied to electronic devices as well.

[0330] Referring to FIG. 11, a control method of a command input device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a connection detection step (S5) of detecting a connection between a home appliance (700) and a command input device (100), a control target determination step (S30) of determining the connected home appliance (700) as a control target home appliance when it is detected that the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected, an activation step (S45) of activating a remote controller corresponding to the control target home appliance in the command input device (100), and a sensitivity setting step (S45) of setting the sensitivity of the command input device (100) to correspond to the control target home appliance.

[0331] In addition, the control target confirmation step may further include a power reception step (S20) in which power is wirelessly received from the connected home appliance (700) to the command input device (100) when it is detected that the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected.

[0332] The control method of the command input device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a status display step (S50) of displaying the type and current status of the home appliance (700) through a remote controller activated in the command input device (100);

[0333] A control command transmission step (S60) for transmitting a user's control command inputted through a remote controller activated in a command input device (100) to a controlled home appliance;

[0334] A disconnection determination step (S70) for determining that the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are disconnected, a power transmission stop step (S80) for stopping power transmission when the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are disconnected,

[0335] It includes a standby mode switching step (S90) that switches the command input device (100) to standby mode.

[0336] First, the control unit (110) controls the connection detection module (150) to detect the connection between the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) (S5). Here, the connection between the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) is a concept that includes one of the following: physical connection, electrical connection, and communication connection between the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100).

[0337] Specifically, the connection between the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) means that the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) come into contact, the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) come into contact, the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are electrically connected, the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected to each other through communication, or the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected to each other.

[0338] Thereafter, the control unit (110) determines that the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected based on the detection result detected by the connection detection module (150) (S10). Specifically, the control unit (110) determines that the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor or when one side of the home appliance (700) and one side of the command input device (100) approach each other in close proximity or when the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are powered on (S10). The control unit (110) may maintain the command input device (100) in standby mode or sleep mode before the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected.

[0339] Alternatively, the control unit (110) may activate a remote controller previously used by the user on the command input device (100). In addition, the control unit (110) may pre-activate a remote controller corresponding to a home appliance to be used in the future on the command input device (100) based on the user's previous behavioral patterns. Of course, the pre-activated remote controller may be deactivated after a certain period of time or if there is no command input from the user for a certain period of time.

[0340] Alternatively, the mode can be pre-activated based on data received from other electronic devices.

[0341] Thereafter, when the control unit (110) detects that the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected, it controls power to be transmitted from the connected home appliance (700) to the command input device (100) (S20).

[0342] Thereafter, the control unit (110) can determine the connected home appliance (700) as the home appliance to be controlled (S30). Specifically, when the control unit (110) detects that the command input device (100) is connected to the home appliance (700), it transmits an identification code from the home appliance (700) connected to the command input device (100) and causes the command input device (100) connected to the home appliance (700) to receive the identification code. Conversely, when the control unit (110) detects that the command input device (100) is connected to the home appliance (700), it can transmit an identification code from the command input device (100) connected to the home appliance (700) and causes the home appliance (700) connected to the command input device (100) to receive the identification code. When the control unit (110) determines that the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected, the connected home appliance (700) or command input device (100) transmits an identification code, and the connected home appliance (700) or command input device (100) receives the identification code, thereby determining the home appliance to be controlled.

[0343] The above identification code can be used to determine the electronic device to be controlled using data containing information that can classify the barcode or home appliance.

[0344] Of course, as described later, the user can also select the home appliance to be controlled.

[0345] Thereafter, the control unit (110) activates the remote controller corresponding to the control target home appliance and the control target home appliance in the command input device (100) in the control target confirmation step (S40). In the activation step, the control unit (110) outputs a remote object for controlling the control target home appliance in the display unit (240) of the command input device (100), activates the remote controller for controlling the control target home appliance in a mobile terminal connected to the command input device (100) via a wireless communication method, or the command input device (100) executes a management application for the control target home appliance, or the command input device (100) downloads and executes a management application for the control target home appliance from a server.

[0346] Thereafter, the control unit (110) sets the sensitivity of the command input device (100) to correspond to the controlled home appliance (S40). Here, setting the sensitivity of the command input device (100) means adjusting or selecting a parameter that determines the degree of response of the command input device (100) to the user's command input according to the user's intention. The control unit (110) setting the sensitivity of the command input device (100) to correspond to the controlled home appliance may be adjusting the parameter that determines the degree of response of the command input device (100) to the user's command input according to the type of the controlled home appliance by inferring the user's intention.

[0347] Alternatively, the sensitivity can be adjusted to a pre-entered value using the user settings.

[0348] Here, (the content seems to have been deleted) the degree of response of the command input device (100) to the user's command input is achieved by changing the physical or / and electrical characteristics of the command input device (100).

[0349] In addition, setting the sensitivity of the command input device (100) may also mean setting the rotational resistance of the knob (14) of the command input device (100). In the sensitivity setting step (S25), the control unit (110) may set at least one of the strength of the rotational resistance of the knob and the strength change cycle of the rotational resistance of the knob differently. In addition, the control unit (110) may set at least one of the strength of the rotational resistance of the knob and the strength change cycle of the rotational resistance of the knob differently according to the operation mode of the controlled home appliance.

[0350] Specifically, in the sensitivity setting step, the control unit (110) can control the electric application time (on-time), non-application time (off-time) and cycle period of the electricity applied to the magnetorheological module according to the operation mode of the controlled home appliance, thereby allowing the rotational resistance of the knob to change temporally, periodically or aperiodically.

[0351] More specifically, the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) of the command input device (100), the on / off time of the electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20), and the repetition cycle of the on / off time of the electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) can be set.

[0352]

[0353] In the sensitivity setting step (S25), the control unit (110) can change the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in accordance with the user's command input operation characteristics. Specifically, when the user applies an external force to the knob, the control unit (110) can adjust the resistance of the knob, the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20), and the on / off time of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) in response to the external force applied to the knob. The rotational resistance of the knob is proportional to the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20).

[0354] More specifically, the control unit (110) can be set to gradually increase or decrease the rotational resistance of the knob as a function of a certain time or according to the amount of rotation of the knob.

[0355] The control unit (110) can set different sensitivities of the command input device (100) depending on the type of the controlled home appliance and the operating mode of the controlled home appliance. This is described in detail in Fig. 14.

[0356] Afterwards, the control unit (110) displays the type and current status of the home appliance (700) through the remote controller activated in the command input device (100) (S50).

[0357] Thereafter, the control unit (110) transmits the user's control command inputted through the remote controller activated in the command input device (100) to the controlled home appliance (S60).

[0358] Afterwards, the control unit (110) determines that the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are disconnected (S70).

[0359] Thereafter, if the control unit (110) determines that the control target home appliance and the command input device (100) are disconnected, it controls the control target home appliance to stop transmitting power (S80).

[0360] It includes a standby mode switching step for switching the command input device (100) to standby mode (S90).

[0361]

[0362] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a command input device according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present disclosure.

[0363] The control method of the second embodiment differs from the control method of the first embodiment (Fig. 11) by including an additional selection step (S33). Below, the differences from the first embodiment will be primarily described, and any configurations not specifically described will be considered identical to the first embodiment.

[0364] Referring to FIG. 12, the control method of the second embodiment includes a connection detection step (S5) for detecting a connection between a home appliance (700) and a command input device (100), a selection step (S33) for activating a user interface (User Interface) for displaying at least one of controllable home appliances as a controllable home appliance so that it can be selected as a controllable home appliance, an activation step (S40) for activating a remote controller corresponding to the controllable home appliance selected from the user interface on the command input device (100), and a sensitivity setting step (S45) for setting the sensitivity of the command input device (100) to correspond to the controllable home appliance.

[0365] The selection step (S33) activates a user interface (User Interface) that displays at least one controllable home appliance on the display so that it can be selected as a controllable home appliance. The control unit (110) can activate a user interface that selects at least one home appliance located within a certain distance from the command input device (100) on the display and / or a home appliance capable of communicating with the command input device (100).

[0366] Even if the command input device (100) is connected to a home appliance, the user can control other controllable home appliances in the vicinity at the user's choice.

[0367] Of course, if a user's command to select a controlled home appliance is not input in the selection step (S33), when the control unit (110) detects that the home appliance (700) and the command input device (100) are connected, the control unit (110) determines the connected home appliance (700) as the controlled home appliance, activates the remote controller corresponding to the controlled home appliance on the command input device (100), and sets the sensitivity of the command input device (100) to correspond to the controlled home appliance.

[0368]

[0369] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a command input device according to another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present disclosure.

[0370] The control method of the third embodiment differs from the control method of the second embodiment (Fig. 12) by including an additional manual adjustment step (S47). Below, the differences from the second embodiment will be primarily described, and any configurations not specifically described will be considered identical to the second embodiment.

[0371] Referring to FIG. 13, in the manual adjustment step (S47), the control unit (110) can activate a user interface that receives the sensitivity of the command input device (100) and adjust the sensitivity of the command input device (100) according to the input sensitivity.

[0372] The control unit (110) can output elements capable of changing the physical and / or electrical characteristics of the command input device (100) to the user interface that receives the sensitivity of the command input device (100). For example, the user interface that receives the sensitivity of the command input device (100) can include elements that receive the resistance value of the knob (14) of the command input device (100), the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) of the command input device (100), the on / off time of the electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20), and the repetition cycle of the on / off time of the electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20).

[0373]

[0374] The content described above can be implemented as one or more computer programs, or a combination of one or more of the above-described computer-readable storage media.

[0375] The functions of the elements disclosed in this document may be implemented using circuits or processing circuits including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs ("application-specific integrated circuits"), existing circuits, and / or combinations thereof. The circuits may be processors configured or programmed to perform the functions disclosed. A processor may include transistors and other circuits and thus may be considered a processing circuit or circuits. A circuit, unit, or means in this document may be hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the functions mentioned in the detailed description. The hardware may be the hardware disclosed herein or other known hardware, and may be hardware that is programmed or configured to perform the functions mentioned in the detailed description of the specification. If the hardware is a processor that can be considered a type of circuit, the circuit, means, or unit may be a combination of hardware and software, and may be software used to configure the hardware and / or processor. In addition, the computer storage medium may be a non-transitory computer storage medium. For example, it may be executable by a cloud server-based system.

[0376] Furthermore, the data described in this specification can be computed or performed in various environments, including cloud server-based systems, on-device systems, and distributed server systems (multiple servers). Processing can be distributed on cloud servers or executed locally on on-device processors, and the results of processing in each environment can be stored in non-volatile memory.

[0377] Electronic devices, such as home appliances and server computing devices, may be connected to one or more storage devices via a network. The storage devices may be a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory, and may or may not be located in the same physical location as the computing device.

[0378] A server computing device may include one or more processors and memory. The memory stores information that can be accessed by the processor and may include data that can be processed, stored, or modified by instructions that can be executed by the processor. The memory may also be comprised of volatile and non-volatile memory. The processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a tensor processing unit (TPU).

[0379] Instructions can be configured to perform specific actions when executed by a processor, and can be stored in object code or interpretable script format. These instructions can be used to implement a system and can be executed on a local or remote processor. Data can be retrieved, stored, or modified according to the instructions, and can be organized in database, JSON, YAML, or XML formats.

[0380]

[0381] Below, the control of the magnetorheological module (20) is described in detail.

[0382] FIG. 14 is a PWM waveform diagram according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0383] Referring to FIG. 14, the control unit (110) sets the sensitivity of the command input device (100) to correspond to the controlled home appliance (S40). Setting the sensitivity of the command input device (100) may also mean setting the rotational resistance of the knob (14) of the command input device (100). In the sensitivity setting step (S25), the control unit (110) may set at least one of the strength of the rotational resistance of the knob and the strength change cycle of the rotational resistance of the knob differently. In addition, the control unit (110) may set at least one of the strength of the rotational resistance of the knob and the strength change cycle of the rotational resistance of the knob differently according to the operation mode of the controlled home appliance.

[0384] Specifically, the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) of the command input device (100), the on / off time of the electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20), and the repetition cycle of the on / off time of the electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) can be set.

[0385] Hereinafter, a strong sensitivity of the command input device (100) means that the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) is relatively large, or the on / off time ratio (duty) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) within a certain period of time is large. A low sensitivity of the command input device (100) means that the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) is relatively small, or the on / off time ratio (duty) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) within a certain period of time is small.

[0386] For example, if the control target home appliance is a washing machine, air conditioner, television, or dryer that does not pose a risk during operation of the control target home appliance, the control unit (110) may set the sensitivity of the command input device (100) to the first sensitivity, and if the control target home appliance is an oven, induction, or cooking appliance that poses a risk during operation of the control target home appliance, the control unit (110) may set the sensitivity to the second sensitivity that is greater than the first sensitivity.

[0387] In the case of home appliances that pose a risk during use, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) is set to be high, so that the user can feel a great sense of resistance among the command input devices (100), and the user can be made aware of the risk in advance.

[0388] As shown in Fig. 14, the control unit (110) can set the sensitivity of the command input device (100) by controlling the on / off time of the electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20).

[0389] The control unit (110) can set the sensitivity of the command input device (100) by controlling the on / off time of the electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20). The sensitivity of the command input device (100) can be set by controlling the duty cycle of the electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20).

[0390] Preferably, the first sensitivity may be 0% to 25% of the duty cycle of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20), and the second sensitivity may be 26% to 100% of the duty cycle of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20).

[0391]

[0392] As another example, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit (110) can set the sensitivity of the command input device (100) by adjusting the intensity of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20).

[0393] The intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) at the first sensitivity may be smaller than the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) at the second sensitivity.

[0394] Preferably, the first sensitivity may be such that the intensity of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) is 1 V to 2 V, and the second sensitivity may be such that the intensity of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) is 2.2 V to 5 V.

[0395] Here, the first sensitivity and the second sensitivity can be kept constant over time.

[0396]

[0397] As another example, as shown in FIG. 16, the control unit (110) can set the sensitivity of the command input device (100) by adjusting the intensity of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20).

[0398] In the first sensitivity, the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) can have a pattern that changes within a certain range. In the second sensitivity, the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) can have a pattern that changes within a certain range.

[0399] The intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) at the first sensitivity may have a pattern in which the first intensity and the second intensity are periodically repeated. The intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) at the second sensitivity may have a pattern in which the third intensity and the fourth intensity are periodically repeated. Here, the second intensity is greater than the first intensity, the third intensity is greater than the fourth intensity, and the fourth intensity is greater than the first intensity.

[0400] That is, in the first sensitivity and the second sensitivity, the electric intensity can have a two-level square waveform or a dual-level voltage signal.

[0401]

[0402] As another example, as shown in FIG. 17, the control unit (110) can set the sensitivity of the command input device (100) by gradually or non-gradually adjusting the intensity of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20).

[0403] In the first sensitivity, the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) may have a pattern of gradual or non-gradual change within a certain range. In the second sensitivity, the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) may have a pattern of gradual or non-gradual change within a certain range.

[0404] The intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) at the first sensitivity may have a pattern in which the first intensity and the second intensity are periodically repeated, and may gradually change when the intensity of electricity changes from the first intensity to the second intensity.

[0405] In the second sensitivity, the intensity (V) of electricity supplied to the magnetorheological module (20) can be periodically repeated between the third and fourth intensities, and can be gradually changed when the intensity of electricity changes from the fourth to the third intensities.

[0406] Here, the 2nd century is greater than the 1st century, the 3rd century is greater than the 4th century, and the 4th century is greater than the 1st century.

[0407]

[0408] Meanwhile, the control unit (110) can set the sensitivity of the command input device (100) differently depending on the operation mode of the controlled home appliance. The sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the mode for selecting the operation mode of the controlled home appliance may be different from the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the mode for setting the details of each operation mode.

[0409] When the controlled home appliance is a washing machine or a dryer, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the mode for selecting the operation mode may be different from the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the mode for setting the details of each operation mode.

[0410] Specifically, when the controlled home appliance is a washing machine or a dryer, the control unit (110) can set the sensitivity of the command input device (100) to a third sensitivity that is greater than the first sensitivity in a mode for selecting an operation mode, and can set the sensitivity of the command input device (100) to a fourth sensitivity that is less than the third sensitivity in a mode for selecting an operation mode and setting details of the selected operation mode. Preferably, the third sensitivity may be less than the second sensitivity.

[0411] In the case of a washing machine or a dryer, in the mode for selecting an operation mode, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) may be set to a fourth sensitivity that is lower than the third sensitivity, and in the mode for selecting an operation mode and setting details, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) may be set to a fourth sensitivity that is lower than the third sensitivity. Preferably, the third sensitivity may be lower than the second sensitivity.

[0412] Since the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the mode for selecting the operation mode is set differently from the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the mode for setting the details of each operation mode, there is an advantage in that the user can recognize the current stage only by touch or resistance without looking at the display of the command input device (100).

[0413]

[0414] In the case where the control target home appliance is a cooking appliance such as an oven or induction cooker, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the mode for selecting the operation mode may be different from the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the mode for setting the details of each operation mode.

[0415] In addition, when the controlled home appliance is a cooking appliance such as an oven or an induction cooker, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) when selecting the heat source can be different from the sensitivity of the command input device (100) when setting the operating time of each burner. When the controlled home appliance is a cooking appliance such as an oven or an induction cooker, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) when selecting the heat source can be greater than the sensitivity of the command input device (100) when setting the operating time of each burner.

[0416] When the controlled home appliance is a cooking appliance such as an oven or an induction cooker, the control unit (110) can set different time units for the unit rotation angle of the knob when setting the operating time of each cooking zone, and the sensitivity of the command input device (100) can be different for each time unit. Specifically, the control unit (110) can set different time units (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes) for the unit rotation angle of the knob (e.g., 15 degrees) when setting the operating time of each cooking zone, and the sensitivity of the command input device (100) when it is in 10-minute units may be greater than the sensitivity of the command input device (100) when it is in 5-minute units, and the sensitivity of the command input device (100) when it is in 5-minute units may be greater than the sensitivity of the command input device (100) when it is in 1-minute units.

[0417] Accordingly, when the controlled home appliance is a cooking appliance such as an oven or induction cooker, the operating time of each burner can be set in different time units for each rotation angle of the knob, and if the sensitivity of the command input device (100) is different for each time unit, the user has the advantage of being able to know the time increasing or decreasing when the knob rotates a unit angle without looking at the display.

[0418] When the control target home appliance is a cooking appliance such as an oven or induction cooker, the control unit (110) can, in lock mode, gradually increase the sensitivity of the command input device (100) as the rotation angle increases when the knob is rotated in the forward direction, and can gradually decrease the sensitivity of the command input device (100) as the rotation angle increases when the knob is rotated in the reverse direction.

[0419]

[0420] When the controlled home appliance is an air conditioner, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the mode for selecting the operation mode may be different from the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the mode for setting the details of each operation mode. Specifically, when the controlled home appliance is an air conditioner, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the wind speed setting mode may be different from the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the operation time setting mode and may be different from the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the operation selection mode. More specifically, when the controlled home appliance is an air conditioner, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the wind speed setting mode may be greater than the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the operation time setting mode, and the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the operation selection mode may be greater than the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the wind speed setting mode.

[0421] In the case where the controlled home appliance is an air conditioner, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) can be adjusted differently depending on the set temperature range in the temperature setting mode. Specifically, in the temperature setting mode, the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the set temperature range of 20 degrees or less can be greater than the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the set temperature range of more than 20 degrees and less than 23 degrees, and the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the set temperature range of 20 degrees or less can be greater than the sensitivity of the command input device (100) in the set temperature range of more than 23 degrees.

[0422] Accordingly, since the sensitivity of the command input device (100) is set differently for each set temperature range, the user can recognize the set temperature range only by the resistance of the knob without looking at the display.

[0423]

[0424] A command input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a case; a knob rotatably coupled to the case and rotating in a circumferential direction of the case; a shaft disposed at a center of the case and rotating according to rotation of the knob; and a magnetorheological module coupled to the shaft and configured to change rotational resistance of the shaft.

[0425] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the magnetorheological module may include: an inner disk connected to a magnetorheological fluid, coupled to the shaft and rotating together with the shaft; and a coil that applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid.

[0426] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the coil may be an annular coil extending in the circumferential direction of the inner disk and spaced radially from the inner disk.

[0427] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner disk may be disposed inside the coil.

[0428] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the magnetorheological fluid may be positioned between the inner disk and the coil.

[0429] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the knob may include a knob housing coupled to the case so as to rotate relative to the case; and a rotary wheel protruding from the knob housing toward the inside of the case and extending in the rotational direction of the knob.

[0430] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device may further include a gear for transmitting the rotational power of the knob to the shaft.

[0431] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the gear may include: a main gear coupled to the shaft; and a sub gear disposed between the main gear and the rotary wheel and transmitting the rotational power of the knob to the main gear.

[0432] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the case may include: a cylindrical middle case; a lower case coupled to one side of the middle case; and an upper case coupled to the other side of the middle case and spaced apart from the lower case.

[0433] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the knob may be rotatably coupled to the outside of the middle case.

[0434] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the knob may surround the upper case and the middle case.

[0435] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the rotating wheel may protrude into a gap between the upper case and the middle case.

[0436] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor module for detecting rotation of the shaft may be further included.

[0437] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor module may include: a sensor disk coupled to the shaft and rotating together with the shaft; and a sensor unit detecting rotation of the sensor disk.

[0438] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor disk may include: a plurality of slits arranged spaced apart from each other in the rotational direction of the knob; and a plurality of screen bars positioned between the plurality of slits.

[0439] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor unit may include: a transmitting sensor facing one surface of the sensor disk; and a receiving sensor facing the other surface of the sensor disk.

[0440] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the transmitting sensor and the receiving sensor can be aligned in the axial direction of the shaft.

[0441] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of slits and the plurality of screen bars can pass through a spaced gap between the transmitting sensor and the receiving sensor when the sensor disk rotates.

[0442] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device further includes a gear that transmits rotational power of the knob to the shaft, and the sensor disk may be positioned between the gear and the magnetorheological module.

[0443] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the magnetorheological module may include: an inner disk connected to the magnetorheological fluid and coupled to the shaft.

[0444] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor disk may be positioned between the gear and the inner disk.

[0445] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device may further include a disk cover positioned between the sensor disk and the magnetorheological module and supporting the sensor disk.

[0446]

[0447] Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[0448] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible (For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible).

[0449] The above detailed description is to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes coming within the equivalent range of the present disclosure are intended to be embraced therein. (Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and / or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and / or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.)

Claims

1. Connection detection step for detecting the connection between an electronic device and a command input device; A control target determination step for determining the connected electronic device as a control target electronic device when it is detected that the electronic device and the command input device are connected; An activation step of activating a remote controller corresponding to the above-mentioned control target electronic device in the command input device; and A control method for a command input device, including a sensitivity setting step for setting the sensitivity of the command input device to correspond to the electronic device to be controlled.

2. In paragraph 1, The above sensitivity setting step is, A control method of a command input device that sets different sensitivity of the command input device depending on the type of the electronic device to be controlled and the operation mode of the electronic device to be controlled.

3. In paragraph 1, The above sensitivity setting step is, A control method for a command input device that changes the sensitivity of the command input device in accordance with the command input operation characteristics of the user.

4. In paragraph 1, A control method for a command input device, further comprising a manual adjustment step of activating a user interface for receiving input of the sensitivity of the command input device and adjusting the sensitivity of the command input device according to the input sensitivity.

5. In paragraph 1, The above sensitivity setting step is, A control method for a command input device that sets at least one of the strength of the rotational resistance of a knob and the change cycle of the strength of the rotational resistance of the knob differently.

6. In paragraph 2, The above sensitivity setting step is, A control method of a command input device that sets at least one of the strength of the rotational resistance of a knob and the strength change cycle of the rotational resistance of the knob differently according to the operating mode of the electronic device to be controlled.

7. In paragraph 1, The above sensitivity setting step is, A control method of a command input device that allows the rotational resistance of a knob to change temporally, periodically, or aperiodically by adjusting the electric application time (on-time), non-application time (off-time), and cycle period of electricity applied to a magnetorheological module according to the operation mode of the electronic device to be controlled.

8. In paragraph 1, The above sensitivity setting step is, A control method for a command input device that sets the rotational resistance of a knob to gradually increase or decrease according to a constant time function or the amount of rotation of the knob.

9. Connection detection step for detecting the connection between the electronic device and the command input device; A selection step of activating a user interface (User Interfac) that displays at least one of the controllable electronic devices on the display so that it can be selected as a controllable electronic device when the connection between the electronic device and the command input device is detected; An activation step of activating a remote controller corresponding to the control target electronic device selected in the user interface on the command input device; and A control method for a command input device, including a sensitivity setting step for setting the sensitivity of the command input device to correspond to the electronic device to be controlled.

10. In paragraph 8, The above sensitivity setting step is, A control method of a command input device that sets different sensitivity of the command input device depending on the type of the electronic device to be controlled and the operation mode of the electronic device to be controlled.

11. In paragraph 9, The above sensitivity setting step is, A control method for a command input device that changes the sensitivity of the command input device in accordance with the command input operation characteristics of the user.

12. In paragraph 9, A control method for a command input device, further comprising a manual adjustment step of activating a user interface for receiving input of the sensitivity of the command input device and adjusting the sensitivity of the command input device according to the input sensitivity.

13. Case; A knob rotatably coupled to the case; A shaft disposed in the case and rotating according to the rotation of the knob; A magnetorheological module coupled to the shaft and changing the rotational resistance of the shaft; A connection detection module that detects a connection with an electronic device; A communication module that transmits and receives data with the electronic device to be controlled; A display on which a remote object controlling the above-mentioned control target electronic device is output; and Includes a control unit that controls the overall command input device, The above control unit, A command input device that, when the electronic device and the command input device are connected, determines the connected electronic device as the electronic device to be controlled, outputs a control signal to the display unit that activates a remote controller corresponding to the electronic device to be controlled, and outputs a control signal to the magnetorheological module that sets the rotational resistance corresponding to the electronic device to be controlled.

14. In paragraph 13, The above magnetorheological module: An inner disk connected to a magnetorheological fluid and coupled to the shaft and rotating together with the shaft; and A command input device including a coil that applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid.

15. In paragraph 14, The above coil, An annular coil extending in the circumferential direction of the inner disk and spaced radially from the inner disk, The above inner disk, A command input device placed inside the above coil.

16. In paragraph 15, The above magnetorheological fluid is, A command input device located between the inner disk and the coil.

17. In paragraph 13, The above knob is, a knob housing coupled to the case so as to rotate relative to the case; and A command input device including a rotary wheel protruding from the knob housing toward the inside of the case and extending in the rotational direction of the knob.

18. In paragraph 17, Further comprising a gear that transmits the rotational power of the above knob to the above shaft, The above gears are: a main gear coupled to the above shaft; and A command input device including a sub gear disposed between the main gear and the rotary wheel and transmitting the rotational power of the knob to the main gear.

19. In paragraph 17, The above case is: upper case; Lower case; and Including a middle case positioned between the upper case and the middle case, The above knob is, A command input device that is rotatably coupled to the outside of the above middle case.

20. Case; A knob rotatably coupled to the case; A shaft disposed in the case and rotating according to the rotation of the knob; A magnetorheological module coupled to the shaft and changing the rotational resistance of the shaft; A connection detection module that detects a connection with an electronic device; A communication module that transmits and receives data with the electronic device to be controlled; A display on which a remote object controlling the above-mentioned control target electronic device is output; and Includes a control unit that controls the overall command input device, The above control unit, A command input device that, when the electronic device and the command input device are connected, activates a user interface (User Interface) on the display that displays at least one of the electronic devices to be controlled so that it can be selected, outputs a control signal for activating a remote controller corresponding to the electronic device to be controlled selected from the user interface to the display unit, and outputs a control signal for setting a rotational resistance corresponding to the electronic device to be controlled to the magnetorheological module.

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