Home appliance and online system including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry machines face challenges in implementing additional user interfaces due to spatial limitations, leading to increased costs and complexity, and they lack the ability to perform extended or new functions without hardware modifications, making it difficult to remotely control operations, especially when users are not physically present.
Innovation Solution
A smart laundry machine system that communicates with a server via a Wi-Fi communication module, allowing remote control through an external terminal, enabling users to access and manage the machine's functions without direct interaction, using a remote service activation input unit to prevent confusion between direct manipulation and remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional user interfaces are implemented on the control panel, then extended functions can be provided, but the control panel area is insufficient and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the user interface from the two-dimensional control panel to a three-dimensional remote device that users can hold and interact with in multiple orientations. This external terminal provides additional display area and input capabilities without consuming control panel space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external terminal as an intermediary device between the user and the home appliance. This mediator communicates with the appliance via wireless connection, providing extended functionality while keeping the original control panel simple and uncluttered.
2Ease of operation
If remote control functionality is added, then users can operate the machine remotely, but confusion may arise between direct manipulation and remote control operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different visual indicators (such as distinct LED colors or display patterns) to show whether the system is in remote control mode or local control mode. This visual differentiation helps users understand which control interface is currently active, preventing confusion between remote and direct manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about the current operation mode and control source. The display unit shows icons or messages indicating whether commands are being received from the control panel or the external terminal, ensuring operational clarity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication modules are integrated into the home appliance, then remote services can be enabled, but the appliance structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a communication module that serves multiple functions: wireless communication with external terminals, data transmission for remote control, status reporting, and firmware updates. This multi-functional approach enables remote services while minimizing the number of separate components needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An online system, including a smart laundry machine, which is capable of easily and inexpensively using the smart laundry machine is disclosed. A further extended type of a smart home appliance, an online system including the same, and a method of using the online system are also disclosed. A laundry machine communicates with a server, is remotely controlled by an external terminal through the server, and has a control panel for a user interface. The control panel includes a course selection unit, an option selection unit, a start button, a display unit to display state information of the laundry machine, and a remote service activation input unit to set or cancel remote service activation according to user selection. The remote control is performed only in a case in which the remote service activation is set.