Patent Description:
In general, a laundry treating apparatus is a home appliance configured to perform such diverse treating processes that are related with clothes (e.g., washing, drying, deodorizing, wrinkle-removing and the like). The laundry treating apparatus means a concept including a washing machine for washing clothes, a dryer for drying wet clothes and a refresher for deodorizing the bad smell pervaded in clothes or removing wrinkles of clothes.

Also, laundry treating apparatuses can be classified into a top loading type and a front loading type based on a direction of laundry loading/unloading. A typical example of such a front loading type laundry treating apparatus is a drum washer or dryer.

In the case of the front loading type, an introduction port through which the laundry is introduced is provided at the front side (or lateral side) of the cabinet and a drum shaft is horizontal or tilted a preset angle with respect to the ground. In the case of the top loading type, the introduction port through which the laundry is introduced is vertically provided on the top of the cabinet with respect to the ground.

Typically, such the laundry treating apparatus may be configured to perform a wash cycle or a dry cycle after a user loads clothes (hereinafter, laundry) and the user is able to load the laundry out of the laundry treating apparatus until waiting for the wash cycle or the dry cycle is completed.

However, it becomes difficult to wait until the wash cycle or the dry cycle is completed, because one-person households or double-income families are increasing drastically and for other reasons. Accordingly, the laundry is likely to be neglected in the laundry treating apparatus, even after the dry cycle or the wash cycle is completed, such that it might be contaminated to disadvantageously change a state of the laundry bad (e.g., smell bad or cause wrinkles).

In addition, the users who have no time on their hands for operating the laundry treating apparatus after work until bed time are increasing. Accordingly, the situations where users have to postpone the operation of the laundry treating apparatus might happen frequently.

To solve such disadvantages, a time reservation setting function is added to such the laundry treating apparatus for users to directly set a start time or an end time of the wash cycle or the dry cycle.

Accordingly, the users are able to set the wash cycle or dry cycle to end at the time they want and maximize convenience and autonomy may be maximized. As one example, a user is able to control the operation of the laundry treating apparatus to end at the end of the bed time or spare time so as to unload the optimal-stated laundry out of the laundry treating apparatus according to the user's schedule.

However, the laundry treating apparatus has a limit that the user has to repeatedly input some buttons to set a desired reservation time, because the area of the control panel has to be arranged efficiently and exterior beauty has to be considered.

Even when an application or external terminal is used, the user always has to inconveniently input a desired reservation time whenever setting the reservation time. especially, even when trying to reputedly perform a reservation setting at certain times or at a specific time, the user has to directly set the reservation time consistently, which is an inconvenient disadvantage. Accordingly, a conventional laundry treating apparatus has a disadvantage that the repeated process and time for performing the reservation time setting function have to be performed disadvantageously.

<CIT> presents a laundry treating apparatus in which a recommendation formula is previously stored to compute and determine a course and option to be recommended. The laundry treating apparatus comprising: a recommendation request unit to receive input that enables a recommendation of a laundry treating course from among arbitrary courses or a recommendation of a laundry treating option from among arbitrary options; a controller for computing and determining a course or option to be recommended from the arbitrary courses or the arbitrary options in accordance with a recommendation formula when a recommendation request unit is input; and a display unit for displaying the course or option determined to be recommended by the controller. The controller has the recommendation formula which is previously stored, and is provided to compute and determine the course or option to be recommended.

<CIT> provides a method of controlling a component for a network system. The method of controlling a component for a network system, which is communicable with the other component, includes recognizing energy information or additional information except for the energy information; and providing recommended information related to an operation of the component within a recommended range on the basis of the recognized energy information or the additional information.

<CIT> presents an electronic system for power consumption management of one or more domestic appliances which is routinely informed on actual energy tariff through a network control unit or through a predetermined time-table stored in the system. A user interface of the electronic system is provided where the user can set his preference concerning the switch-on time of each appliance and/or function thereof and read the related estimated energy consumption and/or energy cost of the appliance working program.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to address the above-noted and other problems and provide a laundry treating apparatus which recommends a specific reservation time based on the reservation time setting history to the user.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus which figures out a specific pattern from a reservation setting history and then recommend a reservation time which will be set by the user based on the specific pattern.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treating apparatus which calculates an user pattern, when a reservation time is set at a specific time at a specific frequency or more, and recommends a reservation time which will be set to the user based on the user pattern.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus which may allow the user to input a new reservation time again even when the reservation time is recommended and correct the reservation time.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus which may check whether a new pattern is created in another reservation pattern, when the pattern of the reservation time is set, and set a new reservation pattern based on the result of the checking.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus which may figure out a plurality of patterns in the reservation time setting and recommend a reservation time based on the patterns.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus which may recommend a plurality of reservation times.

One or more of the above mentioned objects are achieved by the invention set out by the features of the independent claim. The preferred embodiments are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

The present invention provides a laundry treating apparatus that is configured to recommend one or more of the start point and end point of at least one of a wash cycle for removing foreign substances from laundry and a dry cycle for removing moisture from the laundry, the laundry treating apparatus comprising: an input part that is configured to receive an input for setting one or more of the start point and end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle; a controller that is configured to determine one or more of the start point and end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle, when the input of the input part is sensed; and a display that is configured to display one or more of the start point and end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle determined by the controller.

The controller determines one or more of the start point and end point simultaneously when sensing the input from the input part.

The input part comprises a requesting unit configured to receive a command for facilitating the controller pre-determining one or more of the start point and end point, and the controller may determine one or more of the start point and end point when sensing that the requesting unit is input.

The controller determines one or more of the start point and end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle by figuring out a pattern based on one or more of the former set start point and end point. The controller may confirm the pattern when sensing that one or more of the start point and end point is set in a specific time range at a specific frequency or more. The controller may determine a specific time in the pattern and the determined time to be the start or end point. The controller may determine one or more of the start point and end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle in the specific time range, once confirming the pattern.

The controller may determine whether an additional pattern is confirmed or the confirmed pattern is changed, after confirming the pattern.

The controller may ignore the start or end point when confirming the additional pattern or changing the confirmed pattern, once the start or end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle within the specific time range is input.

The controller confirms the setting of the start or end point in a different specific time range at a specific frequency or more as the additional pattern or changes the confirmed pattern, when sensing that the start or end point is set in the different specific time range at a specific frequency or more after the confirming of the pattern.

The controller may determine two or more of the start or end points that are selected by the user.

Even when the start or end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle determined by the controller is displayed on the display, the input part may be configured to facilitate an input of a new start or end point.

The controller may use even the input start or end point in figuring out the pattern, when a new start or end point is input to the input part.

The laundry treating apparatus may further comprise a communication module that is configured to transmit information for facilitating the controller to determine the start or end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle by means of communication with a server or an external terminal, wherein the controller may determine the start or end point based on the information transmitted from the server or the external terminal.

The controller may transmit the start or end point of the performed operation to the server or the externa terminal via the communication module, when the start or end point of the operation is set or the wash cycle or dry cycle is completed at the time set as the start or end point of the operation.

According to the present invention, the laundry treating apparatus has following effects.

First, the laundry treating apparatus recommends a specific reservation time based on the reservation time setting history to the user.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus figures out a specific pattern from a reservation setting history and then recommend a reservation time which will be set by the user based on the specific pattern.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus calculates a user pattern, when a reservation time is set at a specific time at a specific frequency or more, and recommend a reservation time which will be set to the user based on the user pattern.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may allow the user to input a new reservation time again even when the reservation time is recommended and correct the reservation time.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may check whether a new pattern is created in another reservation pattern, when the pattern of the reservation time is set, and set a new reservation pattern based on the result of the checking.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may figure out a plurality of patterns in the reservation time setting and recommend a reservation time based on the patterns.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may recommend a plurality of reservation times.

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which are given by illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Regardless of numeral references, the same or equivalent components may be provided with the same reference numbers and description thereof will not be repeated. If the terms disclosed in this specification conflict with general terms, the terms may be understood on the basis of their meanings as used in this specification. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

A laundry treating apparatus may typically provide diverse courses and options according to a user's convenience. Such courses and options may include both a washing course that is used in a washer and a drying course that is used in a dryer.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure is described based on the courses that include the washing course that is applied to the washer and that is only to make the description easier. The course has to be understood to be a concept that includes a drying course used for a dryer as well.

The course is a series of drives configured of a wash cycle for removing foreign substances from clothes, a rinse cycle for separating the foreign substances from a washing detergent and a spin cycle for removing moisture from the clothes in the laundry treating apparatus. Also, the course may be an algorithm or control method that is preset to perform a start to the end of the washing. At this time, the course may also include dry cycle.

<FIG> illustrates various examples of the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure.

The laundry treating apparatus <NUM> according to the present disclosure may include an opening for loading and unloading clothes (hereinafter, the laundry); a cabinet <NUM> that defines an exterior design; and a door <NUM> that is configured to open and close the opening.

Referring to <FIG>, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may be provided as a top load type including the opening <NUM> and the door <NUM> that are formed in a top of the cabinet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure may be provide as a front load type including the opening and the door <NUM> that are provide in a front of the cabinet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may be configured of a front type and a top load type that are mounted vertically to perform washing and drying. As on example, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may include a front load type and a top load type that is mounted on the front load type (see <FIG>) or a front load type and a top load type that is mounted under the bottom of the front load type (see <FIG>).

In case the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> is configured of such plural apparatuses that are multilayered, the apparatuses may share one cabinet <NUM> and the cabinet <NUM> may have a plurality of openings. Then, doors <NUM> and 22a may be provided to open and close the plurality of the openings.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus may include a control panel <NUM> that is configured to receive, display or perform inputs of preset operation commands. Such operation commands may include predetermined courses or options that are preset to perform a wash cycle configured to remove foreign substances or dirt from laundry or a dry cycle configured to remove moisture or water elements from the laundry.

A controller <NUM> may be installed in the control panel <NUM> to control all of the elements provided in the laundry treating apparatus so as to perform the predetermined courses or options.

In the controller <NUM> may be stored the predetermined courses or options for providing a series of control methods configured to perform at least one of the wash cycle for removing foreign substances from the laundry or the dry cycle for drying the laundry containing moisture.

When the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> is a washing machine, the predetermined course may include at least one or combination of a washing step configured to remove foreign substances from the laundry; a rinsing step configured to separate the foreign substances a washing detergent from the laundry; and a spinning step for removing moisture from the laundry. When the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> is a dryer, the predetermined option may be provided as a plurality of drying steps for removing moisture or water elements from the laundry.

Meanwhile, the predetermined options may include a series of control methods for changing additional conditions of the course when the course is performed.

In case the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> is provided as a washing machine, the predetermined options may be a series of control methods that are configured to adjust one or more of the duration and the drum rotation speeds (the drum RPMs) of the washing, rinsing and spinning steps, the rate of the drum rotation time (the moving rate) for a preset time period, the opening time of a water supply valve or the water amount (level), the electricity usage, the water temperature, presence of steam supply and the duration time of each step.

When the laundry treating apparatus 1is provided as the dryer, the predetermined options may be a series of control methods that are configured to adjust one or more of the drying step frequency, the drum RPM during the drying step, the rate of the drum rotation time (the moving rate) for a preset time period, the electricity usage, presence of steam supply and the duration time of the drying step.

Meanwhile, the control panel <NUM> may include a display <NUM> configured to display a state of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>; a power unit <NUM> configured to input a power to the laundry treating apparatus; and an input unit <NUM> configured to receive an input of a command for driving the laundry treating apparatus.

Meanwhile, the display <NUM> and the input part <NUM> are independently provided in the control panel <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be provided as a display liquid crystal and the input part <NUM> may be provided as an additional button (see <FIG>). Alternatively, the control panel <NUM> may be provided as a touch display and the functions of the display <NUM> and the input part <NUM> may be realized on one screen (see <FIG>).

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may further include a microphone <NUM> configured to recognize a user's voice; and a camera <NUM> configured to recognize the user's movement.

The camera <NUM> may be implemented to recognize the user's movement so as to implement the course or option. The microphone <NUM> may be implemented to recognize the user's voice to implement the course or option.

In addition, it may be recognized by using the microphone <NUM> and the camera <NUM> that a child or an infant comes into the cabinet <NUM> so as to notify the user or release the door locking. Accordingly, a safety accident may be prevented.

The laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may further include a speaker. Accordingly, the user may be notified of a state of laundry treating apparatus by a sound signal.

<FIG> illustrates an inner structure of the laundry treating apparatus according to one embodiment.

Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a specific structure of the laundry treating apparatus that is shown in <FIG>.

That is only for description. When the laundry treating apparatus is the front load type, the top load type or the dual type having the front load type and the top load type that are mounted in a multi-layered structure, only some elements of the basic structure shown in <FIG> may be used or only the installation position may be changed.

In other words, <FIG> illustrates the structure shown in <FIG> as one example to avoid repeated description and any structures may be applicable only if capable of performing the functions of the laundry treating apparatus.

Referring to <FIG>, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may include a cabinet <NUM> that defines an exterior design; and a laundry accommodation part provided in the cabinet to accommodate the laundry.

In case the laundry treating apparatus is provided as the washing machine, the laundry accommodation part may include a tub <NUM> provided in the cabinet <NUM> and configured to hold water; and a drum <NUM> rotatably mounted in the tub <NUM>.

The laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may include a drive part <NUM> coupled to the tub <NUM> and configured to rotate the drum <NUM>; a water supply part <NUM> configured to supply water to the tub <NUM>; and a water discharge part <NUM> configured to discharge water from the tub <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in case the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> is provided as the dryer, the laundry accommodation part may include only the drum <NUM> rotatably mounted in the cabinet <NUM>.

Here, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may further include a hot air supply part or a heater <NUM> configured to supply hot air to the tub <NUM>. In addition, it may include a door <NUM> provided to open and close the opening of the tub <NUM> and the opening of the cabinet <NUM>.

The water supply part <NUM> may include a water supply valve <NUM> and a water supply pipe <NUM>. The water discharge part may include a water discharge pump <NUM> and a water discharge pipe <NUM>.

The drive part <NUM> may include a stator <NUM> coupled to the tub <NUM> and configured to generate a rotation magnetic field; a rotor <NUM> that is rotatable by the rotation magnetic field; and a shaft <NUM> that is rotatable together with the rotor <NUM> so rotate the drum <NUM>.

The tub <NUM> may be supported to the cabinet <NUM> by a support portion <NUM> and vibration of the tub <NUM> may be damped by the support portion <NUM>. The support portion <NUM> may include a damper <NUM> and a spring <NUM> that are configured to connect the cabinet <NUM> and the tub to damp the vibration.

Meanwhile, in case it is provided as the combined dual type, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may include a second tub 23a provided under or above the tub <NUM> and configured to hold water; a second drum 24a rotatably mounted in the second tub 23a; a second drive part 25a coupled to the second tub and configured to rotate the second drum 24a; a second water supply part 26a configured to supply water to the second tub 23a; and a second water discharge part 27a configured to discharge water from the second tub 23a.

When it is provided under the tub <NUM> as the top load type, the second the second tub 23a may be mounted in a drawer 21b that may freely enter and exit with respect to the cabinet <NUM>.

The second water supply part 26a may include a second water supply valve 262a and a second water supply pipe 261a. The second water discharge part 27a may include a second water discharge pump 271a and a second water discharge pipe 272a.

The second drive part 25a may include a second stator 251a coupled to the second tub 23a and configured to generate a rotation magnetic field; a second rotor 252a that is rotatable by the rotation magnetic field; and a second shaft 253a that is rotatable together with the second rotor 252a to rotate the second drum 24a.

The second tub 23a may be supported to the cabinet <NUM> by a second support portion 28a and vibration of the tub <NUM> may be damped by the second support portion <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> of the control panel <NUM> may be configured to control the second water supply unit 26a, the second water discharge part 27a and the second drive part 25a.

Specifically, the controller <NUM> may be configured to integrally control the laundry treating apparatus including the tub <NUM> and another laundry treating apparatus that is mounted on or under the tub <NUM> as the integrated controller.

As one example, the drive unit <NUM>, 25a, the water supply unit <NUM>, 26a, the water discharge unit <NUM>, 27a and the hot air supply unit <NUM> may be configured to repeat drive and pause based on at least one of the courses and options that are preset in the control panel <NUM> or the controller <NUM> of the laundry treating apparatus.

As one example, the water supply valve <NUM>, 261a may be opening based on the input course or option and the water discharge pup <NUM>, 261a may be operated by rotating the drive unit <NUM>, 25a. however, the control panel <NUM> may further include an auxiliary panel 100a additionally provided in the drawer 21b and configured to control the second water supply part 26a, the second water discharge part 27a and the second drive unit 25a respectively.

The auxiliary panel 100a may further include an additional controller independently provided from the controller <NUM> to independently control another laundry treating apparatus provided on or under the tub <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may further include a communication module <NUM> that is communicable with at least one of a server <NUM> or an external terminal <NUM> which will be described later.

When the laundry treating apparatus is provided as the combined type, the control panel <NUM> may be divided into a control panel configured to control the top laundry treating apparatus and a second control panel configured to control the bottom laundry treating apparatus. Alternatively, one control panel <NUM> may be provided to control the overall operation of the combined type laundry treating apparatus.

<FIG> illustrates an online system that is configured to control the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>.

As shown in the drawing, a wireless internet communication module is applied to the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> to allow communication with a server <NUM> on an internet network via AP <NUM> (Access Point).

The laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may communicate with the server <NUM> to be remotely controlled by the external terminal <NUM> or update data. For that, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> has to communicate with AP in the home first. Accordingly, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may further include a communication module <NUM> that is configured to directly communicate AP. As one example, the communication module may be a Wi-Fi module.

For the communication connecting of the laundry treating apparatus, the communication module <NUM> may be configured to support an enable mode that is communicable with a setting mode for the communication connecting.

The setting mode may be a mode for allow communication with AP. Accordingly, it may be referred to as AP mode. In addition, the enable mode may be a state where the laundry treating apparatus can communicate with the server via AP, in other words, a state where data can be transceived to perform the remote control server at any time. Specifically, it may be a standby state for the remote control service. Accordingly, the enable mode may be referred to as a connection mode or a standby mode.

In other words, an initial setting mode has to be performed to communication-connect the communication module <NUM>. Once the communication is connected in the setting mode, the current mode may be always converted into the enable mode.

Input means for implementing the setting mode may be provided in the communication module <NUM>. However, the communication module <NUM> may be embedded in the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> in many cases or mounted in the laundry treating apparatus as simple type. Accordingly, the input means may be the input part <NUM> of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>.

When communication-connected with the server <NUM> via AP <NUM>, the communication module <NUM> may maintain a power-on state to consistently communicate with the server <NUM>.

Meanwhile, considering a communication path from the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> to the server <NUM>, a public internet network follows AP and AP follows a private internet network. The laundry treating apparatus <NUM> is granted a private IP and AP <NUM> may have a unique IP.

The server <NUM> may have IP and such IP may be a unique one. Accordingly, the unique IP of the server may be stored in the communication module <NUM> of the laundry treating apparatus (e.g., the Wi-Fi module) in advance. The communication module <NUM> of the laundry treating apparatus may be connected by the server IP through the activation process using the external terminal and mutual communication may be enabled.

In that process, AP <NUM> may transmit information about a port connected with the corresponding laundry treating apparatus and the unique IP. The server <NUM> may figure out the location of the laundry treating apparatus based on the information. Meanwhile, when the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> also transmits the unique device IP to the server, the server may figure out which and where laundry treating apparatus is located and have access to the laundry treating apparatus based on the information. In this instance, when a user ID and passwords are input, such information may be also transmitted to the server <NUM>.

Accordingly, the server <NUM> may match a specific user' specific laundry treating apparatus <NUM> with the location. When the user sends a request for a specific service to the server via the external terminal <NUM>, the server <NUM> may specify one laundry treating apparatus <NUM> and perform the service.

Meanwhile, the server <NUM> may connect the communication with the external terminal <NUM> by the unique IP and network. A remote communication module for connecting the communication with the server and an application (APP) may be selectively installed in the external terminal <NUM>.

The external terminal <NUM> may be connected to the server <NUM> via the application by the remote communication module and control the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> remotely. The user may receive state information of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> from the server <NUM> through the display panel provided as the touch panel and transmit an operation command of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> to the server <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates one example of the control panel <NUM> that is provided in the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, only the display <NUM> may be a display panel and the input part <NUM> may be a physical button that pressed additionally.

The input part <NUM> may include a course input unit configured to receive an input for selecting one of the predetermined courses for performing a series of washing processes that are configured to include the wash cycle, the rinse cycle and the spin cycle; and an option select unit <NUM> configured to receive an input for selecting one of the predetermined options that are configured to adjust the strength and degree of the course.

As one example, when the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> is provided as the washing machine, the courses may include a first course that is configured of a normal washing method or combination of the washing methods for removing foreign substances from the laundry; a second course that is configured of a washing method or combination of the washing methods for sterilizing the laundry; and a third course that is configured of a washing method or combination of the washing methods for removing foreign substances in consideration of laundry fabric.

The options may include a first option configured to adjust a washing degree in the selected course; a second option configured to adjust the frequency of the rinsing; a third option configured to adjust a spinning degree; and a fourth option configured to determine the temperature of the water inside the tub holding the laundry and water. The adjusting of the washing strength and the spinning strength may mean the adjusting of the drum RPM and the period of the drum rotation direction variation in the wash cycle and the spin cycle.

The first course may be a normal course for washing clothes and referred to as 'Daily course'. The second course may be classified as a course that is strong in sterilizing and referred to as 'Sanitation course'. The third course may be a course that considers the laundry fabric and amount and referred to as 'Customized course'.

When the course select unit <NUM> is repeated selected, the courses sequentially set or displayed may be displayed and selected.

The course select unit <NUM> may include a first course configured to select one of the first courses; a second course select unit <NUM> configured to select one of the second courses; and a third course select unit <NUM> configured to select one of the third courses.

The option select unit <NUM> may be configured to select the courses that are sequentially set or displayed after being repeatedly input like the course select unit <NUM>. In addition, the option select unit <NUM> may include a first option select unit <NUM> configured to adjust the washing strength in the selected course; a second option select unit <NUM> configured to adjust the ringing frequency; a third option select unit <NUM> configured to adjust the spinning strength; and a fourth option select unit <NUM> configured to determine the water temperature inside the tub holding water and laundry. The option select unit <NUM> may be provided to sequentially input the option select units and select a desired one.

The display <NUM> may be a display liquid crystal, a light that reflect light or a speaker that emits sound. The display <NUM> may include a first display unit <NUM> configured to display the course selected in the course input part; and a second display unit <NUM> configured to display the option selected in the option select part <NUM>.

The first display unit <NUM> may be configured to display the selected course. As one example, an area corresponding to the selected course may flicker or the title of the course may be displayed on the display.

The second display unit <NUM> may be configured to display the selected option. As one example, an area corresponding to the selected option may flicker or the title of the option may be displayed on the display.

Specifically, the first display unit <NUM> may flicker a corresponding course when the course input part <NUM> is selected. It may display the corresponding course on the liquid crystal display or emit a sound, when the course input unit is selected. The first display unit <NUM> may be a display panel or a lamp configured to be luminescent near the content of the course.

Once the user clicks the daily course <NUM>, the normal course may flick sequentially to notify the user of the corresponding course.

In addition, once the user clicks the satiation course, the corresponding course to the satiation course may sequentially flicker. Then, when the user clicks the customized course, the corresponding course to the customized course may sequentially flicker.

The second display unit <NUM> may be configured to flicker a corresponding option when the option selection part <NUM> is input. Or, it may be configured to display the corresponding option on the liquid crystal display or emit a predetermined sound when the option select part <NUM> is input. The second display unit <NUM> may be configured of a display panel or a lamp provided near the characters reading the option content.

The option select part <NUM> may sequentially flicker the first, second, third and fourth options by repeated clicking or touching. Accordingly, the user may select a desired option.

Meanwhile, the option select part <NUM> may further include a switch or a touch area that is configured to perform an additional function of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> rather than the washing, the rinsing, the dehydrate-spinning and the water temperature.

The option select part <NUM> may further include a steam adjusting unit 160a configured to supply additional steam to the inside of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>; a reservation unit 160b configured to determine an operation time of the laundry treating apparatus; an auxiliary setting unit 160d configured to be clicked to add laundry during the operation of the laundry treating apparatus; a turbo unit 160e configured to add an option for forming strong water currents by accelerating the drum RPM; a turbo drying unit 160f configured to add an option for supplying strong hot air; a wind-drying unit <NUM> configured to add an option for supplying not the hot air but warm or cold air; and a time drying unit <NUM> configured to add an option for performing natural drying by rotating only the drum at a preset RPM.

The second display unit <NUM> may display specific details of the options selected for the course when the course or option is determined. In the other cases except inputting the course or option when the dry cycle or the wash cycle is performed or the reservation setting is performed or when the dry cycle or the wash cycle ends, the second display unit <NUM> may be configured of the display which may display information about a state of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>.

The above-noted structure is one of the examples. The control panel <NUM> may be configured of any display types only if including the input part <NUM> configured to receive the input of the command for driving the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> and the display part <NUM> configured to display a state of the laundry treating apparatus.

Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described that the user may operate the laundry treating apparatus via the control panel <NUM>.

The user may open the door <NUM> and load the laundry into the drum <NUM>. After that, the user inputs the power part <NUM> to supply power to the control panel of the laundry treating apparatus. Once a reservation requesting unit 160c is activated by the power supplied to the control panel <NUM>, the user may input the reservation requesting unit 160c.

Once the reservation requesting unit 160c is input, a time area 132a configured to display the time on the display unit <NUM> may be activated. The time may be the time when the predetermined courses or options configured to perform the wash cycle or the dry cycle may start or end.

The laundry treating apparatus may set a start point or an end point of at least one of predetermined courses or options configured to perform the wash cycle or the dry cycle. The operation start or end point may be a random point of the time after the reservation requesting unit 160c.

Meanwhile, the input part <NUM> may further include not additional input units for setting the time at once. If an additional input unit is provided in the control panel <NUM> to set the time, the overall area of the control panel <NUM> might become small enough to cause inconvenience. In addition, the course input unit and the option input unit are already provided in the control panel. So, if an additional input unit is provided, the exterior design might deteriorate or the user might feel uncomfortable in learning how to manipulate too many buttons inconveniently.

Accordingly, referring to <FIG>, the user may continuously input the reservation requesting unit 160c and raise or increase an hour area gradually. As one example, <NUM>: <NUM> is changed into <NUM>: <NUM> on the time area 132a by one input. Accordingly, the user may set the hour area as a desired time by continuous input of the reservation requesting unit 160c. If wanting to make reservation at <NUM>: <NUM>, the user may press an input of the reservation requesting unit 160c five times to set <NUM>:<NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the user may set the minutes by pressing the reservation unit 160c for a longer time period or inputting repeatedly. As one example, if wanting to make reservation at <NUM>: <NUM>, the user may press the reservation requesting unit 160c for a long time period and the minute area may then flicker. At that time, the user may input the reservation requesting unit 160c three times to set the minute area to be <NUM> minutes.

Referring to <FIG>, when setting the desired time, the user may input an auxiliary button to transmit a command that the reservation time is complete to the controller <NUM>. As one example, the user may input the manipulation part <NUM> to transmit the reservation time setting command to the controller <NUM>.

Alternatively, as different from the drawings, the control panel <NUM> may be configured to allow the user to input a first option select unit <NUM> so as to set the hour area of the reservation time and input a second option select unit <NUM> so as to set the minute area of the reservation time.

Meanwhile, the reservation time may be provided in the control panel <NUM> to be set in various methods. However, the user might feel inconvenient in inputting the input part <NUM> several times so as to set the reservation time.

In addition, even when the reservation time is set my means of the external terminal40 linked to laundry treating apparatus , the user has to touch the display several times to input the hour and minute inconveniently.

Even when the time when the user usually makes reservation is regularly fixed based on the user's life pattern, the user has to set the reservation time every time.

Accordingly, the laundry treating apparatus and the online system may be configured to recommend a reservation time to the user as soon as the user tries to set the reservation time. Accordingly, the present disclosure may solve the inconvenience that the user has to input the reservation time every time or the button several times so as to input the reservation time.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of the laundry treating apparatus to recommend the reservation time.

Referring to <FIG>, the user may input the reservation requesting unit 160c to the control panel <NUM> to set the reservation time. The input of the reservation unit 160c means that the user's willing to set the reservation time is transmitted to the controller <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the controller <NUM> senses the input of the reservation requesting unit 160c, the controller <NUM> may determine a start point of an end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle. Hence, the controller <NUM> may control the display <NUM> to display a specific time on the time area 132a to the user. The specific time may be a start or end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle that is determined by the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may recognize or expect the reservation time the user wants to set and recommend the specific time. For that, the controller <NUM> may figure out the user's reservation time setting pattern based on the history of the user's former reservation time settings. Accordingly, the controller <NUM> may estimate the reservation time which the user will set and enhance the accuracy of the expected time. As one example, the controller may calculate and confirm the user's pattern by deep learning of the history of the reservation time settings.

As a result, the controller <NUM> may be configured to display the start point or the end point on the display <NUM> immediately once sensing the input of the reservation requesting unit 160c. Accordingly, it may be prevented that the user has to input the input part <NUM> so as to set the reservation time inconveniently.

The controller <NUM> may determine and store the start or end point in advance. After that, the controller <NUM> may display the predetermined time on the display <NUM> when the reservation requesting unit 160c is input. Alternatively, when the input of the reservation requesting unit 130c is sensed, the start or end point may be determined and displayed on the display <NUM>.

Specifically, the time <NUM> expected to be reserved by the user may be displayed on the second display unit <NUM>. In addition, requesting words for asking whether to make a reservation for the time <NUM> may be displayed as well. The time <NUM> may be displayed larger and prominently on the display <NUM>. Accordingly, the user may intuitively recognize that the time displayed on the display <NUM> is the recommended reservation time.

A one example, one the second display unit <NUM> may be displayed the time of "<NUM>:<NUM>" that is recommended to the user and the words of "Want to set the reservation time for this time?" After that, the controller <NUM> may sense the input of the manipulation part <NUM> and receive the user's intention to agree with the recommended reservation time setting.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment that the reservation time is recommended on the external terminal <NUM> that is configured to control the laundry treating apparatus remotely.

The online system according to the present disclosure may recommend the reservation time to the user on the externa terminal <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the user may implement an application <NUM> for setting the reservation time of the laundry treating apparatus on the externa terminal.

Referring to <FIG>, the external terminal <NUM> may display a time that will be recommended to the user by its own microcomputer, the server <NUM> or the controller of the laundry treating apparatus as a popup p. as one example, the external terminal may display the time of <NUM>:<NUM> on the external terminal as the popup window. Also, a preset phrase such as "Set this time as the reservation time?".

Moreover, on the external terminal <NUM> may be displayed an approve button <NUM> for approving the recommended reservation time and an inputting button <NUM> for the user directly inputting the reservation time together. Accordingly, the disadvantage that the user has to set the reservation time after it is recommended to the user may be solved and the user may be provided with autonomy to deny and directly set the recommended reservation time. The external terminal <NUM> may figure out a pattern based on the user's former reservation setting history and recommend the reservation time that is expected to be set at the present time based on the pattern.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment that the user may ignore the reservation time recommended by the external terminal and set a new reservation time.

Referring to <FIG>, the display panel of the external terminal <NUM> may further display an inputting button <NUM> for the user directly inputting the reservation time, rather than the approving button <NUM> for approving the recommended reservation time.

Referring to <FIG>, when the button <NUM> is input, a current screen is changed into a menu for setting the reservation time to allow the user to set the reservation time directly.

Alternatively, the display <NUM> may display a recommended time as shown in <FIG>. However, the controller <NUM> may sense the additional input of the reservation requesting unit 160c and receive the user's intension to deny the recommended reservation time as well.

Accordingly, the user may set the reservation time that is not limited in the recommended time but the desired reservation time. Accordingly, the user's autonomy may be guaranteed and even an error may be corrected.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of a method that the laundry treating apparatus and the online system including the same confirm the reservation time.

Referring to <FIG>, the user may make a first input of a specific time i to set the reservation time. The controller may store not only the first-input (i) time but also a range of +I and -I times with respect to the first-input (i) time.

The I time may be the time period that is needed in confirming a next pattern based on the first-input (i) time. In other words, when an additional reservation time is set in the range from +I to -I with respect to the first-input time (i), it may be expected that the I time range with respect to the first-input time is the reservation time pattern.

The I time may be set based on a probability distribution function a. The reason why the probability distribution function is applied is that a weight may be added in confirming the first-input (i) time as the pattern, as the next additional inputs are getting closer to the first-input (i) time. In other words, a weight may be added to the additional inputs that are closer to the first-input (i) time, when the pattern is calculated.

As one example, the probability distribution function (a) may be as follows:<MAT>.

However, that is one of examples and other functions may be applied only if they can increase accuracy.

Referring to <FIG>, the user may set the reservation time to be the second-input (ii) time.

The controller <NUM> may store not only the second-input (ii) time but also a range of +I and -I times with respect to the second-input (ii) time.

Meanwhile, the controller <NUM> may not use the second-input (ii) time as the value for confirming the pattern, if the second-input (ii) time is over I hour with respect to the first-input time (i).

When the second-input (ii) time is over I hour with respect to the first-input (i) time, the first input and the second input have nothing to do with the user's pattern.

When the second-input (ii) time is within I hour from the first-input (i) time, the second-input (ii) time may be used as an input value for confirming the user's pattern. That is because the first-input (i) and the second-input (ii) are fitted to the user's reservation time setting pattern based on a probability.

The controller <NUM> may confirm the user's pattern only based on the first-input (i) and the second-input (ii).

However, the accuracy of the user's pattern expected only based on the first-input (i) and the second input (ii) is likely to deteriorate. Accordingly, the confirming of the pattern may be postponed until an additional input is made.

Referring to <FIG>, the user may input the reservation time based on third-input (iii). The controller <NUM> may store not only the third-input (iii) time but also a range of +I and -I times with respect to the third-input (iii) time.

Meanwhile, the controller <NUM> may not use the third-input (iii) time as the value for confirming the pattern, if the third-input (iii) time is I hour over the first-input time (i) or the second-input time (ii).

When the second-input (ii) time is over I hour with respect to the first-input (i) time or the second-input time (ii), the third-input (iii) is likely to occur in a unusual situation, compared with the first input (i) and the second input (ii).

In contrast, when the first-input (iii) time is I hour within a range of the first-input (i) or the second-input (ii) time, the third-input (iii) time is likely to occur in a usual situation, compared with the user's life pattern. In other words, it can be said that the third-input (iii) time is fitted to the user's reservation time setting pattern such that the third-input (iii) time may be used as an input value for confirming the pattern.

Referring to <FIG>, the user may sequentially input the fourth-input (iv) time and the fifth-input (v) and set the reservation time.

The controller <NUM> may use the input values in confirming the pattern, when the fourth-input (iv) or the fifth-input (v) are within I hour with respect to at least one of the former input times or an average time of the input times. Otherwise, the controller <NUM> may not use it in confirming the pattern.

Referring to FIG. <NUM> (f), the user may calculate and confirm/expect the pattern used in confirming the pattern, when the laundry treating apparatus and the online system sense that sufficient input values for confirming the pattern.

Accordingly, the laundry treating apparatus the laundry treating apparatus and the online system senses that the start point or end point set as the reservation via the input part <NUM> is set at a specific frequency in a specific time range, the user may typically calculate and confirm the pattern for setting the reservation time.

As one example, the controller <NUM> may create a new probability distribution function b by calculating a new standard deviation based on the stored former inputs and the probability distribution functions a of the inputs. It also may confirm a range of +II and -II times, which is a range of the new probability distribution function b, as the user's pattern area. At this time, a peak value of the new probability distribution function b may be determined as a first pattern A that will be recommended to the user and the peak value may be the time that is displayed on the display <NUM> as it is. The controller <NUM> may determine the highest probability time within the +II and -II time range from the first pattern A based on the calculated function value as the time that will be recommended.

Meanwhile, different form the control method to which the above-noted probability distribution function is applied, the laundry treating apparatus and the online system may confirm the user's pattern, when sensing that an input value with a specific frequency or more in each of the +I time and -I time. Hence, when the pattern is confirmed, the user may be recommended a predetermined time within the +II time and -II time with respect to the reference time of the pattern as the reservation time.

In any cases, +II and -II may be understood as an error range which the user may allow based on the reservation setting history.

Meanwhile, different from the above-noted embodiment, the server <NUM> may store and process the inputs of the laundry treating apparatus, and then determine the first pattern A by calculating the first pattern A.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment that the laundry treating apparatus and the online system adds a user's new pattern.

Referring to <FIG>, the user may input a several number of reservation settings at a specific time range and the first pattern A may be stored in the controller <NUM> or the server <NUM>.

However, there may be users having different life patters from normal users or normal users may have a habit of using the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> in a different time range. If the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> recommends only a specific time under the situation, the user might feel uncomfortable.

Accordingly, the laundry treating apparatus and the online system may determine whether to confirm an additional pattern or whether to change the confirmed first pattern A.

As shown in <FIG>, the sixth-input (vi) is input and it is within the first pattern A area such that the controller <NUM> may not additionally confirm the six-input (vi) time as the pattern nor use it as an input value for changing the pattern. That is because the sixth-input (vi) is already in the first pattern A and helpless in confirming the additional pattern or changing the existing pattern such that no unnecessary calculation may be repeated.

However, when the seventh-input (vii) time is input as the reservation time, the controller may store not only the seventh-input (vii) time but also a range of +I and -I times with respect to the seventh-input (vii) time.

The I time may be the time needed to confirm the next pattern with respect to the seventh-input (vii) time. when the additional reservation time is set within the +I and -I time range with respect to the seventh-input time, the I time range with respect to the seventh-input (vii) time may be expected to be the user's additional pattern.

In other words, when a reservation time setting input over the existing first pattern A range is sensed, the controller <NUM> may store the input time and the time range like the method of forming the existing pattern A.

Accordingly, an eighth-input (viii) is within the first pattern A and the controller <NUM> may not use the eighth-input in forming an additional pattern. However, the controller <NUM> may store times from a ninth-input (ix) to a twelfth-input (xii) and a time range.

Referring to <FIG>, the controller may confirm a second pattern B as additional reservation pattern like the method of forming the first pattern A, once collecting input values within a specific time range at a specific frequency.

When the reservation requesting unit 160c is input or an application is driven in the external terminal <NUM>, the controller <NUM> or the server <NUM> may recommend the respective reservation times based on the first pattern A and the second pattern B via the display <NUM> or the display panel. Accordingly, the user may select a desired reservation time that matches his or her intention out of the recommended reservation times.

When a reservation time at a specific frequency or more is set in a different time range rather than the first pattern A and the second pattern B, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may confirm an additional pattern. In addition, unless the reservation time at a specific frequency or more is set in the existing pattern, the reservation time may be deleted not to be recommended to the user any more in the next reservation time setting.

<FIG> illustrating one embodiment of a control method that the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> and the online system recommends a reservation time to the user.

First of all, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> or the external terminal <NUM> may perform a reservation button inputting step s1 for receiving an input of a command configured to set a reservation time. The reservation button inputting step s1 may be a step for receiving a command of implementing a reservation requesting program from an application of the external terminal <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> or the server may perform a pattern presence identifying step s2 for sensing presence of a pattern confirmed by the user, when the controller <NUM> or the server <NUM> senses an input of a command for setting the reservation time. The pattern presence identifying step s2 may be a step for checking presence of a pattern, that is formed based on the user's reservation setting history, in a memory device linked to the controller <NUM> or the server <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> or the server <NUM> may perform a pattern confirming step s3 for confirming the pattern of the reservation time if there is no existing confirmed pattern in the controller <NUM> or the server <NUM>. When there is the existing confirmed pattern, the controller <NUM> or the server <NUM> may recommend a reservation time and check whether to change the pattern.

The pattern confirming step s3may include a reservation time final inputting step s3-<NUM> for receiving an input of the user's desired reservation time setting via the input part <NUM> or the display panel of the externa terminal <NUM> directly.

One the reservation time is finally confirmed in the reservation time final inputting step s3-<NUM>, a reservation time setting step s5 may be implemented. In this process, the controller <NUM> or the server <NUM> may perform a frequency checking step s3-<NUM> for checking whether the minimum cumulative frequencies is achieved so as to confirm the pattern based on the input of the reservation time. Unless the cumulative frequency is achieved in the frequency checking step s3-<NUM>, the reservation time setting step s5 may be performed.

In contrast, when the inputs of the reservation time achieves the cumulative frequency in the final inputting step s3-<NUM>, a setting range satisfying step s3-<NUM> for checking whether the time is within the existing inputs setting range may be performed. At this time, the input of the reservation time is over a preset range in the final inputting step s3-<NUM>, the input has nothing to do with the user's habit or life pattern and the reservation time setting step s5 may be performed. however, when the inputs of the reservation time is within the time setting range in the final inputting step s3-<NUM>, the pattern confirming step s3-<NUM> for confirming the user's reservation time setting pattern may be performed.

Meanwhile, when the user's reservation setting pattern is checked in the pattern confirming step s3-<NUM>, the reservation time recommending step may be performed. The reservation time recommending step s4 may perform a display recommending step s4-<NUM> for displaying the reservation time on the external terminal <NUM> based on the confirmed pattern.

Hence, the approving step s4-<NUM> for asking the user whether to set the recommended time on the external terminal <NUM> as the reservation time may be performed. The approving step s4-<NUM> may sense the input of the manipulation part <NUM> and it may be corresponding to the input of the approve button on the external terminal <NUM>.

Meanwhile, when the input of the manipulation part <NUM> or the input of the approve button is sensed in the reservation time setting step s5, the reservation time setting step s5 may be performed.

However, when the reservation requesting unit 160c is additionally input or an input of a re-input button is sensed in the approving step s4-<NUM> to input a new reservation time setting, an existing pattern corresponding determination step s4-<NUM> for determining whether the input is in a different range from the pattern A may be performed. When the input is corresponding to the existing pattern, only the performance of the reservation time setting step s5 may be sufficient.

However, unless the input is corresponding to the existing pattern, it means that the input is different from the existing pattern A and it may be then necessary to check whether a new pattern B will be created or the existing pattern A will be deleted. Accordingly, the controller <NUM> or the server <NUM> may perform a determining step s4-<NUM> for determining whether the reservation time input out of the existing pattern A achieves a cumulative frequency that is needed to confirm the reservation.

Unless the input achieves the cumulative frequency needed to confirm the pattern in the determining step S4-<NUM>, the reservation time setting step S5 may be performed while the input and the time range (+I and -I) are stored. However, if the input achieves the cumulative frequency, a range satisfying step S4-<NUM> for determining whether the input is in the setting range based on the result of comparison between the input with the existing inputs.

If this input is out of the range for confirming the new pattern that will be set in the range satisfying step S4-<NUM>, this input may be a random one which will not be used in the pattern confirming and the reservation setting step S5 may be performed. However, if the input satisfies even the setting range, a pattern addition confirming step S4-<NUM> for additionally confirming a new pattern B may be performed. Accordingly, the reservation time setting step S5 may be performed based on the new input time. When the reservation button inputting step S1 is performed, a reservation time based on the two patterns A and B may be recommended in the recommending step S4-<NUM>.

When the server <NUM> performs such the series of the processes, the communication module <NUM> may transmit diverse information to the server <NUM> and the information may be induced to be used as the input value for allowing the server <NUM> to confirm the pattern.

In other words, the controller <NUM> may transceive the start or end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle to the server or the external terminal via the communication module and used in confirming the user's reservation setting pattern, once the operation start or end point is set or the wash cycle or dry cycle is completed at the time at which the operation start or end point is set.

Claim 1:
A laundry treating apparatus configured to recommend one or more of a start point and end point of one or more of a wash cycle for removing foreign substances from laundry and a dry cycle for removing moisture from the laundry, the laundry treating apparatus comprising:
an input part (<NUM>) configured to receive an input for setting one or more of the start point and end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle, wherein the input part (<NUM>) comprises a reservation requesting unit (160c) to receive an input from a user to set a reservation time;
a controller (<NUM>) configured to determine one or more of the start point and end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle by figuring out a pattern on former start and end points, when the input of the input part (<NUM>) is sensed; and
a display (<NUM>) configured to display one or more of the start point and end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle determined by the controller (<NUM>);
wherein, in determining one or more of the start point and end point of the wash cycle or dry cycle by figuring out the pattern based on former start and end points, the controller is configured to:
- confirm the pattern when sensing that the former start and end points are set at a specific frequency or more in the specific time range, and
- wherein the controller (<NUM>) is configured to recognize or expect the reservation time the user wants to set and recommend a specific time, by figuring out the user's reservation time setting pattern based on a history of the user's former reservation time settings, and accordingly estimate the reservation time which the user will set.