Home appliance and server that communicates with home appliance

Abstract

A home appliance is provided. The home appliance: when a command for executing a first diagnosis mode is selected through an input unit, controls operations of a plurality of loads on the basis of diagnosis control information; while the first diagnosis mode is being executed, controls a communication unit to transmit, to a server, control information of the plurality of loads and sensing information sensed by at least one sensor; controls an output unit to output diagnosis result information received from the server; and when a command for executing a second diagnosis mode is received through the input unit while at least one of the plurality of loads is operating, controls the communication unit to transmit, to the server, control information of the at least one of the plurality of loads and sensing information sensed by the at least one sensor.

Description

Home appliances and servers that communicate with them

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a home appliance for diagnosing a fault and a server for communicating with the home appliance.

[0002] Home appliances are devices that utilize electricity to enhance user convenience. Types of home appliances include clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, cooking appliances, and televisions.

[0003] In response to a malfunction, home appliances display a fault code on a display device such as a light-emitting diode (LED) or small liquid crystal display (LCD) attached to the appliance, or output a specific pattern of guidance sounds indicating the fault code.

[0004] In this case, when a malfunction of an appliance is notified to the user through a display device or a guide sound, the user must check the malfunction code displayed on the display device and then refer to the appliance's manual to determine the cause of the malfunction or request a repair from a service center.

[0005] Previously, there was the inconvenience of having to check for malfunctions in home appliances by referring to the manuals themselves, and when users requested repairs through service centers, there was the problem of wasting time and money on the users' part and the service center's manpower.

[0006] The above information is provided solely as background information to aid understanding of the present disclosure. No judgment or assertion has been made as to whether the above information constitutes prior art in relation to the present disclosure.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is to solve at least the problems and / or disadvantages mentioned above, and to provide at least the advantages described below. One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a home appliance that, when a command to perform a first diagnostic mode is received, controls operation of each load based on diagnostic control information, transmits load-specific control information and sensor-specific detection information to a server during the operation of each load, and, when a command to perform a second diagnostic mode is received during the operation of at least one load, transmits control information and sensor-specific detection information of at least one load to the server.

[0008] Another aspect of the disclosed invention provides a server that diagnoses a fault in a home appliance based on at least one of load-specific control information of the home appliance and sensor-specific detection information of the home appliance received from the home appliance or user device, and transmits the diagnosis result information to the home appliance or user device.

[0009] Additional aspects will be partly presented in the following description, partly elucidated therein, or may be learned by practicing the embodiments presented.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a home appliance is provided. The home appliance according to one aspect of the disclosed invention includes: an input unit for receiving a user input; an output unit; a communication unit for communicating with a server; a plurality of loads; at least one sensor; and a processor for controlling the operation of the plurality of loads based on diagnostic control information when a command to perform a first diagnostic mode is selected through the input unit, controlling the communication unit to transmit control information of the plurality of loads and detection information detected by the at least one sensor during the execution of the first diagnostic mode to the server, and controlling the output unit to output diagnostic result information received from the server. The processor of the home appliance according to one aspect controls the communication unit to transmit control information of the at least one load and detection information detected by the at least one sensor to the server when a command to perform a second diagnostic mode is received through the input unit while at least one load among the plurality of loads is operating.

[0011] At least one sensor of the home appliance according to one aspect includes at least one of a microphone for detecting sound and a vibration sensor for detecting vibration.

[0012] A processor of a home appliance according to one aspect matches and stores at least one of sound information detected by a microphone and vibration information detected by a vibration sensor based on the execution time of the first diagnosis mode with control information of a plurality of loads and detection information detected by at least one sensor.

[0013] The processor of the home appliance according to one aspect controls the performance of the second diagnostic mode during the reference diagnostic time.

[0014] A processor of a home appliance according to one aspect matches and stores at least one of sound information detected by a microphone and vibration information detected by a vibration sensor based on the execution time of the second diagnostic mode with control information of a plurality of loads and detection information detected by at least one sensor.

[0015] According to one aspect, a communication unit of a home appliance performs communication with a user device and receives sound information collected from the user device. According to one aspect, a processor of the home appliance controls the communication unit to match sound information received during execution of a first diagnostic mode with control information of a plurality of loads and detection information of at least one sensor and transmit the matched sound information to a server, and controls the communication unit to match sound information received during execution of a second diagnostic mode with control information of at least one load and detection information of at least one sensor and transmit the matched sound information to a server.

[0016] According to one aspect, a communication unit of a home appliance performs communication with a user device and receives vibration information collected from the user device. According to one aspect, a processor of the home appliance controls the communication unit to match vibration information received during execution of a first diagnostic mode with control information of a plurality of loads and detection information of at least one sensor and transmit the matched vibration information to a server, and controls the communication unit to match vibration information received during execution of a second diagnostic mode with control information of at least one load and detection information of at least one sensor and transmit the matched vibration information to the server.

[0017] According to one aspect, a communication unit of a home appliance performs communication with a user device. According to one aspect, a processor of the home appliance controls the execution of a first diagnostic mode based on receiving a command to execute a first diagnostic mode from the user device, and controls the execution of a second diagnostic mode based on receiving a command to execute a second diagnostic mode from the user device.

[0018] A processor of a home appliance according to one aspect controls an output unit to output the received diagnostic result information based on the diagnostic result information being received from a user device.

[0019] A plurality of loads of a home appliance according to one aspect include a driving motor for rotating a drum provided in a tub; a drain pump for draining water from the tub; and a water supply valve for supplying water into the tub. A processor of the home appliance according to one aspect controls a washing cycle, a water supply cycle, a dehydration cycle, and a drain cycle based on diagnostic control information, recognizes whether the drum is in an unloaded state during the washing cycle, and controls an output unit to output guidance information requesting withdrawal of laundry based on recognition that the drum is in a loaded state.

[0020] The processor of the home appliance according to one aspect controls the washing cycle, water supply cycle, dehydration cycle and drain cycle when the drum is in an unloaded state, controls the drive motor, the drain pump and the water supply valve, and recognizes control information of the drive motor, control information of the drain pump and control information of the water supply valve.

[0021] According to one aspect, a home appliance further includes a water level sensor for detecting a water level within a tub; and a speed sensor for detecting a rotational speed of a driving motor. A processor of the home appliance according to one aspect controls a communication unit to transmit water level information detected by the water level sensor and rotational speed information detected by the speed sensor to a server.

[0022] According to one aspect, the home appliance further includes a current sensor that detects current flowing to the drive motor. The processor of the home appliance according to one aspect recognizes current administration information based on a command to perform a second diagnostic mode, recognizes laundry weight information based on the current information detected by the current sensor, and controls a communication unit to transmit the recognized current administration information, laundry weight information, and water level information to a server.

[0023] According to one aspect, a home appliance further includes a driving motor for rotating a drum provided in a tub; and a drying device for drying laundry in the drum. According to one aspect, the drying device of the home appliance includes a heat pump including a compressor, a blower fan for blowing air generated through the heat pump into the drum, and a cooling fan for cooling the compressor. A processor of the home appliance according to one aspect controls a drying process based on diagnostic control information, and recognizes control information of the driving motor, control information of the compressor, control information of the blower fan, and control information of the cooling fan while controlling the drying process.

[0024] According to one aspect, a home appliance further includes a first speed sensor for detecting a rotation speed of a driving motor; a second speed sensor for detecting a rotation speed of a compressor motor provided in a compressor; a third speed sensor for detecting a rotation speed of a first motor provided in a blower fan; and a fourth speed sensor for detecting a rotation speed of a second motor provided in a cooling fan. The processor of the home appliance according to one aspect controls a communication unit to transmit rotation speed information detected by the first, second, third, and fourth speed sensors to a server while controlling a drying process.

[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a server. According to another aspect, the server includes a communication unit that performs communication with a home appliance and a user device; a memory that stores reference diagnostic information; and a processor that controls the communication unit to diagnose a fault in the home appliance based on the reference diagnostic information, control information for a plurality of loads received from the home appliance, and sound information received from the user device, and transmit the diagnosis result information to at least one of the home appliance and the user device.

[0026] According to another aspect, the server's processor diagnoses a failure of the home appliance based on reference diagnostic information, control information of a plurality of loads received from the home appliance, and vibration information received from the user device.

[0027] According to another aspect, the processor of the server controls the communication unit to transmit diagnostic control information necessary for performing the first diagnostic mode to the home appliance.

[0028] According to another aspect, a processor of a server diagnoses a fault related to a plurality of loads based on receiving performance information of a first diagnostic mode from a home appliance and detection information of a plurality of sensors provided in the home appliance, and diagnoses a fault related to at least one load based on receiving performance information of a second diagnostic mode from the home appliance and control information of at least one load among the plurality of loads.

[0029] According to another aspect, the processor of the server diagnoses a fault of the home appliance based on at least one of sound information and vibration information received from the home appliance, reference diagnostic information, control information of a plurality of loads received from the home appliance, and at least one of sound information and vibration information received from the home appliance.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions are disclosed. The computer-executable instructions, when executed by one or more processors, can operate a home appliance. The home appliance includes an input unit for receiving user input, an output unit, a communication unit for communicating with a server, a plurality of loads, at least one sensor, and one or more media, and a memory for storing instructions, and at least one processor communicatively connected to the input unit, the output unit, the communication unit, the plurality of loads, the at least one sensor, and the memory, and individually or collectively operating the home appliance. The operation of the home appliance controls the operation of a plurality of loads based on diagnostic control information in response to a command to perform a first diagnostic mode selected through an input unit, controls the communication unit to transmit control information for the plurality of loads and detection information detected by at least one sensor to a server while performing the first diagnostic mode, and controls the output unit to output diagnostic result information received from the server, and controls the communication unit to transmit information for at least one of the plurality of loads and detection information detected by at least one sensor to the server while at least one load among the plurality of loads is operating in response to a command to perform a second diagnostic mode received through the input unit.

[0031] According to the disclosed invention, the disclosed invention can diagnose a fault, a fault in connection with a fault, a fault in installation, or a fault in various loads (e.g., various motors, various valves, various pumps, compressors) of a home appliance based on load-specific control information of the home appliance and sensor-specific detection information of the home appliance, and can output the diagnosis result information through the home appliance or a user device, thereby allowing the user to easily recognize a fault in the home appliance.

[0032] The disclosed invention can diagnose a fault in a home appliance quickly and accurately by diagnosing the fault in the home appliance using a server with abundant computational and memory resources.

[0033] The disclosed invention can collect and learn information on various load defects, fastening defects, and installation defects of home appliances by type and model of home appliance, update diagnostic control information using the collected and learned information for each home appliance, and improve the performance of home appliance fault diagnosis by diagnosing home appliance faults based on the updated diagnostic control information. This can provide more accurate service to users.

[0034] The disclosed invention can diagnose faults in home appliances without microphones or vibration sensors by utilizing a user device. This can improve user convenience.

[0035] The disclosed invention can improve the safety of home appliances, enhance the quality and marketability of home appliances, and further secure the competitiveness of home appliances.

[0036] Other aspects, advantages and important features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0037] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a home network system including a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a home network system including a home appliance according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of a clothing treatment device among home appliances according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 5 is an internal example diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 5.

[0044] Figure 7 is a control configuration diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIGS. 8A and 8B are exemplary views of a control panel provided in a garment treatment device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of control of multiple loads in a washing mode among the first diagnostic modes of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram of control of multiple loads in a drying mode among the first diagnostic modes of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a control flowchart of a first diagnostic mode of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 12 is a control flowchart of a second diagnostic mode of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a control configuration diagram of a server communicating with a garment processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a home network system including a home appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIGS. 15a, 15b, and 15c are exemplary display diagrams of a user device communicating with a home appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 16 is a control configuration diagram of a user device communicating with a home appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawing to indicate the same elements.

[0055] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, may be provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While this description includes numerous specific details to facilitate such understanding, these should be considered merely exemplary. Accordingly, those skilled in the art should recognize that various changes and modifications may be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0056] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not intended to be limited to their bibliographic meanings, but are merely intended to enable the inventor to clearly and consistently understand the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0057] The singular and the above should be understood to include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to a "component surface" may include reference to one or more such surfaces.

[0058] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0059] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0060] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0061] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0062] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0063] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0064] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0065] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0066] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0067] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0068] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0069] It should be understood that each block and combination of flowcharts can be performed by one or more computer programs containing computer-executable instructions. One or more computer programs may be stored entirely in a single memory device, or one or more computer programs may be divided into multiple parts and stored in multiple memory devices.

[0070] All functions or operations described herein may be performed by a single processor or a combination of processors. A single processor or a combination of processors is a circuit that performs processing and includes circuits such as an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth™ chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near-field communication (NFC) chip, a connection chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), an IC, and the like.

[0071] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a home network system including a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a home network system (1a) may include at least one home appliance (1000), a user device (2a), and a server (3a).

[0073] The home appliance (1000) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another home appliance, a user device (2a), or a server (3a), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the home appliance (1000), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the home appliance (1000).

[0074] The home appliance (1000) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the home appliance (1000) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a refrigerator (1011), a dishwasher (1012), an electric range (1013), an electric oven (1014), an air conditioner (1015), a clothes manager (1016), a washing machine (1017), a dryer (1018), and a microwave oven (1019) as illustrated, and may include, for example, various types of home appliances such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television, which are not illustrated in the drawing. In addition, the home appliances mentioned above are merely examples, and in addition to the home appliances mentioned above, a device that is connected to another home appliance, a user device (2a), or a server (3a) and can perform the operations described below may be included in the home appliance (1000) according to one embodiment.

[0075] The server (3a) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a home appliance (1000) or a user device (2a), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a home appliance (1000) or a user device (2a), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data.

[0076] These servers (3a) can be implemented as various computing devices such as workstations, clouds, data drives, and data stations. The servers (3a) can be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on functions, detailed configurations of functions, or data, and can transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0077] The server (3a) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering home appliances (1000) by linking them to user accounts, and managing or controlling the registered home appliances (1000). For example, a user can access the server (3a) via a user device (2a) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user.

[0078] The server (3a) can register a home appliance (1000) to a user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3a) can register, manage, and control the home appliance (1000) by linking identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (1000) to a user account.

[0079] The user device (2a) may include a communication module capable of communicating with a home appliance (1000) or a server (3a), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user device (2a), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2a).

[0080] The user device (2a) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2a) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0081] A program for controlling a home appliance (1000), i.e., an application, may be stored in the memory of the user device (2a). The application may be sold installed in the user device (2a) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0082] A user can access a server (3a) by executing an application installed on a user device (2a), create a user account, and communicate with the server (3a) based on the logged-in user account to register a home appliance (1000).

[0083] For example, when the home appliance (1000) is operated so that the home appliance (1000) can be connected to the server (3a) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2a), the home appliance (1000) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (1000) in the corresponding user account on the server (3a).

[0084] A user can control a home appliance (1000) using an application installed on the user device (2a). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (2a), a home appliance (1000) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the home appliance (1000) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the home appliance (1000) via the server (3a).

[0085] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0086] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an access point (AP). Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc.

[0087] An access point (AP) can connect a home appliance (1000) or a user device (2a) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3a) is connected. The home appliance (1000) or the user device (2a) can be connected to the server (3a) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0088] The access point (AP) can communicate with a home appliance (1000) or user device (2a) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the home appliance (1000) may be directly connected to a user device (2a) or a server (3a) without going through an access point (AP).

[0090] The home appliance (1000) can be connected to a user device (2a) or a server (3a) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0091] For example, the home appliance (1000) can be connected to the user device (2a) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0092] As another example, the home appliance (1000) may be connected to a user device (2a) or a server (3a) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0093] As another example, a home appliance (1000) may connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and be connected to a user device (2a) or a server (3a) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0094] If the home appliance (1000) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it can also function as an access relay. Accordingly, the home appliance (1000) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3a) is connected. Furthermore, other home appliances can connect the home appliance (1000) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3a) is connected.

[0095] A home appliance (1000) can transmit information regarding its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2a), or a server (3a) via a network. For example, the home appliance (1000) can transmit information regarding its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2a), or a server (3a) when a request is received from a server (3a), when a specific event occurs in the home appliance (1000), or periodically or in real time.

[0096] When information regarding operation or status is received from a home appliance (1000), the server (3a) updates the stored information regarding the operation or status of the home appliance (1000) and transmits the updated information regarding the operation and status of the home appliance (1000) to the user device (2a) via the network. Here, updating information may include various operations that change existing information, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information or an operation of replacing existing information with new information.

[0097] The home appliance (1000) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2a), or servers (3a), and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the home appliance (1000) can obtain information related to the functions of the home appliance (1000) (e.g., cooking methods, washing instructions, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3a), and output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0098] The home appliance (1000) can operate according to control commands received from other home appliances, user devices (2a), or servers (3a). For example, if the home appliance (1000) has obtained prior approval from the user to operate according to control commands from the server (3a) even without user input, the home appliance (1000) can operate according to control commands received from the server (3a). Here, the control commands received from the server (3a) may include, but are not limited to, control commands input by the user through the user devices (2a) or control commands based on preset conditions.

[0099] The user device (2a) can transmit information about the user to the home appliance (1000) or the server (3a) via the communication module. For example, the user device (2a) can transmit information about the user's location, health status, preferences, schedule, etc. to the server (3a). The user device (2a) can transmit information about the user to the server (3a) with the user's prior consent.

[0100] The home appliance (1000), user device (2a), or server (3a) may determine a control command using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3a) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the home appliance (1000) or information regarding the user of the user device (2a), process the information using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the home appliance (1000) or user device (2a) based on the processing result.

[0101] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a home network system including a home appliance according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0102] As illustrated in Fig. 2, a home network system (1a) is a system that establishes an environment in which home appliances (1000) communicate with each other through a wired or wireless network inside a home and can be connected to each other through the Internet outside the home.

[0103] The home network system (1a) includes a home appliance (1000) and a server (3a), and may further include a user device (2a).

[0104] When a command to perform the first diagnostic mode is received as a user input, the home appliance (1000) can control the operation of multiple loads based on diagnostic control information.

[0105] The diagnostic control information may include control information for each of multiple loads.

[0106] When the load is a motor, the control information may include at least one of acceleration control, deceleration control, speed maintenance control, stop control, target rotation speed, maximum rotation speed, acceleration, and reference time for maintaining rotation speed.

[0107] The home appliance (1000) can collect detection information detected from a plurality of sensors while performing the first diagnosis mode, and match and store the detection information of each of the collected plurality of sensors with the control information of each of the plurality of loads.

[0108] The home appliance (1000) can match and store detection information of each of a plurality of sensors and control information of each of a plurality of loads in response to the execution time of the first diagnosis mode.

[0109] The detection information of each of the plurality of sensors may include sound information about sounds generated by the home appliance.

[0110] The detection information of each of the plurality of sensors may include vibration information about vibrations generated from the home appliance.

[0111] The detection information from each of the multiple sensors may include environmental information regarding the operating environment of the home appliance. For example, the operating environment of the home appliance may include external temperature, external humidity, internal temperature, internal humidity, the water level of the home appliance, the water temperature of the home appliance, and the opening and closing of the door.

[0112] The home appliance (1000) can also control the performance of the first diagnostic mode based on a preset cycle.

[0113] The home appliance (1000) can transmit detection information of each of the plurality of sensors and control information of each of the plurality of loads stored during the execution of the first diagnostic mode to the server (3a).

[0114] The home appliance (1000) can receive diagnostic control information from the server (3a) and store the received diagnostic control information. The diagnostic control information received from the server (3a) can include updated diagnostic control information collected and learned by the server (3a).

[0115] The diagnostic control information may include a diagnostic algorithm for diagnosing a fault in the home appliance.

[0116] The home appliance (1000) can identify whether a command to perform a second diagnostic mode is received as a user input while controlling the operation of at least one load, recognize control information of at least one load based on what is identified as receipt of the command to perform the second diagnostic mode, collect detection information detected by at least one sensor, and match and store the detection information detected by at least one sensor with the control information of at least one load.

[0117] The home appliance (1000) can match detection information detected by at least one sensor and control information of at least one load and transmit the result to the server (3a).

[0118] The home appliance (1000) may also perform the second diagnostic mode during the reference diagnostic time. In this case, the home appliance (1000) may collect detection information detected by at least one sensor during the reference diagnostic time for performing the second diagnostic mode, and recognize control information of at least one load during the reference diagnostic time.

[0119] When the home appliance is a clothes treatment device and the load is a drive motor, the control information of the drive motor may include at least one of an operation mode, acceleration control, deceleration control, speed maintenance control, stop control, target rotation speed, acceleration, and a reference time for maintaining the rotation speed.

[0120] If the appliance is a clothes treatment device, the operating mode may include a washing mode and a drying mode. The washing mode may include at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, an intermediate spin cycle, a final spin cycle, a drain cycle, and a water supply cycle.

[0121] If the home appliance is an air conditioner, the operating mode may include at least one of a cooling mode, a heating mode, and a dehumidifying mode.

[0122] The detection information of at least one sensor may include sound information about sounds generated by the home appliance.

[0123] The detection information of at least one sensor may include vibration information about vibrations generated from the home appliance.

[0124] The detection information from each of the multiple sensors may include environmental information regarding the operating environment of the home appliance. For example, the operating environment of the home appliance may include external temperature, external humidity, internal temperature, internal humidity, the water level of the home appliance, the water temperature of the home appliance, and the opening and closing of the door.

[0125] The home appliance (1000) can receive diagnostic result information from the server (3a) and output the received diagnostic result information.

[0126] The home appliance (1000) can display the diagnostic result information received from the server (3a) as a video or output the diagnostic result information as a voice.

[0127] The home appliance (1000) can also diagnose a failure of the home appliance based on detection information of each of a plurality of sensors, control information of each of a plurality of loads, and reference diagnostic information collected while performing the first diagnostic mode.

[0128] The home appliance (1000) can also diagnose a failure of the home appliance based on detection information of at least one sensor, control information of at least one load, and reference diagnostic information collected while performing the second diagnostic mode.

[0129] The home appliance (1000) communicates with the user device (2a), and can also receive a command to perform a first diagnostic mode or a command to perform a second diagnostic mode from the user device (2a).

[0130] If the home appliance (1000) is not equipped with a microphone, the home appliance (1000) may also receive sound information from the user device (2a) based on the completion of the first diagnostic mode. In this case, the home appliance (1000) may also match the received sound information with detection information of each of the plurality of sensors and control information of each of the plurality of loads and transmit the matched information to the server (3a).

[0131] If the home appliance (1000) is not equipped with a vibration sensor, the home appliance (1000) may also receive vibration information from the user device (2a) based on the completion of the first diagnostic mode. In this case, the home appliance (1000) may also match the received vibration information with detection information of each of the plurality of sensors and control information of each of the plurality of loads and transmit the matched information to the server (3a).

[0132] If the home appliance (1000) is not equipped with a vibration sensor, the home appliance (1000) may also receive vibration information from the user device (2a) based on the completion of the second diagnostic mode. In this case, the home appliance (1000) may also match the received vibration information with control information of at least one load and transmit the matched information to the server (3a).

[0133] The home appliance (1000) can also receive diagnostic result information from the user device (2a) and output the received diagnostic result information.

[0134] The home appliance (1000) can display the diagnostic result information received from the user device (2a) as a video or output the diagnostic result information as a voice.

[0135] When the server (3a) receives performance information of the first diagnosis mode, detection information of each of the plurality of sensors, and control information of each of the plurality of loads from the home appliance (1000), it diagnoses a failure throughout the home appliance based on preset reference diagnosis information, the received detection information of each of the plurality of sensors, and the control information of each of the plurality of loads.

[0136] For example, the server (3a) can diagnose abnormal noise caused by a load defect, a faulty load connection, or a faulty installation of the home appliance based on information received from the home appliance. The server (3a) can identify the cause of the abnormal noise and the cause of the load defect and recognize the identified information as diagnosis result information.

[0137] When the server (3a) receives performance information of the second diagnostic mode, detection information of at least one sensor, and control information of at least one load from the home appliance (1000), the server (3a) can diagnose a failure related to the operation of at least one load based on the preset reference diagnostic information, the received detection information of at least one sensor, and the control information of at least one load.

[0138] The server (3a) can transmit diagnostic result information for diagnosing a fault in the home appliance to the home appliance (1000).

[0139] The server (3a) can communicate with the user device (2a), and can also transmit diagnostic result information for fault diagnosis of the home appliance (1000) to the user device (2a).

[0140] The server (3a) learns diagnostic control information based on control information of each of a plurality of loads related to the first diagnostic mode, detection information of each of a plurality of sensors, and diagnostic control information of the home appliance, updates the diagnostic control information based on the learned information, and transmits the updated diagnostic control information to the home appliance (1000).

[0141] The user device (2a) can communicate with the home appliance (1000) and the server (3a).

[0142] When a command to perform a first diagnosis mode is received as a user input, the user device (2a) can transmit the received command to perform the first diagnosis mode to the home appliance (1000), and when a command to perform a second diagnosis mode is received as a user input, the user device (2a) can transmit the received command to perform the second diagnosis mode to the home appliance (1000).

[0143] The user device (2a) can receive an on / off command for a microphone as a user input, collect sound information based on the on command for the microphone being received, and transmit the collected sound information to a home appliance (1000) based on the completion of the collection of sound information.

[0144] The user device (2a) can collect sound information of the home appliance through a microphone while performing the first diagnosis mode or the second diagnosis mode, and transmit the collected sound information to the home appliance (1000).

[0145] The user device (2a) can collect vibration information of the home appliance through a vibration sensor while performing the first diagnosis mode or the second diagnosis mode, and transmit the collected vibration information to the home appliance (1000).

[0146] When the user device (2a) receives diagnostic result information from the server (3a), the user device (2a) can output the received diagnostic result information. The user device (2a) can transmit the received diagnostic result information to the home appliance (1000).

[0147] FIGS. 3 to 6 are exemplary diagrams of home appliances according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0148] The present disclosure describes, as an example, a garment treatment device for treating and / or managing clothing, among home appliances. Such garment treatment devices may include various devices such as washing machines, dryers, washer-dryers, and garment managers. The present disclosure describes, as an example, a washer-dryer-washing machine as a garment treatment device.

[0149] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0150] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0151] FIG. 5 is an internal example diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 5.

[0153] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the garment treatment device (1001) may include a housing (10) that forms the exterior of the garment treatment device (1001) and accommodates various components therein.

[0154] The housing (10) may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet (11) formed on one side. The laundry inlet (11) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0155] The housing (10) may include a plurality of frames. For example, the housing (10) may include a front frame (10a), an upper frame (10b), a side frame (10c), a rear frame (10d, see FIG. 4), and a bottom frame. The plurality of frames may be provided so as to be connectable. The housing (10) may be formed by connecting the plurality of frames. Alternatively, the plurality of frames may be formed integrally.

[0156] The garment treatment device (1001) may include a door (17) for opening and closing the laundry inlet (11). The door (17) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (10) by a hinge. At least a portion of the door (17) may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing (10) to be visible. For example, the door (17) may include tempered glass.

[0157] The garment treatment device (1001) may include a control panel (100) disposed on one side of the housing (10). The control panel (100) may include a user interface for interaction between a user and the garment treatment device (1001). The control panel may include at least one input unit and at least one output unit.

[0158] For example, at least one input unit can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0159] At least one input may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button.

[0160] At least one input unit may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0161] At least one output unit can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1001) to the user. For example, at least one output unit can convey information related to the washing course, the operating time of the garment treatment device (1001), and the washing / rinsing / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1001) can be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc.

[0162] At least one output unit may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, or the like.

[0163] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the clothing treatment device (1001) may include a tub (20) provided inside the housing (10) and containing washing water.

[0164] The tub (20) may be provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening (21) formed on one side. The tub opening (21) may be arranged to correspond to the laundry inlet (11). The tub opening (21) may be provided to face approximately forward. The tub opening (21) may be opened or closed by a door (17).

[0165] The tub (20) can be connected to the housing (10) by a damper (25). The damper (25) can absorb vibrations generated when the drum (30) rotates and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0166] A garment treatment device (1001) may include a drum (30) for receiving laundry. The drum (30) may include a drum opening (31) for loading laundry and at least one lifter (33) for performing washing by lifting and dropping laundry.

[0167] The drum opening (31) may be provided to correspond to the laundry inlet (11) and the tub opening (21). The drum opening (31) may be provided to face approximately forward. Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet (11), the tub opening (21), and the drum opening (31) in sequence to be accommodated inside the drum (30) or taken out from the drum (30).

[0168] The drum (30) can perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration process while rotating inside the tub (20). A plurality of holes (32) can be provided in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30). The plurality of holes (32) can perform a flow path function to allow the washing water stored in the tub (20) to flow into the inside of the drum (30) or flow out from the outside of the drum (30).

[0169] The garment treatment device (1001) may include a driving motor (36) that rotates the drum (30).

[0170] The drive motor (36) can transmit the driving force generated from the drive motor to the drum (30) through a shaft connected to the drum by penetrating the tub.

[0171] The drive motor (36) can rotate the drum (30) forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration cycle, or drying cycle.

[0172] The clothing treatment device (1001) may include a water supply device (40) that supplies water from an external water source to the tub (20).

[0173] The water supply device (40) may include a water supply valve (41, 42) for supplying water or blocking the water supply. For example, the water supply valve (41, 42) may include a first water supply valve (41) for supplying cold water and a second water supply valve (42) for supplying hot water.

[0174] The first water supply valve (41) may be referred to as a cold water valve. The second water supply valve (42) may be referred to as a hot water valve.

[0175] Additionally, the water supply device (40) may include a water supply pipe (43, 44). The water supply pipe (43, 44) may be provided as a flexible material hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe.

[0176] Water supply pipes (43, 44) may be provided with water supply valves (41, 42). For example, the water supply pipes (43, 44) may include a first water supply pipe (43) provided with a first water supply valve (41) and a second water supply pipe (44) provided with a second water supply valve (42). The first water supply pipe (43) may be referred to as a cold water pipe. The second water supply pipe (44) may be referred to as a hot water pipe.

[0177] At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) can guide water from the water supply valve (41, 42) to the tub (20). At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) can extend from the water supply valve (42) to the tub (20).

[0178] The water supply valves (41, 42) can open or close the water supply pipes (43, 44). The water supply valves (41, 42) can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (20). For example, the water supply valves (41, 42) may include solenoid valves that open and close in response to an electrical signal.

[0179] The garment treatment device (1001) may include a detergent supply device (50) that supplies detergent to the tub (20). The detergent may be used as a term encompassing pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc.

[0180] The detergent supply device (50) may include a manual detergent supply device that allows the user to add detergent, or an automatic detergent supply device that allows some of the detergent stored in advance to be automatically added.

[0181] The detergent supply device (50) may be connected to the tub (20) via a detergent connection pipe (51). For example, the detergent supply device (50) may be configured to supply solid detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub (20). However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0182] The detergent connection pipe (51) may be provided in a U shape. The detergent connection pipe (51) may be provided as a flexible hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. One end of the detergent connection pipe (51) may be connected to a detergent supply device (50), and the other end of the detergent connection pipe (51) may be connected to a tub (20).

[0183] The clothing treatment device (1001) may include a drainage device (70) for discharging washing water contained in the tub (20) to the outside. The drainage device (70) may include a drainage pump (71) for pumping washing water in the tub (20) and discharging the pumped washing water to the outside of the housing (10).

[0184] The drain device (70) can be connected to the tub (20) through a tub connection pipe (72). The drain device (70) can discharge the washing water of the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10) through a drain pipe (73). The drain device (70) can further include a drain valve (not shown) provided in the drain pipe (73) and opening or closing the drain pipe (73).

[0185] A drain valve (not shown) may be provided between the tub and the drain pump.

[0186] The clothing treatment device (1001) may further include a circulation pump (76) for pumping washing water from the tub (20) and circulating the pumped washing water back into the tub (20).

[0187] The clothing treatment device (1001) may include a drying device (80) for drying laundry accommodated inside the drum (30).

[0188] The drying device (80) can dry and heat the air discharged from the tub (20) and circulate the dried and heated air into the interior of the tub (20) to dry clothes inside the drum (30). The drying device (80) according to various embodiments can be placed on the upper portion of the tub (20).

[0189] In order to secure an area where the heated air supplied into the interior of the drum (30) comes into contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20).

[0190] The clothing treatment device (1001) according to various embodiments may further include an exhaust path (P) for moving air discharged from the inside of the tub (20) to the drying device (80). The exhaust path (P) may be provided so that air discharged from the tub exhaust port (27) flows to the inlet path (85) of the drying device (80). The exhaust path (P) may be provided so as to discharge moist air that has passed through the tub (20). For example, the exhaust path (P) may be provided at the rear of the tub (20).

[0191] The air inside the tub (20) can be discharged to the tub duct (28) through the tub exhaust port (27) formed at the rear of the tub (20). The air discharged to the tub duct (28) can flow along the exhaust path (P) and be supplied to the drying device (80).

[0192] The garment treatment device (1001) according to various embodiments may include a duct cover (29) for forming at least a portion of an exhaust path (P). The duct cover (29) may be provided to cover an open rear surface of a tub duct (28). For example, the tub (20) may include the duct cover (29). The duct cover (29) may form at least a portion of an exhaust path (P) through which air discharged through the tub exhaust port (27) flows to the drying device (80).

[0193] The drying device (80) may include a drying case (81). The drying case (81) may include a drying base (81a) and a drying cover (81b) that is coupled to the drying base (81a) and is provided to form a path through which air can move. The drying cover (81b) may cover the open upper surface of the drying base (81a).

[0194] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the drying device (80) may include a rear cover (81c) that is attachable to the rear side of the drying base (81a). The rear cover (81c) may form at least a portion of the rear of the drying device (80). A water supply valve (41, 42) may be mounted on the rear cover (81c).

[0195] The drying device (80) may be provided with an inlet passage (85) through which air discharged from the tub (20) is introduced, a heating passage (86) through which air introduced into the drying device (80) through the inlet passage (85) is heat-exchanged, and a supply passage (87) through which air that has passed through the heating passage (86) and has undergone heat exchange is supplied to the tub (20).

[0196] The drying device may include an inlet guide (84) that guides air discharged from the tub (20) to an inlet passage (85). The inlet passage (85) may be communicated with an exhaust passage (P) formed in the tub (20) through the inlet guide (84). Air passing through the exhaust passage (P) may be introduced into the inlet passage (85) of the drying device (80) through the inlet guide (84).

[0197] A filter (95) may be provided in the inlet passage (85) to filter out foreign substances such as lint contained in the air flowing in through the exhaust passage (P) from the tub (20). The air flowing in through the inlet passage (85) may pass through the filter (95) and then move to the heating passage (86).

[0198] A heat exchanger (92, 93) may be placed in the heating duct (86). The heat exchanger (92, 93) may include a condenser (92) and an evaporator (93).

[0199] The supply conduit (87) is connected to the heating conduit (86) and can extend downward to discharge heated air toward the opening of the tub (20). That is, the supply conduit (87) can be arranged to supply heated air back into the interior of the tub (20).

[0200] The drying device (80) can be provided in a heat pump manner.

[0201] The drying device (80) may include a blower fan (87a) provided in a supply path (87), a compressor (91) provided in a drying case (81), a condenser (92), an evaporator (93), an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe (94) through which refrigerant circulates, and may further include a cooling fan (91a) for cooling the compressor (91).

[0202] The blower fan (87a) can cause air to flow into the interior of the tub (20). That is, the blower fan (87a) can be arranged to supply air to the laundry inside the drum (30). For example, the blower fan (87a) can include a sirocco fan.

[0203] The compressor (91) can compress the refrigerant and supply the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to the condenser (92). The condenser (92) can cool the refrigerant and heat the surrounding air. The heated air can be introduced into the drum (30) to dry clothes.

[0204] The refrigerant expanded through the expansion valve can absorb heat in the evaporator (93) and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator (93) can cool the high-temperature, humid air that has passed through the inside of the drum (30) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed passes through the condenser (92) and can be heated again while exchanging heat with the refrigerant passing through the condenser (92). That is, the condenser (92) can heat the air that has passed through the evaporator (93). The condenser (92) and the evaporator (93) correspond to heat exchangers. The condenser (92) may be referred to as a 'first heat exchanger'. The evaporator (93) may be referred to as a 'second heat exchanger'.

[0205] The drying device (80) may further include a drying heater (99). The drying heater (99) may increase the drying efficiency of the drying device (80). The heat pump components of the drying device (80) may also be replaced with the drying heater (99).

[0206] The drying heater (99) can heat the air flowing into the interior of the drying device (80). The drying heater (99) can be placed in the heating path (86). The drying heater (99) can be placed downstream from the condenser (92) along the flow of air passing through the drying device (80). In addition, the drying heater (99) can be provided in a relatively small size so as to minimize the resistance of the path. For example, the drying heater (99) can be a sheath heater.

[0207] The drying device (80) may include a nozzle device (96) for cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle device (96) may be provided in the heating passage (86). The nozzle device (96) may receive water from the water supply device (40) and spray water toward the heat exchanger (92, 93). The water sprayed from the nozzle device (96) may clean one side of the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0208] The clothing treatment device (1001) may include a drain line (97) for guiding water discharged from the drying device (80) to the tub (20). The drain line (97) may be provided with a flexible hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. The drain line (97) may guide condensate generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80) to the outside of the drying device (80). The drain line (97) may guide water sprayed by the nozzle device (96) for cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) to the outside of the drying device (80).

[0209] The drain line (97) can be connected to the drain device (70). The drain line (97) can be connected to the drain pump (71). Water discharged from the drying device (80) can flow to the drain device (70) along the drain line (97). Water flowing into the drain device (70) through the drain line (97) can be guided to the tub (20). Condensed water flowing into the tub (20) can be discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1001) by the operation of the drain pump (71).

[0210] The clothing treatment device (1001) may include a washing water heater (24). The washing water heater (24) is provided at the lower side of the tub (20) and can heat the washing water during washing.

[0211] In addition, the water supply device (40) can supply a certain amount of water to the lower side of the tub (20) through the exhaust path (P) during the drying cycle, and the washing water heater (24) can heat the water supplied into the interior of the tub (20) through the water supply device (40), the exhaust path (P), and the tub exhaust port (27) to generate steam. That is, the steam generated by the water supply device (40) and the washing water heater (24) can come into contact with the clothes during the drying cycle, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming on the clothes as much as possible.

[0212] The clothing treatment device (1001) may include a water level sensor (200) that detects the water level within the tub (20). The water level sensor (200) may be located outside the tub (20) and may be provided on a connecting hose (201) connected to the tub (20). The water level of the connecting hose (201) may be the same as the water level of the tub (20). The location of the water level sensor (200) is not limited to that exemplified.

[0213] A vibration sensor (220) for detecting vibration generated in the clothing treatment device (100) may be further included.

[0214] The vibration sensor (220) may be, but is not limited to, a capacitive type micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) acceleration sensor, a piezoresistive type MEMS acceleration sensor, a resistive type vibration sensor, a capacitive type vibration sensor, an optical vibration sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a gyro sensor.

[0215] In FIGS. 3 to 6, the garment treatment device (1001) is exemplified as a washing machine with a dryer, but is not limited thereto. The garment treatment device (1001) may correspond to a washing machine that does not include a drying device.

[0216] FIG. 7 is a control configuration diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment, which is described with reference to FIGS. 8a, 8b, 9, and 10.

[0217] FIGS. 8A and 8B are exemplary views of a control panel provided in a garment treatment device according to various embodiments.

[0218] FIG. 9 is an example diagram of control of multiple loads in a washing mode among the first diagnostic modes of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0219] FIG. 10 is an example diagram of control of multiple loads in a drying mode among the first diagnostic modes of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0220] According to one embodiment, a washing machine with a dryer function is described as an example of a clothes treatment device as a home appliance.

[0221] The clothing treatment device (1001) may include a driving motor (36), a water supply valve (41, 42), a drain pump (71), a drain valve (74), a circulation pump (76), a control panel (100), a first communication unit (150), a plurality of sensors (200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260), a drying device (80), and a first control unit (300).

[0222] The drive motor (36) can rotate in a first direction, can rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and can rotate at a rotation speed corresponding to a control command of the first control unit (300).

[0223] The first direction can be forward and clockwise. The second direction can be reverse and counterclockwise.

[0224] The drive motor (36) is connected to the drum (30) and can transmit rotational force to the drum (30).

[0225] The drum (30) can rotate in conjunction with the operation of the drive motor (36).

[0226] The drum (30) can rotate in a first direction, can rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and can rotate at a rotation speed corresponding to the rotation speed of the driving motor (36).

[0227] Descriptions of the water supply valve (41, 42), drain pump (71), drain valve (74), and circulation pump (76) have been described through FIGS. 3 to 6, and descriptions of these components are omitted.

[0228] The drying device (80) may include a blower fan (87a) for supplying air to laundry inside the drum (30), a compressor (91) for compressing refrigerant of the heat pump, and a cooling fan (91a) for cooling the compressor (91).

[0229] The blower fan (87a) may include a first motor for the fan and a first blade rotated by the first motor.

[0230] The blower fan (87a) can rotate in a first direction, can rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and can rotate at a rotation speed corresponding to a control command of the first control unit (300).

[0231] The compressor (91) may include a compressor motor.

[0232] The compressor motor can rotate at a rotation speed corresponding to the control command of the first control unit (300). The rotation speed of the compressor motor can correspond to the operating rate of the compressor.

[0233] The cooling fan (91a) may include a second motor for the fan and a second blade rotated by the second motor.

[0234] The cooling fan (91a) can rotate in a first direction, can rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and can rotate at a rotation speed corresponding to a control command of the first control unit (300).

[0235] The control panel (100) can receive user input and output various information regarding the operation of the garment treatment device (1001). The control panel (100) can include a user interface.

[0236] The control panel (100) may include an input unit (101) and an output unit (102).

[0237] The input unit (101) receives user input.

[0238] The input unit (101) can receive at least one of a start command, a pause command, a stop command, a washing course, and option information.

[0239] Here, the washing cycle may include standard washing, blanket washing, boiling, wool washing, towel washing, and rapid washing. The washing cycle may further include a diagnostic cycle for diagnosing malfunctions in the garment treatment device. The diagnostic cycle may include a first diagnostic mode and a second diagnostic mode.

[0240] The optional information may include at least one of the following: the amount of wash water, the temperature of the wash water, the wash time of the wash cycle, the number of rinse cycles, the intensity of the spin-dry cycle, and the spin-dry cycle time. Furthermore, if the garment treatment device is capable of a drying cycle, the optional information may further include the dryness level.

[0241] The input unit (101) can receive a command to perform the first diagnostic mode and a command to perform the second diagnostic mode.

[0242] The input unit (101) may include hardware devices such as switches, pedals, keyboards, mice, trackballs, various levers, handles, sticks, etc., in addition to buttons and jog dials.

[0243] Additionally, the input unit (101) may include a GUI (Graphical User Interface), i.e., a software device, such as a touch pad. The touch pad may be implemented as a touch screen panel (TSP) and may form a mutual layer structure with the display unit (102a).

[0244] The control panel (100) can be implemented as a touch screen panel and can display images related to the first diagnostic mode or the second diagnostic mode. The control panel (100) can display items that the user can select when displaying images related to the first and second diagnostic modes.

[0245] As illustrated in Fig. 8a, when displaying an image related to the first diagnostic mode based on the reception of a command to perform the first diagnostic mode, the control panel (100) can display a list of driving modes for automatic diagnosis through the first diagnostic mode and diagnostic guidance information for each driving mode. The diagnostic guidance information can include the time required for diagnosis for each driving mode.

[0246] In addition, when there are multiple driving modes for periodically diagnosing failures using the first diagnostic mode, the control panel (100) can receive the driving mode for the first diagnostic mode. The control panel (100) can also transmit the received driving mode to the first control unit (300).

[0247] For example, multiple operating modes for periodically diagnosing faults using the first diagnostic mode may include a washing mode and a drying mode.

[0248] As illustrated in FIG. 8b, when displaying an image related to the second diagnosis mode based on the reception of a command to perform the second diagnosis mode, the control panel (100) can display guidance information related to the currently performed administrative information and diagnosis method.

[0249] The output section (102) outputs operation information of the clothing treatment device (1001).

[0250] The output unit (102) can output diagnostic result information corresponding to the first diagnostic mode.

[0251] The output unit (102) can output diagnostic result information corresponding to the second diagnostic mode.

[0252] The output unit (102) can output the communication status with the user device (2a) and can also output the communication status with the server (3a).

[0253] The output unit (102) may include a display unit (102a) and a speaker (102b).

[0254] The display unit (102a) can display performance information and completion information of the first diagnosis mode, and can display performance information and completion information of the second diagnosis mode.

[0255] The performance information of the first diagnostic mode may include information related to the progress of the first diagnostic mode.

[0256] The performance information of the second diagnostic mode may include information related to the progress of the second diagnostic mode.

[0257] The display unit (102a) can display diagnostic result information corresponding to the first diagnostic mode as an image.

[0258] The display unit (102a) can also display guidance information regarding the possibility of a decrease in the accuracy of the diagnosis result due to acceptance of laundry during the performance of the first diagnosis mode.

[0259] The display unit (102a) can also display guidance information on the withdrawal of laundry during the execution of the first diagnostic mode.

[0260] The display unit (102a) can display diagnostic result information corresponding to the second diagnostic mode as an image.

[0261] The display unit (102a) displays operation information of the clothing treatment device (1001), displays the remaining time during operation of the clothing treatment device (100), and can also display washing course and option information selected by the user.

[0262] The display unit (102a) can display guidance information corresponding to the operation of the clothing treatment device (1001) in the form of text or emoticons.

[0263] The display unit (102a) includes a plurality of seven segments.

[0264] The display unit (102a) may be provided as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital light processing (DLP) panel, a plasma display panel, an electroluminescence (EL) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, an electrochromic display (ECD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, but is not limited thereto.

[0265] The speaker (102b) can output performance information and completion information of the first diagnosis mode as a guide sound, and can output performance information and completion information of the second diagnosis mode as a guide sound.

[0266] The speaker (102b) can output diagnostic result information corresponding to the first diagnostic mode as a guide sound.

[0267] Here, the guidance sound may include a notification sound or voice, such as a beep sound.

[0268] The speaker (102b) can also output voice guidance information regarding the possibility of a decrease in the accuracy of the diagnosis results due to the acceptance of laundry during the first diagnosis mode.

[0269] The speaker (102b) can also output a guidance sound for taking out laundry while performing the first diagnostic mode.

[0270] The speaker (102b) can output diagnostic result information corresponding to the second diagnostic mode as a guide sound.

[0271] The speaker (102b) can output guidance sounds corresponding to operations such as start, pause, and stop of the clothing treatment device (1001).

[0272] The first communication unit (150) may include various communication circuits for performing wired communication and / or wireless communication with external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or other home appliances).

[0273] User devices may include various electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, notebooks, smartwatches, desktop tablets, and speakers. User input may be obtained through the user devices as well as the control panel (100).

[0274] The first communication unit (150) may include at least one of a short-range communication circuit and a long-range communication circuit.

[0275] The first communication unit (150) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the first communication unit (150) can support cellular communication, wireless local area network (WLAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, AD-HOC, and / or Zigbee. The communication technologies supported by the first communication unit (150) are not limited to those exemplified.

[0276] The first communication unit (150) can also communicate with external devices via an access point (AP). The access point can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the garment processing device (1001) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The garment processing device (1001) can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0277] The first communication unit (150) can transmit control information of each of a plurality of loads and detection information of each of a plurality of sensors to the server (3a) in response to the control command of the first control unit (300).

[0278] The plurality of loads may include at least one of a drive motor (36), a water supply valve (41, 42), a drain pump (71), a drain valve (74), a circulation pump (76), a blower fan (87a), a compressor (91), and a cooling fan (91a).

[0279] The plurality of sensors may include at least one of a water level sensor (200), a microphone (210), a vibration sensor (220), a first speed sensor (230), a second speed sensor (240), a third speed sensor (250), and a fourth speed sensor (260).

[0280] The first communication unit (150) can transmit diagnostic result information received from the server (3a) or user device (2a) to the first control unit (300).

[0281] The first communication unit (150) can transmit a command to perform the first diagnostic mode or a command to perform the second diagnostic mode received from the user device (2a) to the first control unit (300).

[0282] The water level sensor (200) detects the height of the washing water contained in the tub (20) and transmits the height information (i.e., water level information) of the washing water for the detected height to the first control unit (300).

[0283] The microphone (210) is a sound sensor that detects sound generated from the clothing treatment device (1001) and transmits sound information about the detected sound to the first control unit (300).

[0284] A microphone (210) may be provided around the control panel (100).

[0285] There may be one or more microphones (210). The microphones (210) may be microphones arranged in an array form.

[0286] If two microphones are provided in the garment treatment device, the two microphones may be placed at a preset distance around the control panel (100).

[0287] The vibration sensor (220) detects vibration generated in the clothing treatment device (1001) and transmits vibration information about the detected vibration to the first control unit (300).

[0288] The first speed sensor (230) detects the rotation speed of the driving motor (36) and transmits first rotation speed information about the detected rotation speed to the first control unit (300).

[0289] The second speed sensor (240) detects the rotation speed of the compressor motor provided in the compressor (91) and transmits second rotation speed information about the detected rotation speed to the first control unit (300).

[0290] The first speed sensor (230) may also include a Hall sensor that detects the position of the rotor of the driving motor (36).

[0291] The second speed sensor (240) may also include a Hall sensor that detects the position of the rotor of the compressor motor.

[0292] The third speed sensor (250) detects the rotation speed of the first motor provided in the blower fan (87a) and transmits third rotation speed information about the detected rotation speed to the first control unit (300).

[0293] The fourth speed sensor (260) detects the rotation speed of the second motor provided in the cooling fan (91a) and transmits fourth rotation speed information about the detected rotation speed to the first control unit (300).

[0294] The clothing treatment device may further include a first current sensor that detects the current flowing in the driving motor (36) and a second current sensor that detects the current flowing in the compressor motor provided in the compressor (91).

[0295] The garment treatment device may further include a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the washing water within the tub. The garment treatment device may further include a humidity sensor (not shown) for detecting the humidity within the tub.

[0296] The first control unit (300) can be electrically connected to various components and / or devices of the garment treatment device (1001) and can control various components and / or devices. That is, the first control unit (300) controls the overall operation of the garment treatment device (1001).

[0297] The first control unit (300) can control the operation of the garment treatment device (1001) based on user input received in the input unit (101).

[0298] The first control unit (300) can control the output unit (102) so that operation information related to the operation of the clothing treatment device (1001) is output. The first control unit (300) can control at least one of the display unit (102a) and the speaker (102b).

[0299] The first control unit (300) can receive a command to perform the first diagnosis mode or the second diagnosis mode from the input unit (101).

[0300] The first control unit (300) can also receive a command to perform the first diagnosis mode or the second diagnosis mode from the user device (2a).

[0301] The first control unit (300) can control the performance of the first diagnostic mode based on a preset cycle.

[0302] The first diagnostic mode is a mode that automatically and periodically diagnoses malfunctions in the garment treatment device. The first diagnostic mode may be a mode that diagnoses malfunctions in multiple operating modes performed by the garment treatment device. The multiple operating modes may include a washing mode and a drying mode.

[0303] If the garment treatment device is a washing machine, the operation mode may only include the washing mode. If the garment treatment device is a dryer, the operation mode may only include the drying mode.

[0304] The second diagnostic mode diagnoses faults related to the currently operating cycle in response to user selection. For example, the second diagnostic mode diagnoses faults related to the currently executing cycle based on the receipt of a command to perform the second diagnostic mode while performing any one of the following cycles: washing, water supply, spin-drying, draining, or drying.

[0305] When a command to perform the first diagnostic mode is received from the input unit (101), the first control unit (300) can control the operation of multiple loads based on diagnostic control information.

[0306] When the operating mode to be diagnosed using the first diagnosis mode includes a washing mode, multiple loads may include a driving motor (36), a water supply valve (41, 42), a drain pump (71), a drain valve (74), and a circulation pump (76).

[0307] When the operating mode to be diagnosed using the first diagnostic mode includes a drying mode, the plurality of loads may include a blower fan (87a), a compressor (91), and a cooling fan (91a).

[0308] When the operating modes to be diagnosed using the first diagnosis mode include a washing mode and a drying mode, the plurality of loads may include a driving motor (36), a water supply valve (41, 42), a drain pump (71), a drain valve (74), a circulation pump (76), a blower fan (87a), a compressor (91), and a cooling fan (91a).

[0309] Hereinafter, the control configuration of the first control unit (300) that controls the performance of the first diagnostic mode will be described in more detail.

[0310] When the operating mode to be diagnosed using the first diagnosis mode includes a washing mode, the first control unit (300) can control the washing cycle, water supply cycle, dehydration cycle, and drain cycle based on the reception of the execution command of the first diagnosis mode, and can also further control the circulation cycle. This will be described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0311] When controlling the washing process, the first control unit (300) primarily controls the acceleration of the drive motor (36), and when the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) reaches the first target rotation speed, the first control unit (300) maintains the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) at the first target rotation speed for a first reference time.

[0312] The first target rotation speed may be a speed that causes laundry to stick to the inner surface of the drum (30).

[0313] The first target rotation speed is approximately 100 rpm, but the first target rotation speed is not limited thereto.

[0314] The first reference time may be approximately 10 seconds, but the first reference time is not limited thereto.

[0315] The first control unit (300) can control the acceleration of the drive motor (36) at a preset speed until the rotation speed detected by the first speed sensor (230) reaches the first target rotation speed.

[0316] The preset speed is acceleration, which can be approximately 9.3 rpm / s.

[0317] The first control unit (300) identifies whether the internal state of the drum (30) is in a no-load state while maintaining the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) at the first target rotation speed.

[0318] The first control unit (300) can identify whether the internal state of the drum (30) is in a no-load state based on the current information detected by the first current sensor and the reference current information when the rotation speed of the driving motor (36) is the first target rotation speed.

[0319] The first control unit (300) can control the output unit (102) to output guidance information that guides the possibility of a decrease in the accuracy of fault diagnosis due to laundry based on the internal state of the drum (30) being identified as a loaded state.

[0320] The first control unit (300) can control the rotation of the drive motor (36) to stop when the door (17) is detected as being open from the door open / close sensor (not shown). When the door (17) is detected as being open from the door open / close sensor (not shown), the first control unit (300) can recognize that the internal state of the drum (30) has changed from a loaded state to a no-load state.

[0321] When the first control unit (300) recognizes that the door (17) has changed from an open state to a closed state based on the door open / close information received from the door open / close sensor (not shown), it controls the acceleration of the drive motor (36) again, and when the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) reaches the first target rotation speed, it can control the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) to be maintained at the first target rotation speed for a first reference time.

[0322] The first control unit (300) can count the first time from the point in time when the rotation speed of the driving motor (36) reaches the first target rotation speed.

[0323] The first control unit (300) can control the water supply process based on recognizing that the internal state of the drum (30) is in a no-load state.

[0324] The first control unit (300) can control the opening of the first water supply valve (41) while the rotation speed of the driving motor (36) is maintained at the first target rotation speed, and can control the closing of the first water supply valve (41) when the counted first time reaches the first reference time.

[0325] The first control unit (300) can identify whether the water level of the tub is the reference water level based on the water level information received from the water level sensor (200), and can also control the closing of the first water supply valve (41) based on the water level of the tub being identified as the reference water level.

[0326] The first control unit (300) can control the opening of the second water supply valve (42) while the rotation speed of the driving motor (36) is maintained at the first target rotation speed, and can control the closing of the second water supply valve (42) when the counted first time reaches the first reference time.

[0327] The first control unit (300) can identify whether the water level of the tub is the reference water level based on the water level information received from the water level sensor (200), and can also control the closing of the second water supply valve (42) based on the water level of the tub being identified as the reference water level.

[0328] The first control unit (300) can control the dehydration process based on the completion of the water supply process.

[0329] The first control unit (300) can secondarily control the acceleration of the drive motor (36) when controlling the dehydration process. The first control unit (300) can control the acceleration of the drive motor (36) until the rotational speed of the drive motor (36) reaches the second target rotational speed.

[0330] The second target rotation speed is a rotation speed corresponding to the highest rotation speed in the dehydration process, and may include approximately 1200 rpm, but the second target rotation speed is not limited thereto.

[0331] The first control unit (300) can control the acceleration of the drive motor (36) at a preset speed until the rotation speed detected by the first speed sensor (230) reaches the second target rotation speed.

[0332] The preset speed is acceleration, which can be approximately 9.3 rpm / s, but the acceleration is not limited thereto.

[0333] The first control unit (300) can control the rotation speed of the driving motor (36) to maintain the rotation speed at the second target rotation speed when the rotation speed of the driving motor (36) reaches the second target rotation speed, and control the drainage process.

[0334] The first control unit (300) can control the opening of the drain valve (74) and the on operation of the drain pump (71) when controlling the drainage process.

[0335] The first control unit (300) counts a second time from the time when the rotation speed of the driving motor (36) reaches the second target rotation speed, and controls the rotation speed of the driving motor (36) to be maintained at the second target rotation speed until the counted second time reaches the second reference time, and can control the drainage process.

[0336] The second reference time may be approximately 120 seconds.

[0337] When the counted second time reaches the second reference time, the first control unit (300) controls the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) to be reduced, and controls the closing of the drain valve (74) and the off operation of the drain pump (71).

[0338] The first control unit (300) can control the deceleration of the drive motor (36) during the third reference time. That is, the first control unit (300) can cause the drive motor (36) to stop when the third reference time elapses from the start time of the deceleration of the drive motor (36).

[0339] The third reference time may be approximately 70 seconds.

[0340] The first control unit (300) controls the on operation of the circulation pump (76) for a certain period of time based on the completion of the water supply process, and when a certain period of time has elapsed from the on operation time of the circulation pump, controls the off operation of the circulation pump (76), and then it is also possible to control the dehydration process.

[0341] The first control unit (300) can collect sound information received through the microphone (210) during the execution of the washing mode of the first diagnosis mode, and can match and store the collected sound information with the control information of the loads. The first control unit (300) can match and store the sound information collected in chronological order with respect to the execution of the washing mode with the control information of the loads.

[0342] The first control unit (300) can collect vibration information received through the vibration sensor (220) during the execution of the washing mode of the first diagnosis mode, and can match and store the collected vibration information with the control information of the loads. The first control unit (300) can match and store the vibration information collected in chronological order with the execution of the washing mode with the control information of the loads.

[0343] The first control unit (300) can match and store sound information, vibration information, and load control information collected in chronological order for the execution of the washing mode.

[0344] The first control unit (300) can transmit control information of a plurality of loads and detection information of a plurality of sensors stored during execution of the washing mode of the first diagnosis mode to the server (3a).

[0345] The control information of the plurality of loads may include opening control information of the first and second water supply valves (41, 42), closing control information of the first and second water supply valves (41, 42), acceleration control information of the drive motor (36), deceleration control information of the drive motor (36), maintenance control information of the rotation speed of the drive motor (36), opening control information of the drain valve (74), closing control information of the drain valve (74), on control information of the drain pump (71), off control information of the drain pump (71), on control information of the circulation pump (76), and off control information of the circulation pump (76).

[0346] The detection information of the plurality of sensors may include at least one of sound information detected through the microphone (210) and vibration information detected through the vibration sensor (220).

[0347] Sound information detected through the microphone (210) may include sound information generated from a driving motor during primary acceleration, sound information generated from a driving motor maintained at a first target rotation speed, sound information generated from a driving motor during secondary acceleration, sound information generated from a driving motor maintained at a second target rotation speed, and sound information generated from a driving motor during deceleration.

[0348] The sound information detected through the microphone (210) may further include sound information related to the water supply stroke while the water supply valve is open, sound information related to the drain stroke while the drain valve is open and the drain pump is on, and sound information related to the circulation stroke while the circulation pump is on.

[0349] Vibration information detected through the vibration sensor (220) may include vibration information generated by rotation of the driving motor during primary acceleration, vibration information generated by rotation of the driving motor during maintenance at the first target rotation speed, vibration information generated by rotation of the driving motor during secondary acceleration, vibration information generated by rotation of the driving motor during maintenance at the second target rotation speed, and vibration information generated by rotation of the driving motor during deceleration.

[0350] The vibration information detected through the vibration sensor (220) may further include vibration information related to the water supply stroke while the water supply valve is open, vibration information related to the drain stroke while the drain valve is open and the drain pump is on, and vibration information related to the circulation stroke while the circulation pump is on.

[0351] When the operating mode to be diagnosed using the first diagnosis mode includes a drying mode, the first control unit (300) controls the drying process based on the reception of the execution command of the first diagnosis mode, recognizes control information of a plurality of loads during the drying process, and matches the detection information detected by a plurality of sensors with the recognized control information of the plurality of loads to transmit the result to the server (3a). This will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0352] The first control unit (300) can control the acceleration of the driving motor (36) and the first motor of the blower fan (87a).

[0353] The first control unit (300) can control the acceleration of the driving motor (36) to the third target rotation speed and control the acceleration of the blower fan (87a) to the first maximum rotation speed.

[0354] The first control unit (300) recognizes the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) based on the rotation speed information received from the first speed sensor (230), and can control the drive motor (36) so that the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) is maintained at the third target rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) being the third target rotation speed.

[0355] The first control unit (300) can recognize whether the rotation speed of the first motor is the first maximum rotation speed based on the rotation speed information of the first motor received from the third speed sensor (250), and can control the first motor so that the rotation speed of the first motor is maintained at the first maximum rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the first motor being the first maximum rotation speed.

[0356] The first control unit (300) can control the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) to be maintained at the third target rotation speed until the drying process is completed, and can control the drive motor and the first motor to be maintained at the first maximum rotation speed of the first motor of the blower fan (87a).

[0357] The third target rotation speed may be the maximum rotation speed at which the drive motor (36) can rotate during the drying process.

[0358] The first control unit (300) counts a third time from the start point of acceleration control of the driving motor (36) and the blower fan (87a), and when the counted third time reaches the fourth reference period, the second motor of the cooling fan (91a) can be accelerated and controlled.

[0359] The first control unit (300) can control the acceleration of the second motor of the cooling fan (91a) until the rotation speed of the second motor reaches the second maximum rotation speed.

[0360] The first control unit (300) can recognize whether the rotation speed of the second motor is the second maximum rotation speed based on the rotation speed information of the second motor received from the fourth speed sensor (260), and can control the second motor so that the rotation speed of the second motor is maintained at the second maximum rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the second motor being the second maximum rotation speed.

[0361] The first control unit (300) can control the second motor so that the rotation speed of the second motor is maintained at the second maximum rotation speed until the drying process is completed.

[0362] The first control unit (300) counts the fourth time from the start time of acceleration control of the second motor of the cooling fan (91a), and can control the operation of the compressor (91) when the counted fourth time reaches the fifth reference time.

[0363] When controlling the operation of the compressor (91), the first control unit (300) controls the acceleration of the compressor motor provided in the compressor (91), and can control the acceleration of the compressor motor until the rotation speed of the compressor motor reaches the fourth target rotation speed.

[0364] The first control unit (300) can recognize whether the rotation speed of the compressor motor is the fourth target rotation speed based on the rotation speed information detected by the second speed sensor (240), and can control the deceleration of the compressor motor based on the rotation speed of the compressor motor being the fourth target rotation speed.

[0365] The fourth target rotation speed may be the maximum rotation speed of the compressor motor, which may be approximately 60 rpm.

[0366] The first control unit (300) can also control the deceleration of the drive motor (36), the first motor of the blower fan (87a), and the second motor of the cooling fan (91a) based on the deceleration control of the compressor motor.

[0367] The first control unit (300) can also control the stop of the drive motor (36), the first motor of the blower fan (87a), and the second motor of the cooling fan (91a) based on the deceleration control of the compressor motor.

[0368] The first control unit (300) can collect sound information received through the microphone (210) during the execution of the drying mode of the first diagnosis mode, and can match and store the collected sound information with control information of multiple loads. The first control unit (300) can match and store the sound information collected in chronological order with respect to the execution of the drying mode with control information of multiple loads.

[0369] The first control unit (300) can collect vibration information received through the vibration sensor (220) during the execution of the drying mode of the first diagnosis mode, and can match and store the collected vibration information with control information of multiple loads. The first control unit (300) can match and store the vibration information collected in chronological order with respect to the execution of the drying mode with control information of multiple loads.

[0370] The first control unit (300) can match and store sound information, vibration information, and load control information collected in chronological order for the execution of the drying mode.

[0371] The first control unit (300) can transmit control information of a plurality of loads and detection information of a plurality of sensors stored during execution of the drying mode of the first diagnosis mode to the server (3a).

[0372] The control information of the plurality of loads may include acceleration control information of the drive motor (36), maintenance control information of the rotation speed of the drive motor (36), acceleration control information of the first motor of the blower fan (87a), maintenance control information of the rotation speed of the first motor of the blower fan (87a), acceleration control information of the second motor of the cooling fan (91a), maintenance control information of the rotation speed of the second motor of the cooling fan (91a), on control information of the compressor (91), and off control information of the compressor (91).

[0373] The detection information of the plurality of sensors may include at least one of sound information detected through the microphone (210) and vibration information detected through the vibration sensor (220).

[0374] The sound information detected through the microphone (210) may include sound information generated during acceleration of the driving motor (36), sound information generated during maintenance of the rotational speed of the driving motor (36), sound information generated during acceleration of the blower fan (87a), sound information generated during maintenance of the rotational speed of the blower fan (87a), sound information generated during acceleration of the cooling fan (91a), sound information generated during maintenance of the rotational speed of the cooling fan (91a), sound information generated during the on operation of the compressor (91), and sound information generated during the off operation of the compressor (91).

[0375] The vibration information detected through the vibration sensor (220) may include vibration information generated by acceleration of the driving motor (36), vibration information generated by maintaining the rotation speed of the driving motor (36), vibration information generated by acceleration of the blower fan (87a), vibration information generated by maintaining the rotation speed of the blower fan (87a), vibration information generated by acceleration of the cooling fan (91a), vibration information generated by maintaining the rotation speed of the cooling fan (91a), vibration information generated by the on operation of the compressor (91), and vibration information generated by the off operation of the compressor (91).

[0376] The first control unit (300) transmits the performance information of the first diagnosis mode, the control information of multiple loads, and the detection information of multiple sensors to the server (3a), and then, when the diagnosis result information for the first diagnosis mode is received from the server (3a), the first control unit (300) can control the output unit (102) to output the received diagnosis result information for the first diagnosis mode.

[0377] The first control unit (300) transmits the performance information of the first diagnosis mode, the control information of multiple loads, and the detection information of multiple sensors to the server (3a), and then, when the diagnosis result information for the first diagnosis mode is received from the user device (2a), it is also possible to control the output unit (102) so that the received diagnosis result information for the first diagnosis mode is output.

[0378] The first control unit (300) can also control the output unit (102) to output confirmation request information for the diagnosis result information through the user device (2a) after transmitting the performance information of the first diagnosis mode, the control information of multiple loads, and the detection information of multiple sensors to the server (3a).

[0379] The first control unit (300) can recognize current administrative information based on the reception of a command to perform the second diagnostic mode, collect sound information received by the microphone (210), and collect vibration information received by the vibration sensor (220).

[0380] The first control unit (300) can collect sound information and vibration information during a preset standard diagnosis time.

[0381] The first control unit (300) can match and store recognized current administrative information, sound information received by the microphone (210), and vibration information received by the vibration sensor (220).

[0382] The first control unit (300) can match the recognized current administrative information, sound information received by the microphone (210), and vibration information received by the vibration sensor (220) and transmit them to the server (3a).

[0383] For example, the first control unit (300) can recognize the water level information detected by the water level sensor (200) based on the recognition that the current administrative information is a water supply administrative information, and can match and store the recognized water level information, sound information received by the microphone (210), and vibration information received by the vibration sensor (220), and transmit the current administrative information, water level information, sound information, and vibration information to the server (3a).

[0384] As another example, the first control unit (300) can match and store the rotation speed information detected by the first speed sensor (230), the sound information received by the microphone (210), and the vibration information received by the vibration sensor (220) based on the recognition that the current administrative information is a dehydration administrative information, and transmit the current administrative information, the rotation speed information of the driving motor, the sound information, and the vibration information to the server (3a).

[0385] As another example, the first control unit (300) can match and store the opening / closing information of the drain valve, the on / off information of the drain pump, the sound information received by the microphone (210), and the vibration information received by the vibration sensor (220) based on the recognized current administrative information being the drainage administrative information, and transmit the current administrative information, the opening / closing information of the drain valve, the on / off information of the drain pump, the sound information, and the vibration information to the server (3a).

[0386] As another example, the first control unit (300) can match and store the rotation speed information of the drive motor, the rotation speed information of the blower fan, the rotation speed information of the cooling fan, the rotation speed information of the compressor, the sound information received by the microphone (210), and the vibration information received by the vibration sensor (220) based on the recognized current administrative information being the drying administrative information, and transmit the current administrative information, the rotation speed information of the drive motor, the rotation speed information of the blower fan, the rotation speed information of the cooling fan, the rotation speed information of the compressor, the sound information, and the vibration information to the server (3a).

[0387] When controlling the output of the received diagnostic result information, the first control unit (300) can control the display unit to display the received diagnostic result information as a video, or control the speaker to output the received diagnostic result information as a voice.

[0388] The first control unit (300) can control the output unit (102) to output guidance information related to the end of execution of the first diagnostic mode and the end of execution of the second diagnostic mode.

[0389] The first control unit (300) can control a service request of a home appliance based on the diagnosis result information, or can control the output unit (102) to recognize fault response information corresponding to the diagnosis result information based on information stored in the first memory and output the recognized fault response information.

[0390] If a microphone (210) is not provided in the clothing treatment device, the first control unit (300) can match the sound information received from the user device (2a) with the detection information of each of the plurality of sensors and the control information of each of the plurality of loads, store the matched information, and transmit the matched information to the server (3a).

[0391] If a vibration sensor (220) is not provided in the clothing treatment device, the first control unit (300) can match the vibration information received from the user device (2a) with the detection information of each of the plurality of sensors and the control information of each of the plurality of loads, store the matched information, and transmit the matched information to the server (3a).

[0392] The first control unit (300) may include at least one first processor (310) that controls the operation of the garment treatment device (1001) and at least one first memory (320) that stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the garment treatment device (1001).

[0393] At least one first processor (310) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores that perform the above-described operations using an algorithm for controlling the operations of components within the garment treatment device (1001), at least one memory for storing data in the form of a program, and data stored in the at least one memory.

[0394] At least one first processor (310) can process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs and / or software stored in the first memory (320).

[0395] At least one first processor (310) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator.

[0396] The first memory (320) stores diagnostic control information. The first memory (320) is also capable of updating the diagnostic control information.

[0397] The diagnostic control information may include information on a first target rotation speed, a second target rotation speed, a first reference time, a second reference time, and a third reference time related to diagnosis of the drive motor.

[0398] The diagnostic control information may further include information about the acceleration of the drive motor.

[0399] The diagnostic control information may include information on a third target rotation speed, a fourth target rotation speed, a first maximum rotation speed, a second maximum rotation speed, a fourth reference time, a fifth reference time, and an execution time of a drying process related to the diagnosis of the drive motor, compressor, blower fan, and cooling fan.

[0400] The first memory (320) can store fault response information corresponding to the diagnosis result information.

[0401] The first memory (320) can store data required for various embodiments.

[0402] The first memory (320) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the garment processing device (1001) or may be implemented in the form of a memory detachable from the garment processing device (1001) depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the garment processing device (1001) may be stored in a memory embedded in the garment processing device (1001), and data for expanding the functions of the garment processing device (1001) may be stored in a memory detachable from the garment processing device (1001).

[0403] Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the clothing treatment device (1001) may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., one time programmable ROM (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD)).

[0404] In addition, in the case of a memory that can be attached or detached to the clothing treatment device (1001), it may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), an external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0405] The memory (320) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks.

[0406] At least one component may be added or deleted in accordance with the performance of the components of the garment treatment device (1001) illustrated in FIG. 7. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered in accordance with the performance or structure of the garment treatment device (1001).

[0407] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 7 refers to software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0408] Fig. 11 is a control flowchart of a first diagnostic mode of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0409] As illustrated in Fig. 11, the garment processing device recognizes whether the current point in time is the execution point of the first diagnosis mode for diagnosing a failure in the first diagnosis mode based on the diagnosis cycle stored in the first memory (320) (331).

[0410] The garment treatment device can display information about the start of execution of the first diagnosis mode through the output section (102) of the control panel based on the recognition that the current point in time is the execution point of the first diagnosis mode.

[0411] The garment treatment device can also recognize the point in time of execution of the first diagnosis mode when a command to execute the first diagnosis mode is received through the input section (101) of the control panel.

[0412] The clothing treatment device can also recognize the point in time when the first diagnostic mode is being performed when a command to perform the first diagnostic mode is received from the user device (2a).

[0413] The garment processing device can control multiple operations based on diagnostic control information when it is recognized as the execution point of the first diagnostic mode (332).

[0414] The plurality of processes may include a washing process, a water supply process, a dewatering process, a draining process, and may further include a circulation process and may further include a drying process.

[0415] Controlling the plurality of operations may include controlling the operation of the plurality of loads. That is, the garment treatment device may include controlling the operation of the plurality of loads based on diagnostic control information when the first diagnostic mode is being performed.

[0416] Controlling the operation of multiple loads based on diagnostic control information may include controlling the operation of a drive motor (36), a water supply valve (41, 42), a drain pump (71), a drain valve (74), and a circulation pump (76).

[0417] Controlling the operation of multiple loads based on the diagnostic control information may further include controlling the operation of a blower fan (87a), a compressor (91), and a cooling fan (91a).

[0418] Let us describe in more detail the configuration that controls the operation of multiple subordinates.

[0419] When the first diagnostic mode is started, the garment treatment device primarily controls the acceleration of the drive motor (36).

[0420] While controlling the acceleration of the drive motor (36), the garment processing device recognizes whether the rotation speed of the drive motor has reached the first target rotation speed based on the rotation speed information detected by the first speed sensor (230), and if it is recognized that the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) has reached the first target rotation speed, the device controls the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) to be maintained at the first target rotation speed for a first reference time.

[0421] The garment processing device identifies whether the internal state of the drum (30) is in a no-load state while controlling the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) to maintain the rotation speed at the first target rotation speed (333).

[0422] Identifying whether the internal state of the drum (30) is in a no-load state may include identifying whether the internal state of the drum (30) is in a no-load state based on current information of the drive motor detected by the first current sensor and reference current information when the rotational speed of the drive motor (36) is the first target rotational speed.

[0423] The garment treatment device can output guidance information through the output unit (102) that guides the possibility of a decrease in the accuracy of fault diagnosis due to laundry based on the internal state of the drum (30) being identified as a loaded state.

[0424] The garment processing device can recognize whether the door (17) is open based on door open / close information received from a door open / close sensor (not shown), and can control the rotation of the drive motor (36) to stop based on the recognition that the door is open. At this time, the garment processing device can recognize that laundry has been taken out of the drum.

[0425] The garment processing device can recognize whether the door (17) has changed from an open state to a closed state based on the door opening / closing information received from a door opening / closing sensor (not shown), and can control the drive motor (36) to accelerate again based on the recognition that the door (17) has changed from an open state to a closed state.

[0426] The garment processing device recognizes whether the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) has reached the first target rotation speed based on the rotation speed information detected by the first speed sensor (230), and can control the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) to be maintained at the first target rotation speed for a first reference time based on the recognition that the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) has reached the first target rotation speed.

[0427] The garment processing device can also transmit status information on the load status inside the drum to the server (3a) based on the failure to receive door open / close information from the door open / close sensor (not shown). That is, when the garment processing device transmits control information on multiple loads and detection information from multiple sensors to the server (3a), the status information on the load status can be transmitted to the server (3a).

[0428] The garment treatment device can maintain multiple cycle controls based on the internal state of the drum (30) being identified as being in a no-load state, and can control the next cycle, which is the water supply cycle.

[0429] When controlling the operation of the first water supply valve during the water supply administration, the clothing treatment device can open the first water supply valve (41) when it recognizes that the rotation speed of the driving motor (36) has reached the first target rotation speed, identify whether the water level of the tub is the reference water level based on the water level information received from the water level sensor (200), and control the closing of the first water supply valve (41) based on the water level of the tub being identified as the reference water level.

[0430] When controlling the operation of the second water supply valve during the water supply administration, the clothing treatment device can control the opening of the second water supply valve (42) while the rotation speed of the driving motor (36) is maintained at the first target rotation speed, identify whether the water level of the tub is the reference water level based on the water level information received from the water level sensor (200), and control the closing of the second water supply valve (42) based on the water level of the tub being identified as the reference water level.

[0431] The water supply valve controlled during the water supply administration may be a valve set at the time of manufacture or a valve selected by the user.

[0432] The garment processing device can secondarily accelerate and control the drive motor (36) based on the first time during which the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) is maintained at the first target rotation speed reaching the first reference time.

[0433] The garment processing device can recognize whether the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) has reached the second target rotation speed based on the rotation speed information detected by the first speed sensor (230) when controlling the acceleration of the drive motor (36).

[0434] The garment treatment device can control the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) to be maintained at the second target rotation speed and control the drainage process based on recognizing that the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) has reached the second target rotation speed.

[0435] The garment treatment device can control the opening of the drain valve (74) and the on operation of the drain pump (71).

[0436] The garment treatment device controls the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) to be reduced based on the second time period during which the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) is maintained at the second target rotation speed reaching the second reference time period, and controls the closing of the drain valve (74) and the turning off of the drain pump (71).

[0437] The garment processing device can control the deceleration of the drive motor (36) for a third reference time from the start time of deceleration of the drive motor. That is, the garment processing device can stop the drive motor (36) when the third reference time elapses from the start time of deceleration of the drive motor (36).

[0438] The clothing treatment device can also control the on operation of the circulation pump (76) for a certain period of time based on the completion of the water supply process, and control the off operation of the circulation pump (76) after a certain period of time has elapsed from the on operation time of the circulation pump, and then control the dehydration process.

[0439] The garment treatment device can perform a drying process based on the completion of the dehydration process and the drainage process.

[0440] The clothing treatment device can control the acceleration of the drive motor (36) when performing the drying process, recognize the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) based on the rotation speed information received from the first speed sensor (230) during the acceleration control of the drive motor, and control the drive motor (36) so that the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) is maintained at the third target rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the drive motor (36) being the third target rotation speed.

[0441] The clothing treatment device can control the acceleration of the first motor of the blower fan (87a) when performing a drying process, recognize whether the rotation speed of the first motor is the first maximum rotation speed based on the rotation speed information of the first motor received from the third speed sensor (250), and control the first motor so that the rotation speed of the first motor is maintained at the first maximum rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the first motor being the first maximum rotation speed.

[0442] The clothing treatment device counts a third time from the start time of acceleration control of the drive motor (36) and the blower fan (87a), and when the counted third time reaches a fourth reference period, performs acceleration control of the second motor of the cooling fan (91a), and recognizes whether the rotation speed of the second motor is the second maximum rotation speed based on the rotation speed information of the second motor of the cooling fan (91a) received from the fourth speed sensor (260) during the acceleration control of the second motor of the cooling fan (91a), and controls the second motor so that the rotation speed of the second motor is maintained at the second maximum rotation speed based on the rotation speed of the second motor being the second maximum rotation speed.

[0443] The clothing treatment device counts the fourth time from the start of acceleration control of the second motor of the cooling fan (91a), and can control the operation of the compressor (91) when the counted fourth time reaches the fifth reference time.

[0444] When controlling the operation of the compressor (91), the garment treatment device controls the acceleration of the compressor motor provided in the compressor (91), and recognizes whether the rotation speed of the compressor motor is the fourth target rotation speed based on the rotation speed information detected by the second speed sensor (240) during acceleration control of the compressor motor, and can control the deceleration of the compressor motor based on the rotation speed of the compressor motor being the fourth target rotation speed.

[0445] The fourth target rotation speed may be the maximum rotation speed of the compressor motor, which may be approximately 60 rpm.

[0446] The garment treatment device can also control the deceleration and stop of the drive motor (36), the first motor of the blower fan (87a), and the second motor of the cooling fan (91a) based on the deceleration control of the compressor motor.

[0447] The garment treatment device can collect detection information detected by a plurality of sensors while performing a washing process, a water supply process, a circulation process, a dehydration process, a drainage process, and a drying process.

[0448] The detection information detected by the plurality of sensors may include at least one of sound information detected by the microphone (210) and vibration information detected by the vibration sensor. That is, the clothing treatment device may collect at least one of sound information detected by the microphone (210) and vibration information detected by the vibration sensor while performing the washing process, water supply process, circulation process, dehydration process, drainage process, and drying process (334).

[0449] The garment processing device can transmit control information of a plurality of loads corresponding to the first diagnostic mode and detection information of a plurality of sensors to the server (3a) (335).

[0450] In addition, the clothing treatment device can also delete sound information and vibration information collected in the first acceleration section of the drive motor before being identified as being in a load state and in the section where the rotation speed of the drive motor is maintained at the first rotation speed when the internal state of the drum is identified as being in a load state during the execution of the first diagnosis mode.

[0451] The garment handling device can transmit status information on the laundry acceptance status to the server (3a) based on the recognition that the second diagnostic mode has been performed while the laundry is being accepted into the drum.

[0452] The clothing processing device recognizes current information detected by the first current sensor based on the recognition that laundry is accommodated in the drum, recognizes the weight of the laundry based on the recognized current information, and transmits weight information about the recognized weight of the laundry to the server (3a) together with status information about the laundry accommodation status.

[0453] When the clothing processing device receives the diagnosis result information for the first diagnosis mode from the server (3a), it can output the received diagnosis result information for the first diagnosis mode through the output unit (102) (336).

[0454] Outputting the diagnostic result information through the output unit (102) may include outputting the diagnostic result information through at least one of the display unit and the speaker.

[0455] The clothing processing device can control the transmission of service request information of a home appliance based on the diagnosis result information, or recognize fault response information corresponding to the diagnosis result information based on information stored in the first memory, and output the recognized fault response information through the output unit (102).

[0456] Fig. 12 is a control flowchart of a second diagnostic mode of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0457] As illustrated in Fig. 12, the garment treatment device can also control the execution of the second diagnostic mode based on the reception of a command to execute the second diagnostic mode (342).

[0458] The garment processing device can also control the execution of the second diagnostic mode when a command to execute the second diagnostic mode is received from the user device (2a).

[0459] The garment processing device can recognize current administrative information when performing the second diagnostic mode (342).

[0460] The garment handling device can detect whether at least one of a microphone and a vibration sensor is equipped.

[0461] The garment processing device can collect sound information generated from the garment processing device during a reference diagnosis time based on what is recognized by the mounting of the microphone, and can collect vibration information generated from the garment processing device based on what is recognized by the mounting of the vibration sensor. That is, the garment processing device can collect at least one of sound information and vibration information generated from the garment processing device while performing the second diagnosis mode (343).

[0462] The clothing processing device can output, through the output unit (102), at least one of sound information and vibration information collection request information based on what is recognized as the non-equipment of the microphone and vibration sensor.

[0463] The collection request information may include guidance information guiding the collection of at least one of sound information and vibration information through the user device (2a).

[0464] The collection request information may include guidance information on a method of collecting at least one of sound information and vibration information through the user device (2a).

[0465] The clothing processing device can receive at least one of sound information and vibration information from the user device (2a) when the standard diagnosis time of the second diagnosis mode has elapsed when the medical processing device is not equipped with a microphone and a vibration sensor.

[0466] The clothing processing device can match the recognized current administrative information, the sound information received by the microphone (210) and the vibration information received by the vibration sensor (220) and transmit them to the server (3a) (344).

[0467] The garment treatment device can also transmit the weight information of the laundry, the water level information of the wash water, the recognized current administration information, the sound information received by the microphone (210), and the vibration information received by the vibration sensor (220) to the server (3a) while performing the second diagnosis mode.

[0468] The garment processing device can also transmit the detection information detected by at least one sensor while performing the second diagnostic mode to the server (3a) together with the recognized current administrative information, the sound information received by the microphone (210) and the vibration information received by the vibration sensor (220).

[0469] For example, the clothing treatment device can recognize water level information detected by the water level sensor (200) based on the recognized current administrative information being a water supply administrative information, and match and store the recognized water level information, sound information received by the microphone (210), and vibration information received by the vibration sensor (220), and transmit the current administrative information, water level information, sound information, and vibration information to the server (3a).

[0470] As another example, the garment treatment device can match and store the rotation speed information detected by the first speed sensor (230), the sound information received by the microphone (210), and the vibration information received by the vibration sensor (220) based on the recognized current administrative information being the dehydration administrative information, and transmit the current administrative information, the rotation speed information of the driving motor, the sound information, and the vibration information to the server (3a).

[0471] The clothing processing device can also transmit sound information and vibration information received from the user device (2a) to the server (3a) along with recognized current administrative information.

[0472] The clothing processing device can output the received diagnostic result information for the second diagnostic mode through the output unit (102) based on the diagnostic result information for the second diagnostic mode being received from the server (3a) (345).

[0473] Outputting the diagnostic result information through the output unit (102) may include outputting the diagnostic result information through at least one of the display unit and the speaker.

[0474] The clothing processing device can control the transmission of service request information of a home appliance based on the diagnosis result information, or recognize fault response information corresponding to the diagnosis result information based on information stored in the first memory, and output the recognized fault response information through the output unit (102).

[0475] Fig. 13 is a control configuration diagram of a server communicating with a garment processing device according to one embodiment.

[0476] As shown in Fig. 13, to distinguish between components with the same name between the garment processing device and the server, the components of the server are marked with 'second'.

[0477] The server (3a) may include a second control unit (3010) and a second communication unit (3020).

[0478] The second control unit (3010) can be electrically connected to various components and / or devices of the server (3a) and can control various components and / or devices. That is, the second control unit (3010) controls the overall operation of the server (3a).

[0479] The second control unit (3010) can diagnose a failure of a home appliance using at least one of an Abnormal Sound Detection algorithm, a Noise Diagnosis and Analysis algorithm, a Vibration Monitoring and Analysis algorithm, and a Predictive Maintenance algorithm.

[0480] The second control unit (3010) can diagnose a failure by type of home appliance based on the standard diagnosis information for each type of home appliance, and can diagnose a failure by model of home appliance based on the standard diagnosis information for each model of home appliance.

[0481] The second control unit (3010) can learn diagnostic control information based on diagnostic information for each type of home appliance, diagnostic control information, control information for multiple loads received from the home appliance, and detection information for multiple sensors.

[0482] The second control unit (3010) can learn diagnostic control information based on model-specific standard diagnostic information of the home appliance, diagnostic control information, control information of multiple loads received from the home appliance, and detection information of multiple sensors.

[0483] The baseline diagnostic information may include baseline information for distinguishing between normal and faulty loads of home appliances.

[0484] The diagnostic control information may include a diagnostic algorithm for diagnosing a fault in the home appliance. The diagnostic control information may include control information for multiple loads provided in the home appliance.

[0485] The second control unit (3010) can update diagnostic control information based on learning information and transmit the updated diagnostic control information to the home appliance.

[0486] When the second control unit (3010) receives performance information of the first diagnosis mode, control information of multiple loads, and detection information of multiple sensors from the home appliance, the second control unit (3010) can diagnose a failure of the home appliance based on the first diagnosis mode. That is, the second control unit (3010) can diagnose a failure of the home appliance related to multiple loads.

[0487] The detection information of the plurality of sensors may include at least one of sound information and vibration information.

[0488] When the second control unit (3010) receives performance information of the second diagnosis mode, administrative information, control information of at least one load, and detection information of at least one sensor from the home appliance, the second control unit (3010) can diagnose a failure of the home appliance based on the second diagnosis mode. That is, the second control unit (3010) can diagnose a failure of the home appliance related to the administrative information and at least one load.

[0489] The detection information of at least one sensor may include at least one of sound information and vibration information.

[0490] The configuration of the second control unit for diagnosing a fault in a home appliance in relation to the first diagnostic mode is described.

[0491] The second control unit (3010) can analyze sound information and vibration information.

[0492] Sound information may include information about one or more of the loudness of the sound, the period of the sound, and the frequency of the sound.

[0493] Vibration information may include information about the magnitude of the vibration, the period of the vibration, and the frequency of the vibration.

[0494] When the home appliance is a clothes treatment device, the second control unit (3010) can analyze control information of multiple loads, rotation speed information detected by multiple speed sensors, and water level information.

[0495] When the home appliance is a clothes treatment device, the second control unit (3010) can diagnose a fault for each load based on analyzed sound information, vibration information, control information for multiple loads, rotational speed information and water level information detected by multiple speed sensors, and reference diagnostic information. This will be described in more detail below.

[0496] The second control unit (3010) can diagnose a failure of the drive motor or recognize a coupling failure of the drive motor based on the reference diagnostic information for the drive motor corresponding to the washing cycle, the rotation speed information, vibration information, and sound information of the drive motor detected during the washing cycle when diagnosing a failure of the clothing treatment device based on the first diagnostic mode.

[0497] Reference diagnostic information for a drive motor corresponding to a washing cycle may include reference rotation speed information, reference vibration information, and reference sound information of the drive motor when the drive motor is in a normal state during the washing cycle.

[0498] The second control unit (3010) can also diagnose a failure of the water supply valve based on the reference diagnostic information corresponding to the water supply operation, the water level information detected in the water supply operation, the vibration information, and the sound information.

[0499] The reference diagnostic information corresponding to the water supply administration may include reference water level information, reference vibration information, and reference sound information over time when the water supply valve is in a normal state.

[0500] The second control unit (3010) can diagnose a failure of the drive motor or recognize a coupling defect of the drive motor based on the standard diagnostic information for the drive motor corresponding to the dehydration process, the rotation speed information of the drive motor detected during the dehydration process, vibration information, and sound information.

[0501] Reference diagnostic information for a drive motor corresponding to a dehydration process may include reference rotation speed information, reference vibration information, and reference sound information of the drive motor when the drive motor is in a normal state during the dehydration process.

[0502] The second control unit (3010) can also diagnose failures of the drain pump and drain valve based on standard diagnostic information for the drainage operation, water level information detected during the drainage operation, vibration information, and sound information.

[0503] Reference diagnostic information for drainage operation may include reference water level information, reference vibration information, and reference sound information over time when the drain pump and drain valve are in normal condition.

[0504] The second control unit (3010) can also diagnose a failure of the circulation pump based on standard diagnostic information for the circulation stroke, water level information detected during the circulation stroke, vibration information, and sound information.

[0505] Reference diagnostic information for the circulation operation may include reference water level information, reference vibration information, and reference sound information over time when the circulation pump is in a normal state.

[0506] The second control unit (3010) can also diagnose a failure of the drying device based on standard diagnosis information for the drying process, rotation speed information of the drive motor detected during the drying process, rotation speed information of the blower fan, rotation speed information of the compressor, rotation speed information of the cooling fan, vibration information, and sound information.

[0507] Reference diagnostic information for the drying process may include reference rotation speed information of the driving motor over time when the drying device is in a normal state, reference rotation speed information of the blower fan, reference rotation speed information of the compressor, reference rotation speed information of the cooling fan, reference vibration information, and reference sound information.

[0508] When diagnosing a malfunction of the garment treatment device based on the performance information of the first diagnosis mode, the second control unit (3010) recognizes whether status information corresponding to the laundry acceptance state and weight information of the laundry are received from the garment treatment device, and it is also possible to recognize standard diagnosis information for each cycle based on the status information corresponding to the laundry acceptance state and weight information of the laundry being received.

[0509] The second control unit (3010) can also recognize each cycle-specific standard diagnostic information corresponding to the weight information of the laundry and diagnose cycle-specific failures based on the recognized cycle-specific standard diagnostic information, control information of multiple loads, and detection information of multiple sensors.

[0510] The second control unit (3010) can recognize whether there is a fastening defect or an installation defect based on analyzed sound information, vibration information, control information of multiple loads, rotational speed information and water level information detected by multiple speed sensors, and reference diagnostic information. This will be described with an example.

[0511] The second control unit (3010) can recognize that the installation is defective due to a grounding defect in the housing (10), if the vibration size is greater than the reference vibration size, the sound size is greater than the reference sound size, the sound cycle is faster than the reference cycle, and the sound frequency is a frequency in the low-pitched range.

[0512] As another example, the second control unit (3010) can recognize a vibration defect in the housing or tub when the sound volume is lower than the reference sound volume, the sound cycle is lower than the cycle corresponding to the rotation speed of the drum, and the sound cycle is faster than the reference cycle.

[0513] As another example, the second control unit (3010) can recognize that the tub is not fastened properly if the sound cycle corresponds to the cycle corresponding to the rotation speed of the drum, or if the sound cycle is shorter than the reference cycle and the sound frequency is a high-pitched frequency.

[0514] The second control unit (3010) can transmit the diagnosis result information corresponding to the first diagnosis mode to the clothing treatment device (1001).

[0515] The second control unit (3010) can transmit diagnostic result information corresponding to the first diagnostic mode to the user device (2a).

[0516] An example of fault diagnosis of multiple loads through the second control unit (3010) is not limited to the embodiment, but is an example of fault diagnosis of multiple loads through the second control unit (3010).

[0517] The configuration of the second control unit for diagnosing a failure of the garment treatment device in relation to the second diagnostic mode is described.

[0518] When the second control unit (3010) receives performance information of the second diagnosis mode, control information of at least one load, detection information of at least one sensor, and administrative information from the clothing treatment device, the second control unit (3010) can recognize reference diagnostic information corresponding to the administrative information and diagnose a failure corresponding to the administrative information based on the recognized reference diagnostic information, control information of at least one load, and detection information of at least one sensor.

[0519] Administrative information is information for fault diagnosis and may be administrative information that was being performed in the garment processing device at the time the sound and vibration were detected.

[0520] The standard diagnosis information corresponding to the administrative information may include standard diagnosis information corresponding to the washing operation, standard diagnosis information corresponding to the water supply operation, standard diagnosis information corresponding to the dehydration operation, standard diagnosis information corresponding to the circulation operation, standard diagnosis information corresponding to the drainage operation, and standard diagnosis information corresponding to the drying operation.

[0521] The second control unit (3010) can diagnose a failure corresponding to the administrative information based on the reference diagnostic information for the administrative information, the control information of at least one load, the vibration information, and the sound information.

[0522] A failure corresponding to administrative information may include a failure related to at least one load.

[0523] The fault diagnosis corresponding to the administrative information is the same as the fault diagnosis corresponding to each administrative information included in the first diagnosis mode, so the explanation is omitted.

[0524] The second control unit (3010) can diagnose a fault corresponding to the administrative information based on reference diagnostic information for the administrative information, control information of at least one load, rotational speed information detected by at least one speed sensor, water level information, vibration information, and sound information.

[0525] When receiving performance information of the second diagnostic mode from the garment treatment device, the second control unit (3010) can further receive weight information of the laundry. The second control unit (3010) can recognize reference diagnostic information corresponding to the weight information of the laundry and the administrative information.

[0526] The second control unit (3010) can transmit the diagnosis result information by the second diagnosis mode to the clothing treatment device.

[0527] The second control unit (3010) can transmit the diagnosis result information by the second diagnosis mode to the user device (2a).

[0528] The operation speed and storage capacity of the second control unit (3010) may be greater than the operation speed and storage capacity of the first control unit (300) of the clothing treatment device (1001).

[0529] The second control unit (3010) may include at least one second processor (3011) that controls the operation of the server (3a) and at least one second memory (3012) that stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the server (3a).

[0530] At least one second processor (3011) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores that perform the above-described operations using an algorithm for controlling the operations of components within the server (3a), at least one memory for storing data in the form of a program, and data stored in the at least one memory.

[0531] At least one second processor (3011) can process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs and / or software stored in the second memory (3012).

[0532] At least one second processor (3011) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator.

[0533] The second memory (3012) stores diagnostic control information for each home appliance and model. The second memory (3012) can also update diagnostic control information for each home appliance and model.

[0534] The second memory (3012) can store fault response information corresponding to diagnosis result information for each home appliance and model.

[0535] The second memory (3012) can store data required for various embodiments.

[0536] The second memory (3012) may be implemented as a memory embedded in the server (3a) or as a memory detachable from the server (3a) depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the server (3a) may be stored in a memory embedded in the server (3a), and data for the expansion function of the server (3a) may be stored in a memory detachable from the server (3a).

[0537] Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the server (3a) may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., one time programmable ROM (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD)).

[0538] In addition, in the case of a memory that can be attached or detached to the server (3a), it may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), an external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0539] The second memory (3012) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks.

[0540] The artificial intelligence-related function according to the present disclosure may be operated through one or more second processors (3011) and second memories (3012).

[0541] One or more second processors (3011) may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, AP, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a graphics-only processor such as a GPU or VPU (Vision Processing Unit), or an artificial intelligence-only processor such as an NPU.

[0542] One or more second processors (3011) are controlled to process input data according to predefined operating rules or artificial intelligence models stored in the second memory (3012). Alternatively, if one or more processors are artificial intelligence-dedicated processors, the artificial intelligence-dedicated processors may be designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing a specific artificial intelligence model.

[0543] The predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence models are characterized by being created through learning. Here, being created through learning means that the basic artificial intelligence model is trained using a learning algorithm using a plurality of learning data, thereby creating a predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence model set to perform a desired characteristic (or purpose). This learning may be performed on the device itself on which the artificial intelligence according to the present disclosure is performed, or may be performed through a separate server and / or system. Examples of the learning algorithm include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning.

[0544] An artificial intelligence model may be composed of multiple neural network layers. Each of the multiple neural network layers has multiple weight values, and performs neural network operations through operations between the operation results of the previous layer and the multiple weights. The multiple weights of the multiple neural network layers may be optimized based on the learning results of the artificial intelligence model. For example, the multiple weights may be updated so that the loss value or cost value obtained from the artificial intelligence model is reduced or minimized during the learning process. The artificial neural network may include a deep neural network (DNN), and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, a convolutional neural network (CNN), a deep neural network (DNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or deep Q-networks.

[0545] The server (3a) may further include an input unit for receiving user input and an output unit for outputting information related to the operation of the server (30a).

[0546] The second communication unit (3020) can communicate with the clothing treatment device (1001). The second communication unit (3020) can communicate with the user device (2a).

[0547] The specific configuration of the second communication unit (3020) may be identical to the specific configuration of the first communication unit. Accordingly, a detailed description of the second communication unit (3020) is omitted.

[0548] At least one component may be added or deleted in accordance with the performance of the components of the server (3a) illustrated in Fig. 13. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered in accordance with the performance or structure of the server (3a).

[0549] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 13 refers to software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0550] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a home network system including home appliances according to another embodiment.

[0551] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the home network system (1b) includes a home appliance (1002) and a server (3b), and may further include a user device (2b).

[0552] The home appliance (1002) can control the operation of multiple loads based on diagnostic control information when a command to perform the first diagnostic mode is received as a user input.

[0553] The diagnostic control information may include control information for each of multiple loads.

[0554] When the load is a motor, the control information may include at least one of acceleration control, deceleration control, speed maintenance control, stop control, target rotation speed, maximum rotation speed, acceleration, and reference time for maintaining rotation speed.

[0555] The home appliance (1002) can collect detection information detected from a plurality of sensors while performing the first diagnosis mode, and match and store the detection information of each of the collected plurality of sensors with the control information of each of the plurality of loads.

[0556] The home appliance (1002) can match and store detection information of each of a plurality of sensors and control information of each of a plurality of loads in response to the execution time of the first diagnosis mode.

[0557] The plurality of sensors may include a sensor that detects information about the operation of at least one load and a sensor that detects information about the operating environment of the home appliance.

[0558] When the load is a motor, information about the operation of the load may include information about the rotation speed of the motor and current information about the current flowing in the motor.

[0559] The operating environment of the home appliance may include external temperature, external humidity, internal temperature, internal humidity, water level of the home appliance, water temperature of the home appliance, and door opening and closing.

[0560] The home appliance (1002) can also control the performance of the first diagnostic mode based on a preset cycle.

[0561] The home appliance (1002) can transmit detection information of each of the plurality of sensors and control information of each of the plurality of loads stored during the execution of the first diagnostic mode to the user device (2b).

[0562] The home appliance (1002) can receive diagnostic control information from a user device (2b) or a server (3b) and store the received diagnostic control information. The diagnostic control information received from the user device (2b) or the server (3b) can include updated diagnostic control information collected and learned by the server (3b).

[0563] The diagnostic control information may include a diagnostic algorithm for diagnosing a fault in the home appliance.

[0564] The home appliance (1002) can identify whether a command to perform a second diagnostic mode is received as a user input while controlling the operation of at least one load, recognize control information of at least one load based on what is identified as receipt of the command to perform the second diagnostic mode, collect detection information detected by at least one sensor, and match and store the detection information detected by at least one sensor with the control information of at least one load.

[0565] The home appliance (1002) can match detection information detected by at least one sensor and control information of at least one load and transmit the matched information to the user device (2b).

[0566] The home appliance (1000) may also perform the second diagnostic mode during the reference diagnostic time. In this case, the home appliance (1000) may collect detection information detected by at least one sensor during the reference diagnostic time for performing the second diagnostic mode, and recognize control information of at least one load during the reference diagnostic time.

[0567] When the home appliance is a clothes treatment device and the load is a drive motor, the control information of the drive motor may include at least one of an operation mode, acceleration control, deceleration control, speed maintenance control, stop control, target rotation speed, acceleration, and a reference time for maintaining the rotation speed.

[0568] If the appliance is a clothes treatment device, the operating mode may include a washing mode and a drying mode. The washing mode may include at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, an intermediate spin cycle, a final spin cycle, a drain cycle, and a water supply cycle.

[0569] If the home appliance is an air conditioner, the operating mode may include at least one of a cooling mode, a heating mode, and a dehumidifying mode.

[0570] The detection information of at least one sensor may include sound information about sounds generated by the home appliance.

[0571] The detection information of at least one sensor may include vibration information about vibrations generated from the home appliance.

[0572] The detection information from each of the multiple sensors may include environmental information regarding the operating environment of the home appliance. For example, the operating environment of the home appliance may include external temperature, external humidity, internal temperature, internal humidity, the water level of the home appliance, the water temperature of the home appliance, and the opening and closing of the door.

[0573] The home appliance (1002) can receive diagnostic result information from a user device (2b) or a server (3b) and output the received diagnostic result information.

[0574] The home appliance (1002) can display the diagnostic result information received from the user device (2b) or server (3b) as a video or output the diagnostic result information as a voice.

[0575] The home appliance (1002) communicates with the user device (2b), and can also receive a command to perform a first diagnostic mode or a command to perform a second diagnostic mode from the user device (2b).

[0576] The user device (2b) can communicate with the home appliance (1002) and the server (3b).

[0577] When a command to perform a first diagnosis mode is received as a user input, the user device (2b) can transmit the received command to perform the first diagnosis mode to the home appliance (1002), and when a command to perform a second diagnosis mode is received as a user input, the user device (2b) can transmit the received command to perform the second diagnosis mode to the home appliance (1002).

[0578] The user device (2b) can collect sound information through a microphone and vibration information through a vibration sensor when performing the first diagnostic mode.

[0579] The user device (2b) can receive control information of multiple loads and detection information of multiple sensors from the home appliance based on the completion of the first diagnostic mode, and can match the received control information of multiple loads and detection information of multiple sensors with sound information and transmit the matched information to the server (3b).

[0580] The user device (2b) can collect sound information of the home appliance through a microphone and vibration information through a vibration sensor while performing the second diagnostic mode.

[0581] The user device (2b) may include an application for diagnosing faults in home appliances. The user device (2b) may output guidance information related to fault diagnosis in home appliances based on the application's execution commands. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 15a, 15b, and 15c.

[0582] FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C illustrate displays of a user device communicating with a home appliance according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0583] As illustrated in Fig. 15a, the user device (2b) can output guidance information for diagnosing a fault in a home appliance based on receiving a command to perform the second diagnostic mode.

[0584] As illustrated in FIG. 15b, the user device (2b) can output guidance information on a method for recording sound generated from a home appliance (1002).

[0585] As illustrated in FIG. 15c, the user device (2b) can output guidance information for the completion of recording of sound generated from the home appliance (1002) and a request for fault diagnosis.

[0586] The user device (2b) can receive administrative information and control information of at least one load from the home appliance based on the completion of the execution of the second diagnostic mode, and can match the received control information and administrative information of at least one load with sound information and transmit them to the server (3b).

[0587] The user device (2b) can also match the control information and administrative information of at least one load received based on the completion of the second diagnostic mode with the vibration information and transmit it to the server (3b).

[0588] The user device (2b) can also match the control information and administrative information of at least one load received based on the completion of the second diagnostic mode with the vibration information and sound information and transmit them to the server (3b).

[0589] The user device (2b) can further receive detection information of at least one sensor from the home appliance based on the completion of the execution of the second diagnostic mode, and can also transmit the received detection information of at least one sensor to the server (3b).

[0590] The detection information of at least one sensor may include detection information of a sensor that detects the operation of at least one load.

[0591] When the user device (2b) receives diagnostic result information from the server (3b), the user device (2B) can output the received diagnostic result information. The user device (2B) can transmit the received diagnostic result information to the home appliance (1002).

[0592] When the server (3b) receives performance information of the first diagnostic mode, detection information of each of the plurality of sensors, and control information of each of the plurality of loads from the user device (2b), it diagnoses a failure throughout the home appliance (1002) based on preset reference diagnostic information, the received detection information of each of the plurality of sensors, and the control information of each of the plurality of loads.

[0593] For example, the server (3b) can diagnose abnormal noise caused by a load defect, a faulty load connection, or a faulty installation of the home appliance based on information received from the user device (2b). The server (3ba) can identify the cause of the abnormal noise and the cause of the load defect and recognize the identified information as diagnosis result information.

[0594] When the server (3b) receives performance information of the second diagnostic mode, detection information of at least one sensor, and control information of at least one load from the user device (2b), the server (3b) can diagnose a failure related to the operation of at least one load based on the preset reference diagnostic information, the received detection information of at least one sensor, and the control information of at least one load.

[0595] The server (3b) can communicate with the user device (2b) and transmit diagnostic result information for fault diagnosis of the home appliance (1002) to the user device (2b).

[0596] The server (3b) is capable of providing diagnostic result information for diagnosing a fault in the home appliance (1002) to the home appliance (1002).

[0597] The server (3b) learns diagnostic control information based on control information of each of a plurality of loads related to the first diagnostic mode, detection information of each of a plurality of sensors, and diagnostic control information of the home appliance, updates the diagnostic control information based on the learned information, and transmits the updated diagnostic control information to the home appliance (1002).

[0598] FIG. 16 is a control configuration diagram of a user device communicating with a home appliance according to another embodiment.

[0599] As illustrated in FIG. 16, a user device (2b) communicating with a home appliance (1002) according to another embodiment may include a user interface (2100), a microphone (2210), a vibration sensor (2220), a third communication unit (2300), and a third control unit (2400).

[0600] The user interface (2100) can receive user input and output various information regarding the operation of the user device (2b).

[0601] The user interface (2100) may include an input unit (2110) and an output unit (2120).

[0602] The input unit (2110) receives user input.

[0603] The input unit (2110) can receive an execution command and an end command of an application for diagnosing a fault in a home appliance, and can receive a command for selecting a type of home appliance and a command for selecting a model of the home appliance.

[0604] The input unit (2110) can receive a command to perform the first diagnostic mode and a command to perform the second diagnostic mode.

[0605] The input unit (2110) can also receive on and off commands for the microphone and on and off commands for the vibration sensor.

[0606] The input unit (2110) may include hardware devices such as switches, pedals, keyboards, mice, trackballs, various levers, handles, or sticks in addition to buttons and jog dials.

[0607] The input unit (2110) may include a GUI (Graphical User Interface), i.e., a software device, such as a touch pad. The touch pad may be implemented as a touch screen panel (TSP) and may form a mutual layer structure with the display unit (2120).

[0608] The output section (2120) outputs operation information of the user device (2b).

[0609] The output unit (2120) can output the screen of an application for diagnosing a fault in a home appliance and can output information related to diagnosing a fault in the home appliance.

[0610] The output unit (2120) can output guidance information corresponding to the first diagnosis mode and can output guidance information corresponding to the second diagnosis mode.

[0611] The output unit (2120) can output diagnostic result information corresponding to the first diagnostic mode.

[0612] The output section (2120) can also output guidance information on the execution cycle of the first diagnosis mode and guidance information on the execution suggestion of the first diagnosis mode.

[0613] The output unit (2120) can output diagnostic result information corresponding to the second diagnostic mode.

[0614] The output unit (2120) can output the communication status with the home appliance (1002) and can also output the communication status with the server (3b).

[0615] The output unit (2120) may include a display unit (2121) and a speaker (2122).

[0616] The display unit (2121) can display output information as an image.

[0617] The display unit (2121) includes a plurality of seven segments.

[0618] The display unit (2121) may be provided as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital light processing (DLP) panel, a plasma display panel, an electroluminescence (EL) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, an electrochromic display (ECD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, but is not limited thereto.

[0619] The speaker (2122) can output output information as a guide sound.

[0620] Here, the guidance sound may include a notification sound or voice, such as a beep sound.

[0621] The microphone (2210) is a sound sensor that detects sounds generated around the user device and transmits sound information about the detected sounds to the third control unit (2400).

[0622] Sounds generated in the vicinity of the user device may include sounds generated by home appliances for fault diagnosis.

[0623] There may be one or more microphones (2210). The microphones (2210) may be microphones arranged in an array form.

[0624] The vibration sensor (2200) detects vibrations occurring in the user device and the surroundings of the user device and transmits vibration information about the detected vibrations to the third control unit (2400).

[0625] Vibrations occurring around the user device may include vibrations occurring from another device that the user device is in contact with and transmitted to the user device.

[0626] The vibration sensor (2220) may be, but is not limited to, a capacitive type MEMS acceleration sensor, a piezoresistive type MEMS acceleration sensor, a resistive type vibration sensor, a capacitive type vibration sensor, an optical vibration sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a gyro sensor.

[0627] The third communication unit (2300) may include various communication circuits for performing wired communication and / or wireless communication with external devices (e.g., servers and / or other home appliances).

[0628] The communication configuration of the third communication unit (2300) may be identical to the communication configuration of the first communication unit (150). Therefore, a detailed description of the communication configuration of the third communication unit (2300) is omitted.

[0629] The third control unit (2400) can be electrically connected to various components and / or devices of the user device (2b) and can control various components and / or devices. That is, the third control unit (2400) controls the overall operation of the user device (2b).

[0630] The third control unit (2400) can control the operation of the user device (2b) based on the user input received in the input unit (2110).

[0631] The third control unit (2400) can control the output unit (2120) so that operation information related to the operation of the user device (2b) is output.

[0632] The third control unit (2400) can receive an execution command of an application for diagnosing a fault in a home appliance through an input unit (2110), control the execution of the application based on the reception of the execution command of the application, and control the output unit to output execution information of the application.

[0633] The third control unit (2400) can receive the device name and model name of the home appliance from the input unit (2110), store the received device name and model name of the home appliance, and transmit the received device name and model name of the home appliance to the server (3b) when diagnosing a fault in the home appliance.

[0634] The third control unit (2400) can transmit a command to perform the first diagnosis mode to the home appliance (1002) based on receiving a command to perform the first diagnosis mode from the input unit (2110).

[0635] The third control unit (2400) can transmit a command to perform the second diagnosis mode to the home appliance (1002) based on receiving a command to perform the second diagnosis mode from the input unit (2110).

[0636] The third control unit (2400) can control the output unit to output guidance information for diagnosing a failure of a home appliance based on the reception of a command to perform the first diagnosis mode or the second diagnosis mode.

[0637] The third control unit (2400) can also control the output unit to output guidance information on the performance proposal of the first diagnosis mode based on the cycle of the first diagnosis mode.

[0638] The third control unit (2400) can control the activation of the microphone (2210) and the vibration sensor (2220) based on the reception of a command to perform the first diagnostic mode or the second diagnostic mode.

[0639] The third control unit (2400) can collect sound information through a microphone (2210) and vibration information through a vibration sensor (2220) while the first diagnosis mode is being performed in the home appliance (1002). The third control unit (2400) can collect sound information and vibration information corresponding to the execution time of the first diagnosis mode.

[0640] When the third control unit (2400) receives control information of multiple loads and detection information of multiple sensors from the home appliance (1002) based on the performance of the first diagnosis mode, the third control unit (2400) can match the received control information of multiple loads and detection information of multiple sensors with the collected sound information and vibration information and store them.

[0641] The third control unit (2400) can periodically receive control information of multiple loads and detection information of multiple sensors from the home appliance while performing the first diagnosis mode, and when the first diagnosis mode is completed, it can also receive control information of multiple loads and detection information of multiple sensors from the home appliance.

[0642] Control information of multiple loads and detection information of multiple sensors may include information about the execution time of the first diagnostic mode.

[0643] The third control unit (2400) can match and store sound information, vibration information, load control information, and sensor detection information collected in chronological order for the execution time of the first diagnosis mode.

[0644] When the home appliance is a clothes treatment device, the control information of the plurality of loads may include opening control information of the first and second water supply valves (41, 42), closing control information of the first and second water supply valves (41, 42), acceleration control information of the drive motor (36), deceleration control information of the drive motor (36), maintenance control information of the rotation speed of the drive motor (36), opening control information of the drain valve (74), closing control information of the drain valve (74), on control information of the drain pump (71), off control information of the drain pump (71), on control information of the circulation pump (76), and off control information of the circulation pump (76).

[0645] The control information of the plurality of loads may further include acceleration control information of the drive motor (36), maintenance control information of the rotation speed of the drive motor (36), acceleration control information of the first motor of the blower fan (87a), maintenance control information of the rotation speed of the first motor of the blower fan (87a), acceleration control information of the second motor of the cooling fan (91a), maintenance control information of the rotation speed of the second motor of the cooling fan (91a), on control information of the compressor (91), and off control information of the compressor (91).

[0646] When the home appliance is a clothes treatment device, the detection information of the plurality of sensors may include rotation speed information and water level information detected by the plurality of speed sensors.

[0647] The third control unit (2400) can transmit control information of multiple loads and detection information of multiple sensors to the server (3b) based on the completion of the execution of the first diagnostic mode, and can transmit at least one of sound information and vibration information to the server (3b).

[0648] Sound information detected through the microphone (2210) may include sound information generated from a driving motor during primary acceleration, sound information generated from a driving motor maintained at a first target rotation speed, sound information generated from a driving motor during secondary acceleration, sound information generated from a driving motor maintained at a second target rotation speed, and sound information generated from a driving motor during deceleration.

[0649] The sound information detected through the microphone (2210) may further include sound information related to the water supply stroke while the water supply valve is open, sound information related to the drain stroke while the drain valve is open and the drain pump is on, and sound information related to the circulation stroke while the circulation pump is on.

[0650] The sound information detected through the microphone (210) may include sound information generated during acceleration of the driving motor (36) while performing the drying process, sound information generated during maintenance of the rotation speed of the driving motor (36), sound information generated during acceleration of the blower fan (87a), sound information generated during maintenance of the rotation speed of the blower fan (87a), sound information generated during acceleration of the cooling fan (91a), sound information generated during maintenance of the rotation speed of the cooling fan (91a), sound information generated during the on operation of the compressor (91), and sound information generated during the off operation of the compressor (91).

[0651] Vibration information detected through the vibration sensor (2220) may include vibration information generated by rotation of the driving motor during primary acceleration, vibration information generated by rotation of the driving motor during maintenance at a first target rotation speed, vibration information generated by rotation of the driving motor during secondary acceleration, vibration information generated by rotation of the driving motor during maintenance at a second target rotation speed, and vibration information generated by rotation of the driving motor during deceleration.

[0652] The vibration information detected through the vibration sensor (2220) may further include vibration information related to the water supply stroke while the water supply valve is open, vibration information related to the drain stroke while the drain valve is open and the drain pump is on, and vibration information related to the circulation stroke while the circulation pump is on.

[0653] The vibration information detected through the vibration sensor (220) may include vibration information generated by acceleration of the driving motor (36) during the drying process, vibration information generated by maintaining the rotation speed of the driving motor (36), vibration information generated by acceleration of the blower fan (87a), vibration information generated by maintaining the rotation speed of the blower fan (87a), vibration information generated by acceleration of the cooling fan (91a), vibration information generated by maintaining the rotation speed of the cooling fan (91a), vibration information generated by the on operation of the compressor (91), and vibration information generated by the off operation of the compressor (91).

[0654] The third control unit (2400) transmits the execution information of the first diagnosis mode, control information of multiple loads, detection information of multiple sensors, sound information, and vibration information to the server (3b), and then, when the diagnosis result information for the first diagnosis mode is received from the server (3b), the third control unit (2400) can control the output unit (2120) to output the received diagnosis result information for the first diagnosis mode.

[0655] The third control unit (2400) can also transmit the diagnosis result information for the first diagnosis mode to the home appliance (1002).

[0656] The configuration for controlling a home appliance based on the execution command of the first diagnostic mode is the same as the control configuration of the home appliance of one embodiment, and thus, a description thereof is omitted.

[0657] The third control unit (2400) can recognize the current administrative information being performed in the home appliance based on the reception of the execution command of the second diagnosis mode, collect sound information received by the microphone (2210), and collect vibration information received by the vibration sensor (2220). The third control unit (2400) can collect sound information and vibration information during a preset reference diagnosis time.

[0658] The third control unit (2400) can receive control information of at least one load provided in the home appliance from the home appliance while performing the second diagnostic mode, and can further receive detection information of at least one sensor.

[0659] When the home appliance is a clothes treatment device, the third control unit (2400) can further receive weight information and water level information of the laundry from the home appliance and transmit the weight information and water level information of the laundry to the server (3b).

[0660] The third control unit (2400) can match and store control information of at least one load, detection information of at least one sensor, sound information received by a microphone (2210), and vibration information received by a vibration sensor (2220).

[0661] For example, the third control unit (2400) can match and store the water level information detected by the water level sensor (200), the sound information received by the microphone (2210), and the vibration information received by the vibration sensor (2220) based on the recognized administrative information being a water supply administration, and transmit the recognized administrative information, water level information, sound information, and vibration information to the server (3b).

[0662] As another example, the third control unit (2400) can match and store the rotation speed information detected by the first speed sensor (230), the sound information received by the microphone (2210), and the vibration information received by the vibration sensor (2220) based on the recognition that the current administrative information is a dehydration administrative information, and transmit the current administrative information, the rotation speed information of the driving motor, the sound information, and the vibration information to the server (3b).

[0663] The third control unit (2400) can match and store control information of at least one load, detection information of at least one sensor, sound information received by a microphone (2210), and vibration information received by a vibration sensor (2220) in chronological order based on the execution time of the second diagnosis mode.

[0664] The third control unit (2400) can transmit recognized current administrative information, laundry weight information, water level information, and matched information to the server (3b).

[0665] When the third control unit (2400) receives the diagnostic result information for the second diagnostic mode from the server (3b), it can control the output unit (2120) to output the received diagnostic result information for the second diagnostic mode.

[0666] The third control unit (2400) can also transmit the diagnosis result information for the second diagnosis mode to the home appliance (1002).

[0667] The configuration for controlling the home appliance based on the execution command of the second diagnostic mode is the same as the control configuration of the home appliance of one embodiment, and thus, a description thereof is omitted.

[0668] The control configuration of the server (3b) that diagnoses a failure of a home appliance is also the same as the control configuration of the server (3a) of one embodiment, so description thereof is omitted.

[0669] The third control unit (2400) may include at least one third processor (2410) that controls the operation of the user device (2b) and at least one third memory (2420) that stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the user device (2b).

[0670] At least one component may be added or deleted in accordance with the performance of the components of the user device (2b) illustrated in FIG. 16. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered in accordance with the performance or structure of the user device (2b).

[0671] Each component illustrated in FIG. 16 represents software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0672] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0673] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0674] It will be appreciated that the various embodiments of the present disclosure, as defined by the claims and description herein, may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0675] Such software may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (software modules), which include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the methods of the present disclosure.

[0676] Such software may be stored in a volatile or non-volatile storage device, such as a read-only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable, or in memory form (e.g., random access memory (RAM), a memory chip, device, or integrated circuit), or in an optically or magnetically readable medium (e.g., a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magnetic disk, or a magnetic tape). It will be appreciated that the storage device and the storage medium are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage devices suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs that, when executed, include instructions for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing an apparatus or method as claimed in one of the claims of this specification, and a non-transitory machine-readable storage device storing such a program.

[0677] While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Input section that receives user input; Output section; Communication unit that performs communication with the server; Multiple loads; at least one sensor; and A processor is included that controls the operation of the plurality of loads based on diagnostic control information when a command to perform the first diagnostic mode is selected through the input unit, controls the communication unit to transmit the control information of the plurality of loads and the detection information detected by the at least one sensor during the execution of the first diagnostic mode to the server, and controls the output unit to output the diagnostic result information received from the server. The above processor is a home appliance that controls the communication unit to transmit control information of at least one of the plurality of loads and detection information detected by the at least one sensor to the server when a command to perform a second diagnostic mode is received through the input unit while at least one of the plurality of loads is operating.

2. In paragraph 1, The at least one sensor includes at least one of a microphone for detecting sound and a vibration sensor for detecting vibration, The above processor is a home appliance that matches and stores at least one of the sound information detected by the microphone and the vibration information detected by the vibration sensor based on the execution time of the first diagnostic mode with the control information of the plurality of loads and the detection information detected by the at least one sensor.

3. In paragraph 1, The at least one sensor includes at least one of a microphone for detecting sound and a vibration sensor for detecting vibration, The processor controls the execution of the second diagnosis mode during a reference diagnosis time, and stores at least one of the sound information detected by the microphone and the vibration information detected by the vibration sensor based on the execution time of the second diagnosis mode, by matching it with the control information of the plurality of loads and the detection information detected by the at least one sensor.

4. In paragraph 1, The above communication unit performs communication with a user device and receives sound information collected from the user device, A home appliance in which the processor controls the communication unit to match the received sound information with control information of the plurality of loads and detection information of the at least one sensor during execution of the first diagnostic mode and transmit the matched sound information to the server, and controls the communication unit to match the received sound information with control information of the at least one load and detection information of the at least one sensor during execution of the second diagnostic mode and transmit the matched sound information to the server.

5. In paragraph 1, The above communication unit performs communication with a user device and receives vibration information collected from the user device, The processor controls the communication unit to match the received vibration information with control information of the plurality of loads and detection information of the at least one sensor during execution of the first diagnostic mode and transmit the matched vibration information to the server, and controls the communication unit to match the received vibration information with control information of the at least one load and detection information of the at least one sensor during execution of the second diagnostic mode and transmit the matched vibration information to the server.

6. In paragraph 1, The above communication unit performs communication with the user device, A home appliance in which the processor controls the execution of the first diagnosis mode based on receiving a command to execute the first diagnosis mode from the user device, controls the execution of the second diagnosis mode based on receiving a command to execute the second diagnosis mode from the user device, and controls the output unit to output the received diagnosis result information based on receiving the diagnosis result information from the user device.

7. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of loads include a driving motor for rotating a drum provided in the tub; a drain pump for discharging water from the tub; and a water supply valve for supplying water into the tub. The above processor controls the washing process, the water supply process, the dehydration process, and the drainage process based on the diagnostic control information, recognizes whether the drum is in an unloaded state during the washing process, and controls the output unit to output guidance information requesting withdrawal of laundry based on the drum being recognized as being in a loaded state.

8. In the 7th paragraph, the processor, A home appliance that controls the washing cycle, the water supply cycle, the dehydration cycle, and the drain cycle when the drum is in an unloaded state, controls the driving motor, the drain pump, and the water supply valve, and recognizes control information of the driving motor, control information of the drain pump, and control information of the water supply valve.

9. In paragraph 7, a water level sensor for detecting the water level within the tub; and Further comprising a speed sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the above driving motor; The above processor is a home appliance that controls a communication unit to transmit water level information detected by the water level sensor and rotation speed information detected by the speed sensor to the server.

10. In paragraph 9, Further comprising a current sensor for detecting the current flowing in the above driving motor, The processor is a home appliance that controls the communication unit to recognize current administrative information based on the command to perform the second diagnostic mode being received, recognize weight information of laundry based on current information detected by the current sensor, and transmit the recognized current administrative information, weight information of the laundry, and water level information to the server.

11. In paragraph 1, A driving motor that rotates a drum provided inside the tub; and Further comprising a drying device for drying laundry in the drum, The drying device includes a heat pump including a compressor, a blower fan for blowing air generated through the heat pump into a drum, and a cooling fan for cooling the compressor. The above processor controls the drying process based on the diagnostic control information, and recognizes control information of the drive motor, control information of the compressor, control information of the blower fan, and control information of the cooling fan while controlling the drying process.

12. In paragraph 11, A first speed sensor that detects the rotation speed of the above driving motor; A second speed sensor that detects the rotation speed of the compressor motor provided in the above compressor; A third speed sensor that detects the rotation speed of the first motor provided in the above blower fan; and Further comprising a fourth speed sensor that detects the rotation speed of the second motor provided in the above cooling fan; The above processor is a home appliance that controls the communication unit to transmit rotation speed information detected by the first, second, third, and fourth speed sensors to the server while controlling the drying process.

13. Communication unit that performs communication with home appliances and user devices; Memory for storing baseline diagnostic information; and A server including a processor that diagnoses a failure of the home appliance based on the above-mentioned standard diagnostic information, control information of a plurality of loads received from the home appliance, and sound information received from the user device, and controls the communication unit to transmit the diagnosis result information to at least one of the home appliance and the user device.

14. In the 13th paragraph, the processor, Control the communication unit to transmit diagnostic control information required for performing the first diagnostic mode to the home appliance, and diagnose a fault related to the plurality of loads based on receiving the performance information of the first diagnostic mode and detection information of the plurality of sensors provided in the home appliance from the home appliance, A server that diagnoses a fault related to at least one of the plurality of loads based on performance information of the second diagnostic mode and control information of at least one of the plurality of loads received from the home appliance.

15. In paragraph 14, the processor, A server that diagnoses a failure of a home appliance based on at least one of sound information and vibration information received from the home appliance, the reference diagnostic information, control information of a plurality of loads received from the home appliance, and at least one of sound information and vibration information received from the home appliance.

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