Home appliance having a main processor to control power to a sub-processor based on a door state, and controlling method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Home appliances with separate sub-processors for display control consume more power than those with a single main processor, due to the complexity of wiring and the constant need to turn the sub-processor on and off.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a power control mechanism where the main processor manages the power state of the sub-processor based on door sensor and motion sensor inputs, turning it on only when necessary, such as when the door is opened or a user approaches, to reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a sub-processor is disposed separately from the main processor to control display operations, then the wiring structure becomes simpler, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring structureVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by turning on the sub-processor before the door is opened (when motion is detected) and turns it off after the door is closed. This anticipatory control ensures the display is ready when needed while minimizing operational time to reduce power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sub-processor operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. It is activated only during specific periods when the door is opened or motion is detected, and remains inactive during other periods. This periodic operation pattern significantly reduces overall power consumption while maintaining display functionality when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If the sub-processor is always on to ensure display functionality, then user convenience is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects motion approaching the refrigerator and activates the sub-processor in advance before the user actually opens the door. This preliminary activation ensures the display is ready and available when the user interacts with the refrigerator, improving user convenience without requiring the processor to remain constantly on.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses door sensors and motion sensors to provide feedback about user presence and interaction. Based on this feedback, the main processor dynamically adjusts the power state of the sub-processor, activating it only when sensors indicate user presence or door opening, thereby balancing display availability with power conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11397046B2Home appliance having a main processor to control power to a sub-processor based on a door state, and controlling method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A home appliance includes a door sensor; a display; a main processor; a sub-processor configured to control a display operation of the display; and a power control element configured to be connected to the sub-processor, wherein the main processor is configured to: generate a control signal for turning on or off power of the sub-processor based on information sensed by the door sensor, and turn on or off the power of the sub-processor by controlling the power control element according to the control signal.