Washing machine and method for operating washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require direct user input through buttons or touch screens, limiting interaction efficiency and requiring multiple steps or stopping the cycle to access desired functions, making it difficult for users to perform direct and efficient interactions.
Innovation Solution
A voice-interactive washing machine with a voice receiver, communication unit, and control unit that analyzes voice commands to set optimal washing cycles, remember user inputs, and execute functions automatically when relevant, using a touch screen to display and manage voice recognition and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control unit with buttons or touch screen is provided, then visual information display and cycle selection are enabled, but user interaction efficiency is limited and multiple steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button/touch screen input system with a voice recognition system. The voice receiver captures user commands, the controller processes voice signals, and executes corresponding washing cycles without requiring physical interaction with buttons or touch screens, thereby improving interaction efficiency and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voice signals as an intermediary between the user and the washing machine control system. Instead of direct mechanical or tactile interaction, users speak commands that are transmitted through the voice receiver and controller to the washing tub, enabling more efficient and natural interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If command input is limited to current washing step functions, then system complexity is reduced, but operational flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal voice recognition control system that can execute multiple types of commands across different washing steps. The controller is designed to process various voice inputs (cycle selection, parameter adjustment, pause, resume, etc.) and translate them into appropriate actions regardless of the current washing state, providing operational flexibility without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes: a washing tub; a speech reception unit configured to receive speech information; a communication unit activated by starting words input by a user, so as to communicate with a server for providing washing- related information; a touch screen for outputting graphic objects corresponding to washing- related functions which can be performed by the washing tub; and a control unit for controlling the touch screen such that when the user's proximity is sensed, a first graphic object is output to the touch screen, and in response to the input starting words, the first graphic object is switched to a second graphic object indicating that a speech recognition function is activated. In addition, in response to reception of laundry-related speech information, the control unit analyzes the received speech information and outputs, on the basis of the analysis result, feedback sound associated with washing of the corresponding laundry.