WASHING MACHINE AND METHOD OF PROVIDING WASHING INFORMATION OF SAME

Abstract

A method of displaying washing information and a washing machine are provided. The washing machine includes a washing module, a water level sensor configured to detect a water level, a display, memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the washing module, the water level sensor, the display, and the memory, wherein the memory store one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the washing machine to control, based on a user input for starting washing, the washing module to introduce water into the washing machine, determine, based on a water level frequency of the water level sensor, an amount of the water introduced into the washing machine, accumulate the determined amount of water as at least one cycle of the washing progresses, display, based on completion of the washing, on the display, the accumulated amount of water as water usage during the washing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a washing machine for providing washing information including water usage, a control method of the washing machine, and a computer-readable recording medium having stored therein a computer program for performing the control method of the washing machine.

BACKGROUND

A washing machine includes a tub for containing wash water and a drum rotatably mounted inside the tub and into which laundry is loaded, and washes the laundry within the drum as a circular pulsator mounted in the drum rotates.

The washing machine includes a water level sensor for detecting a level of water, and when water is supplied to the tub, the pressure in an air hose connected to the water level sensor is increased. Based on the increased pressure, the washing may detect a level of the water supplied to the tub. The washing machine may stop water being supplied, based on the detected level of water.

The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.

SUMMARY

Technical Solution

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a washing machine for providing washing information including water usage, a control method of the washing machine, and a computer-readable recording medium having stored therein a computer program for performing the control method of the washing machine.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a washing module, a water level sensor configured to detect a water level, a display, memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the washing module, the water level sensor, the display, and the memory, wherein the memory store one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the washing machine to control, based on a user input for starting washing, the washing module to introduce water into the washing machine, determine, based on a water level frequency of the water level sensor, an amount of the water introduced into the washing machine, accumulate the determined amount of water as at least one cycle of the washing progresses, display, based on completion of the washing, on the display, the accumulated amount of water as water usage during the washing.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of displaying washing information is provided. The method includes, based on a user input for starting washing, introducing water into the washing machine, determining, based on a water level frequency of a water level sensor in the washing machine, an amount of the water introduced into the washing machine, accumulating the determined amount of water as at least one cycle of the washing progresses, and displaying, based on completion of the washing, the accumulated amount of water as water usage during the washing.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer-readable recording media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a washing machine to perform operations are provided. The operations include, based on a user input for starting washing, introducing water into the washing machine, determining, based on a water level frequency of a water level sensor in the washing machine, an amount of the water introduced into the washing machine, as at least one cycle of the washing progresses, accumulating the determined amount of water, and based on completion of the washing, displaying the accumulated amount of water as water usage during the washing.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of displaying water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method, performed by a washing machine, of displaying water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of determining the amount of water filled in a washing machine based on a water level frequency which is a frequency of a water level sensor, corresponding to a water level (hereinafter, referred to as a water level frequency), according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method, performed by a washing machine, of determining the amount of water used in a cycle, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of outputting water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of outputting average water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of providing estimated water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of displaying estimated water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of displaying estimated water usage based on a washing method selected by a user, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method, performed by a washing machine, of recommending a washing method for controlling water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of recommending a washing method for controlling water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of providing a recommendation of a washing method for controlling water usage along with estimated water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of providing estimated water usage by using a mobile device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates a method, performed by a mobile device, of recommending a washing method for controlling water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of displaying water usage during washing via a mobile device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of outputting a notification depending on whether estimated water usage exceeds target water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates a method, performed by a mobile device, of providing estimated water usage charge, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 19A is a table showing comparison between actual water usage and calculated water usage based on a type of a material of laundry, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 19B is a graph illustrating actual water usage and calculated water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The same reference numerals are used to represent the same elements throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

As the terms used herein, general terms that are currently widely used are selected by taking functions in the disclosure into account, but the terms may refer to various other terms according to an intention of one of ordinary skill in the art, precedent cases, advent of new technologies, etc. Thus, the terms used herein should be defined not by simple appellations thereof but based on the meaning of the terms together with the overall description of the disclosure.

Furthermore, although the terms including an ordinal number such as “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component.

In addition, the terms used herein are only used to describe particular embodiments of the disclosure, and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Furthermore, throughout the specification, it will be understood that when a part is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another part, it may be directly connected to or electrically coupled to the other part with one or more intervening elements therebetween. Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part “includes” or “comprises” an element, unless there is a particular description contrary thereto, it is understood that the part may further include other elements, not excluding the other elements.

Expressions such as “in some embodiments of the disclosure” or “in an embodiment of the disclosure” described in various parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s) of the disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a washing machine and a control method thereof for providing water usage of the washing machine.

Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure provide a washing machine and a control method thereof for providing estimated water usage of the washing machine.

In addition, embodiments of the disclosure provide a washing machine and a control method thereof for controlling water usage of the washing machine.

It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memories.

Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphical processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display drive integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an integrated circuit (IC), or the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of displaying water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of water introduced into the washing machine 1000 based on a sensor value of a water level sensor 1710, and display the determined amount of water as water usage of the washing machine 1000.

The washing machine 1000 includes a housing 10 forming an exterior appearance, a tub 11 provided inside the housing 10 to store supplied water, a drum 12 provided within the tub 11 to be rotatable, and a pulsator 50 provided inside the drum 12 to generate a water flow. Sides of the drum 12 may be provided with a plurality of through holes.

In addition, the washing machine 1000 may include a water supply pipe (not shown) for supplying wash water to the tub 11, and the water supply pipe may include a water supply valve (not shown). The washing machine 1000 may control the supply of water by controlling the water supply valve.

The washing machine 1000 may store relationship information indicating a relationship between a water level frequency of the water level sensor 1710 and the amount of water filled in the tub 11. The washing machine 1000 may obtain a water level frequency value of the water level sensor 1710, and determine the amount of water filled in the washing machine 1000, based on the obtained water level frequency value and the relationship information.

Furthermore, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of water filled in the washing machine 1000 by taking the amount (load) of laundry into account. For example, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of water calculated from the water level frequency, minus the amount of laundry, to be the amount of water filled in the washing machine 1000.

In addition, when performing a rinse cycle after spinning, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of water filled in the washing machine 1000 by considering the amount of remaining moisture in the laundry as well as the amount of laundry. For example, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of water calculated from the water level frequency, minus the amount of laundry and the amount of remaining moisture in the laundry, to be the amount of water) filled in the washing machine 1000.

Furthermore, the washing machine 1000 may drive the pulsator 50 in response to a water level in the washing machine 1000 reaching a target water level, and the water level may decrease when some of the water in the tub 11 is absorbed by the laundry due to the driving of the pulsator 50. The washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of additional water supplied, based on a change in water level frequency caused by the driving of the pulsator 50.

As a washing cycle, a rinse cycle, and a spin cycle proceed, the washing machine 1000 may calculate the amount of water filled in the washing machine 1000 and the amount of additional water supplied and accumulate the calculated amounts of water. Additionally, when washing is completed, the washing machine 1000 may display the accumulated amount of water as water usage during the washing.

The washing machine 1000 may display, based on water usage during washing, at least one of an average daily water usage, an average weekly water usage, an average monthly water usage, or an average annual water usage.

The washing machine 1000 may detect the amount of laundry, calculate estimated water usage based on the detected amount of laundry, and display the calculated estimated water usage.

The washing machine 1000 may calculate estimated water usage based on a user input for changing a wash course or a user input for selecting a wash option, and display the calculated estimated water usage.

In addition, the washing machine 1000 may calculate estimated water usage, based on a user input for changing a water level and a user input for adding a washing cycle or a rinse cycle, and display the calculated estimated water usage.

The washing machine 1000 may recommend at least one of a wash course or a wash option based on receiving a user input for recommending a washing method for controlling water usage.

The washing machine 1000 may transmit information about water usage during washing to a server 3000. Furthermore, the mobile device 2000 may receive the information about water usage from the server 3000 and display the received information about water usage.

The mobile device 2000 may receive, from the server 3000, information about an average water usage per day, week, month, or year, and display the information about the average water usage.

The washing machine 1000 may transmit information about estimated water usage to the server 3000. Furthermore, the mobile device 2000 may receive the information about estimated water usage from the server 3000 and display the received information about estimated water usage. Additionally, the mobile device 2000 may receive a user input for changing a washing method, and transmit received information indicating the change in a washing method to the washing machine 1000 via the server 3000.

The mobile device 2000 may recommend at least one of a wash course or a wash option based on a user input for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage. Furthermore, the mobile device 2000 may transmit information about the wash course or the wash option selected by the user to the washing machine 1000 via the server 3000.

The mobile device 2000 may receive a user input for inputting target water usage per wash and transmit the received target water usage per wash to the washing machine 1000 via the server 3000. Based on the estimated water usage exceeding the one-time target water usage, the washing machine 1000 may output a notification indicating that the estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage per wash.

Accordingly, the user may check water usage during washing. In particular, countries with water scarcities may have a limited amount of water supplied per day, and the user may infer the amount of remaining water available by checking water usage during washing. Furthermore, the user may adjust the amount of water to be used during washing by checking the amount of estimated water usage during the washing.

In addition, the washing machine 1000 may not only calculate the amount of water filled in the washing machine 1000 based on a water level frequency of the water level sensor 1710, but also calculate more accurate water usage by considering the amount of laundry, the amount of remaining moisture in the laundry after spinning, and the amount of water absorbed by the laundry.

The washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of water supplied to the washing machine 1000 based on the time during which the water is supplied.

For example, the washing machine 1000 may store information about the amount of water supplied via the water supply valve per unit time (e.g., 12 liters per minute (LPM)). Furthermore, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of water supplied to the washing machine 1000 by multiplying the time during which the water is supplied via the water supply valve by the amount of water supplied via the water supply valve per unit time.

The washing machine 1000 may include, in addition to a main water supply device, a spray injection device configured to inject water toward the laundry in the form of a spray during a rinse cycle. In this case, the water supply valve of the washing machine 1000 may be connected to not only the main water supply device but also the spray injection device. The washing machine 1000 may supply water via only the main water supply device, via only the spray injection device, or via both the main water supply device and the spray injection device, depending on a set washing method.

Furthermore, the washing machine 1000 may store information about the amount of water supplied by the main water supply device per unit time (e.g., 12 LPM). Additionally, the washing machine 1000 may store information about the amount of water supplied by being sprayed by the spray injection device per unit time (e.g., 6 LPM).

When the washing machine 1000 is supplied with water only via the main water supply device, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of water supplied to the washing machine 1000 by multiplying the amount of water supplied by the main water supply device per unit time by the time during which the water is supplied.

When the washing machine 1000 is supplied with water only via the spray injection device, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of water supplied to the washing machine 1000 by multiplying the amount of water supplied by being sprayed by the spray injection device per unit time by the time during which the water is supplied.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may further include, in addition to the main water supply device and the spray injection device, a softener water supply device that supplies water to a fabric softener dispenser box. The washing machine 1000 may store information about the amount of water supplied via the softener water supply device per unit time (e.g., 5.5 LPM).

When the washing machine 1000 is supplied with water only via the softener water supply device, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of water supplied to the washing machine 1000 by multiplying the amount of water supplied by the softener water supply device per unit time by the time during which the water is supplied.

The washing machine 1000 may obtain a prestored constant value as the amount of water supplied. For example, when the amount of water supplied to the washing machine 1000 per unit time and a water supply time are fixed, the washing machine 1000 may store the amount of water supplied to the washing machine 1000 per unit time multiplied by the prestored water supply time as the amount of water supplied.

The washing machine 1000 may store usage times for the main water supply device, the spray injection device, and the softener water supply device according to a wash option or a wash course selected. For example, when a Super Speed option is selected, the washing machine 1000 may be programmed to supply water for time ‘a’ via the spray injection device and for time ‘b’ via the softener water supply device during a rinse cycle. Accordingly, the washing machine 1000 may have stored therein a constant value c (e.g., c=amount of water supplied by being sprayed via the spray injection device per unit time*time ‘a’+amount of water supplied via the softener water supply device per unit time*time ‘b’) as the amount of water supplied during the rinse cycle, corresponding to the Super Speed option. Thus, when the Super Speed option is selected, the washing machine 1000 may obtain the constant value c as water usage during the rinse cycle.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the washing machine 1000 may include a processor 1100, a memory 1400, a display 1610, a washing module 1800, and the water level sensor 1710.

The processor 1100 may generally control all operations of the washing machine 1000. The processor 1100 may execute programs stored in the memory 1400 to control the washing module 1800, the water level sensor 1710, and the display 1610.

The memory 1400 stores various pieces of information, data, instructions, programs, etc. necessary for the operations of the washing machine 1000. For example, the memory 1400 may store relationship information indicating a relationship between a water level frequency and the amount of water filled in the tub 11. Additionally, the memory 1400 may store a water level of water filled in the tub 11, the water level corresponding to a water level frequency of the water level sensor 1710. The memory 1400 may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

The washing module 1800 may include a rotation motor (not shown) that rotates the drum 12 and the pulsator 50. Furthermore, the washing module 1800 may include a water supply valve (not shown) and a drain valve (not shown).

The processor 1100 may control the washing module 1800 to perform a washing cycle, a rinse cycle, and a spin cycle. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 1100 may further perform a dry cycle in addition to the washing cycle, the rinse cycle, and the spin cycle.

The washing cycle is a cycle in which water supplied via the water supply valve flows into the tub 11 through a detergent supply device containing laundry detergent, and then rotates the drum 12 to remove contaminants from the laundry, and may be performed in the order of water supply, washing, drainage, and general spin.

The rinse cycle is a cycle in which water supplied via the water supply valve flows into the tub 11 without passing through a laundry detergent supply device, or, in the case of a final rinse cycle, flows into the tub 11 through the fabric softener dispenser box where the fabric softener is placed, and then rotates the drum 12 to remove detergent remaining in the laundry, and the rinse cycle may be performed in the order of water supply, rinse, drainage, and general spin, or water supply and rinse. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the rinse cycle may be repeated two or more times.

The spin cycle is a cycle in which water is separated from laundry by rotating the drum 12 at a high speed, and may be performed in the order of drainage and strong spin.

The water level sensor 1710 is a sensor that outputs a change in pressure within an air hose connected to the water level sensor 1710. The air hose connected to the water level sensor 1710 is placed within the tub 11, and as the amount of water supplied into the tub 11 increases, a pressure within the air hose may increase, and as the pressure increases, a water level frequency of the water level sensor 1710 may decrease.

The memory 1400 may store a water level of water filled in the tub 11, which corresponds to a water level frequency of the water level sensor 1710. Accordingly, in response to a water level frequency of the water level sensor 1710 reaching a water level frequency corresponding to a set target water level, the processor 1100 may close the water supply valve to stop supplying water to the tub 11.

The display 1610 may, under the control of the processor 1100, output image data that has undergone image processing by an image processor (not shown) via a display panel (not shown). The display panel may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor LCD (TFT-LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a three-dimensional (3D) display, or an electrophoretic display.

The processor 1100 may receive a user input for starting washing via an input interface (not shown). The processor 1100 may control, based on the user input for starting washing, the washing module 1800 to introduce water into the tub 11 of the washing machine 1000.

The processor 1100 may determine, based on a water level frequency value of the water level sensor 1710, the amount of water introduced into the tub 11. For example, the processor 1100 may determine the amount of water filled in the tub 11 based on a water level frequency value of the water level sensor 1710 and relationship information indicating a relationship between the water level frequency and the amount of water filled in the tub 11.

As at least one cycle of the washing progresses, the processor 1100 may accumulate determined amounts of water. For example, the processor 1100 may accumulate the amount of water used in a rinse cycle onto the amount of water used during a washing cycle.

Based on completion of the washing, the processor 1100 may display, on the display 1610, the accumulated amount of water as water usage during the washing.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method, performed by a washing machine, of displaying water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In operation S310, the washing machine 1000 may introduce water into the washing machine 1000 based on a user input for starting washing.

Before receiving the user input for starting washing, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for setting a wash course or a wash option. Furthermore, before receiving the user input for starting washing, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for adding a rinse cycle or setting a water level.

The washing machine 1000 may introduce water into the washing machine 1000 up to a target water level based on the user input for starting washing. Before receiving the user input for starting washing, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for setting a target water level. In addition, when the target water level is not set by the user, the washing machine 1000 may control a pulsator to detect a weight of laundry and determine a target water level corresponding to the detected weight.

In response to a water level frequency of the water level sensor reaching a water level frequency corresponding to a set target water level, the washing machine 1000 may stop supplying water.

In operation S320, the washing machine 1000 may determine, based on a water level frequency of the water level sensor, the amount of the water introduced into the washing machine 1000.

In response to determining that a water level reaches a target water level, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of main fill water, based on the detected water level frequency and weight of laundry. For example, in response to determining that the water level has reached the target water level, the washing machine 1000 may determine a result of subtracting a volume of laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry from a volume of water corresponding to the detected water level frequency to be the amount of main fill water for a washing cycle. Additionally, for example, in response to determining that the water level has reached the target water level, the washing machine 1000 may determine a result of subtracting a volume of laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry and the amount of remaining moisture in the laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry from the volume of water corresponding to the detected water level frequency to be the amount of main fill water for a rinse cycle. Main filling may refer to a process of filling the washing machine 1000 with water to a target water level after spinning.

The washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of refill water replenished into the washing machine 1000 based on a variation in water level frequency caused by driving of the pulsator. For example, the washing machine 1000 may determine a result of subtracting the amount of water corresponding to a start water level frequency for refilling from the amount of water corresponding to an end water level frequency for the main filling to be the amount of refill water.

The washing machine 1000 may determine a sum of the amount of refill water and the amount of main fill water as the amount of water used during a cycle.

In operation S330, as at least one cycle of the washing progresses, the washing machine 1000 may accumulate the determined amounts of water.

The at least one cycle of the washing may include at least one washing cycle and at least one rinse cycle. Furthermore, the at least one cycle of the washing may include only a washing cycle. In addition, the at least one cycle of the washing may include only a rinse cycle.

The washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for setting a wash course, a user input for setting a wash option, or a user input for adding a rinse cycle. The washing machine 1000 may determine the number of washing cycles and the number of rinse cycles, based on the set wash course, the set wash option, and whether to add rinsing.

The washing machine 1000 may determine a sum of the amount of water used during at least one rinse cycle and the amount of water used during the washing cycle as water usage during the washing.

In operation S340, based on completion of the washing, the washing machine 1000 may display the accumulated amount of water as water usage during the washing.

Additionally, the washing machine 1000 may calculate, based on the water usage during the washing, an average water usage of the washing machine 1000 for a preset time period, and display the calculated average water usage. For example, the washing machine 1000 may calculate an average water usage over a preset time period based on water usage data for a preset time period. For example, the washing machine 1000 may calculate an average water usage per wash based on water usage data for a week. Additionally, for example, the washing machine 1000 may calculate an average daily water usage based on water usage data for a week. The preset time period may be a day, a week, a month, or a year, but is not limited thereto.

The washing machine 1000 may display estimated water usage. For example, the washing machine 1000 may drive the pulsator to detect the weight of laundry in the washing machine 1000, calculate estimated water usage based on the detected weight of laundry and a set washing method, and display the calculated estimated water usage.

Upon receiving a user input for changing the washing method, the washing machine 1000 may recalculate estimated water usage based on the changed washing method, and display the recalculated estimated water usage.

The washing machine 1000 may recommend at least one of a wash course or a wash option based on a user input for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage.

The washing machine 1000 may receive target water usage from the server 3000 and, based on the estimated water usage exceeding the target water usage, output a notification indicating that the estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of determining the amount of water filled in a washing machine based on a water level frequency, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the washing machine 1000 may calculate, based on a water level frequency of the water level sensor 1710, the amount of water filled in the tub 11.

Referring to Table 1 410 of FIG. 4, water level frequency data corresponding to a volume of water supplied into the tub 11 may be experimentally obtained for each model of the washing machine 1000. For example, when the amount of water filled in the tub 11 is 10 L, a water level frequency of the water level sensor 1710 may be 24621 hertz (Hz).

Furthermore, referring to a relationship graph 420 of FIG. 4 illustrating a relationship between a water level frequency and supplied water quantity (amount of water), relationship information indicating a relationship between a water level frequency and a volume of supplied water may be obtained from the water level frequency data corresponding to the volume of supplied water in Table 1 410.

For example, as illustrated in the relationship graph 420 of FIG. 4, relationship information indicating that the volume (y) of supplied water may be expressed as A*water level frequency (x)+B may be obtained.

In this case, A and B are constant values and may be experimentally determined according to a platform or model of the washing machine 1000. For example, A may be −0.021 and B may be 524.9.

Furthermore, the obtained relationship information may be stored in the washing machine 1000.

Accordingly, the washing machine 1000 may calculate a volume of water filled in the tub 11 based on a water level frequency and the relationship information.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method, performed by a washing machine, of determining the amount of water used in a cycle, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In operation S510, as a cycle starts, the washing machine 1000 may introduce water into the washing machine 1000.

After a wash course is set to a default standard wash course or is set by a user, the washing machine 1000 may perform at least one cycle according to the wash course based on receiving a user input for pressing a start button.

When a washing cycle or rinse cycle starts, the washing machine 1000 may open a water supply valve to perform main filling for filling the washing machine 1000 with water up to a target water level. The main filling may refer to initially supplying water into the tub 11 after starting washing, or supplying water into the tub 11 immediately after spinning. The washing machine 1000 may supply water up to the target water level during the main filling.

Before initially supplying water to the washing machine 1000 after the wash course starts, the washing machine 1000 may drive a pulsator to detect a weight of laundry, and determine a target water level based on the detected weight of the laundry.

The washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for setting the target water level. In this case as well, before initially supplying water to the washing machine 1000 after the wash course starts, the washing machine 1000 may drive the pulsator to detect the weight of the laundry.

When a user input for setting a target water level is received, the washing machine 1000 may not drive the pulsator to detect the weight of laundry, but determine a prestored weight corresponding to the set target water level as the amount of laundry.

In operation S520, in response to determining that a water level has reached a target water level, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of main fill water, based on detected water level frequency and amount of laundry.

The washing machine 1000 may determine that the water level in the washing machine 1000 has reached the target water level based on a water level frequency of a water level sensor reaching a water level frequency for the target water level. Based on determining that the water level in the washing machine 1000 has reached the target water level, the washing machine 1000 may close the water supply valve to stop supplying water.

Furthermore, the washing machine 1000 may determine a volume of laundry based on the weight of the laundry. For example, the washing machine 1000 may convert a volume occupied by a kilogram of laundry into 1 L.

Based on determining that the water level in the washing machine 1000 has reached the target water level, the washing machine 1000 may determine a result of subtracting the determined amount of laundry from the amount of water corresponding to a water level frequency (A*water level frequency+B) to be the amount of main fill water for an ongoing cycle, as shown in Equation 1 below.

$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Amount}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{main}\mathrm{fill}\mathrm{water}=A*\mathrm{water}\mathrm{level}\mathrm{frequency}+B-\mathrm{amount}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{laundry}& \mathrm{Equation}1\end{array}$

For example, when A is −0.021, B is 524.9, the water level frequency is 22845 Hz, and the load of laundry is 5 kg, the washing machine 1000 may calculate the amount of water corresponding to the water level frequency as 45 L and calculate the volume of laundry as 5 L, thereby determining the amount of main fill water as 40 L.

The washing machine 1000 may accurately calculate the amount of water filled in the tub by considering the amount of laundry as well as the amount of water corresponding to the water level frequency.

In addition, the washing machine 1000 may detect the amount of laundry even when the target water level is set by the user and determine the amount of main fill water by considering the detected amount of laundry, thereby accurately calculating accurately calculate the amount of water filled in the tub. For example, when the weight of laundry is 1 kg, a target water level selected by the user is 10, and prestored 10 L corresponding to the target water level of 10 is determined as the amount of water used for washing, a difference between the amount of main fill water calculated by using Equation 1 above and the actual amount of main fill water may be large. When detecting the actual amount of laundry even in a case where the target water level is set by the user, the washing machine 1000 may calculate a more accurate amount of main fill water by excluding only 1 L that is the amount of laundry.

When an ongoing cycle is a washing cycle, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of water calculated by using Equation 1 as the amount of main fill water for the washing cycle.

When the ongoing cycle is a rinse cycle, the washing machine 1000 may determine a result of subtracting the detected amount of laundry and the amount of remaining moisture in the laundry from the amount of water corresponding to the water level frequency (A*water level frequency+B) to be the amount of main fill water for the rinse cycle.

$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Amount}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{main}\mathrm{fill}\mathrm{water}=A*\mathrm{water}\mathrm{level}\mathrm{frequency}+B-\left(\mathrm{amount}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{laundry}+\mathrm{amount}\mathrm{remaining}\mathrm{moisture}\mathrm{in}\mathrm{laundry}\right)& \mathrm{Equation}2\end{array}$

The washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of remaining moisture in the laundry based on the amount of laundry.

The washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of remaining moisture in the laundry as equal to the amount of laundry. For example, when the weight of the laundry is 5 kg, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of moisture remaining in the laundry after spinning as 5 kg or 5 L.

Accordingly, when the water level frequency is 21739 Hz, and the amount of laundry is 7 kg in the rinse cycle, the washing machine 1000 may calculate the amount of water corresponding to the water level frequency as 70 L, calculate a volume of laundry as 7 L, and calculate the remaining moisture as 7 L, thereby determining the amount of main fill water during the rinse cycle as 56 L.

The washing machine 1000 may store information about a relationship between the amount of remaining moisture and the amount of laundry and rotation speed and rotation time during a spin. Accordingly, the washing machine 1000 may calculate the amount of remaining moisture, based on the amount of laundry and rotation speed and rotation time during a spin according to the relationship information.

In operation S530, the washing machine 1000 may drive the pulsator of a washing module.

In response to determining that the washing machine 1000 is filled with water to the target water level during the washing cycle or rinse cycle, the washing machine 1000 may rotate the pulsator and the drum a preset number of times to completely absorb the water into the laundry.

In operation S540, the washing machine 1000 may determine the amount of refill water replenished into the washing machine 1000 based on a variation in water level frequency caused by the driving of the pulsator.

In addition to the main filling process for filling the washing machine 1000 with water up to the target water level during the washing cycle or rinse cycle, the washing machine 1000 may perform a refilling process for replenishing the amount of water absorbed by the laundry after the main filling process.

The washing machine 1000 may drive a pulsator to completely absorb water into the laundry, and as the water is absorbed into the laundry, the water level may decrease.

The washing machine 1000 may determine a result of subtracting the amount of water corresponding to a start water level frequency for refilling from the amount of water corresponding to an end water level frequency for main filling to be the amount of refill water, as shown in Equation 3 below.

$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Amount}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{refill}\mathrm{water}=\left(A*\mathrm{end}\mathrm{water}\mathrm{level}\mathrm{frequency}\mathrm{for}\mathrm{main}\mathrm{filling}+B\right)-\left(A*\mathrm{start}\mathrm{water}\mathrm{level}\mathrm{frequency}\mathrm{for}\mathrm{refilling}+B\right)& \mathrm{Equation}3\end{array}$

The end water level frequency for the main filling may be a water level frequency of the water level sensor after the water level of the washing machine 1000 reaches the target water level and the water supply valve is closed. Additionally, the start water level frequency for the refilling may be a water level frequency of the water level sensor after the pulsator is driven a preset number of times.

In operation S550, the washing machine 1000 may determine water usage during the cycle by accumulating the determined amount of refill water onto the determined amount of main fill water.

For example, as the washing cycle progresses, the washing machine 1000 may determine water usage during the washing cycle by accumulating the determined amount of refill water for the washing cycle onto the determined amount of main fill water for the washing cycle. Additionally, for example, as the rinse cycle progresses, the washing machine 1000 may determine water usage during the rinse cycle by accumulating the determined amount of refill water for the rinse cycle onto the determined amount of main fill water for the rinse cycle.

The washing machine 1000 may calculate water usage during the washing by accumulating the water usage during the washing cycle and the water usage during the rinse cycle, as shown in Equation 4 below.

$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Water}\mathrm{usage}\left(L\right)=\mathrm{amount}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{main}\mathrm{fill}\mathrm{water}\mathrm{for}\mathrm{washing}\mathrm{cycle}+\mathrm{amount}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{refill}\mathrm{water}\mathrm{for}\mathrm{washing}\mathrm{cycle}+\left(\mathrm{amount}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{main}\mathrm{fill}\mathrm{water}\mathrm{for}\mathrm{rinse}\mathrm{cycle}+\mathrm{amount}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{main}\mathrm{fill}\mathrm{water}\mathrm{for}\mathrm{rinse}\mathrm{cycle}\right)*\mathrm{number}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{rinses}& \mathrm{Equation}4\end{array}$

When there are two or more rinse cycles, the washing machine 1000 may determine water usage for the entire rinse cycle by adding up amounts of water usage during the two or more rinse cycles.

The washing machine 1000 may output the water usage during washing.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of outputting water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the washing machine 1000 may display, on the display 1610, information 610 about water usage during washing.

The washing machine 1000 may display the information 610 about water usage when a wash course is completed. For example, the washing machine 1000 may display the information 610 about water usage during washing based on completion of a final spin cycle.

The washing machine 1000 may display the information 610 about water usage during the washing for a preset time even after the wash course is completed.

Furthermore, the washing machine 1000 may display the information 610 about water usage during the washing when a last rinse cycle ends.

In addition, the washing machine 1000 may display the information 610 about water usage during the washing when a user input for opening a door of the washing machine 1000 is received after the wash course is completed.

The washing machine 1000 may display the information 610 about water usage on the display 1610 that displays reservation time or time remaining until the end of the washing. In this case, the washing machine 1000 may display the remaining time on the display 1610 while the washing is in progress, and after the washing is completed, display the information 610 about water usage during the washing on the display 1610. The washing machine 1000 may turn on a notification light source 620 indicating that a number shown on the display 1610 is water usage.

Additionally, the washing machine 1000 may display the reservation time or time remaining until the end of washing on the display 1610, and display the information 610 about water usage during the washing via a separate display (not shown).

FIG. 7 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of outputting average water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the washing machine 1000 may display an average daily water usage on the display 1610 based on water usage data for a week or a month.

The washing machine 1000 may include an input interface for displaying water usage. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the washing machine 1000 may include a button 720 for displaying water usage.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting the button 720 for displaying water usage, the washing machine 1000 may display information 710 about water usage during a last wash.

Furthermore, based on receiving a user input for reselecting the button 720 for displaying water usage, the washing machine 1000 may calculate an average daily water usage over a week and display information about the calculated average daily water usage.

In addition, based on receiving a user input for reselecting the button 720 for displaying water usage, the washing machine 1000 may calculate an average daily water usage over a month and display information about the calculated average daily water usage.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may display total water usage of the washing machine 1000 for a week or total water usage of the washing machine 1000 for a month, rather than an average water usage.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of providing estimated water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In operation S810, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for starting washing.

When receiving a user input for turning on the power of the washing machine 1000, the washing machine 1000 may set a normal wash course, which is a default wash course, as a wash course. After receiving the user input for turning on the power of the washing machine 1000, the washing machine 1000 may receive the user input for start washing.

After receiving the user input for turning on the power of the washing machine 1000, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for selecting a washing method. The washing method may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a wash course, a wash option, a water level, or the number of rinse cycles.

Wash courses include, but are not limited to, Normal wash, Power wash, Super Clean wash, Small Load/Quick wash, Wool/Lingerie wash, Baby Wear wash, Bedding wash, Rinse+Spin wash, and Aqua Preserve wash. It is also possible that similar wash courses may employ different names.

The number of washing cycles and the number of rinse cycles may be stored in correspondence to each wash course. For example, one washing cycle and two rinse cycles may be stored in correspondence to the Normal wash. Additionally, for some wash courses, a target water level corresponding to each of the wash courses may be stored. Furthermore, the Aqua Preserve wash course may be a wash course that ends in a state that water is filled without draining and spinning.

Wash options may include, but are not limited to, Eco Bubble and Super Speed.

The Eco Bubble wash option is a wash option that uses bubbles to wash laundry, and may achieve savings in power consumption, water usage, and time by using water at a level lower than a water level corresponding to the weight of the laundry.

The Super Speed wash option is a wash option that shortens washing time and may achieve savings in power consumption, water usage, and time.

After receiving the user input for selecting the washing method, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for starting washing.

The user input for starting washing may include, but is not limited to, a user input for pressing a ‘start’ button.

In operation S820, the washing machine 1000 may detect the weight of laundry by driving a pulsator.

The washing machine 1000 may determine the weight of laundry by rotating the pulsator and a drum together, based on receiving the user input for starting washing. As the weight of laundry increases, friction between the pulsator and drum and the laundry increases when the pulsator and drum rotate, and thus, a current consumption value of a rotation motor that rotates the pulsator and drum may increase. Accordingly, the washing machine 1000 may determine the weight of laundry based on the current consumption value of the rotation motor.

When a user input for selecting a water level is received before the user input for starting washing is received, the washing machine 1000 may skip operation S820 of determining the weight of the laundry by driving the pulsator.

Even when the user input for selecting a water level is received before the user input for starting washing is received, the washing machine 1000 may detect the weight of laundry by driving the pulsator.

When a wash course that does not require an operation of calculating the weight of laundry by using a fixed water level is selected among a plurality of wash courses, the washing machine 1000 may omit operation S820 of determining the weight of the laundry by driving the pulsator.

Even when a wash course that does not require the operation of calculating the weight of laundry by using a fixed water level is selected among the plurality of wash courses, the washing machine 1000 may detect the weight of the laundry by driving the pulsator.

In operation S830, the washing machine 1000 may calculate estimated water usage, based on the detected weight of the laundry and the set washing method.

The washing machine 1000 may store a target water level corresponding to the weight of laundry. For example, a target water level of 5 may be stored in correspondence to a weight of 5 kg of laundry. Accordingly, the washing machine 1000 may obtain a target water level corresponding to the determined weight of laundry. For example, when the weight of laundry is 5 kg, the washing machine 1000 may determine a target water level as 5.

When a user input for selecting a water level is received before the user input for starting washing is received, the washing machine 1000 may determine the selected water level as a target water level. For example, based on receiving a user input for selecting 4 among water levels 1 to 5, the washing machine 1000 may determine the target water level as 4.

Additionally, the washing machine 1000 may store estimated water usage for a washing cycle and estimated water usage for a rinse cycle, each corresponding to the target water level. For example, in correspondence to a target water level of 5, 65 L may be stored as estimated water usage for a washing cycle, and 63 L may be stored as estimated water usage for a rinse cycle. The estimated water usage for the washing cycle and the estimated water usage for the rinse cycle, each corresponding to the target water level, may be experimentally determined.

The washing machine 1000 may calculate the estimated water usage, based on the set washing method and the target water level.

For example, when a set wash course is a Normal wash course, the Normal wash course includes one washing cycle and two rinse cycles, and the target water level corresponding to the detected weight of the laundry is 5, the washing machine 1000 may calculate 191 L as estimated water usage by cumulatively adding 65 L, which is the estimated water usage for the washing cycle corresponding to the target water level of 5, and 126 L, which is twice the estimated water usage of 63 L for the rinse cycle corresponding to the target water level of 5.

In another example, when the set wash course is a normal wash course and a water level set by the user is 6, the washing machine 1000 may calculate 208 L as estimated water usage by cumulatively adding 72 L, which is estimated water usage for the washing cycle corresponding to the target water level of 6, and 136 L, which is twice estimated water usage of 68 L for the rinse cycle corresponding to the target water level of 6.

In another example, when the set wash course is a normal wash course, the target water level corresponding to the detected weight of the laundry is 4, and a rinse cycle is added by the user, the washing machine 1000 may calculate 214 L as estimated water usage by cumulatively adding 58 L, which is estimated water usage for the washing cycle corresponding to the target water level of 4, and 156 L, which is three times estimated water usage of 52 L for the rinse cycle corresponding to the target water level of 4.

In another example, when the set wash course is a Super Clean wash course, the Super Clean wash course includes one washing cycle and three rinse cycles, and the target water level is 8, the washing machine 1000 may calculate 332 L as estimated water usage by cumulatively adding 86 L, which is estimated water usage for the washing cycle corresponding to the target water level of 8, and 246 L, which is three times estimated water usage of 82 L for the rinse cycle corresponding to the target water level of 8.

In another example, when the set wash option is Eco Bubble, the target water level in Eco Bubble is fixed at 3, and the Eco Bubble wash course includes one washing cycle and two rinse cycles, the washing machine 1000 may calculate 148 L as estimated water usage by cumulatively adding 52 L, which is estimated water usage for the washing cycle corresponding to the target water level of 3, and 96 L, which is twice estimated water usage of 48 L for the rinse cycle corresponding to the target water level of 3.

In operation S840, the washing machine 1000 may display the calculated estimated water usage.

In response to detecting the weight of the laundry by driving the pulsator, the washing machine 1000 may display the estimated water usage after a pause before starting water supply.

In response to detecting the weight of the laundry by driving the pulsator, the washing machine 1000 may display the estimated water usage while starting water supply.

When the Normal wash course that is a default wash course is set, before receiving the user input for starting washing, in response to receiving a user input for setting a water level, the washing machine 1000 may calculate estimated water usage and display the calculated estimated water usage even though the user input for starting washing is not received.

Before receiving the user input for starting washing, in response to receiving a user input for selecting a wash course that does not require an operation of calculating the weight of laundry, the washing machine 1000 may calculate estimated water usage and display the calculated estimated water usage even though the user input for starting washing is not received.

Based on receiving a user input for changing the washing method after calculating the weight of the laundry, the washing machine 1000 may recalculate estimated water usage based on the changed washing method and display the recalculated estimated water usage. For example, after receiving the user input for starting washing and then calculating the weight of the laundry, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for temporarily pausing the washing. After temporarily stopping the washing, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for changing a wash course. The washing machine 1000 may recalculate estimated water usage, based on the changed wash course and the previously calculated weight of the laundry. The washing machine 1000 may display the recalculated estimated water usage.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of displaying estimated water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the washing machine 1000 may calculate estimated water usage, based on a washing method and a target water level, and display information 955 indicating the calculated estimated water usage.

For example, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for pressing a power button 910. Based on receiving the user input for pressing the power button 910 of the washing machine 1000, the washing machine 1000 may turn on a notification light source 920 to indicate that the Normal wash course, which is the default wash course among the plurality of wash courses, has been set. Based on receiving a user input for pressing a start button 930 for starting washing, the washing machine 1000 may detect the weight of laundry by driving a rotation motor (not shown) and obtain a target water level corresponding to the detected weight of the laundry. The washing machine 1000 may determine the estimated water usage as 278 L, based on the obtained target water level and the Normal wash course, and display the information 955 indicating the determined estimated water usage.

The washing machine 1000 may display the information 955 indicating the estimated water usage via a second display 1610b that is separate from a first display 1610a that displays the time remaining until the end of the washing or reservation time.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the washing machine 1000 includes only the first display 1610a, the washing machine 1000 may display, on the first display 1610a, the time remaining until the end of the washing or reservation time, or the information 955 indicating the estimated water usage. In this case, the washing machine 1000 may turn on the notification light source 960 to indicate that a number shown on the first display 1610a is the estimated water usage. In addition, the washing machine 1000 may display the information 955 indicating the estimated water usage via the first display 1610a only for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) and then display the time remaining until the end of the washing on the first display 1610a.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of displaying estimated water usage based on a washing method selected by a user, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, in response to receiving a user input for changing a washing method, the washing machine 1000 may calculate estimated water usage based on the changed washing method and display information about the calculated estimated water usage.

After receiving a user input for pressing the power button 910 of the washing machine 1000, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for selecting a Super Clean wash 927 by using a button 925 for changing a wash course. Furthermore, based on receiving a user input for pressing the start button 930 for starting washing, the washing machine 1000 may detect the weight of laundry by driving a rotation motor (not shown) and obtain a target water level corresponding to the detected weight of the laundry. The washing machine 1000 may determine estimated water usage as 332 L, based on the obtained target water level and the Super Clean wash course, and display information 955 about the determined estimated water usage on the display 1610.

In addition, after receiving a user input for pressing the power button 910 of the washing machine 1000, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for selecting a target water level as 5 by using a button 970 for selecting a water level. In response to receiving the user input for selecting the target water level, the washing machine 1000 may not drive the rotation motor but calculate estimated water usage, based on the Normal wash course that is the default wash course and the selected target water level of 5. In addition, in response to receiving the user input for selecting the target water level, the washing machine 1000 may display the calculated estimated water usage.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method, performed by a washing machine, of recommending a washing method for controlling water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In operation S1110, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage.

The washing machine 1000 may include a washing method recommendation button for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage. The washing machine 1000 may receive, via the washing method recommendation button, a user input for selecting a washing method recommendation for reducing water usage or a washing method recommendation for increasing water usage.

Before receiving a user input for starting washing, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage.

After detecting the weight of laundry, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage.

After displaying estimated water usage, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage.

In operation S1120, the washing machine 1000 may recommend at least one of a wash course or a wash option based on receiving the user input for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting a washing method recommendation for reducing water usage, the washing machine 1000 may display Aqua Preserve as a recommended wash course.

Based on receiving the user input for selecting a washing method recommendation related to reducing water usage, the washing machine 1000 may display an Eco Bubble or Super Speed wash option as a recommended wash option.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting a washing method recommendation related to increasing water usage, the washing machine 1000 may display Super Clean as a recommended wash course.

After receiving the user input for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage, in response to receiving a user input for starting washing, the washing machine 1000 may detect the weight of laundry and determine a recommended wash course or a recommended wash option based on the detected weight of the laundry.

In response to determining the recommended wash course or recommended wash option, the washing machine 1000 may start the washing according to the determined recommended wash course or recommended wash option.

In response to determining the recommended wash course or recommended wash option, the washing machine 1000 may pause the washing and display the determined recommended wash course or recommended wash option. Thereafter, in response to receiving a user input for resuming the washing, the washing machine 1000 may start the washing according to the determined recommended wash course or recommended wash option.

In response to determining the recommended wash course or recommended wash option, the washing machine 1000 may calculate estimated water usage based on the recommended wash course or the recommended wash option, and display the calculated estimated water usage.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of recommending a washing method for water usage control, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12, the washing machine 1000 may recommend a wash course or wash option based on a user input for selecting a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage.

The washing machine 1000 may include a washing method recommendation button 980 for receiving recommendations of washing methods for controlling water usage. The washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for selecting, via the washing method recommendation button 980, a washing method recommendation option 983 for reducing water usage or a washing method recommendation option 985 for increasing water usage.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting the washing method recommendation option 983 for reducing water usage, the washing machine 1000 may recommend a prestored wash course or wash option corresponding to water usage reduction.

Based on the user input for selecting the washing method recommendation option 983 for reducing water usage, the washing machine 1000 may recommend Aqua Preserve as a washing method for reducing water usage by selecting the Aqua Preserve as a wash course and turning on a light source 991 indicating that the Aqua Preserve is selected.

Based on the user input for selecting the washing method recommendation option 983 for reducing water usage, the washing machine 1000 may recommend Eco Bubble or Super Speed as a washing method for reducing water usage by selecting the Eco Bubble or Super Speed as a wash option and turning on a light source 995 indicating that the Eco Bubble is selected or a light source 997 indicating that the Super Speed is selected.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting the washing method recommendation option 985 for increasing water usage, the washing machine 1000 may recommend a prestored wash course corresponding to an increase in water usage.

For example, based on the user input for selecting the washing method recommendation option 985 for increasing water usage, the washing machine 1000 may recommend a Super Clean wash as a washing method for increasing water usage by selecting the Super Clean wash as a wash course and turning on a light source 993 indicating that the Super Clean wash is selected.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting the washing method recommendation button 980 for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage, the washing machine 1000 may recommend a wash course and a wash option together.

For example, based on a user input for selecting the washing method recommendation option 983 for reducing water usage, the washing machine 1000 may select Aqua Preserve as a wash course and Eco Bubble as a wash option.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting the washing method recommendation button 980 for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage, the washing machine 1000 may recommend at least one of a wash course or a wash option based on the weight of laundry. To this end, the washing machine 1000 may store at least one of a wash course or a wash option corresponding to the weight of the laundry.

For example, based on a user input for selecting the washing method recommendation option 983 for reducing water usage, the washing machine 1000 may select Small Load/Quick Wash when the weight of the laundry is less than or equal to a threshold weight (e.g., 3 kg), and select Aqua Preserve when the weight of the laundry exceeds the threshold weight.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, even when the user input for selecting the washing method recommendation button 980 for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage is not received but target water usage is set in the washing machine 1000, the washing machine 1000 may recommend at least one of a wash course or a wash option based on the target water usage.

The washing machine 1000 may receive a user input for entering target water usage. Additionally, the washing machine 1000 may receive target water usage from the server 3000.

When estimated water usage calculated according to a set wash course or wash option exceeds target water usage, the washing machine 1000 may recommend a wash course or wash option for which estimated water usage does not exceed the target water usage.

The washing machine 1000 may select a wash course or wash option based on receiving a user input for selecting the washing method recommendation option 983 for reducing water usage, and start washing according to the selected wash course or wash option even without receiving a separate user input.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting the washing method recommendation option 983 for reducing water usage, the washing machine may pause the washing, select a wash course or wash option, display the selected wash course or wash option, and when a user input for starting the washing is received again, start the washing according to the selected wash course or wash option.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of providing a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage along with estimated water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13, the washing machine 1000 may provide a washing method for controlling water usage and estimated water usage calculated based on the washing method.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting the washing method recommendation button 980 for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage, the washing machine 1000 may select at least one of a wash course or a wash option. Additionally, the washing machine 1000 may calculate estimated water usage according to the selected wash course or wash option and display the calculated estimated water usage.

For example, the washing machine 1000 may calculate estimated water usage as 180 L based on a target water level of 4 and a Normal wash course, which is a set wash course, and display information about the calculated estimated water usage. Thereafter, based on receiving a user input for selecting the washing method recommendation button 980, the washing machine 1000 may pause washing, select Eco Bubble, and turn on the light source 995 indicating that the Eco Bubble is selected. Furthermore, the washing machine 1000 may change the target water level to 3 in response to selecting the Eco Bubble, and calculate estimated water usage as 160 L based on the target water level of 3 and the Normal wash course. In addition, the washing machine 1000 may display information 955 about the changed estimated water usage on the display 1610. Based on receiving a user input for selecting a start button, the washing machine 1000 may perform washing according to the Eco Bubble and the Normal wash course.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of providing estimated water usage by using a mobile device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 14, the washing machine 1000 may transmit information 1417 about estimated water usage to a mobile device 2000 via a server 3000. Furthermore, the mobile device 2000 may display the information 1417 about the estimated water usage of the washing machine 1000, which is received from the server 3000.

The washing machine 1000 may transmit information about the washing machine 1000 or information about laundry to the server 3000 based on a user account. The information about the washing machine 1000 may include information about the progress of washing. In response to receiving the information from the washing machine 1000, the server 3000 may transmit the information received from the washing machine 1000 to the mobile device 2000 corresponding to the user account. The mobile device 2000 may display the information received from the server 3000.

The mobile device 2000 may transmit control information about the washing machine 1000 to the server 3000 based on the user account. The control information about the washing machine 1000 may include, but is not limited to, a wash course or a wash option selected by the user, the number of cycles, a selected water level, a pause command, a start command, and a laundry weight detection command. In response to receiving the control information from the mobile device 2000, the server 3000 may transmit the control information received from the mobile device 2000 to the washing machine 1000 corresponding to the user account. The washing machine 1000 may operate the washing machine 1000 itself based on the control information received from the server 3000.

The mobile device 2000 may display a user interface 1410 for setting a washing method.

The user interface 1410 for setting a washing method may include information 1411 about a set washing method, a user interface 1413 for selecting a wash course, a user interface 1414 for selecting a wash option, and a user interface 1415 for adding a cycle/changing a water level.

In addition, the user interface 1410 for setting a washing method may include a user interface 1412 for detecting the weight of laundry.

The mobile device 2000 may display the information 1411 about a washing method set on the washing machine 1000. For example, the mobile device 2000 may display a set wash course, a wash option, a laundry weight, a wash water level, the number of cycles, estimated water usage, and estimated water usage charge.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting a wash start button 1416, the mobile device 2000 may transmit, via the server 3000, to the washing machine 1000, the information 1411 about the washing method set via the mobile device 2000 and a wash start command. Based on receiving, from the server 3000, the information about the washing method set via the mobile device 2000 and the start washing command, the washing machine 1000 may drive a rotation motor to detect the weight of the laundry. Furthermore, the server 3000 may calculate estimated water usage, based on the weight of the laundry and the set washing method, and transmit information 1417 about the calculated estimated water usage to the mobile device 2000 via the server 3000. The mobile device 2000 may display the information 1417 about the estimated water usage, which is received from the server 3000.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting the user interface 1412 for detecting the weight of laundry, the mobile device 2000 may transmit a laundry weight detection command to the washing machine 1000 via the server 3000. The washing machine 1000 may drive a rotation motor to detect the weight of the laundry, based on the laundry weight detection command received from the server 3000, and transmit information about the detected weight of the laundry to the mobile device 2000 via the server 3000. The mobile device 2000 may display the information about the weight of the laundry, which is received from the server 3000.

The mobile device 2000 may calculate estimated water usage based on the information about the weight of the laundry, which is received from the server 3000, and display the calculated estimated water usage. In addition, based on a user input for changing a wash course, a wash option, the number of cycles, or a water level, the mobile device 2000 may recalculate estimated water usage based on the changed wash course, wash option, number of cycles, or water level, and display the information 1417 about the calculated estimated water usage.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method, performed by a mobile device, of recommending a washing method for controlling water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 15, a mobile device 2000 may display user interfaces 1421 and 1423 for receiving recommendations of washing methods for controlling water usage.

The user interfaces 1421 and 1423 for receiving recommendations of washing methods for controlling water usage may respectively include an interface 1421 including a washing method recommendation option for reducing water usage and an interface 1423 including a washing method recommendation option for increasing water usage.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting the user interface 1421 including the washing method recommendation option for reducing water usage, the mobile device 2000 may recommend a prestored wash course or wash option corresponding to the water usage reduction.

For example, based on receiving a user input for selecting the washing method recommendation option for reducing water usage, the mobile device 2000 may recommend Aqua Preserve and Small Load Quick wash by displaying the Aqua Preserve and Small Load Quick wash to be distinguished from other wash courses. Furthermore, the mobile device 2000 may receive a user input for selecting the Aqua Preserve between the Aqua Preserve and the Small Load Quick wash.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting the user interface 1423 including the washing method recommendation option for increasing water usage, the mobile device 2000 may recommend a prestored wash course or wash option corresponding to an increase in water usage.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, based on receiving a user input for selecting the user interface 1421 or 1423 for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage, the mobile device 2000 may recommend at least one of a wash course or a wash option based on the weight of laundry. To this end, the mobile device 2000 may store at least one of a wash course or a wash option corresponding to the weight of the laundry.

Based on receiving a user input via an interface element 1425 for selecting the user interface 1421 or 1423 for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage, the mobile device 2000 may request a wash course or wash option for controlling water usage from the server 3000 and recommend the wash course or wash option received from the server 3000.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting a wash start button 1416, the mobile device 2000 may transmit a selected wash course or wash option and a wash start command to the washing machine 1000 via the server 3000.

The mobile device 2000 may display estimated water usage calculated according to the selected wash course or wash option.

FIG. 16 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of displaying water usage during washing via a mobile device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16, based on the washing having been completed, a washing machine 1000 may transmit, to a server 3000, information indicating that the washing is completed and water usage during the washing.

Based on receiving a user input for selecting a menu that outputs the progress of the washing, a mobile device 2000 may display information indicating that the washing is completed, a wash course used during the washing, the weight of laundry, a wash water level, water usage 1431 during the washing, and a charge for water usage during the washing.

Furthermore, the mobile device 2000 may provide an average water usage of the washing machine 1000. The server 3000 may calculate an average water usage by accumulating amounts of water usage received from the washing machine 1000. For example, the server 3000 may calculate an average daily water usage for a week, an average daily water usage for a month, or an average daily water usage for a year.

As shown in FIG. 16, based on receiving a user input for selecting a button 1433 for displaying an average daily water usage for a week, the mobile device 2000 may request the server 3000 for information about the average daily water usage for a week. In response to receiving the information about the average daily water usage for the week from the server 3000, the mobile device 2000 may display, based on the received information, an average daily water usage 1437 for the week along with a graph representing water usage 1435 over the week.

Furthermore, the mobile device 2000 may display an average daily water usage for a month or an average daily water usage for a year.

In addition, the mobile device 2000 may display a total water usage over a week, a month, or a year.

FIG. 17 illustrates a method, performed by a washing machine, of outputting a notification depending on whether estimated water usage exceeds target water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 17, the washing machine 1000 may receive target water usage set by the user from the mobile device 2000 via the server 3000. Additionally, based on estimated water usage exceeding the target water usage, the washing machine 1000 may output a notification indicating that the estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage.

The mobile device 2000 may provide a user interface 1451 for setting target water usage per wash. Based on receiving a user input for setting target water usage via the user interface 1451 for setting target water usage, the mobile device 2000 may transmit target water usage per wash to the washing machine 1000 via the server 3000.

The user interface 1451 for setting target water usage may include a user interface 1453 for selecting whether to pause washing when the estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage. The mobile device 2000 may transmit to the washing machine, via the server 3000, information about whether to pause washing when the estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage.

he server 3000 may receive, from a separate water management server (not shown), information about the amount of water available to the user. Furthermore, the server 3000 may determine the amount of available water received from the water management server (not shown) as target water usage.

Based on receiving the target water usage from the server 3000, the washing machine 1000 may store the received target water usage. Furthermore, in response to calculating estimated water usage, the washing machine 1000 may determine whether the calculated estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage. Based on the calculated estimated water usage exceeding the target water usage, the washing machine 1000 may output a notification indicating that the calculated estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage.

For example, the washing machine 1000 may output a voice or notification sound indicating that the calculated estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage. In addition, when a command to pause washing is received from the server 3000 when the estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage, the washing machine 1000 may pause the washing and output a voice or notification sound indicating that the calculated estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage.

Countries with water scarcities may have a limited amount of water supplied per day. By setting target water usage, the user may manage water usage so that water usage during washing does not exceed the target water usage.

FIG. 18 illustrates a method, performed by a mobile device, of providing estimated water usage charge, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 18, the mobile device 2000 may provide estimated water usage charge corresponding to estimated water usage. Additionally, the mobile device 2000 may provide estimated water usage charge corresponding to water usage during washing.

The server 3000 may request information about a user's water charge from a water charge server 4000 based on water account information of the user. To this end, the mobile device 2000 may provide a user interface for storing water account information of the user on the server 3000.

Based on receiving a user input for entering water account information of the user, the mobile device 2000 may transmit, to the server 3000, the entered water account information of the user via the user interface for storing water account information of the user on the server 3000. The server 3000 may store the received water account information of the user in correspondence to a user account.

Based on receiving a user input for entering user identification information stored in the water charge server 4000, the mobile device 2000 may transmit the entered user identification information to the server 3000. The server 3000 may request water account information of the user from the water charge server 4000 based on the user identification information, and store the water account information of the user, which is received from the water charge server 4000, in correspondence to the user account.

Based on the water account information received from the server 3000, the water charge server 4000 may transmit to the server 3000 information about a water charge corresponding to the water account information. The information about the water charge may include, but is not limited to, information about water usage, information about a water charge to be paid, and information about a water charge per unit usage.

The mobile device 2000 may calculate estimated water usage charge corresponding to estimated water usage, based on the estimated water usage and information about a water charge per unit usage.

Furthermore, the mobile device 2000 may calculate estimated water usage charge corresponding to water usage during washing, based on the water usage during washing and information about a water charge per unit usage.

The mobile device 2000 may display estimated water usage charge 1461 corresponding to water usage during washing.

Additionally, the mobile device 2000 may display information 1463 about a water charge to be paid.

FIG. 19A is a table showing comparison between actual water usage and calculated water usage based on a type of a material of laundry, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 19B is a graph illustrating actual water usage and calculated water usage, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 19A, table 1900 shows actual water usage and water usage 1936 calculated by the washing machine 1000 when washing towels made of a material with a high water absorption rate and synthetic fabrics made of a material with a low water absorption rate, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The washing machine 1000 may supply water up to a water level 1930 corresponding to a weight 1931 of towels, and detect a main filling end water level frequency 1932 for a washing cycle, a refilling start water level frequency 1933 for the washing cycle, and a main filling end water level frequency 1934 for a rinse cycle.

The washing machine 1000 may calculate an amount 1941 of main fill water for the washing cycle, based on the weight 1931 of the towels and the main filling end water level frequency 1932 for the washing cycle. The washing machine 1000 may calculate an amount 1942 of refill water for the washing cycle, based on the main filling end water level frequency 1932 for the washing cycle and the refilling start water level frequency 1933 for the washing cycle. The washing machine 1000 may calculate the amount 1941 of main fill water for the rinse cycle, based on the weight 1931 of the towels and the main filling end water level frequency 1934 for the rinse cycle.

The washing machine 1000 may determine a sum of the amount 1941 of main fill water for the washing cycle and the amount 1942 of refill water for the washing cycle as water usage 1943 during the washing cycle. In addition, the washing machine 1000 may determine an amount 1951 of main fill water for the rinse cycle as water usage 1952 during the rinse cycle. In the embodiment of the disclosure illustrated in Table 1, refill water for the rinse cycle is not supplied, but when refill water for the rinse cycle is supplied, water usage during the rinse cycle may be calculated by considering the refill water for the rinse cycle.

Additionally, the washing machine 1000 may calculate water usage 1961 during washing by adding the water usage 1943 during the washing cycle to the water usage 1952 during the rinse cycle.

To detect actual water usage 1935, when the washing machine 1000 washes the towels, the amount of water supplied to the washing machine 1000 may be detected. For example, the amount of water supplied to the washing machine 1000 may be measured via a flow meter provided in a supply valve of the washing machine 1000. For example, an actual amount 1921 of main fill water supplied in the washing cycle, an actual amount 1922 of refill water supplied in the washing cycle, and an actual amount 1924 of main fill water supplied in the rinse cycle may be measured. Accordingly, an actual amount 1923 of main fill water supplied in the washing cycle may be calculated by adding the actual amount 1921 of main fill water supplied in the washing cycle and the actual amount 1922 of refill water supplied in the washing cycle. Additionally, when refill water is not supplied in the rinse cycle, the actual amount 1924 of main fill water supplied in the rinse cycle may be the actual amount of water supplied in the rinse cycle.

By comparing the water usage 1961 calculated by the washing machine 1000 with an actual amount 1925 of water supplied to the washing machine 1000, it can be seen from Table 1 that the water usage 1961 calculated by the washing machine 1000 is about 1.03 times the actual amount 1925 of water supplied even when washing towels with a high water absorption rate.

It can be also seen from Table 1 that in the case of synthetic fabrics with a low water absorption rate, the water usage 1961 calculated by the washing machine 1000 is about 1.005 times the actual amount 1925 of water supplied.

FIG. 19B is a graph illustrating the calculated water usage 1961 and the actual amount 1925 of water supplied as in Table 1.

As seen in a graph 1973 for synthetic fabrics with a low water absorption rate, calculated water usage is almost identical to the actual amount of water supplied. Also, as seen in a graph 1971 for towels with a high water absorption rate, even for towels, calculated water usage is slightly different from the actual amount of water supplied.

Accordingly, even when the washing machine 1000 is not equipped with a flow meter or a separate sensor, the washing machine 1000 may accurately calculate the amount of water supplied to the washing machine by using only a water level sensor.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 20, the washing machine 1000 may include a processor 1100, a microphone 1200, a communication module 1300, a memory 1400, an input interface 1500, an output interface 1600, a sensor 1700, and a washing module 1800.

However, not all of the components shown in FIG. 20 are essential components of the washing machine 1000. The washing machine 1000 may be implemented with more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. 20. For example, the washing machine 1000 may be implemented with the processor 1100, the memory 1400, the output interface 1600, the washing module 1800, and the sensor 1700.

The same reference numerals are assigned to components that are the same as those shown in FIG. 2.

The washing machine 1000 may perform washing, rinse, spin, and dry cycles. The washing machine 1000 is an example of a clothing processing apparatus, and the concept of the clothing processing apparatus encompasses an apparatus for washing clothes (objects to be washed and objects to be dried), an apparatus for drying clothes, and an apparatus capable of performing both washing and drying of clothes.

The washing machines 1000 according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a top-loading washing machine 1000 in which a laundry inlet for loading or unloading laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine 1000 in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. The washing machines 1000 according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include washing machines 1000 having types of loading other than for the top-loading washing machine 1000 and the front-loading washing machine 1000.

For the top-loading washing machine 1000, laundry may be washed using a water flow generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of the front-loading washing machine 1000, laundry may be washed by rotating a drum to repeatedly lift and drop the laundry. The front-loading washing machine 1000 may include a combined drying and washing machine 1000 capable of drying laundry accommodated in a drum. The combined drying and washing machine 1000 may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the combined drying and washing machine 1000 may include a heat pump device. The washing machines 1000 according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include washing machines 1000 using other washing methods than those described above.

The washing machine 1000 according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a housing for accommodating various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

The washing machine 1000 may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge member. At least a portion of the door may be provided to be transparent or semi-transparent so that the inside of the housing is visible.

The washing machine 1000 may include a tub provided inside the housing to store water. The tub may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be provided inside the housing so that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper may absorb vibration generated during rotation of the drum and attenuate the vibration transmitted to the housing.

The washing machine 1000 may include a drum provided to accommodate laundry.

The drum may be provided inside the tub so that a drum opening provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may sequentially pass through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening to be received in or taken out of the drum.

The drum may rotate inside the tub to perform operations respectively corresponding to washing, rinse, and/or spin cycles. A cylindrical wall of the drum is formed with a plurality of through holes that allow water stored in the tub to flow into the drum or out of the drum.

The processor 1100 controls all operations of the washing machine 1000. The processor 1100 may execute a program stored in the memory 1400 to control the components of the washing machine 1000.

The processor 1100 may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs operations of a machine learning model. Additionally, the processor 1100 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc.

The memory 1400 stores various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operations of the washing machine 1000. The memory 1400 may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory 1400 may include at least one type of storage medium, i.e., at least one of a flash memory-type memory, a hard disk-type memory, a multimedia card micro-type memory, a card-type memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) card or an eXtreme digital (XD) memory), random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), PROM, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disc, or an optical disc. In addition, the washing machine 1000 may operate a web storage (not shown) or cloud server (not shown) that performs a storage function on the Internet.

The at least one processor 1100 and the at least one memory 1400 may be included in one controller. For example, the at least one processor 1100 and the at least one memory 1400 may be included in one microcontroller unit (MCU).

The washing module 1800 may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum. The driving device may include a driving motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the driving motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may pass through the tub and be connected to the drum.

The driving device may cause the drum to rotate forward or backward to perform operations respectively corresponding to the washing, rinse, and/or spin, or dry cycles.

The washing module 1800 may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from an external water source to a detergent supply device and/or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent supply device. The water may be supplied to the tub without going through the detergent supply device.

The water supply valve may open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the controller. The water supply valve may allow water to be supplied to or prevent the water from being supplied to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

The washing module 1800 may include the detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires the user to pour detergent to be used each time washing is performed, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically introduces a predetermined amount of detergent when washing is performed. The detergent supply device may include a detergent container for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub while supplying wash water. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent through the detergent supply device. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied into the tub. The term detergent is used to encompass pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent supply device may be partitioned into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

The washing module 1800 may include a drainage device configured to drain water received in the tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from a bottom of the tub to an outside of the housing, a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

The washing machine 1000 may include a control panel provided on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface that enables interaction between the user and the washing machine 1000. The user interface may include at least one input interface 1500 and at least one output module 1600.

The at least one input interface 1500 may convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal. The input interface 1500 may receive a user input for controlling the washing machine 1000.

The input interface 1500 may include, but is not limited to, user input devices including a touch panel that detects a user's touch, a button that receives a push manipulation by the user, a wheel that receives a rotation manipulation by the user, a key board, and a dome switch.

In addition, the input interface 1500 may include a motion detection sensor (not shown). For example, the motion detection sensor may detect a user's movement and receive the detected movement as a user input.

The input interface 1500 receives a user input and transmits the user input to the processor 1100.

The at least one input interface 1500 may include a power button, a start button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash/rinse/spin settings button. The at least one input interface 1500 may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone 1200.

The at least one output interface 1600 may visually or audibly transmit information related to an operation of the washing machine 1000 to the user.

For example, the at least one output interface 1600 may deliver information related to a wash course, operating time of the washing machine 1000, and wash settings/rinse settings/spin settings to the user. The information about the operation of the washing machine 1000 may be output via a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc. The at least one output module 1600 may include the display 1610 and the audio output module 1620.

The display 1610 may, under the control of the processor 1100, output image data that has undergone image processing by an image processor (not shown) via a display panel (not shown). The display panel may include at least one of an LCD, a TFT-LCD, an OLED, a flexible display, a 3D display, or an electrophoretic display.

The audio output module 1620 may output sound signals to the outside of the washing machine 1000. The audio output module 1620 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback.

The microphone 1200 may receive a user's voice command or voice request. Accordingly, the processor 1100 may control an operation corresponding to the voice command or voice request to be performed. Additionally, the microphone 1200 may receive sounds around the washing machine 1000.

The communication module 1300 may, under the control of the processor 1100, transmit and receive information to and from an external device (not shown) or the server 3000 according to a protocol. The communication module 1300 may include at least one communication module and at least one port for transmitting and receiving data to and from the external device or the server 3000.

In addition, the communication module 1300 may communicate with the external device via at least one wired or wireless communication network. The communication module 1300 may include at least one of a short-range communication module 1310 or a long-range communication module 1320, or a combination thereof. The communication module 1300 may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with other devices.

The communication module 1300 may transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and/or a home appliance) or receive data from the external device. For example, the communication module 1300 may establish communication with the server 3000 and/or the user device 2000 and/or other home appliances, and transmit and receive various pieces of data.

To this end, the communication module 1300 may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and communication via the established communication channel. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 1300 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). The communication module 1300 may communicate with the external devices via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5th generation (5G) network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a telecommunications network such as a computer network (e.g., a LAN or wide area network (WAN)). Various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or may be implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., a plurality of chips).

The short-range communication module 1310 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication (NFC) communication module, a wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication module, a ZigBee communication module, an IrDA communication module, a WFD communication module, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

The long-range communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range communications, and include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or the server 3000 on a mobile communication network.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 1300 may communicate with external devices such as the server 3000, a user device (e.g., the mobile device 2000), and other home appliances via a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a LAN to which the washing machine 1000 or the user device is connected to a WAN to which the server 3000 is connected. The washing machine 1000 or the user device (the mobile device 2000) may be connected to the server 3000 via the WAN.

The controller may control various components (e.g., the driving motor, the water supply valve, etc.) of the washing machine 1000. The controller may control various components of the washing machine 1000 to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, wash, rinse, and/or spin, according to a user input. For example, the controller may control the driving motor of the washing module 1800 to adjust a rotation speed of the drum, or control the water supply valve of the water supply device of the washing module 1800 to supply water to the tub.

The controller may include hardware, such as the processor 1100 and the memory 1400, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller may include an algorithm for controlling operations of components in the washing machine 1000, at least one memory for storing data in the form of programs, and at least one processor for performing the above-described operations by using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may respectively be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or two or more processor chips, or include one or two or more processing cores. The memory may include one or two or more memory chips, or include one or two or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

The sensor 1700 may include the water level sensor 1710. Additionally, the sensor 1700 may include a hall sensor and a door sensor in addition to the water level sensor 1710, but is not limited thereto.

The water level sensor 1710 may output a change in pressure within the air hose connected to the water level sensor 1710.

The at least one processor 1100 may control the washing module 1800 to introduce water into the washing machine 1000 based on a user input for starting washing.

The at least one processor 1100 may determine, based on a water level frequency of the water level sensor 1710, the amount of the water introduced into the washing machine 1000.

As at least one cycle of the washing progresses, the at least one processor 1100 may accumulate the determined amount of water.

The at least one processor 1100 may display, based on completion of the washing, the accumulated amount of water as water usage during the washing.

The at least one processor 1100 may introduce water into the washing machine 1000 when one of the at least one cycle is started.

In response to determining that a water level has reached a target water level, the at least one processor 1100 may determine the amount of main fill water, based on a detected water level frequency and a weight of laundry.

When a washing cycle starts, the at least one processor 1100 may control the pulsator of the washing module 1800 to determine the weight of the laundry. In response to determining that the water level has reached the target water level, the washing machine 1000 may determine a result of subtracting a volume of laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry from a volume of water corresponding to the detected water level frequency to be the amount of main fill water for the washing cycle.

In response to determining that the water level has reached the target water level, the at least one processor 1100 may determine a result of subtracting the volume of the laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry and the amount of remaining moisture in the laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry from the volume of water corresponding to the detected water level frequency to be the amount of main fill water for a rinse cycle.

The at least one processor 1100 may drive the pulsator of the washing module 1800.

The at least one processor 1100 may determine the amount of refill water replenished into the washing machine 1000 based on a variation in water level frequency caused by the driving of the pulsator.

The at least one processor 1100 may determine the amount of water used in the started cycle by accumulating the determined amount of refill water onto the determined amount of main fill water.

The at least one processor 1100 may determine a sum of the amount of water used during the washing cycle and the amount of water used during at least one rinse cycle as water usage during the washing.

The at least one processor 1100 may display, based on the water usage during the washing, an average water usage of the washing machine 1000 for a preset time period.

The at least one processor 1100 may drive the pulsator of the washing module 1800 to detect the weight of laundry in the washing machine 1000. The at least one processor 1100 may display estimated water usage, based on the detected weight of the laundry and a set washing method.

The at least one processor 1100 may receive, via the input interface 1500, a user input for changing the washing method set for the washing. The at least one processor 1100 may recalculate estimated water usage, based on the detected weight of the laundry and the changed washing method. The at least one processor 1100 may display the calculated estimated water usage.

The at least one processor 1100 may receive a user input for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage. The at least one processor 1100 may recommend at least one of a wash course or a wash option based on receiving the user input for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling water usage.

The at least one processor 1100 may receive target water usage from the server 3000 via the communication module 1300. Based on the estimated water usage exceeding the target water usage, the at least one processor 1100 may output a notification indicating that the estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage.

A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. In this regard, the term ‘non-transitory’ only means that the storage medium does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave) and is a tangible device, and the term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, the ‘non-transitory storage medium’ may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, methods according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included in a computer program product (e.g., software). Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.

Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising: a washing module;a water level sensor configured to detect a water level;a display;memory; andone or more processors communicatively coupled to the washing module, the water level sensor, the display, and the memory,wherein the memory store one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the washing machine to: control, based on a user input for starting washing, the washing module to introduce water into the washing machine,determine, based on a water level frequency of the water level sensor, an amount of the water introduced into the washing machine,as at least one cycle of the washing progresses, accumulate the determined amount of water, andbased on completion of the washing, display on the display the accumulated amount of water as water usage during the washing.

2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions to: when one of the at least one cycle is started, introduce water into the washing machine,in response to determining that the water level has reached a target water level, determine an amount of main fill water, based on the water level frequency and a weight of laundry,drive a pulsator of the washing module,determine an amount of refill water replenished into the washing machine, based on a variation in the water level frequency, which is caused by the driving of the pulsator, anddetermine an amount of water used in the started cycle by accumulating the determined amount of refill water onto the determined amount of main fill water.

3. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one cycle of the washing comprises a washing cycle and at least one rinse cycle, and wherein the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions to determine a sum of an amount of water used during the washing cycle and an amount of water used during the at least one rinse cycle as water usage during the washing.

4. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions to display, based on the water usage during the washing, an average water usage of the washing machine for a preset time period.

5. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions to: detect a weight of laundry in the washing machine by driving a pulsator of the washing module, anddisplay estimated water usage, based on the detected weight of the laundry and a set washing method.

6. The washing machine of claim 5, further comprising: an input interface configured to change a washing method,wherein the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions to:receive, via the input interface, a user input for changing the washing method set for the washing,recalculate estimated water usage, based on the detected weight of the laundry and the changed washing method, anddisplay the recalculated estimated water usage.

7. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions to recommend at least one of a wash course or a wash option, based on receiving a user input for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling the water usage during the washing.

8. The washing machine of claim 5, further comprising: a communication module,wherein the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions to: receive target water usage from a server via the communication module, andbased on the estimated water usage exceeding the target water usage, output a notification indicating that the estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage.

9. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the cycle comprises a washing cycle, andwherein the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions to: when the washing cycle starts, control the pulsator of the washing module to determine the weight of the laundry, andin response to determining that the water level has reached the target water level, determine a result of subtracting a volume of the laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry from a volume of the water corresponding to the water level frequency to be the amount of main fill water for the washing cycle.

10. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the cycle comprises a rinse cycle, andwherein the one or more computer programs further comprise computer-executable instructions to, in response to determining that the water level has reached the target water level, determine a result of subtracting a volume of the laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry and an amount of remaining moisture in the laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry from the volume of the water corresponding to the water level frequency to be an amount of main fill water for the rinse cycle.

11. A method, performed by a washing machine, of displaying washing information, the method comprising: based on a user input for starting washing, introducing water into the washing machine;determining, based on a water level frequency of a water level sensor in the washing machine, an amount of the water introduced into the washing machine;as at least one cycle of the washing progresses, accumulating the determined amount of water; andbased on completion of the washing, displaying the accumulated amount of water as water usage during the washing.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the determining of the amount of the water introduced into the washing machine, based on the water level frequency of the water level sensor in the washing machine, comprises: when one of the at least one cycle is started, introducing the water into the washing machine;in response to determining that the water level has reached a target water level, determining an amount of main fill water, based on the water level frequency and a weight of laundry;driving a pulsator of the washing machine;determining an amount of refill water replenished into the washing machine, based on a variation in the water level frequency, which is caused by the driving of the pulsator; anddetermining an amount of water used in the started cycle by accumulating the determined amount of refill water onto the determined amount of main fill water.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one cycle of the washing comprises a washing cycle and at least one rinse cycle, andwherein the accumulating of the determined amount of water as the at least one cycle of the washing progresses comprises determining a sum of an amount of water used during the washing cycle and an amount of water used during the at least one rinse cycle as water usage during the washing.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising displaying, based on the water usage during the washing, an average water usage of the washing machine for a preset time period.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: detecting a weight of laundry in the washing machine by driving a pulsator of the washing machine; anddisplaying estimated water usage, based on the detected weight of the laundry and a set washing method.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the washing machine comprises an input interface configured to change a washing method, andwherein the displaying of the estimated water usage based on the detected weight of the laundry and the set washing method comprises: receiving, via the input interface, a user input for changing the washing method set for the washing,recalculating estimated water usage, based on the detected weight of the laundry and the changed washing method, anddisplaying the recalculated estimated water usage.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving a user input for receiving a washing method recommendation for controlling the water usage during the washing; andrecommending at least one of a wash course or a wash option, based on the receiving of the user input for receiving the washing method recommendation for controlling the water usage during the washing.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: receiving target water usage from a server; andbased on the estimated water usage exceeding the target water usage, outputting a notification indicating that the estimated water usage exceeds the target water usage.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the cycle comprises a washing cycle,wherein the method further comprises: when the washing cycle starts, controlling the pulsator of the washing machine to determine the weight of the laundry, andwherein the determining of the amount of main fill water based on the water level frequency and the weight of the laundry in response to the determining that the water level has reached the target water level comprises, in response to determining that the water level has reached the target water level, determining a result of subtracting a volume of the laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry from a volume of the water corresponding to the water level frequency to be the amount of main fill water for the washing cycle.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein the cycle comprises a rinse cycle, andwherein the determining of the amount of main fill water based on the water level frequency and the weight of the laundry in response to the determining that the water level has reached the target water level comprises: in response to determining that the water level has reached the target water level, determining a result of subtracting a volume of the laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry and an amount of remaining moisture in the laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry from the volume of the water corresponding to the water level frequency to be an amount of main fill water for the rinse cycle.