Washer Door Voice Recognition for Remote Cycle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry treating apparatuses require users to physically interact with control panels, limiting their ability to control the apparatus from a distance, and there is a need for a solution that allows voice recognition as a control command.

Innovation Solution

A laundry treating apparatus with a voice recognition unit integrated into the door, which converts user voice commands into electrical signals and transmits corresponding control commands to the controller, enabling voice-controlled operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional button or touch screen input unit is used, then the control panel structure is simple and reliable, but the user cannot control the apparatus from a distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button/touch screen input system with a voice recognition system that uses acoustic fields to transmit control commands. The voice recognition unit captures sound waves containing control commands and converts them into electrical signals for the controller, eliminating the need for physical contact with the control panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a voice recognition unit as an intermediary between the user and the controller. This intermediary captures voice commands through the door, converts them into electrical signals, and transmits them to the controller, enabling remote operation without direct user interaction with the control panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a voice recognition unit is added to enable voice control, then remote control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice control functionalityVSAvoidapparatus structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the voice recognition unit into the door structure, which already serves as a protective cover and access point. By utilizing the existing door structure to house the voice recognition unit, the patent adds voice control functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity. The door thus serves multiple functions: physical protection and voice command reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the voice recognition unit is integrated into the door, then the control accessibility is improved, but the door structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoiddoor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the voice recognition unit with the door structure by providing a through-hole in the door and mounting the voice recognition unit within it. This integration combines the control interface function with the existing door structure, allowing users to issue voice commands through the door without requiring a separate control panel or additional external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables users to control the laundry treating apparatus remotely using voice commands, enhancing convenience and usability by eliminating the need for physical proximity to the control panel.

Implementation Method 1

the voice recognition unit includes a microphone located between the front panel and the frame, converting a sound wave entering the through hole into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave to electrical signal conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3825451B1Laundry treating apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3825451B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3825451B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3825451B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a clothes-processing device comprising: a cabinet comprising a body; a body front surface fixed to the body and forming the front surface, and an introduction opening formed through the body front surface; a drum comprising a drum body disposed in the cabinet so as to store clothes and a drum introduction opening formed through the drum body to communicate with the introduction opening; a driving part for rotating the drum; a door rotatably disposed at the cabinet so as to open or close the introduction opening; a control part for controlling the driving part; and a voice recognition part disposed at the door so as to recognize a voice generated by a user and transmit a control command corresponding to the recognized voice to the control part.