System for providing washing machine operation information and method for the same
First Claim
1. A method for providing washing machine operation information, comprising the steps of:
- a) additionally providing a communication function in a washing machine to enable external data transmission and reception;
b) constructing a service provider for collecting and storing usage and operation history data of the washing machine, analyzing blocks of data covering pre-set periods of time and generating control information to control the operation of the washing machine, based on said analyzing;
c) allowing said service provider to collect said data regarding said washing machine from said machine;
d) allowing said service provider to generate said control information on the basis of the collected data and transmit the generated control information to said washing machine; and
e) outputting said control information transmitted from said service provider for external display to a user of said washing machine, enabling said user to modify a usage pattern and set up an optimum washing environment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for providing washing machine operation information. The system comprises an input unit for inputting a command for washing machine operation control from a user, a controller for generating an operation control signal in response to the command inputted by the input unit to control the operation of a washing machine, and processing data regarding a use history and abnormal state of the washing machine, an operation drive circuit for driving a washing tub in the washing machine and supply/discharge of wash water in response to the operation control signal from the controller, a communication unit for supporting a communication function to transmit and receive the data processed by the controller externally over a communication network, a service provider connected to the communication unit for collecting the data from the controller, comparison-analyzing the collected data and generating control information for the setup of an optimum washing environment of the machine as a result of the analysis, and an output unit for externally displaying the control information from the service provider and its result processed by the controller. A using pattern of the user or an abnormal state of the washing machine is sensed and managed online, thereby improving the reliability and performance of the machine.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method for providing washing machine operation information, comprising the steps of:
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a) additionally providing a communication function in a washing machine to enable external data transmission and reception;
b) constructing a service provider for collecting and storing usage and operation history data of the washing machine, analyzing blocks of data covering pre-set periods of time and generating control information to control the operation of the washing machine, based on said analyzing;
c) allowing said service provider to collect said data regarding said washing machine from said machine;
d) allowing said service provider to generate said control information on the basis of the collected data and transmit the generated control information to said washing machine; and
e) outputting said control information transmitted from said service provider for external display to a user of said washing machine, enabling said user to modify a usage pattern and set up an optimum washing environment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
c-1) connecting said washing machine to said service provider via said communication function; and
c-2) allowing said service provider to collect data about a use history and abnormal state of said washing machine from said machine.
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4. The method as set forth in claim 3, wherein said step c-1) includes the step of connecting said washing machine to said service provider when a washing mode of said machine is started.
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5. The method as set forth in claim 3, wherein said step c-2) includes the step of allowing said service provider to end the data collection from said washing machine when said washing mode of said machine is completed.
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6. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said step d) includes the steps of:
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d-1) allowing said service provider to arrange and store said data collected at said step c) in a database;
d-2) allowing said service provider to comparison-analyze said data stored in said database;
d-3) allowing said service provider to generate said control information in accordance with the analyzed result; and
d-4) allowing said service provider to transmit said generated control information to said washing machine.
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7. The method as set forth in claim 6, wherein said step d-2) includes the step of allowing said service provider to periodically comparison-analyze said data stored in said database whenever a predetermined period of time elapses.
Specification