Dishwasher and control method thereof

Abstract

A dishwasher according to an embodiment may comprise: a washing chamber having multiple inner surfaces; a light source provided on any one inner surface among the multiple inner surfaces; multiple optical sensors spaced apart from each other and provided on one or more inner surfaces remaining after excluding the inner surface on which the light source is provided among the multiple inner surfaces; and a processor for determining, on the basis of data on the intensity of light obtained from each of the multiple optical sensors, a load state of items to be washed inside the washing chamber.

Description

Dishwasher and control method thereof

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] The dishwasher sprays high-pressure water into the washing chamber where the dishes are stored to wash away foreign substances such as food residue stuck to the surface of the dishes.

[0003] A dishwasher can perform a washing cycle that washes dishes using water and detergent, a rinsing cycle that rinses dishes using water and a rinse agent, and a drying cycle that removes moisture by drying dishes.

[0004] Conventionally, there was no way to determine the position of dishes placed inside the dishwasher. Consequently, if a dish did not reach a specific location sufficiently, problems arose such as food residue remaining or incomplete cleaning. Additionally, problems occurred where water would pool or airflow would be blocked because the dishwasher failed to detect improper loading conditions.

[0005] The disclosed invention provides a dishwasher capable of determining the loading status of objects to be washed contained within the dishwasher and a control method thereof.

[0006] A dishwasher according to one aspect of the disclosed invention comprises: a washing chamber having a plurality of inner surfaces;

[0007] It may include a light source provided on one of the plurality of inner surfaces; a plurality of light sensors spaced apart from at least one inner surface among the plurality of inner surfaces, excluding the inner surface where the light source is provided; and a processor that determines the loading state of an object to be cleaned inside the cleaning chamber based on data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of the plurality of light sensors.

[0008] A control method for a dishwasher comprising: a washing chamber having a plurality of inner surfaces according to one aspect of the disclosed invention; a light source provided on one of the inner surfaces of the plurality of inner surfaces; and a plurality of light sensors spaced apart from at least one inner surface among the plurality of inner surfaces, excluding the inner surface where the light source is provided, wherein the method may include obtaining data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of the plurality of light sensors and determining the loading state of objects to be washed inside the washing chamber based on the data regarding the intensity of light.

[0009] The disclosed dishwasher and its control method can optimize washing performance by adjusting the direction and intensity of water spray according to the loading status of items to be washed inside the dishwasher.

[0010] The disclosed dishwasher and its control method can improve drying performance by adjusting the drying time according to the loading status of items to be washed inside the dishwasher.

[0011] The disclosed dishwasher and its control method can improve user convenience by identifying the loading status of items to be washed loaded inside the dishwasher and providing a notification regarding the loading status to the user.

[0012] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dishwasher with the door open according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the A-A' axis of the dishwasher shown in Figure 2.

[0016] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the B-B' axis of the dishwasher shown in Figure 2.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a control block diagram according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 is a simplified diagram illustrating the positions of a light source and a plurality of light sensors within a dishwasher according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the path of light according to the positions of the light source and a plurality of light sensors shown in FIG. 6.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a dishwashing device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 9 is an example of a sequence illustrating a method for determining the loading state of an object to be cleaned inside a cleaning chamber according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 10 is another example of a sequence illustrating a method for determining the loading state of an object to be cleaned inside a cleaning chamber according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 11 is another example of a sequence illustrating a method for determining the loading state of an object to be cleaned inside a cleaning chamber according to one embodiment.

[0024] 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.

[0025] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0026] The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or plural items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another 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 the component may be connected to the 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 a 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] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0034] Meanwhile, terms such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "up," and "down" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the direction in which the door (40) of the dishwasher (12) is located can be defined as the front (direction A), and the opposite direction can be defined as the rear (direction A').

[0035] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 illustrates a network system implemented by various electronic devices.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the home appliance (10) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another home appliance, a user device (2) or a server (3), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to the user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the home appliance (10), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the home appliance (10) is stored.

[0038] The home appliance (10) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the home appliance (10) may include at least one of a dishwasher (12), a dishwasher (12), a cleaning device (13), an electric oven (14), an air conditioner (15), a clothing care device (16), a washing machine (17), a dryer (18), and a cooking device (19), as illustrated.

[0039] The home appliance (10) is not limited to that exemplified in FIG. 1. For example, the home appliance (10) may include various home appliances such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television that are not illustrated in the drawing. In addition, the aforementioned home appliances are merely examples, and in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, other home appliances, user devices (2), or devices that can be connected to a server (3) to perform the operations described below may be included in the home appliance (10) according to one embodiment.

[0040] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a home appliance (10), or a user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. This server (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server (3) may be implemented as one or more servers physically or logically separated based on functions, detailed configurations of functions, or data, and may transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0041] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering home appliances (10) associated with user accounts, and managing or controlling the registered home appliances (10). For example, a user can create a user account by accessing the server (3) through a user device (2). A user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register home appliances (10) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can register, manage, and control home appliances (10) by linking identification information of the home appliance (10) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account. The user device (2) may include a communication module capable of communicating with the home appliance (10) or the server (3), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to the user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2) is stored.

[0042] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, terminal, portable telephone, smartphone, handheld device, wearable device, etc.

[0043] A program, i.e., an application, for controlling the home appliance (10) can be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold with the user device (2) already installed, or it may be downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0044] By running an application installed on the user device (2), the user can connect to the server (3) to create a user account, and register a home appliance (10) by communicating with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account.

[0045] For example, if the home appliance (10) is operated in accordance with the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2) so that the home appliance (10) can be connected to the server (3), the home appliance (10) can be registered to the user account by registering the identification information of the home appliance (10) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account on the server (3).

[0046] The user can control the home appliance (10) using an application installed on the user device (2). For example, when the user logs into the user account using an application installed on the user device (2), the home appliance (10) registered to the user account appears, and when the user inputs a control command for the home appliance (10), the control command can be transmitted to the home appliance (10) through the server (3).

[0047] A network may include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, etc., and wireless networks may include all networks that transmit and receive signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks may be connected to each other.

[0048] The network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and / or a short-range wireless network that does not pass through an access point (AP). The short-range wireless network may include, for example, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc., but is not limited to those exemplified.

[0049] The access point (AP) can connect a home appliance (10) or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The home appliance (10) or the user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0050] The access point (AP) can communicate with a home appliance (10) or user device (2) 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.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the home appliance (10) may be directly connected to the user device (2) or server (3) without going through the access relay (AP).

[0052] The home appliance (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or server (3) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0053] For example, the home appliance (10) can be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0054] As another example, the home appliance (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0055] As another example, a home appliance (10) can be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and connected to a user device (2) or server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0056] If the home appliance (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it may operate as a connection relay. Accordingly, the home appliance (10) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. Additionally, other home appliances can connect the home appliance (10) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0057] The home appliance (10) can transmit information regarding operation or status to other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) via a network. For example, the home appliance (10) can transmit information regarding operation or status to other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) when a request is received from the server (3), when a specific event occurs in the home appliance (10), or periodically or in real time. When the server (3) receives information regarding operation or status from the home appliance (10), it can update the stored information regarding operation or status of the home appliance (10) and transmit the updated information regarding operation and status of the home appliance (10) to the user devices (2) via a network. Here, updating information may include various operations that change existing information, such as adding new information to existing information or replacing existing information with new information.

[0058] The home appliance (10) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the home appliance (10) can obtain information related to the functions of the home appliance (10) (e.g., recipes, laundry methods, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3), and can output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0059] The home appliance (10) may operate according to control commands received from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3). For example, if the home appliance (10) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to control commands from servers (3) even without user input, the home appliance (10) may operate according to control commands received from servers (3). Here, the control commands received from servers (3) may include, but are not limited to, control commands entered by the user through user devices (2) or control commands based on pre-set conditions.

[0060] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the home appliance (10) or server (3) through a communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, health status, preferences, schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) upon the user's prior approval.

[0061] The home appliance (10), user device (2), or server (3) may determine control commands using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the home appliance (10) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process it using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the home appliance (10) or user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0062] The dishwasher (12) described below may correspond to the aforementioned home appliance (10).

[0063] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dishwasher with the door open according to one embodiment.

[0064] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the A-A' axis of the dishwasher shown in Figure 2.

[0065] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the B-B' axis of the dishwasher shown in Figure 2.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the dishwasher (12) may include a case (10) forming an exterior, a tub (30) provided inside the case (10) and forming a washing chamber (20), and a door (40) connected to the case (10) by a hinge (42) to open and close the washing chamber (20).

[0067] The case (10) may be provided in the shape of a box with an open front, for example. If the dishwasher (12) is provided in a built-in form, the case (10) may be omitted.

[0068] The cleaning chamber (20) formed inside the tub (30) may include a plurality of inner surfaces. The inner surfaces forming the cleaning chamber (20) may correspond to the inner surface of the tub (30). For example, the cleaning chamber (20) may include a left side (20a), a right side (20b), a rear side (20c), a top surface (20d), and a bottom surface (20e).

[0069] A plurality of storage compartments (61, 62, 63) for storing items to be washed are provided inside the washing room (20). For example, a first storage compartment (61), a second storage compartment (62), and a third storage compartment (63) may be provided inside the washing room (20). The term "items to be washed" can be used to include all items washed by the dishwasher (12), such as bowls, cutlery, glass cups, and baby bottles.

[0070] Storage compartments (61, 62, 63) can be placed at each preset location inside the washing room (20). For example, storage compartments (61, 62, 63) can be provided at the upper, middle, and lower parts of the washing room (20), respectively.

[0071] The placement position of the first storage unit (61) provided at the top of the inside of the washing room (20), the placement position of the second storage unit (62) provided in the middle, and the placement position of the third storage unit (63) provided at the bottom can be pre-set.

[0072] The storage section (61, 62, 63) can be provided in the form of a basket made of wire so that washing water can pass through without accumulating.

[0073] Both sides of the storage portions (61, 62, 63) can be supported by guide bars (51, 52, 53) provided at each placement position of each storage portion (61, 62, 63). The storage portions (61, 62, 63) can be moved along rails formed on the guide bars (51, 52, 53).

[0074] A washing sump (402), a heater (403), a water supply device (404) and / or a drainage pump (405) may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30).

[0075] The washing sump (402) can receive and store water through a water supply pipe (not shown). The water stored in the washing sump (402) can be used for washing or rinsing operations. The water stored in the washing sump (402) can be mixed with detergent and used as washing water. Also, the water stored in the washing sump (402) can be mixed with a rinse agent and used as rinsing water. The detergent may include types in powder, tablet, or gel form, and the rinse agent may include liquid rinse.

[0076] The heater (403) heats the water stored in the wash sump (402). For example, the water heated by the heater (403) can be used in a rinsing process using hot water.

[0077] The water supply device (404) can pump water stored in the wash sump (402) through the supply pipe (L1) to at least some of the spray devices (81, 82, 83).

[0078] A drainage pump (405) is connected to one side of the washing sump (402) to discharge water used in the washing or rinsing process through the drain pipe (L2).

[0079] The dishwasher (12) may include a plurality of spray devices (81, 82, 83). For example, the dishwasher (12) may include a first spray device (81) positioned above the first storage compartment (61), a second spray device (82) positioned between the first storage compartment (61) and the second storage compartment (62), and a third spray device (83) positioned below the third storage compartment (63). One or more of the plurality of spray devices (81, 82, 83) may be provided to be rotatable. Each of the plurality of spray devices (81, 82, 83) may include a plurality of spray nozzles.

[0080] For example, the first spray device (81) can spray water toward the tableware stored in the first storage unit (61) and the second storage unit (62). The second spray device (82) can spray water toward the tableware stored in the second storage unit (62) and the third storage unit (63). The third spray device (83) can spray water toward the tableware stored in the third storage unit (63).

[0081] Meanwhile, the dishwasher (12) can perform a preparation process, a washing process, a rinsing process, and a drying process. The preparation process may include a process for determining the loading status of the items to be washed contained within the washing chamber (20) before performing a series of processes (e.g., washing process, rinsing process, drying process, etc.) to remove contamination from the items to be washed. The process for determining the loading status of the items to be washed contained within the washing chamber (20) may include a process for determining whether items to be washed are contained within the washing chamber (20), a process for determining where items to be washed are contained within the washing chamber (20), and / or a process for determining the amount of items to be washed contained within the washing chamber (20).

[0082] Additionally, the preparation process may include a process for determining various parameters for performing a washing process, a rinsing process, and a drying process based on the determined loading state of the object to be washed. For example, the preparation process may determine the time for performing the washing process or the output value of the washing sump (402) when the washing process is performed, depending on the determined loading state of the object to be washed. As another example, the preparation process may determine the time for performing the drying process or the output value of the heater (402) when the drying process is performed, depending on the determined loading state of the object to be washed.

[0083] Additionally, the preparation process may include an action of providing information regarding the loading status of items to be washed to a user in the form of sensory information through an output interface or a communication interface. For example, the preparation process may include an action of outputting information regarding the loading status of items to be washed through a display (201) or a speaker (203) provided in the dishwasher (12). As another example, the preparation process may include an action of controlling the communication interface (300) of the dishwasher (12) to transmit information regarding the loading status of items to be washed to an external device (e.g., the user device (2) or server device (3) of FIG. 1) and transmitting a control command to the external device to output information regarding the loading status of items to be washed.

[0084] FIG. 5 is a control block diagram according to one embodiment.

[0085] A dishwasher (12) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of sensors (100), a control panel (200), a speaker (203), a communication interface (300), a washing pump (400) that controls a spray device (401), a heater (402), a water supply device (403), a drain pump (404), and / or a control unit (500). The control unit (500) may include at least one processor (510) and at least one memory (520).

[0086] A dishwasher (12) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of sensors (100). For example, the dishwasher (12) may include a plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104). For example, the dishwasher (12) may include a first optical sensor (101), a second optical sensor (102), a third optical sensor (103), and / or a fourth optical sensor (104). The plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) may be provided on the inner surface of the washing chamber (20). The location where the plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) are provided within the washing chamber (20) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0087] A plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) can detect light and convert data regarding the detected light into an electrical signal. At this time, the data regarding light may include data regarding the intensity of light. In addition, the data regarding light may include data regarding various optical characteristics such as the wavelength of light and light scattering. The dishwasher (12) may omit some of the first light sensor (101), the second light sensor (102), the third light sensor (103), and / or the fourth light sensor (104), or may include additional light sensors.

[0088] The dishwasher (12) may include various sensors capable of obtaining information inside the washing chamber (20) in addition to a plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104). For example, the dishwasher (12) may further include an ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor can obtain information inside the washing chamber by irradiating ultrasonic waves into the washing chamber and receiving a reflected echo signal. For example, the dishwasher (12) may further include an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor can obtain information inside the washing chamber by emitting infrared rays into the washing chamber and receiving a reflected signal. As another example, the dishwasher (12) may further include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be provided at a location where the object to be washed in the storage compartment comes into contact. The pressure sensor can detect pressure generated by the weight of the object to be washed.

[0089] A control panel (200) may provide a user interface for interacting with the user. The control panel (200) may include a display (201) and / or an input button (202).

[0090] The input button (171) can receive user input related to the operation of the dishwasher (12). For example, the input button (171) can receive user input (or user command) to open the preparation cycle, the wash cycle, the rinse cycle and / or the drying cycle.

[0091] The input button (171) can provide an electrical signal (user input signal) corresponding to user input (e.g., a voltage signal or a current signal) to the processor (510). The processor (510) can identify the user input based on processing the user input signal.

[0092] The input button (171) may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch.

[0093] The display (201) can obtain operation information of the dishwasher (12) from the processor (510) and can display operation information of the dishwasher (12). For example, the display (201) can display the opening or closing of the door (40). For example, the display (201) can display the loading status of items to be washed loaded inside the washing chamber (20). At this time, the loading status may include the location where items to be washed are loaded inside the washing chamber (20) and / or the amount of items to be washed loaded inside the washing chamber (12).

[0094] Additionally, the display (201) can display user input obtained in relation to the operation of the dishwasher (12). For example, the display (201) can display user input for opening the door (40).

[0095] The display (201) may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, etc.

[0096] The speaker (203) can provide information related to the operation of the dishwasher (12) in the form of auditory information. For example, the speaker (203) can provide information regarding whether the door (40) is operating and the operating status through sound effects. As another example, the speaker (203) can output information regarding the loading status of items to be washed loaded inside the washing room (20) in the form of auditory information. In this case, the loading status may include the location where items to be washed are loaded inside the washing room (20) and / or the amount of items to be washed loaded inside the washing room (12).

[0097] The output interface can provide information to the user regarding the operation of the dishwasher (12) through sensory information. For example, the output interface may include a display (201) and / or a speaker (203).

[0098] The communication interface (300) can communicate with an external device (e.g., user device (2) and / or server device (3)) via wired and / or wireless communication.

[0099] The communication interface (300) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. To this end, the communication interface (300) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (300) 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 can 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 computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0100] 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.

[0101] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0102] In one embodiment, the communication interface (300) can communicate with an external device through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local network (LAN) to which the dishwasher (12) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The dishwasher (12) can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0103] A washing pump (400) that controls a spray device (401) can supply water to the spray device (401). The washing pump (400) can operate by receiving a control command from a processor (510). Controlling the washing pump (400) by the control unit may include controlling a washing motor that applies driving force to the washing pump (400).

[0104] The heater (402) can heat the water used in the washing process (i.e., washing water) and / or the water used in the rinsing process (i.e., rinsing water). Accordingly, it can remove bacteria in the water and assist in the drying process. The washing pump (400) can operate by receiving a control command from the processor (510).

[0105] The water supply device (403) can supply water from an external water source to the dishwasher (12). For example, the water supply device (403) may include a water supply valve that controls the flow rate of water supplied from the external water source. The water supply device (403) may operate by receiving a control command from the processor (510). Controlling the water supply device (403) by the control unit may include controlling the water supply valve.

[0106] The drain pump (404) can discharge contaminated water generated after performing washing and rinsing cycles to the outside of the dishwasher (12). The drain pump (404) can operate by receiving a control command from the processor (510).

[0107] The control unit (500) can control the overall operation of the dishwasher (12).

[0108] The control unit (500) may include at least one processor (510) for controlling the operation of the dishwasher (12) and at least one memory (520) for storing a program and data for controlling the operation of the dishwasher (12).

[0109] At least one processor (510) controls the overall operation of the dishwasher (12). Specifically, at least one processor (510) may be connected to each component of the dishwasher (12) to control the overall operation of the dishwasher (12). For example, at least one processor (510) may be electrically connected to a memory (520) to control the overall operation of the dishwasher (12). The processor (510) may be composed of one or more processors.

[0110] At least one processor (510) can perform the operation of a dishwasher (12) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in memory (520).

[0111] At least one memory (520) can store data necessary for various embodiments. Depending on the purpose of data storage, the memory (520) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the dishwasher (12) or in the form of a memory that can be attached to and detached from the dishwasher (12). For example, data for operating the dishwasher (12) may be stored in a memory embedded in the dishwasher (12), and data for the expansion function of the dishwasher (12) may be stored in a memory that can be attached to and detached from the dishwasher (12). Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the dishwasher (12) may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one-time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash, etc.), hard drive, or solid-state drive (SSD). Additionally, the memory that can be attached to and detached from the dishwasher (12) may be 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.), or external memory connectable to a USB port (e.g., USB memory). It can be implemented.

[0112] At least one processor (510) 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 (510) may control one or any combination of other components of the dishwasher (12) and may perform operations or data processing related to communication. At least one processor (510) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in memory (520). For example, at least one processor (510) may perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in memory (520).

[0113] The processor (510) may be electrically, operationally, and functionally connected to a plurality of sensors (100), a control panel (200), a speaker (203), a communication interface (300), a wash pump (400), a heater (402), a water supply device (403) and / or a drainage pump (404).

[0114] The processor (510) can obtain information detected by each sensor from a plurality of sensors (100). For example, the processor (510) can obtain data regarding the intensity of light detected from each of the plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0115] The processor (510) can obtain information regarding user input from the input button (202).

[0116] The processor (510) can output operation information of the dishwasher (12) in the form of sensory information through an output interface. At this time, the output interface may include a display (201) and / or a speaker (203). At this time, the operation information of the dishwasher (12) may include information regarding the loading status of items to be washed loaded inside the washing chamber (20).

[0117] The processor (510) can transmit operation information and / or control command signals of the dishwasher (12) to an external device (e.g., user device (2) and / or server device (3)) via a communication interface so as to output operation information of the dishwasher (12) in the form of sensory information. At this time, the operation information of the dishwasher (12) may include information regarding the loading status of items to be washed loaded inside the washing chamber (20).

[0118] The processor (510) can control at least one of the wash pump (400), heater (402), water supply device (403), or drain pump (404) to perform various operations of the dishwasher (12). For example, the processor (510) can control the wash pump (400) and / or heater (402) to perform a wash operation.

[0119] A processor (510) according to one embodiment may include a cleaning chamber (20) having a plurality of inner surfaces, a light source (90) provided on one of the inner surfaces of the plurality of inner surfaces, a plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) spaced apart from at least one inner surface excluding the inner surface where the light source (90) is provided among the plurality of inner surfaces, and a processor (510) that determines the loading state of an object to be cleaned inside the cleaning chamber (20) based on data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of the plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0120] The processor (510) can divide the internal space of the cleaning room (20) into multiple partitioned spaces corresponding to each optical sensor based on the location where multiple sensors are provided.

[0121] A dishwasher that preprocesses data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of a plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) through min-max normalization to derive a normalized value for the intensity of light obtained from each of a plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0122] The processor (510) can identify at least one first reference optical sensor among a plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) whose normalized value is less than or equal to a preset first reference value, determine at least one partition space corresponding to at least one first reference optical sensor as at least one first reference partition space, and determine that a workpiece to be cleaned is loaded in the first reference partition space.

[0123] The processor (510) can determine the amount of work to be cleaned loaded in at least one first reference compartment space based on the normalized value of the light intensity obtained from each of at least one first reference light sensors.

[0124] The processor (510) may identify at least one second reference optical sensor among a plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) whose normalized value is greater than or equal to a preset second reference value, determine at least one partition space corresponding to at least one second reference optical sensor as at least one second partition space, and determine that no object to be cleaned is loaded in the second reference partition space. The second reference value may be greater than or equal to the first reference value.

[0125] The processor (510) can identify at least one third reference optical sensor among a plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) whose normalized value is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value based on the second reference value being greater than the first reference value, determine at least one partition space corresponding to at least one third reference optical sensor as at least one third partition space, and determine whether to load an object to be cleaned into at least one third reference partition space based on data regarding the intensity of light obtained from at least one third reference optical sensor and data obtained from other sensors other than the plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0126] The processor (510) can control an output interface to output information regarding the loading status of at least one of at least one first reference compartment space, at least one second reference compartment space, or at least one third reference compartment space. At this time, the output interface may include at least one of a display (201) or a speaker (203).

[0127] A dishwasher in which a processor (510) controls a communication interface (300) so that an external device outputs information regarding the loading status of at least one of at least one first reference compartment space, at least one second reference compartment space, or at least one third reference compartment space. At this time, the external device may include at least one of a user device (2) or a server device (3).

[0128] The processor (510) can control the cleaning pump (400) to alternately spray water into the cleaning chamber (20) from a plurality of spraying devices (401) before determining the loading state of the object to be cleaned inside the cleaning chamber (20) based on data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of the plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can perform various administrations for accurate data analysis.

[0130] For example, the processor (510) may perform a zero-offset adjustment process to eliminate errors between multiple optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104). The zero-offset adjustment process may include a process of unifying the reference point of the data by eliminating the zero-offset error from the measurement values ​​of each sensor (101, 102, 103, 104) among the multiple optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104). Accordingly, the deviation (zero-offset error) of the measurement values ​​between sensors can be corrected to enable accurate comparison or analysis of the data.

[0131] The processor (510) can measure the zero point error of a plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104). For example, the processor (510) can determine the difference between the light intensity detected by each light sensor (101, 102, 103, 104) and a reference value as the zero point error when no object to be cleaned is loaded inside the cleaning room (20) and the door (40) is closed.

[0132] The processor (510) can determine the correction parameter of each light sensor (101, 102, 103, 104) based on zero point error. For example, when the door (40) is closed and the light intensity detected by the first light sensor (101) is 3 lux, the processor (510) can determine the correction parameter to be 2.

[0133] The zero-point processing step may be performed before acquiring data regarding light intensity from a plurality of sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) to determine the loading status of items to be washed in the washing room (20). For example, the zero-point processing step may be performed immediately after the power of the dishwasher (12) is turned on.

[0134] Accordingly, the error between the multiple optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) can be corrected to enable accurate data analysis.

[0135] For example, the processor (510) can control the cleaning pump (400) to alternately spray the water into the cleaning chamber (20) from a plurality of spraying devices (401) before determining the loading state of the object to be cleaned inside the cleaning chamber (20) based on data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of the plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0136] When a transparent object to be cleaned is loaded inside the cleaning chamber (20), the light emitted from the light source (90) may pass through the object even though the object to be cleaned is loaded, and thus the loading status of the object to be cleaned may be inaccurately determined. Therefore, before determining the loading status of the object to be cleaned, water is sprayed through the spraying device (401) to reduce light transmittance, thereby allowing for an accurate determination of the loading status regardless of the material of the object to be cleaned. At this time, the processor (510) can alternately spray water from a plurality of spraying devices (401) so that water can be evenly applied to the object to be cleaned loaded inside the cleaning chamber (20).

[0137] The components of the dishwasher (12) are not limited to those described above. The dishwasher (12) may include various additional components in addition to those described above, and it is also possible to omit some of the described components.

[0138] Figure 6 is a simplified diagram illustrating the positions of a light source and a plurality of light sensors within a dishwasher according to one embodiment.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 6, the dishwasher (12) may be provided with a light source (90) and a plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) on the inner surface of the washing chamber (20). For example, the dishwasher (12) may include a first light sensor (101), a second light sensor (102), a third light sensor (103), and a fourth light sensor (104). The first light sensor (101), the second light sensor (102), the third light sensor (103), and the fourth light sensor (104) may be provided spaced apart from each other.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the light source (90) may be provided on the left side (20a) of the washing room (20). The light source (90) may include a linear light source extended in the front-rear direction.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the first light sensor (101) may be provided on the upper surface (20d) of the cleaning chamber (20). For example, the first light sensor (101) may be provided at a position close to the light source (90) on the upper surface (20d).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the second optical sensor (102) may be provided on the right side (20b).

[0143] For example, the second light sensor (102) may be positioned above the horizon line with respect to the horizon line passing through the location where the light source (90) is provided.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the third light sensor (103) may be provided on the bottom surface (20e). For example, the third light sensor (103) may be provided at a position close to the light source (90) on the bottom surface (20e).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the fourth light sensor (104) may be provided on the right side (20b). The fourth light sensor (104) may be provided spaced apart from the second light sensor (102). For example, the fourth light sensor (104) may be provided below the horizontal line with respect to the horizontal line passing through the location where the light source (90) is provided.

[0146] The number and / or location of the plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) are not limited to the present disclosure. Any one of the aforementioned first optical sensor (101), second optical sensor (102), third optical sensor (103), or fourth optical sensor (104) may be omitted, and other optical sensors may be additionally included. Any location capable of detecting the intensity of light that changes according to the object to be cleaned loaded inside the cleaning chamber (20) may be adopted as the location of the plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0147] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the path of light according to the positions of the light source and a plurality of light sensors shown in FIG. 6.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can divide the space inside the washing room (20) into a plurality of partitioned spaces based on the locations of a plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) provided inside the washing room (20). At this time, the plurality of partitioned spaces may correspond to each of the optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0149] For example, the processor (510) can divide the space inside the washing room (20) into multiple partitioned spaces based on the path of light reaching each of the multiple light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) when no object to be washed is loaded inside the washing room (20) and the door (40) is closed.

[0150] For example, the processor (510) can divide the internal space of the washing room (20) into a number of partitioned spaces corresponding to the number of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) provided inside the washing room (20). Referring to FIG. 7, since four optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) are provided inside the washing room (20), the internal space of the washing room (20) can be divided into four partitioned spaces (S1, S2, S3, S4). At this time, each partitioned space may be divided to have the same or different volumes.

[0151] After that, the processor (510) can divide a plurality of partitioned spaces to correspond to each light sensor based on the path of light detected by each light sensor (101, 102, 103, 104). At this time, the path of light detected by each light sensor (101, 102, 103, 104) can be determined according to the location where each light sensor (101, 102, 103, 104) is provided. The processor (510) can determine the path of light detected by each light sensor (101, 102, 103, 104) based on the angle of incidence of light detected by each light sensor (101, 102, 103, 104) and the location of the light source (90).

[0152] For example, a partition space including the path of light detected by the first light sensor (101) can be divided into a first partition space (S1). For example, a partition space including the path of light detected by the second light sensor (102) can be divided into a second partition space (S2). For example, a partition space including the path of light detected by the third light sensor (103) can be divided into a third partition space (S1). For example, a partition space including the path of light detected by the fourth light sensor (104) can be divided into a fourth partition space (S4).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can determine whether a workpiece to be cleaned is loaded in a partition space corresponding to each light sensor (101, 102, 103, 104) based on data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of the plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0154] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a dishwashing device according to one embodiment.

[0155] A processor (510) according to one embodiment can obtain data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of a plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) (1100).

[0156] Accordingly, the processor (510) can determine the loading status of the object to be cleaned inside the cleaning chamber (20) based on data regarding the intensity of light acquired. At this time, the loading status of the object to be cleaned may include information regarding the loading position of the object to be cleaned and / or the amount of the loaded object to be cleaned.

[0157] The following will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.

[0158] FIG. 9 is an example of a sequence illustrating a method for determining the loading state of an object to be cleaned inside a cleaning chamber according to one embodiment.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can divide the internal space of the washing room (20) into a plurality of partitioned spaces corresponding to a plurality of optical sensors (2100). At this time, the processor (510) can divide the internal space of the washing room (20) into a plurality of partitioned spaces corresponding to a plurality of optical sensors according to the method described above with reference to FIG. 7.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can normalize light intensity data obtained from a plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) (2200). Accordingly, the range of light intensity data obtained from the plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) can be converted to between 0 and 1, thereby enabling efficient data analysis.

[0161] The processor (510) can perform normalization through the min-max normalization method.

[0162] The processor (510) can perform min-max normalization according to the following Equation 1.

[0163] [Equation 1]

[0164] xn'=xn-xmin / Xmax-Xmin(n=1, 2, 3, 4)

[0165] At this time, xn corresponds to data regarding the intensity of light obtained from the nth light sensor, xmin corresponds to the minimum value among the data regarding the intensity of light obtained from multiple light sensors, xmax corresponds to the maximum value among the data regarding the intensity of light obtained from multiple light sensors, and xn' corresponds to the normalized value of the nth light sensor (0 < xn' < 1).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can identify at least one first reference optical sensor among a plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) whose normalized value is less than or equal to a preset first reference value (2300). At this time, the first reference value may be preset. For example, the first reference value may be 0.5.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can determine the at least one partition space corresponding to at least one first reference optical sensor as at least one first reference partition space (2400).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can determine that the object to be cleaned is loaded in at least one first reference compartment space (2500). When the object to be cleaned is loaded in the compartment space, the light emitted from the light source is reflected or refracted by the object to be cleaned, so it may have a lower normalization value compared to the case where the object to be cleaned is not loaded. Accordingly, when the normalization value of the data regarding the intensity of light obtained from the light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) is calculated to be less than or equal to a predetermined value, it can be determined that the object to be cleaned is loaded in the compartment space corresponding to the light sensor whose normalization value is less than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can determine the amount of items to be cleaned loaded in each first reference compartment space based on the determination that items to be cleaned are loaded in the first reference compartment space (2600). As more items to be cleaned are loaded in the compartment space, more light emitted from the light source is reflected or refracted by the items to be cleaned, so the smaller the normalized value, the more items to be cleaned can be determined to be loaded. According to various embodiments, the memory (510) may include a normalized value data set for determining the amount of items to be cleaned. Accordingly, the processor (510) can determine the amount of items to be cleaned based on the normalized value of the first reference light sensor.

[0170] FIG. 10 is another example of a sequence illustrating a method for determining the loading state of an object to be cleaned inside a cleaning chamber according to one embodiment.

[0171] A processor (510) according to one embodiment can normalize (2200) light intensity data obtained from a plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) to obtain a normalized value for each light sensor (101, 102, 103, 104), and then identify at least one second reference light sensor among the plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) whose normalized value is greater than or equal to a preset second reference value (3100). At this time, the second reference value may be preset. The second reference value may be a value greater than or equal to the first reference value. For example, the second reference value may be 0.5, which is the same as the first reference value. As another example, the second reference value may be 0.8, which is greater than the second reference value.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can determine the at least one partition space corresponding to at least one second reference optical sensor as at least one second reference partition space (3200).

[0173] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) may determine that the object to be cleaned is not loaded in at least one second reference compartment (3300). When the object to be cleaned is not loaded in the compartment, the light emitted from the light source by the object to be cleaned is not reflected or refracted, so it may have a higher normalization value compared to when the object to be cleaned is loaded. Accordingly, when the normalization value of the data regarding the intensity of light obtained from the light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) is calculated to be greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it may be determined that the object to be cleaned is not loaded in the compartment corresponding to the light sensor whose normalization value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0174] FIG. 11 is another example of a sequence illustrating a method for determining the loading state of an object to be cleaned inside a cleaning chamber according to one embodiment.

[0175] A processor (510) according to one embodiment can determine whether the second reference value is greater than the first reference value (3400)

[0176] If the second reference value does not exceed the first reference value, that is, if the second reference value and the first reference value are the same (No to 3400), the determination of the loading status of the object to be cleaned inside the cleaning room (20) can be terminated.

[0177] On the other hand, when the second reference value exceeds the first reference value, that is, when the second reference value is greater than the first reference value (example of 3400), at least one third reference optical sensor among the plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) whose normalized value is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value can be identified (3500). For example, when the first reference value is 0.5 and the second reference value is 0.8, optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) whose normalized value is greater than 0.5 and less than 0.8 can be identified.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can determine the at least one partition space corresponding to at least one third reference optical sensor as at least one third reference partition space (3600).

[0179] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can determine whether the object to be cleaned is loaded in at least one third reference compartment space based on data regarding the intensity of light obtained from at least one third reference optical sensor and data obtained from other sensors (100) other than the plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) (3700). For example, the sensors (100) other than the optical sensors may include ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, or pressure sensors. If the normalized value is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value, it may be difficult to determine the loading status of the object to be cleaned using only the optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104). Accordingly, data obtained from sensors (100) other than the optical sensors can be additionally utilized to determine whether the object to be cleaned is loaded in the third reference compartment space.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can control various configurations of the dishwasher based on the determined loading state of the items to be washed. For example, the processor (510) can control the spray device (401) so that water is sprayed only in the space where the items to be washed are located, according to the determined loading position of the items to be washed. For example, the processor (510) can control the output of the heater (403) according to the determined loading amount of the items to be washed.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can control an output interface to output information regarding the loading status of at least one of at least one first reference compartment space, at least one second reference compartment space, or at least one third reference compartment space. In this case, the output interface is configured to provide information regarding the operation of the dishwasher (12) to the user in the form of sensory information and may include at least one of a display (201) or a speaker (203).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the processor (510) can control the communication interface (300) so that an external device outputs information regarding the loading status of at least one of at least one first reference compartment space, at least one second reference compartment space, or at least one third reference compartment space. The external device may include the user device (3) or server device (3) of FIG. 1. The processor (510) can control the communication interface (300) to transmit to the external device information data regarding the loading status of at least one of the first reference compartment space, at least one second reference compartment space, or at least one third reference compartment space, and / or a control command regarding the output of information data regarding the loading status of at least one of the first reference compartment space, at least one second reference compartment space, or at least one third reference compartment space. At this time, information regarding the loading status of the object to be cleaned in at least one of the first standard compartment space, at least one second standard compartment space, or at least one third standard compartment space may include whether the object to be cleaned is loaded in each standard compartment space or the amount of the object to be cleaned loaded therein.

[0183] A processor (510) according to one embodiment may include a cleaning chamber (20) having a plurality of inner surfaces, a light source (90) provided on one of the inner surfaces of the plurality of inner surfaces, a plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) spaced apart from at least one inner surface excluding the inner surface where the light source (90) is provided among the plurality of inner surfaces, and a processor (510) that determines the loading state of an object to be cleaned inside the cleaning chamber (20) based on data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of the plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0184] The processor (510) can divide the internal space of the cleaning room (20) into multiple partitioned spaces corresponding to each optical sensor based on the location where multiple sensors are provided.

[0185] A dishwasher that preprocesses data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of a plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) through min-max normalization to derive a normalized value for the intensity of light obtained from each of a plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0186] The processor (510) can identify at least one first reference optical sensor among a plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) whose normalized value is less than or equal to a preset first reference value, determine at least one partition space corresponding to at least one first reference optical sensor as at least one first reference partition space, and determine that a workpiece to be cleaned is loaded in the first reference partition space.

[0187] The processor (510) can determine the amount of work to be cleaned loaded in at least one first reference compartment space based on the normalized value of the light intensity obtained from each of at least one first reference light sensors.

[0188] The processor (510) may identify at least one second reference optical sensor among a plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) whose normalized value is greater than or equal to a preset second reference value, determine at least one partition space corresponding to at least one second reference optical sensor as at least one second partition space, and determine that no object to be cleaned is loaded in the second reference partition space. The second reference value may be greater than or equal to the first reference value.

[0189] The processor (510) can identify at least one third reference optical sensor among a plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104) whose normalized value is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value based on the second reference value being greater than the first reference value, determine at least one partition space corresponding to at least one third reference optical sensor as at least one third partition space, and determine whether to load an object to be cleaned into at least one third reference partition space based on data regarding the intensity of light obtained from at least one third reference optical sensor and data obtained from other sensors other than the plurality of optical sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0190] The processor (510) can control an output interface to output information regarding the loading status of at least one of at least one first reference compartment space, at least one second reference compartment space, or at least one third reference compartment space. At this time, the output interface may include at least one of a display (201) or a speaker (203).

[0191] A dishwasher in which a processor (510) controls a communication interface (300) so that an external device outputs information regarding the loading status of at least one of at least one first reference compartment space, at least one second reference compartment space, or at least one third reference compartment space. At this time, the external device may include at least one of a user device (2) or a server device (3).

[0192] The processor (510) can control the cleaning pump (400) to alternately spray water into the cleaning chamber (20) from a plurality of spraying devices (401) before determining the loading state of the object to be cleaned inside the cleaning chamber (20) based on data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of the plurality of light sensors (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0193] The disclosed dishwasher and its control method can optimize washing performance by adjusting the direction and intensity of water spray according to the loading status of items to be washed inside the dishwasher.

[0194] The disclosed dishwasher and its control method can improve drying performance by adjusting the drying time according to the loading status of items to be washed inside the dishwasher.

[0195] The disclosed dishwasher and its control method can improve user convenience by identifying the loading status of items to be washed loaded inside the dishwasher and providing a notification regarding the loading status to the user.

[0196] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0197] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0198] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media that store instructions that can be decoded by a computer. Examples include ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0199] Additionally, computer-readable recording media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, 'non-transitory storage media' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, 'non-transitory storage media' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

Claims

1. A washing chamber having multiple inner chambers; A plurality of sensors spaced apart from at least one of the plurality of inner surfaces; and A dishwasher comprising: a processor that determines the loading status of objects to be washed inside the washing chamber based on data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of the plurality of sensors.

2. In Paragraph 1, The internal space of the above washing room includes a plurality of partitioned spaces, and The above processor; is, A dishwasher that identifies at least one compartment space corresponding to each of the plurality of sensors.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above processor; Data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of the plurality of sensors is normalized to obtain a normalized value, and A dishwasher that identifies at least one first sensor among the plurality of sensors such that the corresponding normalized value is less than or equal to a preset first reference value, determines at least one partition space corresponding to the at least one first sensor as at least one first partition space, and determines that the object to be washed is loaded in the at least one first partition space.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above processor; A dishwasher that identifies the amount of items to be washed loaded in the at least one first compartment space based on the normalized value corresponding to the at least one first sensor.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above processor; Identify at least one second sensor among the plurality of sensors whose corresponding normalized value is greater than or equal to a preset second reference value, determine at least one partition space corresponding to the at least one second sensor as at least one second partition space, and determine that the object to be cleaned is not loaded in the at least one second partition space. The above second reference value is, A dishwasher greater than or equal to the first reference value mentioned above.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above processor; A dishwasher that identifies at least one third sensor among the plurality of sensors whose normalized value is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value based on the fact that the second reference value is greater than the first reference value, determines the at least one partition space corresponding to the at least one third sensor as at least one third partition space, and determines whether to load the object to be washed into the at least one third partition space based on data regarding light intensity obtained from the at least one third sensor and data obtained from a sensor other than the plurality of sensors.

7. In Paragraph 3, The above processor; is, The above normalization is a dishwasher that preprocesses data regarding the intensity of light obtained from each of the plurality of sensors through min-max normalization.

8. In Paragraph 2, The above dishwasher is, It further includes an output interface that provides information regarding the operation of the dishwasher to the user. The above processor; A dishwasher that controls the output interface to output information regarding the loading status of the object to be washed corresponding to at least one of the plurality of compartment spaces.

9. In Paragraph 2, The above dishwasher is, A communication interface that performs communication with an external device including a user device or a server device; further comprising, The above processor; A dishwasher that controls the communication interface to transmit information regarding the loading status of the object to be washed corresponding to at least one of the plurality of compartment spaces to the external device.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above dishwasher. A plurality of spray devices for spraying water into the washing chamber; It further includes a washing pump that supplies water to the plurality of spray devices mentioned above, and The above processor; is, A dishwasher that controls the washing pump so that water is sprayed alternately into the washing chamber from the plurality of spray devices before determining the loading state of the items to be washed inside the washing chamber based on the data regarding the intensity of the light.

11. In Paragraph 1, Includes additional light sources, The above plurality of inner surfaces include an upper surface, a bottom surface, a left side, a right side, and a rear surface, and The light source is provided on the left side, and A dishwasher in which the plurality of sensors comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor and a fourth sensor, wherein the first sensor is provided on the upper surface, the third sensor is provided on the lower surface, and the second sensor and the fourth sensor are provided on the right side.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above dishwasher is, A dishwasher further comprising a linear light source provided on one of the inner surfaces of the plurality of inner surfaces and extending in the front-rear direction.

13. A control method for a dishwasher including a washing chamber, A step of acquiring data regarding light intensity from a plurality of sensors provided on at least one inner surface of a plurality of inner surfaces within a cleaning chamber, A control method for a dishwasher comprising the step of determining the loading state of objects to be washed inside the washing chamber based on data regarding the intensity of the light.

14. In Paragraph 13, The control method of the above dishwasher is, A step of obtaining a normalized value corresponding to each of the plurality of sensors based on the light data obtained by each of the plurality of sensors; A step of identifying at least one sensor among the plurality of sensors in which the normalized value is less than or equal to a preset first reference value; and A method for controlling a dishwasher comprising the step of determining that the object to be washed is loaded in at least one compartment corresponding to at least one identified sensor among a plurality of compartments within the washing chamber.

15. In Paragraph 14, The control method of the above dishwasher is, A method for controlling a dishwasher comprising the step of identifying the amount of the object to be washed based on the normalized value corresponding to at least one identified sensor.

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