Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-07-10)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1\. A dryer appliance comprising:
a cabinet;
a drum rotatably mounted within the cabinet, the drum defining a chamber for receipt of articles for drying; and
a controller provided within the cabinet and operably connected with the drum, the controller comprising a wireless communication module, wherein the controller is configured to perform a drying operation, the drying operation comprising:
obtaining one or more washer operating parameters from a washing machine appliance pertaining to a washing cycle;
selecting a base drying cycle time from a plurality of base drying cycle times, each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times corresponding to a different combination of obtained washer operating parameters;
calculating an initial cycle time estimate using the selected base drying cycle time; and
initiating a drying cycle according to the initial cycle time estimate, initiating the drying cycle comprising displaying the initial cycle time estimate.

2\. The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein the washing machine appliance is operably connected to the dryer appliance.

3\. The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein the washer operating parameters comprise at least one of a load type, a load weight, or a remaining moisture content.

4\. The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of base drying cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters.

5\. The dryer appliance of claim 4, wherein the plurality of dryer operating parameters comprises an airflow condition within the dryer appliance.

6\. The dryer appliance of claim 4, wherein the plurality of dryer operating parameters comprises a heater power of a heater provided within the dryer.

7\. The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein the calculated initial cycle time estimate is based on:
a dryness level of the articles for drying, the dryness level being input by a user.

8\. The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein selecting the base drying cycle time from the plurality of base drying cycle times comprises:
matching the obtained washer operating parameters with a corresponding base drying cycle time.

9\. The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times is dynamically adaptable based on previously performed drying cycles.

10\. A method of operating a dryer appliance, the method comprising:
obtaining one or more washer operating parameters from a washing machine appliance pertaining to a washing cycle;
selecting a base drying cycle time from a plurality of base drying cycle times, each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times corresponding to a different combination of obtained washer operating parameters;
calculating an initial cycle time estimate using the selected base drying cycle time; and
initiating a drying cycle according to the initial cycle time estimate, initiating the drying cycle comprising displaying the initial cycle time estimate.

11\. The method of claim 10, wherein the washing machine appliance is operably connected to the dryer appliance.

12\. The method of claim 10, wherein the washer operating parameters comprise at least one of a load type, a load weight, or a remaining moisture content.

13\. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of base drying cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters.

14\. The method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of dryer operating parameters comprises an airflow condition within the dryer appliance.

15\. The method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of dryer operating parameters comprises a heater power of a heater provided within the dryer.

16\. The method of claim 10, wherein the calculated initial cycle time estimate is based on:
a dryness level of the articles for drying, the dryness level being input by a user.

17\. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting the base drying cycle time from the plurality of base drying cycle times comprises:
matching the obtained washer operating parameters with a corresponding base drying cycle time.

18\. The method of claim 10, wherein each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times is dynamically adaptable based on previously performed drying cycles. 21 22 23

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.  The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A)	the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B)	the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C)	the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier.  Such claim limitation(s) is/are: washer operating parameters in claims 1-18, and dryer operating parameters in claims 4-6 and 13-15, and the base drying cycle time of claims 1-18.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may:  (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA  to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-3, 7, 8, 10-12, 16 and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Choung (US 2020/0087847).
As for claim 1, Choung shows a dryer appliance comprising: a cabinet; a drum rotatably mounted within the cabinet, the drum defining a chamber for receipt of articles for drying (figs. 12A, 12B, abstract); and a controller provided within the cabinet and operably connected with the drum (100, [0144]), the controller comprising a wireless communication module [0057], wherein the controller is configured to perform a drying operation, the drying operation comprising: obtaining one or more washer operating parameters from a washing machine appliance pertaining to a washing cycle (abstract, claim 5, [0179]); selecting a base drying cycle time from a plurality of base drying cycle times, each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times corresponding to a different combination of obtained washer operating parameters (claim 5, including claim 1, [0179]); calculating an initial cycle time estimate using the selected base drying cycle time ([0106], fig. 5); and initiating a drying cycle according to the initial cycle time estimate, initiating the drying cycle comprising displaying the initial cycle time estimate [0106].
As for claim 2, Choung shows the washing machine appliance (210, fig. 5) is operably connected to the dryer appliance (240, fig. 5).
As for claim 3, Choung shows the washer operating parameters comprise at least one of a load type, a load weight, or a remaining moisture content ([0104], [0179],  moisture content).
As for claim 7, Choung shows the calculated initial cycle time estimate is based on: a dryness level of the articles for drying, the dryness level being input by a user ([0179] , dryness level of the articles).
As for claim 8, Choung shows selecting the base drying cycle time from the plurality of base drying cycle times comprises: matching the obtained washer operating parameters with a corresponding base drying cycle time ([0179], current of motor relates to load weight).
As for claim 10, Choung shows a method of operating a dryer appliance, the method comprising: obtaining one or more washer operating parameters from a washing machine appliance pertaining to a washing cycle (abstract, claim 1); selecting a base drying cycle time from a plurality of base drying cycle times, each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times corresponding to a different combination of obtained washer operating parameters (claim 5, including claim 1, [0179]); calculating an initial cycle time estimate using the selected base drying cycle time ([0106], fig. 5); and initiating a drying cycle according to the initial cycle time estimate, initiating the drying cycle comprising displaying the initial cycle time estimate [0106].
As for claim 11, Choung shows the washing machine appliance (210, fig. 5) is operably connected to the dryer appliance (240, fig. 5).
As for claim 12, Choung shows the washer operating parameters comprise at least one of a load type, a load weight, or a remaining moisture content  ([0104], [0179],  moisture content).
As for claim 16, Choung shows the calculated initial cycle time estimate is based on: a dryness level of the articles for drying, the dryness level being input by a user ([0179], dryness level of the articles).
As for claim 17, Choung shows selecting the base drying cycle time from the plurality of base drying cycle times comprises: matching the obtained washer operating parameters with a corresponding base drying cycle time ([0179], current of motor relates to load weight).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA  to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claims 2 and 11 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Choung as applied to claims 1 and 10 above, and further in view of Jeong (US 2004/0118008).
Choung discloses the washing machine appliance is operably connected to the dryer appliance but does disclose separate washing appliance and drying appliance. Jeong teaches the washing machine appliance is operably connected to the dryer appliance (100, 200, 300, fig. 1) in order to enable twice the load capacity. Choung would benefit equally from enabling twice the load capacity. It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to modify the dryer as disclosed by Choung with the washing machine appliance is operably connected to the dryer appliance as taught by Jeong in order to enable twice the load capacity.
Claims 9 and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Choung as applied to claims 1 and 10 above, and further in view of Koo (US 2021/0207306).
Choung discloses the claimed invention except for each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times is dynamically adaptable based on previously performed drying cycles. Koo teaches each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times is dynamically adaptable based on previously performed drying cycles (abstract) in order to update the learning model to improve future prediction. Choung would benefit equally from updating the learning model to improve future prediction. It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to modify the dryer as disclosed by Choung with each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times is dynamically adaptable based on previously performed drying cycles as taught by Koo in order to update the learning model to improve future prediction.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 4-6 and 13-15 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Reasons for Allowance
Claims 4 and 13 include allowable subject matter because prior art could not be found to disclose each of the plurality of base drying cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters with all of the limitations of independent claims 1 and 10. The closest prior art includes each of the plurality of drying cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters such as Chen (WO2019/095496A1). However Chen does not teach each of the plurality of base drying cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters, which includes obtaining one or more washer operating parameters from a washing machine appliance so as to solve the same problem.
Conclusion


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: Examiners Amendment
An examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee.
Authorization for this examiner’s amendment was given in a telephone interview with Mask A Jotanovic on 8/7/2023.
The application has been amended as follows:
In claim 1, line 13, delete the term “dry” add replace with the term ---drying---.
Reasons for Allowance
Claims 1 and 10 include allowable subject matter because prior art could not be found to disclose each of the plurality of base drying cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters with all of the limitations of independent claims 1 and 10. The closest prior art includes each of the plurality of drying cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters such as Chen (WO2019/095496A1). However Chen does not teach each of the plurality of base drying cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters, which includes obtaining one or more washer operating parameters from a washing machine appliance so as to solve the same problem.
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20200087847A1: [content unavailable]
Ref US20040118008A1: Claims:
A fabric drying machine comprising: an interface unit connected to a separate washing machine with a data communication line for receiving load information from said washing machine; a rotatable drum containing a load of wet clothes to be dried, said load of wet clothes being previously washed and dehydrated by said washing machine; an air supply system coupled to said drum for supplying dry air into said drum; a heater coupled to said air supply system for heating said dry air; and a dryer controller operatively coupled to said heater, said controller determining a first set of optimal operation values for operating said heater on the basis of said load information and generating a first control signal to said heater in accordance with said determined first set of operation values.
an interface unit connected to a separate washing machine with a data communication line for receiving load information from said washing machine;
a rotatable drum containing a load of wet clothes to be dried, said load of wet clothes being previously washed and dehydrated by said washing machine;
an air supply system coupled to said drum for supplying dry air into said drum;
a heater coupled to said air supply system for heating said dry air; and
a dryer controller operatively coupled to said heater, said controller determining a first set of optimal operation values for operating said heater on the basis of said load information and generating a first control signal to said heater in accordance with said determined first set of operation values.
The drying machine of claim 1 , wherein said load information includes at least one of a load size value and a fabric type which are manually inputted by a washing machine operator or automatically determined by said washing machine.
The drying machine of claim 1 , wherein said first set of operation values include at least one of a temperature of said heated dry air being supplied into said drum and a total period of supplying power to said heater.
The drying machine of claim 1 , further comprising an electrical motor coupled to said drum for rotating said drum, wherein said controller is additionally coupled to said motor, said controller determining a second set of optimal operation values for operating said drum on the basis of said load information and generating a second control signal to said motor in accordance with said determined second set of operation values.
The drying machine of claim 4 , wherein said second set of optimal operation values include at least one of a rotational speed of said drum and a total period of supplying power to said motor.
The drying machine of claim 1 , further comprising an electrical motor coupled to said air supply system for driving said air supply system, wherein said controller is additionally coupled to said motor, said controller determining a second set of optimal operation values for operating said air supply system on the basis of said load information and generating a second control signal to said motor in accordance with said determined second set of operation values.
The drying machine of claim 6 , wherein said second set of optimal operation values include at least one of an air supply rate of said air supply system and a total period of supplying power to said motor.
The drying machine of claim 1 , wherein said data communication line is an RS232-C cable.
The drying machine of claim 1 , wherein said interface unit further receives dehydration information from said washing machine, said first set of optimal operation values for operating said heater being determined by said controller further based upon said dehydration information.
The drying machine of claim 9 , wherein said dehydration information includes at least one of a rotational speed of a washer basket being rotated during said previous dehydration and a total period of said previous dehydration.
A method of operating a drying machine that dries a load of wet clothes being previously washed and dehydrated by a separate washing machine, the method comprising the steps of: receiving load information from said washing machine via an interface unit connected to said washing machine with a data communication line; determining a first set of optimal operation values for operating a heater on the basis of said load information, said heater heating dry air being supplied by an air supply system into a rotatable drum containing said load of wet clothes; and generating a first control signal to said heater in accordance with said determined first set of operation values.
receiving load information from said washing machine via an interface unit connected to said washing machine with a data communication line;
determining a first set of optimal operation values for operating a heater on the basis of said load information, said heater heating dry air being supplied by an air supply system into a rotatable drum containing said load of wet clothes; and
generating a first control signal to said heater in accordance with said determined first set of operation values.
The method of claim 11 , wherein said load information includes at least one of a load size value and a fabric type which are manually inputted by a washing machine operator or automatically determined by said washing machine.
The method of claim 11 , wherein said first set of operation values include at least one of a temperature of said heated dry air being supplied into said drum and a total period of supplying power to said heater.
The method of claim 11 , further comprising the steps of: determining a second set of optimal operation values for operating said drum on the basis of said load information; and generating a second control signal to an electrical motor rotating said drum in accordance with said determined second set of operation values.
determining a second set of optimal operation values for operating said drum on the basis of said load information; and
generating a second control signal to an electrical motor rotating said drum in accordance with said determined second set of operation values.
The method of claim 14 , wherein said second set of optimal operation values include at least one of a rotational speed of said drum and a total period of supplying power to said motor.
The method of claim 11 , further comprising the steps of: determining a second set of optimal operation values for operating said air supply system on the basis of said load information; and generating a second control signal to an electrical motor driving said air supply system in accordance with said determined second set of operation values.
determining a second set of optimal operation values for operating said air supply system on the basis of said load information; and
generating a second control signal to an electrical motor driving said air supply system in accordance with said determined second set of operation values.
The method of claim 16 , wherein said second set of optimal operation values include at least one of an air supply rate of said air supply system and a total period of supplying power to said motor.
The method of claim 11 , wherein said data communication line is an RS232-C cable.
The method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of receiving dehydration information from said washing machine, said first set of optimal operation values for operating said heater being determined further based on said dehydration information.
The method of claim 19 , wherein said dehydration information includes at least one of a rotational speed of a washer basket being rotated during said previous dehydration and a total period of said previous dehydration.
Ref US20220275556A1: Claims:
A washing machine comprising: a display; a communication interface; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: control the display to display a user interface (UI) for overall control of the washing machine and a dryer connected to the washing machine in communication based on a first user input selecting a washing course being received, identify a drying course of the dryer based on the washing course selected by the first user input and a control option selected by a second user input being the second user input selecting one of the plurality of control options included in the UI being received, and control the communication interface to transmit information corresponding to the identified drying course to the dryer through.
a communication interface; and
wherein the processor is configured to: control the display to display a user interface (UI) for overall control of the washing machine and a dryer connected to the washing machine in communication based on a first user input selecting a washing course being received, identify a drying course of the dryer based on the washing course selected by the first user input and a control option selected by a second user input being the second user input selecting one of the plurality of control options included in the UI being received, and control the communication interface to transmit information corresponding to the identified drying course to the dryer through.
control the display to display a user interface (UI) for overall control of the washing machine and a dryer connected to the washing machine in communication based on a first user input selecting a washing course being received,
identify a drying course of the dryer based on the washing course selected by the first user input and a control option selected by a second user input being the second user input selecting one of the plurality of control options included in the UI being received, and
control the communication interface to transmit information corresponding to the identified drying course to the dryer through.
The washing machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of control options are the control options applicable to both the washing course of the washing machine and the drying course of the dryer.
The washing machine as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the control option is an option for at least one of energy saving control, general control or time saving control.
The washing machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to: obtain control information on the selected washing course based on the selected control option, and obtain the drying course of the dryer and control information on the drying course based on the control option, based on the obtained control information.
obtain control information on the selected washing course based on the selected control option, and
obtain the drying course of the dryer and control information on the drying course based on the control option, based on the obtained control information.
The washing machine as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the processor is configured to control the display to display a UI including the control information on the washing course and the control information on the drying course.
The washing machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to control guide information recommending at least one control option among the plurality of control options included in the UI to be provided based on a user history related to at least one of the washing machine or the dryer.
The washing machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to determine an order in which the plurality of control options included in the UI are displayed based on a user history related to at least one of the washing machine or the dryer.
The washing machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control option includes an option for at least one of energy saving control, general control or time saving control, control power corresponding to the energy saving control is determined based on a user history related to at least one of the washing machine or the dryer, and control time corresponding to the time saving control is determined based on a user history related to at least one of the washing machine or the dryer.
control power corresponding to the energy saving control is determined based on a user history related to at least one of the washing machine or the dryer, and
control time corresponding to the time saving control is determined based on a user history related to at least one of the washing machine or the dryer.
The washing machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein if the drying course of the dryer is identified, the processor is configured to identify a detailed option of the drying course based on the selected control option, and control the information including the detailed option of the identified specific drying course to be transmitted to the dryer.
identify a detailed option of the drying course based on the selected control option, and
control the information including the detailed option of the identified specific drying course to be transmitted to the dryer.
The washing machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to control the information corresponding to the identified drying course to be transmitted to the dryer through an external server.
A controlling method of a washing machine, the controlling method comprising: displaying a user interface (UI) for overall control of the washing machine and a dryer connected to the washing machine in communication based on a first user input selecting a washing course being received; identifying a drying course of the dryer based on the washing course selected by the first user input and a control option selected by a second user input based on the second user input selecting one of the plurality of control options included in the UI being received; and transmitting information corresponding to the identified drying course to the dryer.
displaying a user interface (UI) for overall control of the washing machine and a dryer connected to the washing machine in communication based on a first user input selecting a washing course being received;
identifying a drying course of the dryer based on the washing course selected by the first user input and a control option selected by a second user input based on the second user input selecting one of the plurality of control options included in the UI being received; and
transmitting information corresponding to the identified drying course to the dryer.
The controlling method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the plurality of control options are the control options applicable to both the washing course of the washing machine and the drying course of the dryer.
The controlling method as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the control option is an option for at least one of energy saving control, general control or time saving control.
The controlling method as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising obtaining control information on the selected washing course based on the selected control option, and obtaining the drying course of the dryer and control information on the drying course based on the control option, based on the obtained control information.
The controlling method as claimed in claim 14 , wherein in the displaying of the UI, a UI including the control information on the washing course and the control information on the drying course is displayed.
Ref US20210207306A1: Claims:
A washing machine comprising: an input device configured to receive user input; a weight sensor configured to sense an amount of laundry received in the washing machine; a driver configured to perform operations including water supply, drainage, washing, and spin-drying in the washing machine; an output device configured to provide washing machine status information and washing time information; and at least one processor that is in communication with the driver, the input device, the weight sensor, and the output device, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: estimate, based on a previous setting of a previous washing operation, an estimated setting for a current washing operation, wherein the estimated setting includes a water supply time, a drainage time, and a spin-drying time, obtain the user input through the input device, obtain the amount of laundry from the weight sensor, and determine, based on the estimated setting, the user input, and the amount of laundry, a washing time for the current washing operation.
an input device configured to receive user input;
a weight sensor configured to sense an amount of laundry received in the washing machine;
a driver configured to perform operations including water supply, drainage, washing, and spin-drying in the washing machine;
an output device configured to provide washing machine status information and washing time information; and
at least one processor that is in communication with the driver, the input device, the weight sensor, and the output device,
wherein the at least one processor is configured to: estimate, based on a previous setting of a previous washing operation, an estimated setting for a current washing operation, wherein the estimated setting includes a water supply time, a drainage time, and a spin-drying time, obtain the user input through the input device, obtain the amount of laundry from the weight sensor, and determine, based on the estimated setting, the user input, and the amount of laundry, a washing time for the current washing operation.
estimate, based on a previous setting of a previous washing operation, an estimated setting for a current washing operation, wherein the estimated setting includes a water supply time, a drainage time, and a spin-drying time,
obtain the user input through the input device,
obtain the amount of laundry from the weight sensor, and
determine, based on the estimated setting, the user input, and the amount of laundry, a washing time for the current washing operation.
The washing machine of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determine, based on a most recent water supply time among a plurality of the water supply times of previous washings that correspond to the amount of laundry, the water supply time, determine, based on an average water supply time for N water supply times of the previous washings that correspond to the amount of laundry, the water supply time, wherein N is a predetermined natural number, or determine, by using a first artificial neural network model trained from the water supply times of the previous washings that correspond to the amount of laundry, the water supply time.
determine, based on a most recent water supply time among a plurality of the water supply times of previous washings that correspond to the amount of laundry, the water supply time,
determine, based on an average water supply time for N water supply times of the previous washings that correspond to the amount of laundry, the water supply time, wherein N is a predetermined natural number, or
determine, by using a first artificial neural network model trained from the water supply times of the previous washings that correspond to the amount of laundry, the water supply time.
The washing machine of claim 2 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determine, based on a most recent drainage time among a plurality of the drainage times of previous washings that correspond to the amount of laundry, the drainage time, determine, based on an average drainage time for L drainage times of the previous washings that correspond to the amount of laundry, the drainage time, where L is a predetermined natural number, or determine, by using a second artificial neural network model trained from the drainage times of the previous washings that correspond to the amount of laundry, the drainage time.
determine, based on a most recent drainage time among a plurality of the drainage times of previous washings that correspond to the amount of laundry, the drainage time,
determine, based on an average drainage tim
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