Patent Application
20120303140
1. Field of the Invention
The embodiments described herein relate generally to household appliances and, more particularly, to downloading and using applications to automatically operate a household appliance.
2. Description of Related Art
At least some known household appliances include liquid crystal display (LCD) screens for receiving user inputs rather than keypads or buttons. However, such known LCD screens do not provide any functionality via an LCD screen that is not offered via keypads or buttons. Moreover, at least some known appliances are capable of connecting to a server to obtain new firmware or to facilitate setting common operation settings within the appliance. However, such known appliances do not enable a user to connect to a remote server to identify a desired new functionality or set of functionalities, and to download those new functionality or set of functionalities directly to the appliance.
In one aspect, a method of operating a household appliance includes receiving a user input via a human machine interface (HMI) to identify a desired application, initiating direct communication, by a controller, with a remote server via a network, and, in response to the initiated communication, receiving data files associated with the identified application from the remote server via the network in response to the user input, wherein the data files include predetermined operation settings associated with at least one specified task associated with the identified application.
In another aspect, an apparatus includes at least one functional device configured to perform at least one specified task, and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one functional device and communicatively coupled to a remote server via a network. The controller is configured to control display of a human machine interface (HMI) via a display device, receive a user input via the HMI to identify a desired application, initiate direct communication with the remote server via the network, and, in response to the initiated communication, to receive data files associated with the identified application from the remote server via the network in response to the user input, wherein the data files include predetermined operation settings associated with the at least one specified task associated with the identified application.
In another aspect, a controller is provided for use with a household appliance that includes a human machine interface (HMI) and at least one functional device configured to perform at least one specified task. The controller is coupled to a remote server via a network, and includes a memory area configured to store data files associated with at least one application, wherein the data files include predetermined operation settings, instructions, and/or tips associated with the at least one specified task. The controller also includes a processor coupled to the memory area and configured to initiate communication with the remote server via the network, receive a user input via the HMI, receive a listing of applications available for download from the remote server via the network, in response to the user input, and receive data files associated with an application identified by the user directly from the remote server via the network.
Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatus for use in operating a household appliance via customized, downloadable applications are described herein. The described embodiments facilitate managing a plurality of applications and communicating with existing functional devices within the household appliance via a human machine interface (HMI) that is graphical. For example, the HMI provides an interface for a user to select and download applications to a household appliance from a remote server to add new or modified functionality to the household appliance. The methods and apparatus described herein provide benefits to consumers and product manufacturers alike. For example, consumers are provided with a marketplace from which to download new applications that automatically control the household appliance to obtain a desired end. Enabling consumers to add new functionalities to an existing household appliance via a network-connected HMI facilitates extending the useful life of the household appliance for the consumer and/or enables the consumer to customize the appliance per the consumer's preferences. More specifically, the consumer no longer needs to replace a household appliance when the factory-provided functionalities are out of date. Rather, the consumer can simply select new functionalities provided by applications that are available for download via a network.
In some embodiments, the product manufacturer may also provide software or firmware patches in the same mode of distribution. Furthermore, the described embodiments facilitate gathering of market research. For example, a centrally located server can track the downloads of a selected number of consumers to see if minor changes to the control algorithms are received well or not, and then decide to make a full upgrade or “roll-back” those that were researched.
To facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, certain terms are defined below. The examples provided herein are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the below terms.
As used herein, the term “household appliance” or “appliance” refers generally to any device that is used to perform one or more tasks. Exemplary appliances include, but are not limited to, clothing washers and/or dryers, refrigerators, freezers, ranges, ovens, microwave ovens, dishwashers, central vacuums, air conditioners, air purifiers and/or humidifiers, and/or fitness equipment.
As used herein, the term “function” refers generally to basic appliance functionalities such as those that are factory-installed without programming. Conversely, as used herein, the term “application” refers generally to appliance functionalities that enable an appliance to perform one or more functions without additional user inputs. As such, an application is used to perform a function. Exemplary functions include, but are not limited to, operating a baking element or a broiling element to heat a cooking area to a preselected temperature and to maintain the preselected temperature; performing a predetermined wash cycle for clothing or for dishes and cutlery; operating a microwave oven to perform a time-based defrost cycle or a time-based cooking cycle; and the like. Exemplary applications include, but are not limited to, software and/or hardware that includes a computer program or a group of computer programs, such as graphics, word processing, spreadsheets, communications, and/or databases, designed for end users and configured to perform at least one function.
As used herein, the term “functional device” refers generally to a component of an appliance that is used to perform a function. Exemplary functional devices include, but are not limited to, oven bake elements and/or broil elements, gas or electric range burners and/or heating elements, clothing washer actuators, clothing dryer motors, dishwasher water and/or soap dispensers, microwave heating elements, and the like.
As used herein, the term “task” or “specified task” refers generally to an end result as defined by a function or an application. For example, an exemplary task associated with a function is to obtain and maintain an oven cavity at a specified temperature. However, an exemplary task associated with an application may include multiple steps or operations, such as setting a timer, initiating a heating element to obtain a specified temperature within an oven cavity, and prompting a user to insert a product into the oven cavity when the specified temperature is obtained.
Exemplary technical effects of methods and apparatus described herein include at least one of: (a) displaying basic appliance functions and customized appliance applications via a human machine interface (HMI); (b) receiving a user input to initiate either a function or an application; (c) initiating the function when the input relates to the function, and manually operating the appliance according to user controls; (d) when the input relates to a marketplace application, initiating communication between a server system and the appliance, receiving data files from the server system and associated with a selected application, and installing the selected application on the appliance; and (e) when the input relates to a previously stored application, initiating the selected application, automatically adjusting operation settings of the appliance, and automatically operating the appliance to complete a specified task based on the application.
In addition, system 100 includes a remote computer or server system 110 that is remotely located from user locations 104 and communicates with network device 106 at each user location 104. Server system 110 includes at least one processor 112, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Processor 112 is communicably coupled with or operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data storage or memory area 114, which stores program code and instructions, executable by processor 112, to control server system 110. Memory area 114 also stores other data such data files related to applications available for download to appliances 102 and/or user information, such as contact information and/or billing information. Memory area 114 may include one, or more than one, forms of memory. For example, memory area 114 can include random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms of memory. Memory area 114 may also include read only memory (ROM), flash memory and/or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, by itself or in combination with other forms of memory, may be included in memory area 114. Memory area 114 may also be, or include, a detachable or removable memory, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory.
In some embodiments, server system 110 is coupled to a secondary memory area 116, which is capable of storing information on a variety of matters, such as data files related to applications available for download to appliances 102 and/or user information, such as contact information and/or billing information. In one embodiment, secondary memory area 116 is centralized and is stored on server system 110. In an alternative embodiment, secondary memory area 116 is stored remotely from server system 110 and may be non-centralized. Moreover, similar to memory area 114, secondary memory area 116 may include one, or more than one, forms of memory. For example, secondary memory area 116 can include random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms of memory. Secondary memory area 116 may also include read only memory (ROM), flash memory and/or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, by itself or in combination with other forms of memory, may be included in secondary memory area 116. Secondary memory area 116 may also be, or include, a detachable or removable memory, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, user location 104 includes a communication device 118 that enables user communication with server system 110 via network 108. Exemplary communication devices 118 include computers, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or any other suitable device. Accordingly, in some embodiments, communication device 118 is used to communicate with server system 110 and to select a desired application. Server system 110 thereafter initializes communication with appliance 102 and transmits data files associated with the selected application directly to appliance 102, such as via a communication channel different than the communication channel that connects communication device 118 and server system 110.
Memory area 206 also stores other data such data correlations between functional devices 202 and associated specified tasks, and/or data files related to applications for use in operating functional devices 202 to complete the specified task or tasks. Memory area 206 may include one, or more than one, forms of memory. For example, memory area 206 can include random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms of memory. Memory area 206 may also include read only memory (ROM), flash memory and/or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, by itself or in combination with other forms of memory, may be included in memory area 206. In addition, controller 208 includes a network interface 210 that enables appliance 102 to communicate with server system 110 (shown in
Furthermore, household appliance 102 includes a display device 212 that provides a human machine interface (HMI) 214 that enables a user to enter user inputs, such as commands, for use in controlling operation of appliance 102. In some embodiments, display device 212 is a touchscreen device. Accordingly, in some embodiments, display device 212 communicably coupled with or operable to access or to exchange signals with a touchscreen controller (not shown).
In the exemplary embodiment of
In the exemplary embodiment of
For example, where appliance 102 is an oven, a first application key 316 may initiate a first application that is associated with a well-known food brand. The first application, e.g., computer-executable instructions that are executed by a processor, such as processor 204 (shown in
As another example, and where appliance 102 is a washer, first application key 316 may initiate a first application that is associated with a known clothing manufacturer, clothing label, or designer. The first application, e.g., computer-executable instructions that are executed by processor 204, when first application key 316 is selected, enables a user to search for a product and, when the user identifies the product, causes controller 208 to operate one or more associated functional devices 202, such as a water pump. For example, first application 316 may cause controller 208 to automatically operate the water pump such that, when the current wash cycle of appliance 102 reaches a specified time, controller 208, the first application causes controller 208 to automatically modify a water temperature of water used for the remainder of the wash cycle.
As yet another example, and where appliance 102 is a cooktop, first application key 316 may initiate a first application that is associated with a known food brand. The first application, e.g., computer-executable instructions that are executed by processor 204, when first application key 316 is selected, enables a user to search for a product and, when the user identifies the product, causes controller 208 to operate one or more associated functional devices 202, such as a heating element. For example, first application 316 may cause controller 208 to automatically operate a heating element such that, when the cooking surface of appliance 102 reaches a specified temperature, controller 208 causes appliance 102 to change the temperature setting of the heating element to raise or lower the temperature of the cooking surface. Moreover, the first application causes controller 208 to automatically set and monitor a timer based on the identity of the product.
HMI 214 also includes a marketplace application key 320 that initiates an application that enables a user to select and download additional applications from server system 110 to appliance 102. The marketplace application may enable the user to search for a desired application via, for example, text string searches and/or filtering tools. When the user selects a desired application, appliance 102 initiates a download of the desired application from server system 110 via network 108. Files associated with the download are stored in memory area 206 of appliance 102.
When controller 208 determines 410 that the first input is a selection of a desired application key 314, controller 208 then determines 414 an identity of the selected application. In some embodiments, controller 208 determines the identity of the selected application based on display coordinates of the first input as stored in memory area 206. If controller 208 determines 416 that the desired application is a marketplace application, controller 208 initiates 418 communication with server system 110 via network 108. HMI 214 displays a listing of applications that may be downloaded to appliance 102. The user may search 420 via a text string and/or filter applications or search results to identify a desired application. The user then selects the desired application, and download of the application is initiated 422. For example, appliance 102 receives data files associated with the application, including predetermined operation settings associated with a specified task for completion by appliance 102 using the application. When the application has been received by appliance 102, the application is installed 424. For example, an executable file associated with the application an icon representative of the application are stored in memory area 206 and correlated for use in initiating the application via HMI 214.
In the exemplary embodiment, and when controller 208 determines 416 that the desired application is not the marketplace application, controller 208 initiates 426 the application that was selected by the user. For example, controller 208 determines the identity of the selected application based on display coordinates of the first input as stored in memory area 206, and locates an executable file associated with the application within memory area 206. Controller 208 then executes the executable file. Controller 208 adjusts 428 appliance settings based on the selected application according to the predetermined operation settings stored in memory area 206. Controller 208 then operates 430 appliance 102 according to the predetermined operation settings to complete a specified task. A specified task may use one or more functions associated with function keys 304. However, using application key 314 to initiate an application enables appliance 102 to complete the specified task without additional user inputs.
Exemplary embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for operating a household appliance using customized applications are described above in detail. The methods and apparatus are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein but, rather, operations of the methods and/or components of the system and/or apparatus may be utilized independently and separately from other operations and/or components described herein. Further, the described operations and/or components may also be defined in, or used in combination with, other systems, methods, and/or apparatus, and are not limited to practice with only the systems, methods, and storage media as described herein.
A server, controller, or computer, such as those described herein, includes at least one processor or processing unit and a system memory. The server, controller, or computer typically has at least some form of computer readable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer readable media include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the modulated data signal, which has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media.
Although the present invention is described in connection with an exemplary application distribution system environment, embodiments of the invention are operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose application distribution system environments or configurations. The application distribution system environment is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of any aspect of the invention. Moreover, the application distribution system environment should not be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment. Examples of well known application distribution systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with aspects of the invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program components or modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Aspects of the invention may be implemented with any number and organization of components or modules. For example, aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or the specific components or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Alternative embodiments of the invention may include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein.
The order of execution or performance of the operations in the embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the invention may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the invention.
When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
