Washing machine and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines lack intuitive control methods for managing various washing modes and options, requiring users to manually navigate complex menus, and there is a need for a technology that learns frequently used settings to enhance user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a display and inputter that prioritizes frequently selected washing modes and options, allowing users to easily select and edit modes using a jog dial, and includes communication circuitry for downloading new modes and controlling external devices like dryers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the washing machine displays all available washing modes in a fixed order, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot quickly access frequently used modes
Solution Approach 1:
The display order of washing modes is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit automatically rearranges the display sequence based on user selection frequency, placing frequently used modes at prominent positions. This dynamic adaptation improves ease of operation without requiring complex hardware changes, as the reordering is achieved through software control of the display sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine's control system automatically learns and adapts to user preferences without external intervention. By monitoring selection frequency and autonomously reordering the display of washing modes, the system serves itself to improve user convenience. This self-learning capability enhances ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the washing machine provides detailed washing options for each mode, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases due to more control elements and programming
Solution Approach 1:
A single control unit handles multiple functions: displaying washing modes, tracking selection frequency, storing user preferences in memory, and dynamically reordering displays. This multi-functional approach provides detailed washing options and adaptability while avoiding the need for separate complex control mechanisms for each function, thereby managing device complexity more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the user and the washing machine's various functions. It manages the complexity by centralizing control logic, storing preferences in memory, and presenting simplified interactions to users while coordinating multiple subsystems (display, motor control, heating, etc.). This intermediary approach enables versatility without proportionally increasing observable device complexity.
3Loss of time
If the washing machine requires manual navigation through menus to select washing modes, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time increases as users search for desired modes
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary action by pre-arranging the display order of washing modes based on user selection frequency before the user needs to make a selection. Frequently used modes are automatically positioned for quick access, eliminating the need for users to manually search through menus. This preliminary organization reduces time loss while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring user selections and using this information to dynamically adjust the display order of washing modes. The control unit continuously learns from user behavior and adapts the interface to minimize search time. This feedback mechanism reduces time loss without significantly increasing operational complexity, as the adaptation is automatic and transparent to users.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a washing machine and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a technology capable of controlling washing modes in various manners by manipulating a control panel of the washing machine. The washing machine includes a display configured to display a washing mode, an inputter configured to receive a washing mode select command, a storage configured to store a selected washing mode, and a controller configured to allow a washing mode, which has the largest number of times selected during a predetermined number of times of washings, to be displayed on a first screen of the display, and in response to the number of the washing mode having the largest number of selection times being plural, configured to allow a washing mode, which is the last selected among the plurality of washing modes, to be displayed on the first screen of the display.