Laundry Machine Remote Control via WiFi and Server Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry machines and home appliances face challenges in extending their functions without modifying the existing control panels, which limits their ability to communicate externally for remote management and user interface enhancements, leading to increased costs and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a WiFi communication module and a separate display controller in the laundry machine to enable remote management services through an external terminal, allowing users to access and control the appliance without physical interaction, and extend its functionality without altering the hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functions are added to the laundry machine through hardware modification, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three independent segments: the existing laundry machine (with original control panel), a separate display controller unit, and a server system. Each segment performs specific functions independently, allowing the laundry machine to maintain its original simplicity while gaining extended functionality through the separate display controller that communicates via WiFi.
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary between the laundry machine and the display controller. The server receives data from the laundry machine's control panel, processes it, and sends appropriate commands to the display controller for showing information and receiving user inputs, thereby enabling extended functionality without direct hardware modification to the laundry machine.
2Ease of operation
If remote management capability is added through communication modules, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as a mediator that handles all remote communication tasks. The laundry machine only needs basic WiFi communication capability to exchange data with the server, while complex remote management operations (monitoring, control, updates) are processed through the server, minimizing the complexity added to the laundry machine itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service remote management where users can independently monitor laundry machine status, receive notifications, and control operations through the display controller and server without requiring physical presence or complex manual operations on the laundry machine.
3Ease of operation
If user interface is enhanced with separate display controller, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display controller is designed as a universal unit that can be applied to various laundry machine models. It handles multiple functions including displaying status information, showing operation parameters, providing user feedback, and receiving user inputs through its interface, thereby replacing the need for multiple separate components and reducing overall manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the original control panel hardware, the system creates a virtual copy of the user interface through the separate display controller. This digital replica provides enhanced display capabilities and user interaction while maintaining compatibility with the existing laundry machine control system, avoiding costly hardware modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a home appliance which can communicate with an outside of the home appliance and an online system including the same. According to embodiments of the present invention, an online system may be provided, including a server, a home appliance provided with remote control activation input means and connected to the server to enable communication therewith, and an external terminal having application for remote control of the home appliance through the server, wherein the home appliance is remotely controlled through the external terminal only if the remote control activation input means is selected.