Patent Publication Number: US-2021164144-A1

Title: Washing machine and method for providing notification  thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0157558, filed on Nov. 29, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The disclosure relates to a washing machine and a method for providing a notification thereof, and more particularly to a washing machine for providing a notification and a method for providing a notification thereof. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     In general, a washing machine may refer to a device including a tub to be filled with a certain amount of water, and a drum to be installed rotatably in the tub, and may wash laundry by rotation of the drum containing the laundry in the tub and discharge the water in the washing machine outside, when the washing is completed. 
     In some cases, the water may remain in the washing machine after the washing. 
     In such a case, there is no significant problem when using the washing machine, but if the washing machine is not used in winter at a low atmospheric temperature, the water remaining in the washing machine may freeze, which may cause malfunction or breakdown of the washing machine. 
     Accordingly, it is required to research for a method for preventing the washing machine from freezing. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosure has been made in view of the needs described above and an object thereof is to provide a washing machine which measures a temperature of residual water in the washing machine and, if the remaining water is likely to freeze, notifies it to a user, and a method for providing a notification thereof. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a washing machine including a communicator, a display, a sensor for detecting a temperature of residual water of the washing machine, and a processor configured to, based on a temperature detected by the sensor being equal to or lower than a first temperature, receive data regarding a temperature of an area where the washing machine is located from an application server via the communicator, and transmit the received data regarding the temperature to a data server via the communicator so that the received data regarding the temperature is transmitted to a user terminal device by the data server, and based on a temperature detected by the sensor being decreased to be equal to or lower than a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature, control the display to display a notification regarding freezing of the washing machine and transmit the notification to the application server via the communicator so that the notification is transmitted to the user terminal device by the application server. 
     The data server may be configured to store the data regarding the temperature received from the washing machine, and transmit the stored data regarding the temperature to the user terminal device in response to a request of the user terminal device, and the application server may be configured to, based on the notification being received from the washing machine, transmit the notification to the user terminal device communicating with the application server based on a user account in which the washing machine is registered. 
     The processor may be configured to, based on a temperature detected by the sensor being equal to or lower than the first temperature, request the application server for the data regarding the temperature a predetermined time interval, receive the data regarding the temperature measured in the area where the washing machine is located from the application server via the communicator in response to the request, and transmit the received data regarding the temperature to the data server via the communicator. 
     The processor may be configured to request the application server for the data regarding the atmospheric temperature a predetermined time interval, before a temperature equal to or higher than a third temperature that is higher than the first temperature is detected by the sensor. 
     The processor may be configured to, based on a temperature detected by the sensor in a state where the communicator is deactivated being equal to or lower than the first temperature, activate the communicator, and receive the data regarding the temperature from the application server via the activated communicator. 
     The processor may be configured to, based on a temperature equal to or higher than a third temperature that is higher than the first temperature being detected by the sensor, deactivate the activated communicator. 
     The processor may be configured to transmit the notification to the application server by a predetermined number of times a predetermined time interval and display the notification on the display. 
     The processor may be configured to, based on a temperature detected by the sensor being increased to be equal to or higher than a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature, or a user command for executing an anti-freeze function of the washing machine being input, before the predetermined number of times of notification is provided, stop providing the notification. 
     The application server may be configured to, based on the washing machine being registered in a plurality of user accounts, determine a user account controlled the washing machine relatively most frequently among the plurality of user accounts, and transmit the notification to the user terminal device communicating with the application server based on the determined user account. 
     The application server may be configured to, based on the washing machine being registered in a plurality of user accounts, transmit the notification to each of a plurality of user terminal devices communicating with the application server based on each of the plurality of user accounts, and a user terminal device which detects an access point connected to the washing machine or is connected to the access point, among the plurality of user terminal devices, may be configured to display the notification received from the application server. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a notification providing method of a washing machine including a sensor for detecting a temperature of residual water, the method including based on a temperature detected by the sensor being determined to be equal to or lower than a first temperature, receiving data regarding a temperature of an area where the washing machine is located from an application server, transmitting the received data regarding the temperature to a data server so that the received data regarding the temperature is transmitted to a user terminal device by the data server, and based on a temperature detected by the sensor being decreased to be equal to or lower than a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature, displaying a notification regarding freezing of the washing machine on a display of the washing machine and transmitting the notification to the application server so that the notification is transmitted to the user terminal device by the application server. 
     The data server may be configured to store the data regarding the temperature received from the washing machine, and transmit the stored data regarding the temperature to the user terminal device in response to a request of the user terminal device, and the application server may be configured to, based on the notification being received from the washing machine, transmit the notification to the user terminal device communicating with the application server based on a user account in which the washing machine is registered. 
     The notification providing method according to the aspect of the disclosure, may include, based on a temperature detected by the sensor being equal to or lower than the first temperature, requesting the application server for the data regarding the atmospheric temperature at regular time interval, and the receiving may include receiving the data regarding the atmospheric temperature measured in the area where the washing machine is located from the application server in response to the request. 
     The requesting may include requesting the application server for the data regarding the atmospheric temperature a predetermined time interval, before a temperature equal to or higher than a third temperature that is higher than the first temperature is detected by the sensor. 
     The notification providing method according to the aspect of the disclosure may further include, based on a temperature detected by the sensor in a state where a communicator of the washing machine is deactivated being equal to or lower than the first temperature, activating the communicator, and the receiving may include receiving the data regarding the temperature from the application server via the activated communicator. 
     The notification providing method according to the aspect of the disclosure may further include, based on a temperature equal to or higher than a third temperature that is higher than the first temperature being detected by the sensor, deactivating the activated communicator. 
     The displaying may include transmitting the notification to the application server by a predetermined number of times a predetermined time interval and displaying the notification on the display. 
     The notification providing method according to the aspect of the disclosure may further include, based on a temperature detected by the sensor being increased to be equal to or higher than a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature, or a user command for executing an anti-freeze function of the washing machine being input, before the predetermined number of times of notification is provided, stopping providing the notification. 
     The application server may be configured to, based on the washing machine being registered in a plurality of user accounts, determine a user account controlled the washing machine relatively most frequently among the plurality of user accounts, and transmit the notification to the user terminal device communicating with the application server based on the determined user account. 
     The application server may be configured to, based on the washing machine being registered in a plurality of user accounts, transmit the notification to each of a plurality of user terminal devices communicating with the application server based on each of the plurality of user accounts, and a user terminal device which detects an access point connected to the washing machine or is connected to the access point, among the plurality of user terminal devices, may be configured to display the notification received from the application server. 
     According to various aspects of the disclosure, if the washing machine is likely to freeze due to the atmospheric temperature, a user may receive a notification via his/her user terminal device and the display of the washing machine to prevent the washing machine from freezing by taking a suitable action. Therefore, it is possible to prevent breakdown due to the freezing of the washing machine which leads to cost reduction required for repairing the broken parts. 
     Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. 
     Moreover, various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from computer readable program code and embodied in a computer readable medium. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer readable program code. The phrase “computer readable program code” includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A “non-transitory” computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device. 
     Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a system for preventing freezing of a washing machine according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating the washing machine according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the washing machine according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the washing machine according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5A  is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for providing a notification according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5B  is a sequence diagram illustrating a method for providing a notification according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6A  is a diagram illustrating a user interface provided according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6B  is a diagram illustrating a user interface provided according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6C  is a diagram illustrating a user interface provided according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6D  is a diagram illustrating a user interface provided according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a method for providing a notification according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a method for providing a notification according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a notification of a washing machine according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 through 9 , discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device. 
     Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the technologies disclosed in this disclosure are not for limiting the scope of the disclosure to a specific embodiment, but they should be interpreted to include all modifications, equivalents and/or alternatives of the embodiments of the disclosure. In relation to explanation of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar elements. 
     In this disclosure, the terms such as “comprise”, “may comprise”, “consist of”, or “may consist of” are used herein to designate a presence of corresponding features (e.g., constituent elements such as number, function, operation, or part), and not to preclude a presence of additional features. 
     In this disclosure, expressions such as “A or B”, “at least one of A [and/or] B,”, or “one or more of A [and/or] B,” include all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B,”, or “at least one of A or B” includes any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. 
     The expressions “first,” “second” and the like used in the disclosure may denote various elements, regardless of order and/or importance, and may be used to distinguish one element from another, and does not limit the elements. 
     If it is described that a certain element (e.g., first element) is “operatively or communicatively coupled with/to” or is “connected to” another element (e.g., second element), it should be understood that the certain element may be connected to the other element directly or through still another element (e.g., third element). On the other hand, if it is described that a certain element (e.g., first element) is “directly coupled to” or “directly connected to” another element (e.g., second element), it may be understood that there is no element (e.g., third element) between the certain element and the another element. 
     Also, the expression “configured to” used in the disclosure may be interchangeably used with other expressions such as “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” and “capable of,” depending on cases. The expression “configured to” does not necessarily refer to a device being “specifically designed to” in terms of hardware. Instead, under some circumstances, the expression “a device configured to” may refer to the device being “capable of” performing an operation together with another device or component. For example, the phrase “a unit or a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C” may refer, for example, and without limitation, to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing the corresponding operations, a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor), or the like, that can perform the corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a system for preventing freezing of a washing machine according to an embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a system  1000  may include a washing machine  100 , a user terminal device  200 , an application server  300 , and a data server  400 . 
     The washing machine  100  may refer to a device which washes laundry using water and a detergent and dehydrates the wet laundry. In addition, according to an embodiment, the washing machine  100  may also dry dehydrated laundry. 
     Meanwhile, the washing machine  100  may detect a temperature of the inside of the washing machine  100  using a temperature sensor provided therein, when the detected temperature corresponds to a temperature at which the washing machine  100  is likely to freeze, display a notification thereof on a display provided on the washing machine  100 , and transmit the notification to a user terminal device  200  via an application server  300 . 
     In this case, the user terminal device  200  may display the notification received from the application server  300  via an application installed in the user terminal device  200  on a display of the user terminal device  200 . 
     Herein, the freezing of the washing machine  100  may refer to freezing of water remaining in the washing machine  100  (hereinafter, residual water) after the washing machine  100  performs a washing process such as washing, dehydration, and the like and completes the washing process. 
     Meanwhile, the washing machine  100  may have the residual water remaining in the washing machine  100  after the washing process is completed due to its structure, and in such a case, if a user does not use the washing machine in the winter at a low atmospheric temperature, the residual water may freeze which may cause malfunction or breakdown of the washing machine  100 . 
     Accordingly, the washing machine  100  may detect a temperature of the residual water using a temperature sensor installed at a position where the residual water is likely to present, and provide a notification to a user according to the detected temperature using a display of the washing machine  100  or the user terminal device  200 . 
     In this case, the user may recognize that the washing machine  100  may freeze through the notification, and may execute an anti-freeze function of the washing machine  100  accordingly, to prevent the washing machine  100  from freezing. Herein, the anti-freeze function may refer to a function of supplying and draining water for a certain period of time, in order to prevent the inside of the washing machine  100  from freezing. 
     Meanwhile, the application server  300  may control and manage various machines (e.g., home appliances, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and the like) registered on the application server  300 . The application server  300  may register a device for each user account. 
     Specifically, the user terminal device  200  may download and install an application from a server (not illustrated) providing the application. In this case, the user may execute the application on the user terminal device  200 , input a user account, and log in the application server  300  through the input user account, and the user terminal device  200  may communicate with the application server  300  based on the logged-in user account. 
     The user terminal device  200  may communicate with the washing machine  100  operating in an access point (AP) mode and transmit information regarding an access point  500  (i.e., Wi-Fi access point) to the washing machine  100 . 
     For example, the user terminal device  200  may display a list of connectable access points on the display of the user terminal device  200  and transmit information regarding the access point  500  selected by a user command from the list to the washing machine  100 . 
     Meanwhile, the washing machine  100  may communicate with the access point  500  by using information regarding the access point  500  received from the user terminal device  200  and may be connected to the application server  300  via the access point  500 . 
     Accordingly, when the application server  300  is connected to the washing machine  100  via the access point  500 , the application server  300  may register the washing machine  100  in the logged-in user account. 
     Meanwhile, when the washing machine  100  is registered in the user account, the application server  300  may transmit data received from the washing machine  100  to the user terminal device  200  communicating with the application server  300  based on the user account in which the washing machine  100  is registered. In addition, when a control command for the washing machine  100  is received from the user terminal device  200 , the application server  300  may transmit the received control command to the washing machine  100 . 
     In this case, the user terminal device  200  implemented as a smartphone, a tablet, or the like may access the application server  300  via the access point  500  or is connected to the application server  300  via a mobile communication network such as LTE, 5G, or the like to transmit a control command for the washing machine  100  to the application server  300  or receive data transmitted by the application server  300  through an application installed on the user terminal device  200 . 
     Meanwhile, the data server  400  may receive data from the washing machine  100  via the access point  500  and store the received data. 
     In this case, the user terminal device  200  may be connected to the data server  400  via the access point  500  or the mobile communication network to receive data stored in the data server  400  from the data server  400 . 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating the washing machine according to an embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the washing machine  100  may include a main body  10 , a tub  20 , and a drum  30 . 
     The main body  10  may form an appearance of the washing machine  100  and a laundry opening  11  for loading laundry and taking the laundry out of the main body  10  may be provided on a front portion of the main body  10 . A door  12  may be installed on the laundry opening  11  to be opened or closed. 
     In addition, an input interface  13  for receiving a user command for the washing machine  100  may be provided on the front portion of the main body  10 . In this case, the input interface  13  may include a plurality of buttons  13 - 1  for receiving a user command for controlling the washing machine  100  and a display  13 - 2  for displaying information related to the washing machine  100  and the washing. 
     The tub  20  may be installed in the main body  10  of the washing machine  100  and formed in a cylindrical shape with an opening formed towards the laundry opening  11 . The tub may store a predetermined amount of water necessary for the washing. 
     The drum  30  may form a space for washing the loaded laundry and may be formed in a cylindrical shape. An opening corresponding to the laundry opening  11  may be provided on the front portion of the drum  30  and the laundry may be loaded to the drum  30  via the opening. 
     In addition, a plurality of through holes for the water to pass through may be provided on the drum  30 . In this case, the water stored in the tub  20  may be introduced into the drum  30  and the water in the drum  30  may leak into the tub  20  through the through holes. 
     In addition, the drum  30  may rotate by a motor (not illustrated) provided in the washing machine  100 . When the drum  30  rotates by the motor (not illustrated), dirt of the laundry loaded into the drum  30  may be removed from the laundry in the process of friction with water stored in the tub  20 . 
     Meanwhile, the washing machine  100  may include a water supply device (not illustrated) for supplying water to the tub  20  (or drum  30 ). In this case, the water supply device (not illustrated) may include a water supply pipe (not shown) connected to an external water supply source such as a tap, and a water supply valve (not illustrated) for opening and closing the water supply pipe. 
     In addition, the washing machine  100  may include a detergent container  14  for supplying a detergent, a fabric softener, and the like to the tub  20 . When the water supply valve (not illustrated) is opened to supply the water to the water supply pipe (not illustrated), the water is provided to the detergent container  14  and the detergent, the fabric softener, and the like contained in the detergent container  14  may be mixed with water. Accordingly, the water mixed with the detergent, the fabric softener, and the like may be supplied to the tub  20 . 
     In addition, the washing machine  100  may include a draining device (not illustrated) for draining the water stored in the tub  20  to the outside. The draining device (not illustrated) may include a pump (not illustrated) and a drain pipe (not illustrated). In this case, the pump (not illustrated) may discharge the water stored in the tub  20  to the outside of the washing machine  100  via the drain pipe (not illustrated). 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a position of a temperature sensor according to an embodiment and schematically illustrates only elements necessary for description. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the tub  20  and the drum  30  may be disposed in the washing machine  100  to tilt at a certain angle so that the opening faces an upper side at the certain angle with respect to a lower frame of the washing machine  100 . 
     Due to such a structure, the residual water may remain in a lower edge area  31  opposite to the opening of the tub  20  and the drum  30 . Accordingly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a temperature sensor  110  for detecting a temperature of the residual water may be disposed in the area  31 . 
       FIG. 4A  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the washing machine according to an embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , the washing machine  100  may include the sensor  110 , a communicator  120 , a display  130 , and a processor  140 . 
     The sensor  110  may be a temperature sensor which detects a temperature and generates data indicating the detected temperature. In this case, the sensor  110  may detect a temperature of the residual water of the washing machine  100 . Specifically, the sensor  110  may be positioned in the lower edge area opposite to the opening of the tub  20  and detect the temperature of the residual water remaining in the washing machine  100  after the washing operation is completed. 
     The communicator  120  may communicate with various devices. For this, the communicator  120  may include a Wi-Fi chip for Wi-Fi communication. 
     In this case, the communicator  120  may be connected to the access point  500  to communicate with the user terminal device  200 , the application server  300 , and the data server  400  via the network. 
     For example, the communicator  120  may be connected to the access point  500  to communicate with the application server  300  and the data server  400  via the network. In addition, when the communicator  120  is operated in the AP mode, the communicator  120  may communicate with the user terminal device  200  through the network. 
     The display  130  may display various screens. Specifically, the display  130  may display information regarding the washing machine  100 , information regarding the washing operation, and the like, and may also display a notification regarding the freezing of the washing machine  100 . 
     In this case, the display  130  may be implemented as various types of display such as an LCD display, an LED display, and the like and may also be implemented as a touch screen for receiving a user&#39;s touch. 
     Meanwhile, referring to  FIG. 2 , the display  130  may be provided on a front surface of the main body  10  (such as the display  13 - 2  of  FIG. 2 ). 
     The processor  140  may be connected to the sensor  110 , the communicator  120 , and the display  130  to control the washing machine  100 . Specifically, the processor  140  may control general operations and functions of the washing machine  100 . 
     In particular, the processor  140  may provide a notification regarding the freezing of the washing machine  100  based on the temperature detected by the sensor  110 . 
     Hereinafter, a method for providing the notification regarding the freezing by the washing machine  100  will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
     First, the sensor  110  may measure a temperature of the inside of the washing machine  100  (S 501 ). Specifically, the sensor  110  may generate data by measuring a temperature at time intervals (e.g., 0.5 seconds) and provide the generated data to the processor  140 . 
     In this case, the sensor  110  may generate the data by measuring the temperature not only in a state where the power of the washing machine  100  is turned on, but also in a state where the power of the washing machine  100  is turned off. Specifically, in a state where the power of the washing machine  100  is turned off, the sensor  110  may generate the data by measuring the temperature by using standby power. 
     Meanwhile, when it is determined that the temperature detected by the sensor  110  is equal to or lower than a first temperature (S 503 -Y), the processor  140  may receive data regarding a temperature (or an atmospheric temperature) of an area where the washing machine  100  is located (or temperature data) from the application server  300  via the communicator  120 , and may transmit the received data regarding the temperature to the data server  400  via the communicator  120  so that the received data regarding the temperature is transmitted to the user terminal device  200  by the data server  400 . 
     The first temperature herein may be 4° C. 
     Specifically, when it is determined that the temperature detected by the sensor  110  is equal to or lower than the first temperature, the processor  140  may request the application server  300  for data regarding the temperature at a time interval (S 505 , S 513 , S 531 , and S 547 ), receive the data regarding the temperature measured in the area where the washing machine  100  is located from the application server  300  via the communicator  120  in response to the request (S 507 , S 515 , S 533 , and S 549 ), and transmit the received data regarding the temperature to the data server  400  via the communicator  120  (S 509 , S 517 , S 535 , and S 551 ). 
     For this, the application server  300  may receive and store the data regarding the temperature measured over time in each area in advance from a Meteorological Agency server (not illustrated) collecting temperatures of each area over time. 
     Accordingly, when the request is received from the washing machine  100 , the application server  300  may transmit the data regarding the temperature measured in the area where the washing machine  100  is located at the time when the request is received to the washing machine  100 . 
     In this case, the application server  300  may receive and store the information regarding the location of the washing machine  100  input to the user terminal device  200  during the process of registering the washing machine  100  from the user terminal device  200  in advance, and determine the area where the washing machine  100  is located based on such information. 
     Meanwhile, the data server  400  may store the data regarding the temperature received from the washing machine  100  (S 511 , S 519 , S 537 , and S 553 ). 
     Meanwhile, the processor  140  may request the application server  300  for the data regarding the temperature a predetermined time interval, before a temperature which is equal to or higher than a third temperature is detected by the sensor  110 . The third temperature is higher than the first temperature. 
     The third temperature herein may be 6° C. 
     In other words, the processor  140  may request the application server  300  for the data regarding the temperature at a predetermined time interval, before the temperature detected by the sensor  110  is increased to be equal to or higher than the third temperature from the detection of the temperature equal to or lower than the first temperature by the sensor  110 , and may stop the request for the data regarding the temperature, if the temperature equal to or higher than the third temperature is detected by the sensor  110 . 
     Meanwhile, when it is determined that the temperature detected by the sensor  110  is equal to or lower than the first temperature in a state where the communicator  120  is deactivated, the processor  140  may activate the communicator  120  and receive the data regarding the temperature from the application server  300  via the activated communicator  120 . 
     Specifically, when the power of the washing machine  100  is turned on or a user command for activating the communicator  120  is input, the communicator  120  may be activated. In this case, the processor  140  may receive the data regarding the temperature from the application server  300  via the activated communicator  120 . 
     However, in some cases, in a state where the power of the washing machine  100  is turned off, or although the power of the washing machine is turned on, the communicator  120  may be deactivated according to a user command. In such a state, when the temperature equal to or lower than the first temperature is detected by the sensor  110 , the processor  140  may activate the deactivated communicator  120 , request the application server  300  for the data regarding the temperature via the activated communicator  120 , and receive the data regarding the temperature from the application server  300 . 
     Meanwhile, when the communicator  120  is activated, the processor  140  may deactivate the activated communicator  120  again after providing a notification or when a temperature which is equal to or higher than the third temperature (e.g., 6° C.) is detected by the sensor  110 . The third temperature is higher than the first temperature. 
     As described above, even though the communicator  120  does not keep activated, it is possible to reduce the power consumption, since the deactivated communicator  120  is activated based on the temperature detected by the sensor  110  to receive the temperature data. 
     Meanwhile, when transmitting the temperature data, the processor  140  may transmit the data detected by the sensor  110  over time to the data server  400  via the communicator  120 . In this case, the data server  400  may store the data received from the washing machine  100 . 
     Meanwhile, when the data regarding the temperature is received from the application server  300 , the processor  140  may store the received data regarding the temperature to a memory (not illustrated) of the washing machine  100 . 
     Herein, if a storage space of the memory (not illustrated) for storing the data regarding the temperature is not sufficient, the entire data regarding the temperature received from the application server  300  may not be stored in the memory (not illustrated). 
     In this case, when a storage space of the memory (not illustrated) for storing the atmospheric temperature data to be newly received from the application server  300  is insufficient due to the temperature data stored in advance, the processor  140  may transmit the temperature data stored in the memory (not illustrated) to the data server  400  via the communicator  120  and store the temperature data newly received from the application server  300  in the storage space of the memory (not illustrated) ensured accordingly. 
     Meanwhile, the data server  400  may transmit the data regarding the temperature received from the washing machine  100  to the user terminal device  200 . 
     Specifically, the data server  400  may store the data regarding the temperature received form the washing machine  100  and transmit the stored data regarding the temperature to the user terminal device  200  in response to the request (S 563 ) of the user terminal device  200  (S 565 ). 
     In this case, the user terminal device  200  may display the information regarding the temperature of the area where the washing machine  100  is located over time on a display of the user terminal device  200  by using the data regarding the temperature received from the data server  400  (S 567 ). 
     Meanwhile, when it is determined that the temperature detected by the sensor  110  is decreased to be equal to or lower than the second temperature that is lower than the first temperature (S 521 -Y), the processor  140  may transmit a notification to the application server  300  via the communicator  120  so that the notification regarding the freezing of the washing machine  100  is transmitted to the user terminal device  200  by the application server  300  and control the display  130  to display the notification. 
     The notification herein may include a text guiding that the washing machine  100  is likely to freeze due to a low temperature and guiding to execute an anti-freeze function of the washing machine  100  to prevent the washing machine  100  from freezing. 
     The notification may be transmitted to the application server  300  via the communicator  120 , not only when the power of the washing machine  100  is turned on, but also when the power of the washing machine  100  is turned off. Specifically, although the power of the washing machine  100  is turned off, the processor  140  may transmit the notification to the user terminal device  200  via the activated communicator  120 . 
     Meanwhile, when the power of the washing machine  100  is turned on, the processor  140  may display the notification on the display  130 . 
     However, when the power of the washing machine  100  is turned off, the notification may not be provided via the display  130 , since the display  130  is also turned off In this case, the processor  140  may display the notification on the display  130 , when the power of the washing machine  100  is turned on according to a user command. 
     Meanwhile, the second temperature may be 2° C., and the reason for setting the first temperature as 4° C. and the second temperature as 2° C. as described above is as follow. 
     In general, since the water freezes at a temperature equal to or lower than 0° C., an action is required to be performed before the temperature of the residual water remaining in the washing machine  100  reaches a temperature equal to or lower than 0° C. 
     In regard to this, first, when the temperature of the residual water is equal to or lower than 4° C., the processor  140  may obtain the temperature of the area where the washing machine  100  is located over time and store this in the data server  400 . Then, when the temperature of the residual water is equal to or lower than 2° C., the processor  140  may provide the notification regarding the freezing of the washing machine  100  to the user via the user terminal device  200  and the display  130  to induce the user to perform the action accordingly, since the residual water is highly likely to freeze, when the temperature of the residual water decreases with the lapse of time. 
     Accordingly, the user who has received the notification may input the user command for executing the anti-freeze function by using at least one of the plurality of buttons  13 - 1  provided in the washing machine  100 . 
     In this case, the processor  140  may control the washing machine  100  to execute the anti-freeze function according to the user command. Specifically, when the user command for executing the anti-freeze function is input, the processor  140  may control the washing machine  100  to supply and drain water during a certain period of time. Accordingly, the water may circulate the inside of the washing machine  100 , thereby preventing the washing machine  100  from freezing. 
     In addition, the user may receive the data regarding the temperature stored in the data server  400  via the user terminal device  200 . In this case, since the data regarding the temperature is a temperature (or an atmospheric temperature) of the area where the washing machine  100  is located over time from when the temperature of the residual water is equal to or lower than 4° C., the user may also obtain information regarding a change of the temperature over time in the area where the washing machine  100  is located. 
     Meanwhile, the processor  140  may transmit the notification to the application server  300  by a predetermined number of times at time intervals (S 523 , S 539 , and S 555 ) and display the notification on the display  130  (S 529 , S 545 , and S 561 ). 
     For example, when the temperature detected by the sensor  110  is equal to or lower than the second temperature, the processor  140  may provide the notification, In this case, the processor  140  may provide the notification three times in total at interval of 30 minutes. However, this is merely an embodiment, and the number of times for providing the notification and the time interval for providing the notification may be variously set. 
     In this case, when the notification is received from the washing machine  100 , the application server  300  may transmit the notification to the user terminal device  200  communicating with the application server  300  based on the user account in which the washing machine  100  is registered (S 525 , S 541 , and S 557 ). 
     Specifically, as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , the application server  300  may register the device for each user account during the device registration process. Accordingly, when the notification is received form the washing machine  100 , the application server  300  may determine the user account in which the washing machine  100  is registered among a plurality of user accounts, and transmit the notification to the user terminal device  200  communicating with the application server  300  with the determined user account. 
     In this case, the user terminal device  200  may receive the notification transmitted by the application server  300  via the application installed in the user terminal device  200  and display the notification on the display of the user terminal device  200  via the application (S 527 , S 543 , and S 559 ). 
     Meanwhile, when the third temperature higher than the second temperature is detected by the sensor  110  or the user command for executing the anti-freeze function of the washing machine  100  is input, before the predetermined number of times of the notification is provided, the processor  140  may stop providing the notification. 
     In other words, although the predetermined number of times of the notification has not provided yet, when the temperature detected by the sensor  110  is increased and determined to be equal to or higher than the third temperature or when the user command for executing the anti-freeze function of the washing machine  100  is input, the processor  140  may stop providing the notification without providing the remaining number of times of the notification. 
     The third temperature herein may be 6° C. This is because that there is no concern about the freezing of the residual water, when the temperature of the residual water increases or the user executes the anti-freeze function. 
     Meanwhile, it is described in the above example that the first temperature is 4° C., the second temperature is 2° C., and the third temperature is 6° C., but this is merely an embodiment, and the first to third temperatures may be set as various values close to 0° C. among values equal to or higher than 0° C., within a range satisfying a relationship of relative values between these. 
     Meanwhile, when the temperature detected by the sensor  110  is the third temperature (e.g., 6° C.) (S 569 -Y), the processor  140  may end the anti-freeze algorithm descried above. 
     In other words, as described above, when the temperature equal to or lower than the first temperature is detected by the sensor  110  and then the temperature detected by the sensor  110  increases to be equal to or higher than the third temperature, the processor  140  may stop the request for the atmospheric temperature data, and may deactivate the communicator  120  again, if the deactivated communicator  120  is activated. 
       FIG. 4B  is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the washing machine according to an embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4B , the washing machine  100  may include the sensor  110 , the communicator  120 , the display  130 , a button  135 , a memory  150 , and a driving unit  160 , and these elements may be controlled by the processor  140 . 
     Meanwhile, the elements illustrated in  FIG. 4B  are merely an example, and at least some elements may be omitted according to the embodiment. 
     Meanwhile, the sensor  110 , the communicator  120 , the display  130 , and the processor  140  perform the same function as in  FIG. 4A , and therefore the overlapped description regarding these elements will not be repeated. 
     The button  135  may receive various user commands and transmit the input user commands to the processor  140 . For this, the button  135  may include a plurality of buttons provided on the front surface of the washing machine  100  (such as the plurality of buttons  13 - 1  of  FIG. 2 ). In this case, the processor  140  may control other elements to execute various functions corresponding to the user commands input via the button  135 . 
     The memory  150  may store an instruction or data related to at least another element of the washing machine  100 . The memory  150  may be implemented as a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory  150  may be accessed by the processor  140  and reading, recording, editing, deleting, or updating of the data by the processor  140  may be executed. A term, memory, in the disclosure may include the memory  150 , a ROM (not illustrated) and RAM (not illustrated) in the processor  140 , or a memory card (not illustrated) (e.g., micro SD card or memory stick) mounted on the washing machine  100 . 
     The driving unit  160  may drive the drum  30  in the washing machine  100 . For this, the driving unit  160  may include a motor. In this case, the processor  140  may rotate the drum  30  around a horizontal axis using the motor. 
       FIGS. 6A to 6D  are diagrams illustrating user interfaces displayed on the washing machine and the user terminal device according to embodiments. 
     Firstly, when it is determined that the temperature detected by the sensor  110  is equal to or lower than the second temperature, the processor  140  may display the notification on the display  130 . In this case, referring to  FIG. 6A , a notification  610  may include a text of “There is risk of freezing due to low atmospheric temperature. Please execute anti-freeze function”. 
     When it is determined that the temperature detected by the sensor  110  is equal to or lower than the second temperature, the processor  140  may transmit the notification to the application server  300 . In this case, the application server  300  may transmit the notification received from the washing machine  100  to the user terminal device  200  communicating with the application server  300  based on the user account in which the washing machine  100  is registered. 
     In this case, the user terminal device  200  may display the notification received from the application server  300  on the display of the user terminal device  200 . 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 6B , when the user terminal device  200  is locked, the user terminal device  200  (or application installed on the user terminal device  200 ) may display at least a part of the content of a notification  620  received from the application server  300  in an area of a lock screen. 
     When a user command for selecting the notification  620  and a user command for unlocking are input, the user terminal device  200  may unlock the user terminal device  200  and display a notification  640  on an execution screen  630  of the application, as illustrated in  FIG. 6C . 
     Meanwhile, the user terminal device  200  may display a GUI  650  for displaying the temperature of the area where the washing machine  100  is located on the execution screen  630 . 
     Accordingly, when the GUI  650  is selected, the user terminal device  200  may request the data server  400  for the temperature data, and, when the temperature data is received from the data server  400 , may display the received temperature data. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 6D , the user terminal device  200  may display the temperature of the area where the washing machine  100  is located over time on the display in a form of a graph  660 . In this case, the user terminal device  200  may display information  670  regarding the area where the washing machine  100  is located on the display. 
     As described above, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the freezing of the washing machine  100  is more effectively prevented, since the notification regarding the freezing of the washing machine  100  is provided to the user not only through the user terminal device  200 , but also through the display  130 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  are diagrams illustrating a method for providing a notification according to an embodiment. 
     As described above, when the notification is received from the washing machine  100 , the application server  300  may transmit the notification to the user terminal device  200  communicating with the application server  300  based on the user account in which the washing machine  100  is registered. 
     In some cases, one washing machine  100  may be registered in a plurality of user accounts. 
     In such a case where the washing machine  100  is registered in the plurality of user accounts, the application server  300  may determine the user account that controlled the washing machine relatively most frequently among the plurality of user accounts, and transmit the notification to the user terminal device communicating with the application server  300  based on the determined user account. 
     For this, the application server  300  may count the number of times that the user terminal device accessed the application server  300  via the user account and transmitted the control command to the washing machine  100  and store the information regarding the counted number of times. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 7 , it is assumed that the washing machine  100  is registered in a user account A, a user account B, and a user account C, and the number of times of the transmission of the control command to the washing machine  100  via the user account A is 4, the number of times thereof via the user account B is 2, and the number of times thereof via the user account C is 0. 
     In this case, when the notification is received from the washing machine  100  via the access point  500 , the application server  300  may determine that the washing machine  100  is controlled through the user account A most frequently, among the user accounts A to C in which the washing machine  100  is registered. 
     Accordingly, the application server  300  may transmit the notification to a user terminal device  200 - 1  which controlled the washing machine  100  via the application server  300  using the user account A among a plurality of user terminal devices  200 - 1  to  200 - 3 . In this case, the user terminal device  200 - 1  may receive the notification from the washing machine  100  and display a notification  710  on a display of the user terminal device  200 - 1 . 
     This is because the user of the user terminal device which controlled the washing machine  100  most frequently is considered as the user most frequently using the washing machine  100  than other users. Accordingly, the application server  300  may transmit the notification regarding the freezing of the washing machine  100  to the user terminal device controlled the washing machine  100  most frequently. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the washing machine  100  from freezing. 
     Meanwhile, when the washing machine  100  is registered in the plurality of user accounts, the application server  300  may transmit the notification to each of the plurality of user terminal devices communicating with the application server  300  based on each of the plurality of user accounts. 
     In this case, the user terminal device which may detect the access point connected to the washing machine  100  or connected to the access point, among the plurality of user terminal devices, may display the notification received from the application server  300 . 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 8 , it is assumed that the washing machine  100  is registered in the user account A, the user account B, and the user account C. 
     In this case, when the notification is received from the washing machine  100  via the access point  500 , the application server  300  may transmit the received notification to the plurality of user terminal devices  200 - 1  to  200 - 3  communicating with the application server  300  based on the user accounts A to C. 
     Meanwhile, as described above, the plurality of user terminal devices  200 - 1  to  200 - 3  may obtain information regarding the access point  500  connected to the washing machine  100  during the process of registering the washing machine  100  in the application server  300  and may store such information. 
     Accordingly, when the notification is received from the application server  300 , each of the user terminal devices  200 - 1  to  200 - 3  may determine whether the access point  500  is present in the surroundings or whether the user terminal device is currently connected to the access point  500 , and if the access point  500  is detected or the user terminal device is currently connected to the access point  500 , the user terminal device may display the notification received from the application server  300  on the display. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 8 , the user terminal device  200 - 1  connected to the access point  500  and the user terminal device  200 - 2  which may detect the access point  500  may display notifications  810  and  820  received from the application server  300  on the display. However, the user terminal device  200 - 3  not in such a situation may receive the notification from the application server  300  but may not display the received notification. 
     It is considered that the user terminal device connected to the access point  500  connected to the washing machine  100  or which may detect the access point  500  is in the same space (e.g., home) as the washing machine  100 . Accordingly, the user terminal device satisfying such a situation may display the notification received from the application server  300  on the display so that the user around the washing machine  100  may take a suitable action to prevent the washing machine  100  from freezing. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the washing machine  100  from freezing. 
     However, the transmission of the notification to the user not in the same space as the washing machine  100  may cause inconvenience, and accordingly, the user terminal device not connected to the access point  500  connected to the washing machine  100  or may not detect the access point  500  does not display the notification, even if the notification is received from the application server  300 . 
     Meanwhile, the application server and the user terminal device may include a processor (not illustrated) and a memory (not illustrated) and may include a communicator (not illustrated) for communicating with other devices using various communication methods. 
     Accordingly, when the notification is received from the washing machine  100  via the communicator (not illustrated) of the application server  300 , the processor (not illustrated) of the application server  300  may transmit the notification to the user terminal device communicating with the application server  300  based on the user account in which the washing machine  100  is registered. 
     In this case, referring to  FIG. 7 , the processor (not illustrated) of the application server  300  may determine the user account controlled the washing machine  100  relatively most frequently among the plurality of user accounts, and control the communicator (not illustrated) to transmit the notification to the user terminal device communicating with the application server  300  based on the determined user account. 
     In addition, when the notification is received from the application server  300  via the communicator (not illustrated) of the user terminal device, the processor (not illustrated) of the user terminal device may display the notification on a display (not illustrated) of the user terminal device. 
     In this case, referring to  FIG. 8 , the processor (not illustrated) of the user terminal device may determine whether the access point  500  is present around the user terminal device or the user terminal device is currently connected to the access point  500  using the communicator (not illustrated) of the user terminal device, and if the access point  500  is detected or the user terminal device is connected to the access point  500 , the processor (not illustrated) of the user terminal device may display the notification received from the application server  300  on the display (not illustrated) of the user terminal device via an application. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an anti-freeze notification of a washing machine according to an embodiment. 
     In this case, the washing machine may include a sensor for detecting a temperature of residual water. 
     First, when the temperature detected by the sensor is determined to be equal to or lower than the first temperature, the data regarding the temperature of the area where the washing machine is located may be received from the application server (S 910 ). 
     Then, the received data regarding the temperature may be transmitted to the data server so that the received data regarding the temperature is transmitted to the user terminal device via the data server (S 920 ). 
     When the temperature detected by the sensor is decreased and determined to be equal to or lower than the second temperature that is lower than the first temperature, the notification regarding the freezing of the washing machine may be displayed on the display of the washing machine and the notification may be transmitted to the application server so that the notification is transmitted to the user terminal device by the application server (S 930 ). 
     Herein, the data server may store the data regarding the temperature received from the washing machine and transmit the stored data regarding the temperature to the user terminal device in response to a request of the user terminal device, and when the notification is received form the washing machine, the application server may transmit the notification to the user terminal device communicating with the application server based on the user account in which the washing machine is registered. 
     Meanwhile, when the temperature detected by the sensor is determined to be equal to or lower than the first temperature, the washing machine may request the application server for the data regarding the temperature at time intervals. In this case, the washing machine may request the application server for the data regarding the temperature a predetermined time interval, before the temperature which is equal to or higher than the third temperature is detected by the sensor. The third temperature is higher than the first temperature. 
     Meanwhile, in Step S 910 , the data regarding the temperature measured in the area where the washing machine is located may be received from the application server in response to the request. 
     In addition, when the temperature detected by the sensor is equal to or lower than the first temperature in a state where the communicator is deactivated, the communicator may be activated. In this case, in Step S 910 , the data regarding the temperature may be received from the application server via the activated communicator. 
     In this case, when the temperature equal to or higher than the third temperature is detected by the sensor, the activated communicator may be deactivated. The third temperature is higher than the first temperature. 
     Meanwhile, in Step S 930 , the notification may be transmitted to the application server by the predetermined number of times a predetermined time interval and displayed on the display. In this case, when the temperature detected by the sensor is increased to be equal to or higher than the third temperature higher than the second temperature or the user command for executing the anti-freeze function of the washing machine is input, before the predetermined number of times of the notification is provided, the providing the notification may be stopped. 
     Meanwhile, when the washing machine is registered in the plurality of user accounts, the application server may determine the user account controlled the washing machine relatively most frequently among the plurality of user accounts and transmit the notification to the user terminal device communicating with the application server based on the determined user account. 
     In addition, when the washing machine is registered in the plurality of user accounts, the application server may transmit the notification to each of the plurality of user terminal devices communicating with the application server based on each of the plurality of user accounts. In this case, the user terminal device which may detect the access point connected to the washing machine or connected to the access point, among the plurality of user terminal devices, may display the notification received from the application server. 
     Meanwhile, the method for providing the notification regarding the freezing of the washing machine has been described above in detail. 
     Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented as software including instructions stored in machine (e.g., computer)-readable storage media. The machine is a device which invokes instructions stored in the storage medium and is operated according to the invoked instructions, and may include a device according to the disclosed embodiments. In a case where the instruction is executed by a processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instruction directly or using other elements under the control of the processor. The instruction may include a code made by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in a form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the “non-transitory storage medium” is tangible and may not include signals, and it does not distinguish that data is semi-permanently or temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, the “non-transitory storage medium” may include a buffer temporarily storing data. 
     According to an embodiment, the methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this disclosure may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be exchanged between a seller and a purchaser as a commercially available product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In a case of the on-line distribution, at least a part of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server. 
     While preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described, the disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned specific embodiments, and it is apparent that various modifications can be made by those having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the disclosure belongs, without departing from the gist of the disclosure as claimed by the appended claims. Also, it is intended that such modifications are not to be interpreted independently from the technical idea or prospect of the disclosure. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with various embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.