Dryer, server, and method for controlling same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience in operating multiple home appliances sequentially without having to access mobile applications separately, as existing systems require re-accessing mobile apps for each appliance after the previous one's operation is stopped.
Innovation Solution
A dryer is equipped with a communication interface, weight sensor, dust sensor, and processor that transmit data to a server, allowing the server to recommend scenarios for controlling external devices based on detected weights and dust levels, and the dryer's state, enabling button functions to operate these devices directly without mobile app access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users operate multiple home appliances sequentially using mobile applications, then each appliance can be controlled independently, but users have to re-access mobile applications for each appliance after the previous one's operation is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The dryer serves as an intermediary device that receives control signals from the mobile application and transmits them to external electronic devices. When the dryer finishes operation, it automatically sends control signals to operate other appliances (air purifier, vacuum cleaner) without requiring users to re-access the mobile application, thus eliminating the need for repeated app access while maintaining independent control of each appliance
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the dryer automatically triggers and controls subsequent appliance operations based on its own operational state. The dryer's processor detects when drying is complete and automatically sends control signals through the communication interface to operate other appliances, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dryer includes sensors and communication interfaces to enable interworking with external devices, then seamless operation of multiple appliances is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dryer is designed with multi-functionality by integrating a communication interface and processor that enable it to not only perform drying functions but also control external electronic devices. The existing buttons are repurposed to serve dual functions: traditional dryer control and triggering external device operations, thus adding versatility without requiring separate dedicated controls for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for the dryer and external devices are merged into a single integrated system. The communication interface and processor handle both internal dryer control signals and external device control signals, combining multiple control functions into one unified interface rather than creating separate independent control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer comprising: a communication interface; an input unit including a plurality of buttons; a weight sensor; a dust sensor; and a processor that: transmits state information of the dryer and at least one of the weight and an amount of dust detected to the server; based on a recommended scenario obtained from the server based on the state information and at least one of the weight and the amount of dust, sets the function of at least one button as a selection function of the recommended scenario. Based on a user command selecting the at least one button, transmits information on the recommended scenario corresponding to the selected button to the server, wherein the information on the recommended scenario is used by the server in order to control the operation of an external electronic device operate the external electronic device based on the information on the recommended scenario.