ES2818051T3 - Appliance with user interface - Google Patents

Abstract

An appliance (1) comprising: - a casing (2) with an external wall (3) forming an external surface (4) of the appliance (1), - a treatment housing (5) formed within or in the casing ( 2) and adapted to house or support household products in a treatment position (6), - at least one treatment device (7) arranged inside the casing (2) and operable to carry out a treatment in the position treatment (6) and subjecting the household product to said treatment, - at least one treatment detector (8) arranged at least partially inside the housing (2) and configured to detect a value of a treatment treatment parameter performed by the treatment device (7). - optionally, at least one anomaly detector (9) arranged at least partially inside the casing (2) and configured to detect a magnitude indicative of a malfunction of the domestic appliance (1), - an electronic control system ( 10) arranged in the housing (2) and in signal connection with the treatment device (7) and with the treatment detector (8) and configured to control the treatment device (7) according to a treatment program and according to the value detected by the treatment detector (8), - a user interface (11) in signal connection with the electronic control system (10), said user interface (11) comprising: - insertion means of commands (12) to enter commands to select the parameters of the treatment program and to enter a command to run the treatment program, and - display means (13) displaying the selectable parameters of the treatment program e treatment and display the treatment parameters during the execution of the program, in which the screen means (13) comprise at least one video projector (14) mounted on the appliance (1) on the external wall (3) and configured to display , by means of a light projection process, on a screen area (15) of the external surface (4) of the casing (2), and in which the command insertion means (12) comprise at least one sensor command input (16) adapted to detect a movement of the user's hand in the screen area (15) and to generate a corresponding hand movement signal, in which the electronic control system (10): - processes the hand movement signal and generates a user command signal, - establishes the parameters of the treatment program according to the generated user command signal, - gives the command of the screen by means of the video projector (14) according to with the command signal of generated user, characterized in that the at least one command input sensor (16) is further configured to monitor the position or movements of the movable parts (18, 19) of the household appliance (1) arranged in the detection field thereof.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Appliance with user interface

The present invention relates to a domestic appliance with a user interface for displaying control information and for entering commands to control the operation of the appliance.

In general terms, the electrical appliances to which the invention refers include:

- a casing delimiting a treatment housing adapted to receive and / or to support one or more household products (household linen, dishes, food products, furniture surfaces, fabrics) in a treatment position to subject them to a desired treatment;

- one or more treatment devices arranged inside the casing that can be operated to perform one or more specific treatments in the treatment position;

- one or more treatment detecting devices arranged inside the casing and configured to detect one or more values of the treatment parameters of the treatment to which the household product is subjected in the treatment position,

- optionally, one or more anomaly detectors arranged inside the casing and configured to detect one or more operating anomalies of the appliance,

- an electronic control system arranged in the housing and in signal connection with the treatment device and with the treatment detector and configured to control the treatment device depending on a treatment program and depending on the values detected by the treatment detector treatment,

- a user interface in signal connection with the electronic control system to allow the user to select (parameters of) a treatment program of the domestic product and to view parameters of the treatment program selected and / or in execution.

In prior art household appliances, the user interface is formed in one or more fixed positions of the housing or treatment housing (refrigerator) and comprises one or more buttons or knobs or capacitive touch sensors and possibly visual indicators, for example, warning lights or a liquid crystal display (TFT) or OLED. Document US2012327201 A1 discloses a projected screen, onto the surface of an apparatus, of a user interface that can be used to make selections regarding the operation of the apparatus. Document DE102012106181A1 discloses a home appliance having a display device for representing device information, where the display device has a projector to project the device information in a projection area. Document US2010182136A1 discloses a control method for appliances, kitchen and home.

The user interfaces of prior art appliances were successful at a time when the development of treatment strategies and parameters, OSD, communication data and electronic control went hand in hand with the development of processing apparatus, the evolution of the design of the housing of appliances and the average useful life of the appliances.

In the current state, household product treatment strategies, electronic control and data communication technology, the amount of data and treatment parameters available and potentially usable to control household appliances, and the aesthetic design of household appliance housings they are evolving rapidly, with one often in conflict with the other or "lagging behind."

One source of dissatisfaction with known appliances is the inability to provide user interfaces that are large and wide enough to represent large amounts of treatment control information, without spatial interference with other components of the appliance.

Another reason for dissatisfaction with known household appliances is the conflict between the need for flat and wide housing surfaces to place a liquid crystal display (TFT) or OLED and the desire for an innovative device design with curved surfaces and with colors and structures. freely definable surface areas.

Another reason for dissatisfaction with known household appliances is the conflict between the need to have very large openings and access doors or hatches, the external dimensions being relatively small, to facilitate the loading of household products in the appliance and the need to provide, often on the very front walls of the apparatus, free spaces to install the user interface.

Another reason for dissatisfaction with known household appliances is that, today, a specific user interface concept must be designed in close relation to a specific appliance project and its exterior design, which makes it difficult to transfer a new interface concept user to a pre-existing appliance with an exterior design that you want to preserve or with another type of appliance that has a different external shape.

Therefore, the aim of the present invention is to provide a household appliance with a user interface that has such characteristic features as to avoid at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus with a user interface that has characteristic features such that it can be easily adapted to household appliances with discontinuous surfaces, for example, in the presence of moving parts (hatch, door, detergent drawer) and / or parts that are not flat, and that can be easily applied and transferred between housings with different aesthetic designs, versatile in terms of screen size, the information to be displayed and the input commands to be allowed.

These and other objectives are achieved by a domestic appliance with a user interface according to claim 1. The dependent claims refer to advantageous and preferred embodiments.

According to one aspect of the invention, the screen means of the user interface comprise at least one video projector mounted on the appliance on its external wall and configured to display, by means of a process of projecting light onto a screen area from the outer surface of the housing.

Visualization by means of light projection allows to make user interfaces with a screen field that is large and wide enough to display a large amount of treatment control information, without any spatial interference with the various components that make up the external surface of the appliance.

The visualization by means of light projection also allows visualization on interrupted surfaces or on surfaces consisting of areas of different structure and / or color, as well as on non-flat surfaces and therefore allows an innovative aesthetic design of the appliance with curved surfaces and with freely definable colors and surface structures.

Visualization by means of light projection also allows very large openings and access doors or hatches to facilitate the loading of household products to be treated, without any need to provide additional spaces dedicated exclusively to visualization, being possible the display, at least in part, on the access doors themselves (for example, in the case of an oven, a refrigerator or a washing machine or dishwasher / dryer) or even in the treatment housing (for example, in the case of a hob or ironing board) if the latter is part of the outer surface of the casing.

The video projector can be at least partially hidden by the housing and its dimensions do not depend on the size or direction of the light projection made. This makes it easy to transfer a user interface concept between appliances with different exterior designs.

According to another aspect of the invention, the user command insertion means comprise at least one command input sensor adapted to detect a positioning and / or movement of the user's hand in the screen area, and the system electronic control includes means of association that:

- associate the detected hand position and / or movement with the command entry fields displayed via the projector (for example, buttons, knobs, virtual sliders) in the screen area, and

- generate the corresponding command input signal.

The electronic control system is configured to set the treatment program parameters depending on the generated command input signals.

Other advantageous aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description of some embodiments provided by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached figures, in which:

Figures 1-5 are perspective views of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention,

Figure 6 is a front view of a cooking oven according to an embodiment of the invention, Figures 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are diagrammatic sectional views of a detail of the user interface of the household appliance according to embodiments,

Figures 8a, 8b are sectional views of a detail of the housing of the household appliance in a screen area according to embodiments,

figure 8c is a front view of a detail of the housing of the household appliance in a screen area according to an embodiment,

figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of a washing machine according to an embodiment;

figure 10 is a diagrammatic view of a clothes dryer according to another embodiment of the invention,

figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of a washing machine and dryer according to another embodiment of the invention;

figure 12 is a diagrammatic view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment;

figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of a domestic cooking oven according to one embodiment,

figure 14 is a diagrammatic view of the functional groups of a domestic microwave oven according to one embodiment.

- Figure 15 is a diagrammatic view of the functional groups of an electric or induction cooktop according to one embodiment,

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view of the functional groups of a gas cooktop according to one embodiment,

Figure 17 is a diagrammatic view of the functional groups of a refrigerator according to one embodiment,

figure 18 is a diagrammatic view of the functional groups of a freezer according to one embodiment,

figure 19 is a diagrammatic view of the functional groups of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment,

figure 20 is a diagrammatic view of the functional groups of an ironing system according to an embodiment.

With reference to the figures, a household appliance 1 comprises:

- a housing 2 with an external wall 3 forming an external surface 4 of the household appliance 1, - a treatment housing 5 adapted to receive and / or support household products in a treatment position 6,

- at least one treatment device 7 arranged inside the casing 2 that can be operated to perform a treatment in the treatment position 6 and subject the household product to said treatment,

- at least one treatment detector 8 arranged at least partially inside the casing 2 and configured to detect a value of a treatment parameter of the treatment performed by the treatment device 7,

- optionally, at least one anomaly detector 9 arranged at least partially inside the casing 2 and configured to detect a value indicative of a malfunction of the household appliance 1,

- an electronic control system 10 arranged in the housing 2 and in signal connection with the treatment device 7 and with the treatment detector 8 and configured to give a command to the treatment device treatment 7 depending on a treatment program and depending on the value detected by the treatment detector 8,

- a user interface 11 in signal connection with the electronic control system 10, said user interface 11 comprising:

- command insertion means 12 for entering commands (by a user) to select parameters of the treatment program and to enter a command to execute the treatment program, and

- display means 13 that display the selectable parameters of the treatment program and / or display treatment parameters during the execution of the treatment program.

According to one aspect of the invention, the screen means 13 comprise at least one video projector 14 mounted on the appliance 1 on the external wall 3 and configured to display, by means of a process of projecting light onto a screen area 15 of the outer surface 4 of the casing 2.

According to another aspect of the invention, the user command input means 12 comprise at least one command input sensor 16 adapted to detect a positioning and / or movement of the user's hand in the screen area 15, and generating a corresponding hand movement and / or position signal. The electronic control system 10 and / or the user interface 19 comprises an interpretation and association module that receives and processes the position and / or hand movement signal and generates a user command signal depending on what the system of Electronic control 10 establishes the treatment program parameters and / or controls the screen, by means of the video projector 14.

Detailed description of the screen area 15 of the external surface 4

According to one embodiment, in the areas of the outer surface 4 provided for implementing light projection display, the outer surface 4 is colored and treated to have a higher reflectivity of the light with respect to an area that does not It is intended for display.

According to another embodiment, in the screen area 15, the external surface 4 can be continuous or discontinuous, for example, formed by parts of the apparatus 1 connected to each other without mutual continuity of the external surface and / or the parts. mobiles.

According to one embodiment, in the areas of the outer surface 4 intended to implement the display by projecting light, the outer surface 4 may be flat or not flat, for example curved.

According to one embodiment, the household appliance 1 comprises a door 18 to close the treatment housing 5 during the execution of the treatment program and the screen area 15 can extend at least also in the part of the external surface 4 formed through door 18.

According to one embodiment, the treatment housing 5 is directly exposed to the outside of the appliance 1 and forms at least part of the external surface 4, and the screen area 15 extends at least also in the part of the external surface 4 consisting of treatment housing 5.

According to one embodiment, the housing 2 of the appliance 1 forms an auxiliary access opening for an accessory (for example, a detergent drawer, a dust bag, a filter, a condensation collection drawer) of the one or more treatment devices 7, which can be closed by an auxiliary cover 19 during the execution of the treatment program, and the screen area 15 can be extended at least also in the part of the external surface 4 formed by the auxiliary cover 19.

Detailed description of the video projector 14

According to one embodiment, the household appliance 1 comprises a single video projector 14.

According to another embodiment, the household appliance 1 comprises a plurality of said video projectors 14 configured to project light onto the same screen area 15 and / or onto a plurality of said screen areas 15 that are different and are at a distance o contiguous with each other.

The individual video projectors 14 can be placed on two opposite or different sides of the screen area 15 and projected in opposite directions or in different directions, to avoid the appearance of shadows when the user's hand approaches the screen area 15.

In the case of multiple light projections on the same screen area, the video projectors 14 are configured and controlled by the electronic control system 10 so that the light wavelengths and / or the illumination frequency are compatible and do not imply destructive interference from projected light.

According to one embodiment, the electronic control system 10 or the video projector 14 comprises anti-distortion means configured to calculate and generate a pre-distorted image to be projected, for example, by means of a trapezoidal rectangle pre-distortion, in the direction opposite with respect to an inclined projection, for example, a trapezoidal rectangle, of the image projected on the external surface 4 due to the light cone of the video projector 14 and of the inclination of the projection axis with respect to the external surface 4 in the screen area 15.

Image pre-distortion occurs depending on the angle of the projection cone and the angle of inclination of the projection axis of the video projector 14 with respect to the external surface 4 in the screen area 15, to compensate for the projection distortion. In this way, it is possible, for example, to obtain a projected image with a rectangular or circular or oval contour, symmetrical with respect to two perpendicular axes of symmetry.

According to embodiments, the one or more video projectors 14 may comprise one or more of: - LCD video projector (liquid crystal display video projector)

- DLP video projector (micromirror video projector)

- LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon) video projector

- D-ILA video projector (image light amplifier with direct digital reader)

- SXRD video projector (silicon X-tal reflective screen)

- LP video projector (laser video projector), for example monochrome,

- DLP (digital light processing) video projector

With a particular advantage, so as not to interfere with the aesthetic design of the housing 1, the one or more video projectors 14 are configured as micro or pico projectors.

According to one embodiment, the video projector 14 is located entirely inside the housing 2 on an internal side 20 of the external wall 3 and projects light through a window opening 21 formed in the external wall. 3. The window opening 21 may be a through opening or be protected by a protective wall 22 which is transparent and / or openable by means of a protective cap 23 and / or by means of a shutter 24. This allows you to hide and protect the projector 14.

According to one embodiment, the video projector 14 comprises an internal part 25 located entirely inside the casing 2, that is, on an internal side 20 of the external wall 3, and an external part 26 located completely outside of the housing 2, that is, on an external side of the external wall 3, in which the volume of the internal part 25 is greater than the volume of the external part 26. This reduces the visual impact of the video projector on the aesthetic aspect of the appliance.

According to one embodiment, the video projector 14 is supported in a concealable and movable manner between a rest position inside the housing 2 and an operating position, in which the video projector 14 protrudes at least partially outside the housing 2.

According to one embodiment, the position and / or orientation of the video projector 14 are adjustable, for example, by means of the electronic control system 10.

Similarly, the position of the screen area 15, or in other words, the position of the screen, is adjustable, for example, by means of the electronic control system 10.

The apparatus 1 or the video projector may comprise a sharpness detector and / or a focal length detector, for example an optical sensor, and be configured for autofocus depending on a sharpness or focal length signal generated by the sharpness or focal length detector. .

The control system 10 can also be configured to display, by means of the video projector 14, alarms or warnings directly on a component (for example, door 18, auxiliary door 19, detergent drawer, filter holder) to which the alarm or warning refers. , preferably in response to anomaly signals supplied by the anomaly detector 9 or in response to command insert signals 16 supplied by the command insertion sensor 16, wherein the component or quantity to detect / monitor is within the detection range of said detectors / sensors 9, 16.

The display of warnings or alarms can comprise, for example, one or more of:

- a "component displaced" warning, eg door open if door 19, 19 is not properly closed or detergent drawer pulled out if detergent drawer is not fully inserted,

- a warning of "missing component or substance" or "insert component or substance", for example, "replace filter" if a filter is missing or needs to be replaced, or "fill with detergent" if the level of the treatment substance is below below a minimum level.

According to another embodiment, the user interface 19 or the video projector 14 may comprise an audio interface 51 controlled by the electronic control system 10 to emit audible alerts (for example, sounds, voice) in addition to the display operations. of the video projector 14 and, possibly, to acoustically clarify the information presented.

The characteristic features described with reference to a video projector 14 apply to at least one, some or all of the video projectors 14 in the case of a plurality of projectors 14.

Command Push Sensor Detailed Description 16

According to one embodiment, the command insertion sensor 16 comprises a touch or proximity sensor, for example capacitive, applied to the external wall 3 in the screen area 15. The touch sensor may comprise a film or a panel support in which a set of conductors of the capacitors is formed, for example, arranged according to Cartesian coordinates.

According to another embodiment, the command insertion sensor 16 comprises one or more radar interaction sensors arranged in or near the screen area 15 and configured to recognize the position and movement of the user's hand in the vicinity of the screen area 15, for example, to recognize a plurality of movements of the index finger or the index finger and the thumb of the user's hand, for example, so-called sliding dial movements, rotary dial movements, zoom movements and panning movements.

According to another embodiment, the command insertion sensor 16 comprises one or more optical interaction sensors arranged near the screen area 15 and configured to recognize the position and movement of the user's hand in the vicinity of the screen area. display 15, for example, to recognize a plurality of movements of the index finger or index finger and thumb of the user's hand, for example, so-called sliding dial movements, rotary dial movements, zoom movements and pan movements.

The optical interaction sensor may comprise, for example, a video camera and interpretation software for interpreting the images recorded by the camera.

According to another embodiment, the command insertion sensors 16 comprise one or more infrared light sources and corresponding optical sensors configured to recognize the position and movement of the user's hand in the vicinity of the screen area 15, for for example, to recognize a plurality of movements of the index finger or index finger and thumb of the user's hand, for example, so-called sliding dial movements, rotary dial movements, zoom movements and pan movements.

According to the invention, the same command insertion sensor 16 is further configured to monitor and / or verify the position and / or movements (for example, vibrations) of moving or removable parts (door 18, auxiliary cover 19, drawer detergent) that are within its detection range.

According to another embodiment, the command insertion means 12 may comprise an audio sensor or a microphone adapted to detect audio user commands (in particular, voice commands) and to generate a corresponding voice signal. The electronic control system 10:

- processes the voice signal and generates a corresponding user command signal,

- sets the parameters of the treatment program depending on the generated user command signal,

- controls the screen, by means of the video projector 14, depending on the generated user command signal.

The characteristic features described with reference to a command insertion sensor 16 apply to at least one, some or all of the command insertion sensors 16 in the case of a plurality of said command insertion sensors.

Description of the processing and interpretation of user commands

According to one embodiment, the interpretation and association module associates, for example, by position comparison, the detected position and / or hand movement in one or more command entry fields 17 displayed by means of the video projector 14 in screen area 15, and generates the user command signal depending on that association.

According to another embodiment, the interpretation and association module interprets the single detected positioning (touches) of the hand or finger associated with the individual displayed command input fields 17 as parameter selection movements, for example, from a plurality of different treatment parameters, and generates the user command signal depending on said interpretation.

According to another embodiment, the interpretation and association module interprets the detected continuous movement (sliding) of the hand or finger associated with the individual displayed command input fields 17 as parameter value adjustment movements (movements of the slider dial) and generates the user command signal depending on that interpretation.

According to yet another embodiment, the interpretation and association module interprets the detected continuous and relative movements (relative sliding) of multiple detected fingers but not necessarily associated with command entry fields 17 given as selection and / or adjustment movements. display and generates the user command signal depending on that interpretation.

Examples of move and / or display selection commands include zooming in, panning, scrolling between multiple different screens, moving across the entire screen area 15, zooming in / out of the entire screen area 15.

According to one embodiment, the stages of interpreting the movements of the user's fingers may comprise the stages of comparing characteristic parameters of the corresponding position and / or movement signals of the hand with reference parameters indicative of a plurality of predefined movements.

According to another embodiment, the stages of interpreting the movements of the user's fingers may comprise the stages of calculating the vector trajectories carried out by the fingers.

The electronic control system 10 performs, by means of the video projector 14, a confirmation display of a command signal from a user generated as a function of the aforementioned positioning and / or movement of the hand.

According to embodiments, the user entered command confirmation display may comprise one or more of the following:

- a display, possibly highlighted, of an option or a parameter of the treatment program to confirm the selection of the option or parameter,

- a variation of the treatment parameter selection menu,

- a display of a written alert, for example "start of treatment program" or "interruption of treatment program" or "appliance switched off",

- a change in screen characteristics.

According to an embodiment, in addition to the recognition of the position of the user's hand or finger in the screen area 15 and the association of the position of the hand or finger with a corresponding displayed command input field 17 , the one or more push command sensors 16 may also be configured to detect and recognize a plurality of movements of the index finger or the index finger and thumb of the user's hand, for example, so-called sliding dial movements, movements dial or arc dial, as well as zoom in / out movements, video panning movements, the latter not necessarily specifically referring to a displayed command input field 17, Rather, they correspond to the gestures of the touchscreen controls known from touchscreen tablet computers.

According to embodiments, the command entry fields 17 can be displayed as images of one or more buttons, knobs, sliders, value scales, or simple areas or fields, all possibly identified by a corresponding symbol, representing, for example, a treatment parameter and / or one or more selectable values of a treatment parameter, and / or navigation command symbols for navigating between different command entry menus, and / or editing or customization command symbols, such as zoom and / or brightness and / or language and / or shape of screen area 15 and / or position / offset of screen area 15.

According to one embodiment, the electronic control system 10 of the household appliance 1 can be connected in a communication network, for example, via Wi-Fi or using Bluetooth, with an external electronic device 52, for example, a smartphone or tablet computer, and adapted to be controllable, eg, configurable or upgradeable, by means of the external electronic device 52.

In this case, the electronic control system 10 can be configured, by means of the video projector 14 and the command insertion sensor 16, to reflect a user interface with a control program present in the external device 52 or in a remote server and accessible via external device 52.

Detailed description of embodiments of the treatment devices 7

According to embodiments, the treatment devices 7 of the household appliance 1 may comprise one or more of the following:

- a hydraulic filling and emptying system 27 and / or a water circulation system for wetting household products in the treatment position,

- a ventilation system 28 and / or air circulation to aerate household products in the treatment position,

- a heating system 29 to heat household products and / or to heat the water in the hydraulic system and / or to heat the air in the ventilation system,

- a dehumidification system 30 to dry household products and / or to dehumidify the air ventilation system 28 (for example, by means of condensation),

- a supply system 31 for supplying one or more chemical treatment substances directly on the domestic product and / or in the water of the hydraulic system 27 and / or in the air of the ventilation system 28,

- a movement system 29a or mechanical agitation system to move the household product and / or the treatment housing 5, for example, for the purpose of centrifugal dehydration or varied exposure of the household product to the treatment device 7 or agitation and mixing of the household product, - a microwave generator 30a for generating microwaves at treatment position 6,

- a steam generator 31 a to generate steam in the treatment position 6,

- a generator (eg an induction coil) 32 of a variable electromagnetic field adapted to generate an induced electromotive force (and thus induction heating) in electrically conductive pots in treatment position 6,

- a gas burner 33 adapted to heat pots or plates in treatment position 6,

- a refrigeration system 34 and / or a freezing system adapted to cool and / or freeze household products in the treatment position 6.

Detailed description of embodiments of the treatment detectors 8

According to embodiments, the treatment detectors 8 may comprise one or more of the following:

- a water pressure sensor 35,

- a water level sensor 36,

- a water temperature sensor 37,

- an air pressure sensor 38,

- a treatment housing temperature sensor 39,

- a water turbidity sensor 40,

- an electric quantity sensor 41 of an electric motor of the movement system 29 and / or mechanical stirring system,

- a sensor for the presence of household products 42 in the treatment position 6,

- a level sensor 43 or a sensor for the presence of a treatment chemical in the treatment substance supply system,

- a position sensor 44 of moving parts of the appliance 1 (for example, door 18, auxiliary door 19, detergent drawer 45, filter 46, filter holder 47, dust bag 48),

- a flame presence sensor 49,

- a camera 50 connected to or in the housing 2 and directed towards the treatment position 6 to monitor the household product during the treatment.

According to one embodiment, the video projector 14 can display images detected by the video camera 50.

Detailed description of embodiments of anomaly detectors 9

According to embodiments, the anomaly detectors 9 are also in signal connection with the electronic control system 10 and can comprise one or more temperature sensors, water presence sensors, smoke presence sensors, absence sensors of water, position / presence sensors of movable or removable parts of the appliance (for example, door 18, auxiliary door 19, detergent drawer 45, filter 46, the filter holder 47, dust bag 48).

According to embodiments, the electronic control system 10 controls one or more processing devices 7 and / or controls the display means 13 also depending on the anomaly signals generated by the anomaly detectors 9.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the appliance 1

Appliance 1 is, for example, any of:

- a washing machine 1.1 ( figures 1-5, 9, 11 ),

- a 1.2 dryer ( figure 10 ),

- a clothes washer and dryer 1.3 ( figure 11 ),

- a 1.4 dishwasher ( figure 12 ),

- a domestic cooking oven 1.5 ( figure 13 ),

- a 1.6 microwave oven ( figure 14 ),

- a gas cooktop 1.7 ( figure 16 ) and / or a resistive cooktop 1.8 ( figure 15 ), and / or an inductive cooktop 1.9 ( figure 15 ),

- a refrigerator 1.10 ( figure 17 ),

- a 1.10 freezer ( figure 18 ),

- a vacuum cleaner 1.11 ( figure 19 ),

- an ironing device 1.12 ( figure 20 ).

According to embodiments, the household products that are treated by means of the appliance 1 may comprise one or more of any of:

- household linen to be washed and / or dried and / or ironed,

- dishes to be washed,

- food products to be heated and / or cooked and / or defrosted and / or frozen and / or cooled,

- furniture surfaces to be dusted and / or washed,

- fabrics to be ironed or sewn.

The washing machine 1.1 (figure 1-5, 9, 11) comprises a laundry basket or drum that forms the treatment housing 5 and which can be closed by means of a door 18, as well as a hydraulic system 27, a heating system of water 29, a dosing system 31 and a movement system 29a.

The clothes dryer 1.2 (figure 10) comprises a laundry basket or drum that forms the treatment housing 5 and can be closed by a door 18, as well as a ventilation system 28, an air heating system 29, a dehumidification system 30 and a drive / movement system 29a. The washer and dryer 1.3 (figure 11) comprises a laundry basket or drum that forms the treatment housing 5 and can be closed by a door 18, as well as a hydraulic system 27, a water heating system 29, a system dispenser 31, movement system 29a, a ventilation system 28, an air heating system 29 and a dehumidification system 30.

The dishwasher 1.4 ( figure 12 ) comprises a housing cavity that forms the treatment housing 5 and can be closed by a door 18, as well as a hydraulic system 27, a water heating system 29, a dosing system 31 and, optionally, a dehumidification system 30.

The domestic cooking oven 1.5 ( figure 13 ) comprises a cooking cavity that forms the treatment housing 5 and can be closed by a door 18, as well as a ventilation system 28, a heating system 29 to heat food products , optionally a movement system 29a (for example, to turn the meat on the grill), optionally a steam generator 31a to generate steam in the treatment position 6, optionally a gas burner 33 adapted to heat dishes in the treatment position 6.

The microwave oven 1.6 ( figure 14 ) comprises a cooking cavity that forms the treatment housing 5 and can be closed by a door 18, as well as a microwave generator 30a to generate microwaves in the treatment position 6, a system of movement 29a and optionally a ventilation system 28. The resistive cooktop 1.8 ( figure 15 ) comprises a pot support structure that forms the treatment housing 5, as well as a resistive heating system 29 to heat pots or dishes in the treatment position 6.

The inductive cooktop 1.9 ( figure 15 ) comprises a pot support structure that forms the treatment housing 5, as well as a generator (for example, induction coil) 32 of a variable electromagnetic field in the treatment position 6.

The gas cooktop 1.7 ( figure 16 ) comprises a pot support structure that forms the treatment housing 5, as well as a gas burner 33 adapted to heat pots or dishes in the treatment position 6.

The refrigerator 1.10 ( figure 17 ) comprises a refrigeration cavity that forms the treatment housing 5 and that can be closed by a door 18, as well as a refrigeration system 34 and / or freezing system adapted to cool and / or freeze products. household products in treatment position 6 and optionally a ventilation system 28 and / or air circulation system to aerate household products in treatment position 6.

The freezer 1.11 ( figure 18 ) comprises a freezing cavity that forms the treatment housing 5 and can be closed by a door 18, as well as a freezing system 34 adapted to freeze household products in the treatment position 6.

The vacuum cleaner 1.12 ( figure 19 ) comprises a suction mouth for a furniture surface that forms the treatment housing 5, as well as a ventilation system 28, in particular a suction system, of air of the furniture surface in the treatment position 6 and, optionally, a movement system 29a or a mechanical stirring system to move the treatment housing 5.

The ironing apparatus 1.13 ( figure 20 ) comprises a heating plate that forms the treatment housing 5, as well as a heating system 29 to heat the heating plate and a steam generator 31a to generate steam in the treatment position 6.

Each of the household appliances 1, 1.1 ... 1.12 described in greater detail may selectively comprise one or more treatment detectors 8 and selectively one or more anomaly detectors 9, together with their signal connections to the electronic control system 10, described above and not repeated here for brevity.

Obviously, those skilled in the art can make other changes and variations to the appliance 1 in accordance with the present invention, all contained within the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the following claims, to satisfy contingent needs and specifications.

Claims (14)

1. An electrical appliance (1) comprising: - a casing (2) with an external wall (3) forming an external surface (4) of the household appliance (1), - a treatment housing (5) formed within or in the housing (2) and adapted to house or support household products in a treatment position (6), - at least one treatment device (7) arranged inside the casing (2) and operable to carry out a treatment in the treatment position (6) and subject the household product to said treatment, - at least one treatment detector (8) arranged at least partially inside the casing (2) and configured to detect a value of a treatment parameter of the treatment performed by the treatment device (7). - optionally, at least one anomaly detector (9) arranged at least partially inside the casing (2) and configured to detect a magnitude indicative of a malfunction of the domestic appliance (1), - An electronic control system (10) arranged in the housing (2) and in signal connection with the treatment device (7) and with the treatment detector (8) and configured to control the treatment device (7) of according to a treatment program and according to the value detected by the treatment detector (8), - a user interface (11) in signal connection with the electronic control system (10), said user interface (11) comprising: - command insertion means (12) to enter commands to select the parameters of the treatment program and to enter a command to execute the treatment program, and - display means (13) that display the selectable parameters of the treatment program and display the treatment parameters during the execution of the program, wherein the screen means (13) comprise at least one video projector (14) mounted in the appliance (1) on the external wall (3) and configured to display, by means of a light projection process, over an area screen (15) from the external surface (4) of the casing (2), and in that the command insertion means (12) comprise at least one command input sensor (16) adapted to detect a movement of the user's hand in the screen area (15) and to generate a movement signal of corresponding hand, wherein the electronic control system (10): - processes the hand movement signal and generates a user command signal, - sets the parameters of the treatment program according to the generated user command signal, - gives the command of the screen through the video projector (14) according to the generated user command signal, characterized in that the at least one command input sensor (16) is further configured to monitor the position or movements of the movable parts (18, 19) of the household appliance (1) arranged in the detection field thereof. A household appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the command input sensor (16) comprises one or more proximity or touch sensors applied to the external wall (3) in the display area (15 ). A household appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the command input sensor (16) comprises one or more radar interaction sensors arranged in the display area (15) and configured to recognize the position and movement of the user's hand in the vicinity of the screen area (15). A household appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the command input sensor (16) comprises one or more infrared interaction sensors arranged in the display area (15) and configured to recognize the position and movement of the user's hand in the vicinity of the screen area (15). A household appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the command input sensor (16) comprises a video camera and a computer program for interpreting the images recorded by the video camera. An electrical appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic control system (10) associates the detected hand movement with the position of one or more command input fields (17) represented by the video projector (14) in the screen area (15), and generates said user command signal depending on said association. 7. An electrical appliance (1) according to claim 6, wherein the electronic control system (10) interprets: - individual finger positions that have been detected and associated with individual command input fields (17) as parameter selection movements, - continuous finger movements that have been detected and associated with a series of command entry fields (17) contiguous to each other as movements to configure parameter values, - continuous and relative movements of several fingers, detected in the screen area (15) but not associated with certain command entry fields (17), such as movements to configure the screen. A domestic appliance (1) according to claim 6 or 7, in which the electronic control system (10) interprets the movements of the user's fingers in the display area (15) by comparing characteristic parameters of the signals of corresponding hand movements with indicative reference parameters for a plurality of preset movements. An electrical appliance (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, in which the electronic control system (10) interprets the movements of the user's fingers in the screen area (15) by calculating vector trajectories made by the user's fingers. A domestic appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic control system (10) performs, by means of the video projector (14), a confirmation display of the generated user command signal. 11. An electrical appliance (1) according to claim 6, wherein the command entry fields (17) are represented as: - areas delimited and identified by a symbol representing a treatment parameter, and / or - one or more selectable values of a treatment parameter and / or - command symbols to navigate between different command entry menus, and / or - command symbols to customize the projected screen. A domestic appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the command insertion means (12) comprise a microphone adapted to detect voice user commands and to generate a corresponding voice signal, in which the electronic control system (10): - processes the voice signal and generates a corresponding user command signal, - sets the parameters of the treatment program according to the generated user command signal, - gives the command of the screen by means of the video projector (14) according to the generated user command signal. 13. A household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control system (10) can be connected in wireless communication with an external electronic device (52), in particular a smartphone or tablet, and is adapted to be controllable and configurable by means of the external electronic device (52). 14. A household appliance (1) according to claim 13, wherein the electronic control system (10) is configured to reflect, through the projector (14) and the sensor input commands (16), an interface User of a control program present in the external device (52) or in a remote server and accessible through the external device (52).