Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

A washing machine and control method thereof are disclosed. The washing machine comprises an input unit ( 100 ) for inputting control commands to control washing operations, a control unit ( 200 ) for controlling operations corresponding to the control commands and outputting state information messages expressed in a selected language, and a display unit ( 300 ) for displaying the state information messages expressed in the selected language. Consequently, in a nation where any one of the languages supported by the washing machine is spoken, washing operation messages can be displayed in that language through simple operations, thereby greatly increasing user convenience. In addition, a small LCD making up the display unit of the washing machine makes possible reduction of the area that the display unit occupies and display of an increased number of messages and thereby heightens price competitiveness and user convenience.

1 . A washing machine comprising: 
 an input unit comprising one or more buttons and at least one dial, for inputting control commands to control washing operations through the buttons and the dial;    a display unit for displaying state information messages according to the control commands inputted by the input unit; and    a control unit for performing operations corresponding to the control commands sent from the input unit and outputting the state information messages expressed in a selected language after language selection via the input unit.    
   
   
       2 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the control unit comprises: 
 an input controller for reading the control commands generated by manipulation of the buttons or dial;    a microcomputer for initiating a language selection mode according to the recognized control commands via the input controller or for determining a wash water level, a washing time, and water currents, and performing washing operations according to the control commands; and    a display controller for displaying the state information messages outputted from the microcomputer in a language selected via the input controller.    
   
   
       3 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the input unit further comprises a function button and the input controller comprises a button controller that recognizes a press of the function button as an initiation command for the language selection mode.  
   
   
       4 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the input controller comprises a button controller that recognizes a press of at least one of the washing operation buttons installed in the input unit as an initiation command for the language selection mode.  
   
   
       5 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the button controller recognizes the initiation command for the language selection mode when the press of the button continues for a predetermined time or more.  
   
   
       6 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the predetermined time is about 3 seconds.  
   
   
       7 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the input controller comprises a dial controller that lists selectable languages on the display unit according to a predetermined angular position of the dial.  
   
   
       8 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the display controller comprises a language setter for storing a language setting selected via one of the control commands from the input controller and storing data regarding washing operation messages to be expressed in the selected language.  
   
   
       9 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein the display controller further comprises a language database for storing the washing operation messages expressed in one or more languages.  
   
   
       10 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the language database stores the washing operation messages expressed in 15 languages.  
   
   
       11 . A method for controlling a washing machine comprising the steps of: 
 a) inputting a control button signal for initiating a language selection mode to select a language for expressing washing operation messages;    b) selecting a language by turning a dial after the input of the control button signal; and    c) outputting externally the washing operation messages expressed in the selected language.    
   
   
       12 . The method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the step a) comprises the step of simultaneously pressing two or more buttons to input the control button signal.  
   
   
       13 . The method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the step a) comprises the step of continuously pressing one or more buttons for a predetermined time or more.  
   
   
       14 . The method as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein the predetermined time is about 3 seconds.  
   
   
       15 . The method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the step b) comprises the steps of: 
 displaying supported languages in sequence by turning the dial at a predetermined angular interval; and    selecting one of the displayed languages.    
   
   
       16 . The method as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the step b) comprises the step of storing a language setting regarding the selected language after the step of selecting one of the displayed languages.  
   
   
       17 . The method as set forth in  claim 11 , further comprising the step of displaying the washing operation messages expressed in the selected language when the washing machine is restarted by power-off followed by power-on after language selection.  
   
   
       18 . The method as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the step b) comprises the step of displaying  15  languages in sequence.