Washing machine and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines lack intuitive methods for users to monitor the progress and remaining time of a washing operation, especially from a distance, and do not effectively respond to user gestures or voice commands.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine equipped with a sensing unit to detect user inputs, a door display unit to show light patterns, and a controller to manage the output unit based on sensed inputs, allowing users to intuitively check the washing operation's progress and remaining time through light patterns or text displayed on the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional washing machine display is used, then the machine can show basic operation status, but users cannot intuitively monitor progress and remaining time from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional text-based display to a light pattern-based visual display that can be intuitively understood from a distance. The light patterns are arranged in specific geometric configurations that represent different washing stages, allowing users to grasp operation progress at a glance without needing to read detailed information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different light colors and patterns to represent various washing operation states. By changing light patterns and their arrangements, the system communicates complex operation information (progress, remaining time, current stage) through simple visual cues that are easily distinguishable from a distance.
2Loss of information
If the display shows detailed text information, then users can see operation details, but users cannot quickly grasp the overall progress at a glance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the washing operation information into segmented light patterns, where different segments represent different operational aspects (current stage, progress percentage, remaining time). This segmentation allows the brain to quickly process each visual element independently and synthesize the overall status without reading detailed text.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent displays only the most essential washing operation information through light patterns (progress level, current stage, remaining time) rather than showing all possible operational details. This partial display approach provides sufficient information for users to understand the overall progress quickly without being overwhelmed by excessive text data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the washing machine has basic display functionality, then the structure remains simple, but the machine cannot recognize user gestures or voice commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensing capabilities (gesture recognition, voice recognition, touch input) into a unified control system that can interpret various user input methods. The same light pattern display system serves both as information display and as a visual feedback mechanism for recognized commands, making the system multi-functional without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine system automatically recognizes and processes user inputs through its sensing units, eliminating the need for complex manual interface operations. The system self-adjusts operation parameters based on recognized gestures or voice commands, and the display automatically updates to reflect the recognized input and resulting operation changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine includes a sensing unit to sense various kinds of inputs, an output unit to display an operation state of the washing machine, a door display unit disposed at a door to display a light pattern, a memory to store a plurality of input information corresponding to a plurality of commands, and a controller to determine whether the sensed input matches with any one of the input information when the sensing unit senses an external input, and control at least one of the output unit and the door display unit to be driven in response to the matched input information.