Washer-dryer for predicting drying time of laundry and control method therefor

Abstract

Disclosed is a washer-dryer. The washer-dryer according to the present disclosure comprises: a drum; a sensor for sensing the weight of laundry accommodated in the drum; a memory for storing instructions; and at least one processor including processing circuitry, wherein, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the washer-dryer, when receiving a user input for performing a washing cycle, may be controlled to: acquire a first weight of the laundry by using the sensor; control the washer-dryer to perform a wash cycle and a rinse cycle on the laundry; acquire a second weight of the laundry by using the sensor when the wash cycle and the rinse cycle are completed; acquire a third weight of the laundry by using the sensor while the washer performs a spin-dry cycle on the laundry; identify an absorption rate of the laundry on the basis of the first weight and the second weight; identify a spin-dry rate of the laundry on the basis of the first weight, the third weight, and the absorption rate; identify a preset drying time as an expected drying time on the basis that the value of the absorption rate over the spin-dry rate is not greater than a preset value; and identify a time increased from the preset drying time as the expected drying time on the basis that the value of the absorption rate over the spin-dry rate exceeds the preset value.

Description

Washer dryer for predicting laundry drying time and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine that predicts the drying time of laundry and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] With the development of a washer-dryer that performs both washing and drying functions, users no longer need to take laundry out of the washing machine and transfer it to the dryer.

[0003] In addition, the washer dryer can predict the drying time based on the weight of the laundry measured after the start of the washing cycle and perform drying.

[0004] The weight of the laundry may include the weight when dry, the weight after rinsing, and the weight after spin-drying. However, while users can set various spin-drying options for the laundry, a problem has arisen in that the drying time cannot be taken into account for spin-drying conditions according to various spin-drying settings when predicting the drying time based on the weight after spin-drying.

[0005] Therefore, since the accuracy of estimating drying time based on weight after dehydration is not high, the need for a solution to address this issue has emerged.

[0006] A washer dryer according to the present disclosure comprises at least one processor including a drum, a memory for storing sensor instructions for detecting the weight of laundry contained in the drum, and a processing circuitry. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the washer dryer, upon receiving user input for performing a washing cycle, obtains a first weight of the laundry using the sensor, controls the washer dryer to perform a washing and rinsing cycle for the laundry based on the user input, and upon completion of the washing and rinsing cycles, obtains a second weight of the laundry using the sensor, obtains a third weight of the laundry using the sensor while the washing machine performs a spin cycle for the laundry, identifies the absorption rate of the laundry based on the first weight and the second weight, identifies the spin rate of the laundry based on the first weight, the third weight, and the absorption rate, identifies a preset drying time as an expected drying time based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin rate is less than or equal to a preset value, and sets an increased time greater than the preset drying time based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin rate exceeds a preset value. Identify by time.

[0007] When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the washing dryer may increase the rotational speed of the drum when the spin cycle for the laundry begins, and when it is identified that the rotational speed of the drum has reached a preset RPM (revolutions per minute), obtain a third weight of the laundry using the sensor while the spin cycle is being performed.

[0008] Additionally, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the washer dryer may identify the difference value between the first weight and the second weight, calculate the percentage of the identified difference value relative to the first weight, identify the moisture content of the laundry after the rinsing process is completed, and identify the identified moisture content as the absorption rate of the laundry.

[0009] Additionally, when the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the washer dryer may identify the difference value between the first weight and the third weight, calculate the percentage of the identified difference value relative to the first weight to identify the moisture content of the laundry during the spin cycle, calculate the difference value between the moisture content of the laundry during the spin cycle and the moisture content of the laundry after the rinsing cycle is completed, and identify the spin rate of the laundry based on the calculated difference value.

[0010] In addition, the above-mentioned estimated drying time can be obtained by inputting washing information into an artificial intelligence model that has learned the drying time according to washing information, based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate relative to the dehydration rate exceeds a preset value.

[0011] In addition, the washing information may include at least one of the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin rate, the weight of the laundry, and temperature and humidity information.

[0012] In addition, the above preset value may be a value based on a range of values ​​of absorption rate relative to dehydration rate such that the drying time required for drying the laundry corresponding to the value of absorption rate relative to dehydration rate of the laundry is within a critical range.

[0013] Additionally, a control method for a washing and drying machine according to the present disclosure may include the steps of: obtaining a first weight of the laundry when a user input for performing a washing cycle is received; controlling the washing and drying machine to perform a washing and rinsing cycle for the laundry based on the user input, and when the washing and rinsing cycles are completed, obtaining a second weight of the laundry using the sensor; obtaining a third weight of the laundry while the washing machine performs a spin cycle for the laundry; identifying an absorption rate of the laundry based on the first weight and the second weight, and identifying a spin rate of the laundry based on the first weight, the third weight, and the absorption rate; identifying a preset drying time as an expected drying time based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin rate is less than or equal to a preset value; and identifying a time increased from the preset drying time as an expected drying time based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin rate exceeds a preset value.

[0014] Additionally, in a non-transient computer-readable recording medium storing one or more instructions executed by a processor of an electronic device to perform an operation of a washer-dryer, the operation comprises: a step of obtaining a first weight of laundry when user input for performing a washing cycle is received; a step of controlling the washer-dryer to perform a washing and rinsing cycle for the laundry based on the user input, and when the washing and rinsing cycles are completed, a step of obtaining a second weight of the laundry using the sensor while the washer-dryer performs a spin-drying cycle for the laundry; a step of identifying the absorption rate of the laundry based on the first weight and the second weight, and identifying the spin-drying rate of the laundry based on the first weight, the third weight, and the absorption rate; a step of identifying a preset drying time as an expected drying time based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin-drying rate is less than or equal to a preset value, and an expected time increased from the preset drying time based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin-drying rate exceeds a preset value. It may include a step of identifying by drying time.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the appearance of a washer-dryer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a washer-dryer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of a washer-dryer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a washer-dryer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a drawing for showing a series of washing processes and a time point for measuring the weight of the laundry according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining that a server device and a washing machine / dryer perform communication according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 7 and 8 are drawings for showing the correlation between the weight of laundry after spin-drying and the drying time according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for an artificial intelligence model to predict drying time according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0024] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0025] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] In this document, each of the phrases such as "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 the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0027] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0028] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another corresponding component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0029] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0030] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] When it is said that one component is “connected,” “combined,” “supported,” or “in contact” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0032] When it is said that a component is located “on” another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0033] A washing machine according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying operations. A washing machine is an example of a clothing processing device, and a clothing processing device is a concept that encompasses a device for washing clothing (clothing to be washed, clothing to be dried), a device for drying clothing, and a device capable of performing both washing and drying of clothing.

[0034] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for loading or unloading laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines with loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

[0035] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water flow generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. A front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine capable of drying laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine capable of drying may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensation device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. As an example, the washing machine capable of drying may include a heat pump device. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines with washing methods other than those described above.

[0036] A washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components inside. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry input opening formed on one side.

[0037] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing a laundry input. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by means of a hinge. At least one part of the door may be made transparent or translucent so that the interior of the housing is visible.

[0038] The washing machine may include a tub provided inside the housing to store water. The tub is provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be positioned inside the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

[0039] The tub can be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated during the rotation of the drum and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0040] The washing machine may include a drum designed to accommodate laundry.

[0041] The drum may be positioned inside the tub such that a drum opening provided on one side corresponds to a laundry inlet and a tub opening. Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening in sequence to be received inside the drum or withdrawn from the drum.

[0042] The drum can rotate inside the tub and perform respective actions according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying cycles. A number of holes are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum so that water stored in the tub can flow into the interior of the drum or out of the exterior of the drum.

[0043] The washing machine may include a drive unit configured to rotate the drum. The drive unit may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may pass through the tub and be connected to the drum.

[0044] The drive unit can rotate the drum in the forward or reverse direction to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, or drying cycles.

[0045] The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent dispenser and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent dispenser. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent dispenser.

[0046] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0047] The washing machine may include a detergent dispenser configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent dispenser may include a manual detergent dispenser in which the user must add the detergent to be used for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent dispenser that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount during a wash cycle. The detergent dispenser may include a detergent container for storing detergent. The detergent dispenser may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during the water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with the detergent by passing through the detergent dispenser. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied into the tub. The term "detergent" is used as a collective term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent container may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0048] The washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0049] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for the user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0050] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0051] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. At least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0052] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0053] For example, at least one output interface can convey information to the user regarding the washing course, the washing machine's operating time, and washing settings, rinse settings, and spin settings. Information regarding the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0054] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with an external device via wired and / or wireless means.

[0055] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0056] The communication module can transmit data to external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or home appliances) or receive data from external devices. For example, the communication module can establish communication with servers and / or user devices and / or home appliances and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0057] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0058] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, UWB (ultrawideband) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave (uWave) communication modules, etc.

[0059] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0060] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices, such as a server, a user device, or other home appliances, through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine (e.g., drive motor, water supply valve). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0061] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory for storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor for performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0062] Washing machines according to various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0063] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the appearance of a washer-dryer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 1, a washer-dryer (100) may include a housing (10) that accommodates various components inside. The housing (10) may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry input opening formed on one side.

[0065] The washer-dryer (100) may include a door (11) for opening and closing a laundry input port. The door (11) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (10) by means of a hinge. At least a portion of the door (11) may be made transparent or translucent so that the interior of the housing (10) is visible.

[0066] The washer dryer (100) may include a tub (20) provided inside the housing (10) to store water. The tub (20) is provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be placed inside the housing (10) such that the tub opening is positioned to correspond to a laundry inlet.

[0067] The tub (20) can be connected to the housing (10) by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated when the drum (30) rotates and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0068] A washer-dryer (100) may include a drum (30) provided to accommodate laundry. The drum (30) may be positioned inside a tub (20) such that a drum opening provided on one side corresponds to a laundry inlet and a tub opening. Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening in sequence to be accommodated inside the drum (30) or withdrawn from the drum (30).

[0069] The drum (30) can rotate inside the tub and perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying cycles. A plurality of through holes are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30) so that water stored in the tub (20) can flow into the interior of the drum (30) or flow out of the drum (30).

[0070] The washer-dryer (100) may include a drive unit configured to rotate the drum (30). The drive unit can rotate the drum (30) in the forward or reverse direction to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, or drying cycles.

[0071] For example, when the drum (30) is rotated by a driving device, dirt on the laundry placed inside the drum (30) can be removed from the laundry during the process of friction with the water stored in the tub (20). According to one example, the driving device may include a driving motor (161) and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the driving motor (161) to the drum (30). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub (20) and be connected to the drum (30). The driving motor (161) is provided on the rear of the tub (20) and can generate rotational force and provide it to the drum (30).

[0072] The washer dryer (100) may include a water supply device (150) configured to supply water to the tub (20).

[0073] The water supply device (150) can supply water supplied from an external water source to the tub (20). For example, the water supply device (150) may include a water pipe connected to an external water source. The water pipe may extend from the external water source to the detergent supply device (50).

[0074] The detergent dispensing device (50) may include a manual detergent dispensing device in which the user must dispense the detergent to be used each time laundry is done, and an automatic detergent dispensing device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of detergent during laundry. The detergent dispensing device (40) may include a detergent container for storing detergent.

[0075] The detergent supply device (50) may be configured to supply detergent into the tub (20) during the water supply process. Water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub (20). The term detergent is used to encompass pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent container may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0076] The washer dryer (100) may include a drainage device (140) configured to discharge water contained in a tub (20) to the outside. The drainage device (140) may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10), a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a drain pump provided on the drain pipe.

[0077] For example, the drain pipe can supply water used for cleaning to the tub (20) and guide it to the pump room. The pump room is provided with a drain pump, and the drain pump can pump the water stored in the pump room and discharge the water to the outside of the housing (10) through the drain pipe.

[0078] The washer-dryer (100) may include a control panel (60) disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel (60) may provide a user interface for the user to interact with the washer. The user interface may include at least one input interface (180) and at least one output interface (190).

[0079] At least one input interface (180) may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. At least one input interface (180) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0080] At least one output interface (190) can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washer-dryer (100) to the user.

[0081] For example, at least one output interface (190) can transmit information to the user regarding the washing course, the operating time of the washing machine, and washing settings / rinse settings / spin settings. Information regarding the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (190) may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0082] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washer-dryer (100), at least one memory (120) for storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor (130) for performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0083] After the washing and drying machine (100) has performed washing and rinsing, it can perform drying of the laundry.

[0084] Specifically, the washing dryer (100) can control the drive motor (161) to the ON state when the drying process starts. The ON state may mean a state in which a preset drive voltage is supplied to the drive motor (161).

[0085] Additionally, the washing dryer (100) can provide hot air to the drum (30) using a hot air supply device (162). The hot air supply device may be described as a heater.

[0086] Additionally, the washing dryer (100) may be equipped with a blower fan (40) to generate a flow of hot air. By operating a drive motor that simultaneously drives the drum (30) and the blower fan (40), the hot air circulates through the drum (122) and the airflow path, thereby enabling the drying of the object.

[0087] The washer dryer (100) can identify the weight of the laundry present inside the drum before, during, and during the washing process. Additionally, the washer dryer (100) can identify the absorption rate and spin rate of the laundry based on the identified weight of the laundry.

[0088] The absorbency of laundry is a value that indicates the extent to which the laundry can absorb water. The absorbency can be determined based on the material of the laundry. For example, if the material of the laundry absorbs water well, the absorbency may be high. Conversely, if the material does not absorb water well, the absorbency may be low.

[0089] The spin rate of laundry can be a value indicating the degree to which water is effectively drained during the spin process. The spin rate can be determined based on the material of the laundry. For example, if the material of the laundry drains water well, the spin rate may be high. Conversely, if the material does not drain water well, the spin rate may be low.

[0090] The washing dryer (100) can identify the value of the absorption rate relative to the dehydration rate based on the identified absorption rate and dehydration rate. The washing dryer (100) can determine whether to perform drying of the laundry with a minimum drying time based on the value of the absorption rate relative to the dehydration rate.

[0091] Specific details regarding this will be described later based on Fig. 4.

[0092] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a washing dryer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 2, a washing dryer (100) according to the present disclosure may include a sensor (110), a memory (120), and at least one processor (130).

[0094] The sensor (110) may be for detecting the weight of laundry contained in the drum. For example, the sensor (110) may be a weight sensor. The sensor (110) may be attached to the drum to measure the weight of the laundry present in the drum. However, the method of measuring the weight of the laundry is not limited to using a weight sensor and may also use a Hall sensor. If the sensor (110) is a Hall sensor, the washer dryer (100) may operate the drive motor (161) to rotate the drum. At least one processor (130) may detect a change in current or voltage generated when the motor rotates and estimate the weight loaded in the drum.

[0095] Specifically, the heavier the weight of the laundry contained in the drum, the greater the magnitude of the current or voltage applied to the drive motor (161). At least one processor (130) can identify the difference in the current or voltage applied to the drive motor (161) as the drum rotates, and identify the weight corresponding to the difference in current or voltage as the weight of the laundry present in the drum.

[0096] The sensor (110) can measure the weight of the laundry present in the drum multiple times while the washer dryer (100) performs a washing process under the control of at least one processor (130). For example, the processor (130) can measure the weight of the laundry before starting the washing process, before spinning, and during spinning.

[0097] Memory (120) may store instructions, data structures, and program code. Operations performed by the processor (130) may be implemented by executing the instructions or code of the program stored in memory (120).

[0098] The memory (120) may include a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a non-volatile memory including at least one of ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk, and a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).

[0099] The memory (120) can store one or more instructions and / or programs that cause the washer dryer (100) to perform operations such as washing, spinning, and rinsing. Additionally, the memory (120) can store various information related to the operation of the washer dryer (100).

[0100] At least one processor (130) can control the overall operation of the washer dryer (100). Specifically, at least one processor (130) can be connected to each component of the washer dryer (100) to control the overall operation of the washer dryer (100). For example, at least one processor (130) can be electrically connected to a sensor (110) and a memory (120) to control the operation of the washer dryer (100). At least one processor (130) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), MIC (Many Integrated Core), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (130) can control one or any combination of other components of the washer dryer (100) and can perform operations or data processing related to communication. At least one processor (130) can execute one or more programs or instructions stored in the memory (e.g., 120 of FIG. 3) of the washer dryer (100). For example, at least one processor (130) can perform a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory (120).

[0101] When a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by a single processor or by a plurality of processors. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by a second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence dedicated processor).

[0102] At least one processor (130) may be implemented as a single-core processor including one core, or as one or more multi-core processors including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multi-core or heterogeneous multi-core). When at least one processor (130) is implemented as a multi-core processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multi-core processor may include internal processor memory such as cache memory or on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by multiple cores may be included in the multi-core processor. Additionally, each of the multiple cores included in the multi-core processor (or some of the multiple cores) may independently read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked together to read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] When a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one of the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by a plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in a multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in a multi-core processor and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in a multi-core processor.

[0104] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a processor may refer to a system-on-chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, GPU, APU, MIC, DSP, NPU, hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In the following description, at least one processor (130) is described as a processor (130).

[0105] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of a washing dryer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 3, a washing dryer (100) may include a turbidity sensor (110), a memory (120), at least one processor (130), a drainage device (140), a water supply device (150), a drive unit (160), a drive motor (161), a hot air supply device (162), a drum (30), a blower fan (40), a detergent supply device (50), a moisture outlet (60), a communication interface (170), an input interface (180), and an output interface (190).

[0107] However, such configurations are exemplary, and it is understood that in carrying out the present disclosure, new configurations may be added or some configurations may be omitted in addition to such configurations. Meanwhile, detailed descriptions of configurations shown in FIG. 3 that overlap with configurations shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 will be omitted.

[0108] The drive unit (160) can drive the drive motor (161) based on a drive control signal generated by the processor (130).

[0109] The drive motor (161) receives power to generate driving force, and the drive motor (161) can transmit the generated driving force to the drum (30) and the blower fan (40).

[0110] The drum (30) may refer to a drying container that accommodates a drying object. The drum (30) may be rotated by the driving force generated by the driving motor (161).

[0111] The blower fan (40) may refer to a fan that circulates high-temperature air supplied to the drum of the washer dryer (100). Specifically, the blower fan (40) may rotate to circulate the air inside the drum supplied with a heat source by receiving a drive control signal generated by the processor (130).

[0112] The driving unit (160) can drive the hot air supply device (162) to supply a heat source to the drum by receiving a driving control signal generated by the processor (130).

[0113] The hot air supply device (162) can supply a heat source to the drum (30).

[0114] The hot air supply device (162) may include a heater that emits heat inside.

[0115] Additionally, the hot air supply device (162) may be implemented as a gas-type heat source supply method or an electric-type heat source supply method. The gas-type may refer to a method of heating air using gas. The electric-type may refer to a method of heating air using electricity. The electric-type method may be a method using at least one of a hot air supply device or a heat pump. The hot air supply device may be a method of supplying a heat source using a heating wire, etc. The heat pump may be a method of supplying a heat source using a refrigerant. The heat pump may be composed of an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser. Specifically, the evaporator may evaporate the refrigerant in a liquid state into a gaseous state. Then, the refrigerant in a gaseous state may be transferred to the compressor. The compressor may compress the refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state. Then, the compressed refrigerant may be transferred to the condenser. The condenser may perform a heat exchange operation from the compressed refrigerant to extract heat, and may heat high-temperature air with the extracted heat and discharge it. The discharged high-temperature air can be supplied to the drum (30) of the washing dryer (100). The refrigerant, from which heat has been removed by the condenser, can be transferred to the evaporator and circulated.

[0116] The moisture discharge unit (60) can discharge moisture inside the washing dryer (100). Depending on the moisture discharge method, the washing dryer (100) may be of a vent type (hot air exhaust method) or a condensing type (hot air dehumidification method). The vent type may be a method of discharging moisture and dust to the outside of the washing dryer (100). The condensing type can filter dust through a filter and convert moisture into condensate by passing it through a condenser (heat exchanger). The condensate may be discharged to the outside of the washing dryer (100) or stored in the inner container of the dryer (100).

[0117] The communication interface (170) can perform data communication with an electronic device under the control of the processor (130). The electronic device may include a server, a home appliance, a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet PC, a wearable device, etc.).

[0118] For example, the communication interface (170) may include a communication circuit capable of performing data communication between a washer dryer (100) and an electronic device using at least one of a data communication method including wired LAN, wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, ZigBee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol), WiGig (Wireless Gigabit Alliances, WiGig) and RF communication.

[0119] The input interface (180) includes a circuitry. The input interface (180) can receive user input and transmit the user input to the processor (130). For example, the input interface (180) can receive various user inputs for setting or selecting various functions supported by the washer-dryer (100).

[0120] The input interface (180) may include various types of input devices.

[0121] According to one example, the input interface (180) may include a physical button. The physical button may include a function key or a dial button. The physical button may be implemented as one or more keys.

[0122] According to one example, the input interface (180) can receive user input using a touch method. For example, the input interface (180) can be implemented as a touch screen capable of performing the function of a display (191).

[0123] According to one example, the input interface (180) can receive user voice using a microphone. The processor (130) can perform a function corresponding to the user voice using voice recognition. For example, the processor (130) can convert the user voice into text data using a Speech To Text (STT) function, obtain control command data based on the text data, and perform a function corresponding to the user voice based on the control command data. According to an embodiment, the STT function may be performed on an external server.

[0124] The output interface (190) may include a display (191) and a speaker (192).

[0125] The display (191) can display various screens. The processor (130) can display various notifications, messages, information, etc. related to the operation of the washer dryer (100) on the display (191).

[0126] The display (191) may be implemented as a display including a self-emissive element or as a display including a non-emissive element and a backlight. For example, the display (191) may be implemented as various types of displays such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, an LED (Light Emitting Diodes) display, a micro LED display, a Mini LED display, a QLED (Quantum dot light-emitting diodes) display, etc.

[0127] The speaker (192) can output an audio signal. The processor (130) can output warning sounds, notification messages, response messages corresponding to user input, etc. related to the operation of the washer dryer (100) through the speaker (192).

[0128] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine / dryer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. When instructions are executed individually or collectively, the processor (130) can perform the operations of FIG. 4.

[0129] In operation 410, the processor (130) can receive user input to operate the washer dryer (100).

[0130] User input can be received through an input interface (180). Referring to FIG. 5, when user input is received, the processor (130) can start the washing and drying cycle and perform water supply and detergent dispensing. The washing and drying cycle may include a series of processes in which the processor (130) performs washing. Specifically, the washing and drying cycle may include the process of supplying water and detergent, the process of washing the laundry (hereinafter, washing process, 511), the process of rinsing the laundry (hereinafter, rinsing process, 512), the process of dehydrating the laundry (hereinafter, dehydration process, 514), and the process of drying the laundry (hereinafter, drying process, 516).

[0131] The user may command the washer dryer (100) to perform the entire washing cycle through user input, but may also command it to perform only some of the washing cycles.

[0132] In the following description, user input is assumed to include a command to perform all washing and drying processes.

[0133] In operation 410-Y, 420, when the processor (130) receives user input to operate the washer dryer (100), it can obtain a first weight of the laundry.

[0134] Specifically, when the processor (130) receives user input to operate the washer dryer (100), it can obtain a first weight of the laundry using the sensor (110). After obtaining the first weight of the laundry, the processor (130) can control the washer dryer (100) to perform a washing cycle.

[0135] The first weight of the laundry may be the weight of the laundry before the washing process is performed. Therefore, the first weight of the laundry may be the weight of the laundry when it is in a dry state. The weight of the laundry when it is in a dry state may be described as the dry weight.

[0136] In operation 430, the processor (130) can control the washer dryer (100) to perform washing and rinsing operations on the laundry based on user input.

[0137] When the processor (130) obtains the first weight of the laundry, the processor (130) can control the washing dryer (100) to perform a washing process.

[0138] Specifically, the processor (130) can control the detergent supply device and the water supply valve to provide detergent and washing water to the drum (30) when performing a washing process.

[0139] The processor (130) can rotate the drum (30) using a drive motor (161). As the drum (30) rotates, laundry can be washed by the supplied detergent and washing water.

[0140] Additionally, the processor (130) can control the washing dryer (100) to perform a rinsing process after performing a washing process.

[0141] The processor (130) can remove detergent contained in the laundry through a rinsing process.

[0142] Specifically, the processor (130) controls the water supply valve to supply water to the drum (30) and rotates the drum (30) to remove detergent contained in the laundry.

[0143] As the configuration and specific process of the processor (130) performing the washing and rinsing processes have been described above, the description is omitted.

[0144] In operation 440, the processor (130) can obtain a second weight of the laundry when the washing and rinsing operations are completed.

[0145] The processor (130) can obtain a second weight of the laundry after the washing and rinsing processes are completed and before the spin-drying process begins. A first weight of the laundry can be obtained using a sensor (110).

[0146] The second weight of the laundry may be the weight of the laundry after it has absorbed water while undergoing washing and rinsing cycles.

[0147] The processor (130) can control the washing dryer (100) to perform a spin cycle after obtaining a second weight of the laundry.

[0148] In operation 450, the processor (130) can obtain a third weight of the laundry while the washer dryer (100) is performing a spin cycle on the laundry. A first weight of the laundry can be obtained using the sensor (110).

[0149]

[0150] The spin-drying process may be a step for removing water contained in the laundry after the rinsing process. Specifically, when the rinsing process is finished, the processor (130) may rotate the drum (30) to rotate the laundry. At this time, as the laundry rotates at high speed, water may be removed due to centrifugal force.

[0151] The third weight of the laundry may be the weight of the laundry during the spin cycle.

[0152] Specifically, the processor (130) can obtain the weight of the laundry when the speed of the drive motor (161) reaches a preset value while performing the dehydration process.

[0153] The speed of the drive motor (161) can be expressed in RPM. RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) can mean the number of rotations per minute of the drive motor (161). For example, if the RPM is 500, the drive motor (161) may rotate 500 times per minute.

[0154] The processor (130) can increase the rotational speed of the drive motor (161) for rotating the drum (30) over time during the spin cycle. Accordingly, the processor (130) can increase the RPM of the drive motor (161) when the spin cycle starts, and can obtain the weight of the laundry through the sensor (110) when the RPM reaches a preset value. For example, the preset value may be 500 RPM.

[0155] The processor (130) can perform a dehydration process based on the dehydration intensity entered by the user.

[0156] Specifically, the user can set the dehydration intensity among low-intensity dehydration, medium-intensity dehydration, and high-intensity dehydration. The final RPM speed that the drive motor (161) can reach is lowest for low-intensity dehydration and highest for high-intensity dehydration.

[0157] For example, in the case of low-intensity dehydration, the drive motor (161) can be set to stop the dehydration process when the RPM reaches 500. Also, in the case of high-intensity dehydration, the drive motor (161) can be set to stop the dehydration process when the RPM reaches 1000.

[0158] After the processor (130) obtains the weight of the laundry, if the spin cycle is not completed, the drive motor (161) can perform the spin cycle until it reaches a set speed.

[0159] As described above, the processor (130) obtains the weight of the laundry when the speed of the drive motor (161) reaches a preset value, thereby obtaining the weight of the laundry when the same pressure is applied to the laundry regardless of the spin intensity set by the user. By the processor (130) obtaining the weight of the laundry under the same conditions regardless of the spin intensity, the spin rate described later in operation 460 can be obtained more accurately.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 5, the processor (130) can control the washer dryer (100) so that the washer dryer (100) performs a washing process (511), a rinsing process (512), a spin-drying process (154), and a drying process (516). The processor (130) can measure the first weight of the laundry just before the washing process (511) begins (510). Additionally, the processor (130) can measure the second weight of the laundry after the rinsing is completed and before the spin-drying process begins (513). Additionally, the processor (130) can measure the third weight of the laundry while the spin-drying process is being performed (515).

[0161] The processor (130) can identify the moisture content based on the first to third weights of the laundry, and identify the absorption rate and dehydration rate based on the moisture content.

[0162] Moisture content can refer to a value indicating the degree to which laundry contains water.

[0163] In the present disclosure, the absorption rate and dehydration rate can be defined using the moisture content. The absorption rate may refer to the difference between the moisture content of the laundry after the rinsing process and the moisture content of the laundry before the washing process. Accordingly, the absorption rate can be used to determine the extent to which the laundry can absorb water. In the present disclosure, it is assumed that the moisture content of the laundry before the washing process is 0%. Accordingly, the processor (130) can identify the moisture content of the laundry after the rinsing process as the absorption rate.

[0164] In addition, the dewatering rate may refer to the difference between the moisture content of the laundry during the dewatering process and the moisture content of the laundry before the dewatering process. Accordingly, the dewatering rate can be used to determine the extent to which the laundry can discharge water. Details regarding this will be described later. In operation 460, the processor (130) can identify the absorption rate of the laundry based on the first weight and the second weight, and identify the dewatering rate of the laundry based on the first weight and the third weight.

[0165] The absorbency of laundry can be a value indicating the extent to which it can absorb water. The absorbency can be determined based on the material of the laundry. For example, if the material absorbs water well, the absorbency may be high. Conversely, if the material does not absorb water well, the absorbency may be low.

[0166] Specifically, the processor (130) can identify the difference value between the second weight and the first weight of the laundry, and calculate the difference value as a percentage value relative to the first weight to identify the absorption rate.

[0167] This can be expressed as a formula as shown in [Mathematical Formula 1] below.

[0168] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0169]

[0170] The spin rate of laundry may indicate whether the material effectively drains water during the spin cycle. For example, a high spin rate suggests the material is capable of releasing a significant amount of water during the process. Conversely, a low spin rate suggests the material is unable to release much water.

[0171] In order for the processor (130) to identify the dehydration rate of the laundry, it must identify how much water was discharged during the dehydration process based on the state in which the laundry has completed the washing and rinsing processes.

[0172] The processor (130) can identify the dehydration rate based on the difference between the moisture content, which is a value indicating the degree to which the laundry contains water during the dehydration process, and the moisture content of the laundry after the rinsing process.

[0173] That is, the processor (130) can identify the dehydration rate through the difference between the water content of the laundry before dehydration and the water content of the laundry at the point when the drive motor (161) reaches a preset speed during the dehydration process.

[0174] Specifically, the processor (130) can identify the difference value between the third weight and the first weight, and calculate the percentage value of the difference value relative to the first weight to identify the moisture content during the dehydration process.

[0175] Additionally, the processor (130) can identify the difference value between the second weight and the first weight, and identify the identified difference value in the form of a percentage of the first weight as the moisture content after the rinsing process.

[0176] The processor (130) can identify the dehydration rate based on the difference between the moisture content during the dehydration process and the moisture content after the rinsing process.

[0177] For example, the processor (130) can determine that the absolute value of the difference between the moisture content during the dehydration process and the moisture content after the rinsing process is the dehydration rate.

[0178] This can be expressed as a formula as shown in [Mathematical Formula 2] below.

[0179] [Mathematical Formula 2]

[0180]

[0181] For example, the processor (130) can determine that the value obtained by subtracting the moisture content at the time of the dehydration process from the moisture content after the rinsing process is the dehydration rate.

[0182] This can be expressed as a formula as shown in [Equation 3] below.

[0183] [Mathematical Formula 3]

[0184]

[0185] The processor (130) can identify the absorption rate and the dehydration rate and predict the drying time based on this. Details regarding this will be described later.

[0186] In operation 470, the processor (130) can identify whether the value of the absorption rate for the dehydration rate is less than or equal to a preset value.

[0187] The value of the absorption rate for the dehydration rate can be used by the processor (130) to predict the drying time.

[0188] Specifically, the smaller the ratio of the absorption rate to the spin-drying rate, the higher the likelihood that the drying process will take less time. This may imply that the spin-drying rate is greater than the absorption rate. If the spin-drying rate of the laundry is greater than its absorption rate, it may mean that the amount of water released is greater than the amount absorbed. In other words, if the spin-drying rate is greater than the absorption rate, the laundry may be made of a material that spins well. Therefore, the smaller the ratio of the absorption rate to the spin-drying rate, the shorter the spin-drying time of the laundry may be.

[0189] Conversely, as the ratio of the absorption rate to the spin-drying rate increases, the drying process is likely to take longer. This may imply that the spin-drying rate is lower than the absorption rate. If the spin-drying rate of the laundry is lower than its absorption rate, it may mean that the amount of water released is less than the amount absorbed. In other words, if the spin-drying rate is lower than the absorption rate, the laundry may be made of a material that does not spin dry well. Therefore, the higher the ratio of the absorption rate to the spin-drying rate, the longer the spin-drying process may take.

[0190] The preset value may be a reference value for determining whether the processor (130) applies a minimum time for drying laundry.

[0191] The preset value is calculated through data from external devices and can be received by the washing machine / dryer (100) from the server.

[0192] The processor (130) can receive a preset drying time through the server based on drying time data for laundry corresponding to the lower 50% weight of the third weight of laundry identified by the washing dryer and a plurality of external devices.

[0193] In operation 470-Y, 480, the processor (130) can identify a preset drying time as an expected drying time based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate for the dehydration rate is less than or equal to a preset value.

[0194] For example, the preset value may be 1.15 and the preset drying time may be 3900 seconds. The preset value and the preset drying time may be provided from a server communicating with the washer dryer (100).

[0195] The following explains how the preset values ​​and preset drying times are determined.

[0196] FIG. 6 illustrates a plurality of washing and drying machines and a server device (200) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 6, a server device (200) can receive data acquired from a plurality of washer dryers (100, 300-1, 300-2) while the plurality of washer dryers (100, 300-1, 300-2) are performing a washing cycle. Each of the plurality of washer dryers (100, 300-1, 300-2) can acquire data while performing a washing cycle based on various courses, such as a standard course, an AI course, etc. A standard course may be a course that operates based on pre-set setting values. Pre-set setting values ​​may include drying time, temperature, washing course, etc.

[0198] The AI ​​course may be a course in which the processor (130) analyzes the condition of the laundry based on artificial intelligence and automatically determines an optimized washing and drying method.

[0199] The data may include information regarding the weight of the laundry, drying time, etc. The weight of the laundry may be measured before the washing process is performed, after the rinsing process is performed, and during the spin-drying process. Meanwhile, as the method for measuring the weight of the laundry has been previously described, a redundant explanation is omitted.

[0200] The drying time may be the time from when the drying process starts until the point in time when the processor (130) identifies that drying is complete based on sensor values ​​measured using a plurality of sensors. Here, the plurality of sensors may include a dryness sensor that detects the humidity of the laundry.

[0201] Accordingly, a plurality of washing machines and dryers (100, 300-1 to 300-2) can identify the time from when the drying process has started until the point in time when drying is identified as completed based on sensor values ​​measured using a plurality of sensors as the drying time. In addition, the plurality of washing machines and dryers (100, 300-1 to 300-2) can transmit data regarding the drying time to a server device (200).

[0202] The server device (200) can select some data from the received data based on the weight of the laundry. The weight of the laundry may be the weight measured during the spin cycle. For example, the server device (200) can select data belonging to the bottom 50% based on weight from the received data.

[0203] The server (200) can identify the value of the absorption rate relative to the dehydration rate based on some data and generate a graph in the form of a box plot representing the drying time for the identified value. The horizontal axis of the graph may be the value of the absorption rate relative to the dehydration rate, and the vertical axis of the graph may be the drying time. The box plot may be a graph that represents the area between the bottom 25% point and the top 25% point of the entire data in a box shape when the entire data is arranged in order of size.

[0204] For example, FIG. 7 shows a box plot graph (710) showing the drying time for the absorption rate / dehydration rate in the standard course, and FIG. 8 shows a box plot graph (810) showing the drying time for the absorption rate / dehydration rate in the AI ​​course.

[0205] A high absorption rate / dehydration rate may mean that the dehydration rate is low or the absorption rate is high. Therefore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, it can be seen that the higher the absorption rate / dehydration rate, the longer the drying process is performed.

[0206] That is, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the drying time during which the washing machine operates to dry the laundry can be experimentally measured according to the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin rate of the laundry. For example, the drying time required to dry the laundry can be measured. In this case, if the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin rate of the laundry is less than or equal to a preset value, the drying time can be considered to be the same or substantially the same. That is, the preset value may be a value based on the range of the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin rate of the laundry such that the drying time required to dry the laundry corresponding to the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin rate of the laundry is within a critical range. For example, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, it can be seen that if the absorption rate / spin rate is about 1.15 or less, the drying time is about 3900 seconds. Therefore, the drying time can be set to 3900 seconds if the absorption rate / spin rate is 1.15 or less.

[0207] The server device (200) can transmit information to the washing dryer (100) that the preset value for the absorption rate / drying rate is 1.15 and the preset drying time is 3900 seconds.

[0208] After receiving information about a preset value for the absorption rate / drying rate and a preset drying time, the processor (130) can identify the preset drying time as the expected drying time if the absorption rate / drying rate is less than or equal to the preset value when performing a washing cycle.

[0209] In operation 470-N, 490, the processor (130) inputs laundry information including the absorption rate value for the dehydration rate into an artificial intelligence model based on the fact that the absorption rate value for the dehydration rate exceeds a preset value, predicts the drying time, and can identify the acquired drying time as the expected drying time. For example, the acquired drying time may be a time increased from the preset drying time.

[0210] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for an artificial intelligence model to predict drying time according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] Washing information can refer to information that may affect the washing cycle.

[0212] The laundry information may include, for example, the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin rate, the weight of the laundry, the value of the absorption rate relative to the spin rate, and temperature and humidity information received from the server device (200). The laundry information is not limited to the examples described above and may include various information.

[0213] Artificial intelligence models can be regression analysis models. Regression analysis models can be used to explain or predict the relationship between variables. Regression analysis models can be used to predict the relationship between a dependent variable and an independent variable.

[0214] In the present disclosure, the artificial intelligence model can learn the drying time according to the laundry information and store it in memory (120).

[0215] The processor (130) can convert laundry information obtained during the performance of a laundry cycle into a format for input into an artificial intelligence model. Specifically, the processor (130) can convert the obtained laundry information into a vector format that the artificial intelligence model can recognize.

[0216] The processor (130) can identify the estimated drying time based on laundry information obtained using an artificial intelligence model.

[0217] If the user has set the AI ​​course in operations 480 and 490, the processor (130) can automatically perform the entire washing cycle. Therefore, when the AI ​​course is set, the processor (130) can perform the drying process according to the identified estimated drying time without separate input from the user. However, it is not limited to this, and even in the case of the AI ​​course, the processor (130) can provide a notification to the user by displaying the estimated drying time on a display or transmitting it to a user terminal device.

[0218] Additionally, if the user has set a standard course, the processor (130) can display the estimated drying time on a display built into the washer dryer. Furthermore, the processor (130) can transmit the estimated drying time to the user's terminal device. When the processor (130) receives user input to start the drying process, it can perform the drying process.

[0219] Meanwhile, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or a similar device using software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as the processor itself. According to software implementation, embodiments such as the procedures and functions described herein may be implemented as separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more functions and operations described herein.

[0220] Meanwhile, computer instructions for performing processing operations of a washing dryer (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. When computer instructions stored in such a non-transitory computer-readable medium are executed by a processor of a specific device, they cause the specific device to perform processing operations in the washing dryer (100) according to various embodiments described above.

[0221] A non-transient computer-readable medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently and can be read by a device, unlike media that store data for a short period of time such as registers, caches, and memory. Specific examples of non-transient computer-readable media include CDs, DVDs, hard disks, Blu-ray discs, USBs, memory cards, and ROMs.

[0222] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the scope of the present invention is determined by the claims set forth below and should not be interpreted as being limited to the aforementioned embodiments and / or drawings. Furthermore, it should be clearly understood that improvements, changes, and modifications to the invention described in the claims that are obvious to those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In a washing dryer including a drum, A sensor for detecting the weight of laundry contained in the drum; a memory for storing instructions; and at least one processor including processing circuitry; and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the washing machine / dryer, When user input for performing a washing cycle is received, the first weight of the laundry is obtained using the sensor, and The washing dryer is controlled to perform washing and rinsing operations on the laundry based on the above user input, and when the washing and rinsing operations are completed, a second weight of the laundry is obtained using the sensor, and While the washing machine performs a spin cycle on the laundry, it obtains a third weight of the laundry using the sensor, and Identifying the absorption rate of the laundry based on the first weight and the second weight, and Identifying the dehydration rate of the laundry based on the first weight, the third weight, and the absorption rate, and Based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate relative to the above dehydration rate is less than or equal to a preset value, the preset drying time is identified as the expected drying time, and A washing dryer that determines the expected drying time as a time increased from the value of the absorption rate relative to the above dehydration rate and the above preset drying time.

2. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the washer / dryer, When the spin cycle for the above laundry begins, the rotation speed of the drum is increased, and A washing dryer that obtains a third weight of the laundry using the sensor while the spin-drying process is being performed when it is identified that the rotational speed of the drum has reached a preset RPM (revolutions per minute).

3. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the washer / dryer, Identify the difference value between the first weight and the second weight, and Calculate the percentage of the identified difference value relative to the first weight to identify the moisture content of the laundry after the rinsing process is completed, and A washing dryer that identifies the above-identified moisture content as the absorption rate of the laundry.

4. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the washer / dryer, Identify the difference value between the first weight and the third weight, and Calculate the percentage of the identified difference value relative to the first weight to identify the moisture content of the laundry during the spin cycle, and Calculate the difference between the moisture content of the laundry during the spin cycle and the moisture content of the laundry after the rinsing cycle is completed, and A washing dryer that identifies the dehydration rate of the laundry based on the difference value calculated above.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above estimated drying time is, A washing dryer obtained by inputting washing information into an artificial intelligence model that learns drying time according to washing information, based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate for the above dehydration rate exceeds a preset value.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above laundry information is, A washing dryer comprising at least one of the value of the absorption rate relative to the dehydration rate, the weight of the laundry, and temperature and humidity information.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above preset value is, A washing dryer, wherein the drying time required for drying the laundry corresponding to the value of the absorption rate for the dehydration rate of the laundry is a value based on the range of the value of the absorption rate for the dehydration rate of the laundry, such that the drying time is within a critical range.

8. A control method for a washing dryer including a drum, A step of obtaining a first weight of laundry when user input for performing a washing cycle is received; A step of controlling the washing dryer to perform a washing and rinsing process for the laundry based on the above user input, and when the washing and rinsing processes are completed, obtaining a second weight of the laundry using the sensor; A step of obtaining a third weight of the laundry while the washing machine performs a spin cycle on the laundry; Identifying the absorption rate of the laundry based on the first weight and the second weight, and A step of identifying the dehydration rate of the laundry based on the first weight, the third weight, and the absorption rate; A step of identifying a preset drying time as an expected drying time based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate relative to the dehydration rate is less than or equal to a preset value; and A control method comprising the step of identifying a time increased from the preset drying time as an expected drying time based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate relative to the dehydration rate exceeds a preset value.

9. In Paragraph 8, When the spin cycle for the laundry begins, a step of increasing the rotation speed of the drum; A control method further comprising the step of obtaining a third weight of the laundry using the sensor while the spin-drying process is being performed when it is identified that the rotational speed of the drum has reached a preset RPM (revolutions per minute).

10. In Paragraph 8, The step of identifying the absorption rate above is, A step of identifying the difference value between the first weight and the second weight; A step of calculating the percentage of the identified difference value with respect to the first weight to identify the moisture content of the laundry after the rinsing process is completed; and A control method comprising the step of identifying the identified moisture content as the absorption rate of the laundry.

11. In Paragraph 8, The step of identifying the above dehydration rate is, A step of identifying the difference value between the first weight and the third weight; A step of identifying the moisture content of the laundry during the spin cycle by calculating the percentage of the identified difference value relative to the first weight; A step of calculating the difference between the moisture content of the laundry during the spin cycle and the moisture content of the laundry after the rinsing cycle is completed; and A control method comprising the step of identifying the dehydration rate of the laundry based on the difference value calculated above.

12. In Paragraph 8, The above estimated drying time is, A control method obtained by inputting washing information into an artificial intelligence model that has learned the drying time according to the washing information, based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate for the above dehydration rate exceeds a preset value.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above laundry information is, A control method comprising at least one of the value of the absorption rate relative to the dehydration rate, the weight of the laundry, and temperature and humidity information.

14. In Paragraph 8, The above preset value is, A control method in which the drying time required for drying the laundry corresponding to the value of the absorption rate for the dehydration rate of the laundry is a value based on the range of the value of the absorption rate for the dehydration rate of the laundry, such that the drying time is within a critical range.

15. A non-transient computer-readable recording medium that stores one or more instructions executed by a processor of an electronic device to perform an operation of a washing machine / dryer, The above operation includes the step of obtaining a first weight of the laundry when user input for performing a washing cycle is received; A step of controlling the washing dryer to perform a washing and rinsing process for the laundry based on the above user input, and obtaining a second weight of the laundry when the washing and rinsing processes are completed; A step of obtaining a third weight of the laundry using the sensor while the washing machine performs a spin cycle on the laundry; Identifying the absorption rate of the laundry based on the first weight and the second weight, and A step of identifying the dehydration rate of the laundry based on the first weight, the third weight, and the absorption rate; A step of identifying a preset drying time as an expected drying time based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate relative to the dehydration rate is a preset value; and A recording medium comprising the step of identifying a time increased from the preset drying time as an expected drying time based on the fact that the value of the absorption rate relative to the dehydration rate exceeds a preset value.

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