GB2521335A

GB2521335A - A Remotely Controlled Kettle

Info

Publication number: GB2521335A
Application number: GB1316833.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christian Lane
Original assignee: SMARTER APPLIC Ltd
Current assignee: SMARTER APPLIC Ltd
Priority date: 2013-09-24
Filing date: 2013-09-24
Publication date: 2015-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-24
Also published as: GB2521335B; GB201316833D0

Abstract

A kettle 1 has a jug 2 with an internal heating element 4 and a temperature sensor 5, the jug 2 mating with a base unit 3 that has a control unit 9, and a wireless receiver and transmitter unit 11 in communication with the control unit 9 and which is adapted to transmit signals generated by the control unit 9, and receive signals for communication to the control unit 9, the control unit 9 generating a refill reminder signal if the volume of fluid in the jug is assessed to have fallen below a minimum set level. This allows a user to receive the signal on a convenient receiver such as a smartphone or similar reminding the user to refill the kettle before next use. The control unit preferably depowers the heating element if the water volume is below a predetermined level. The water volume may be determined using received signal strength indicators. A method of determining water volume in a kettle using received signal strength indicators is also claimed.

Description

A kettle

Field

The present invention relates to a kettle that can wirelessly transmit data. The present invention also relates to a kettle that can wirelessly transmit data relating to a number of states and which can wirelessly receive commands to carry out a number of functions. The present invention also relates to a method of assessing the volume of fluid in a kettle, and a kettle configured to carry out the assessment method. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of assessing the volume of fluid in a kettle using RE waves, and a kettle configured to carry out the assessment method.

Background

Kettles are a common tool used to boil water for beverage preparation or similar.

Modern kettles are normally fitted with a mechanism which automatically turns the kettle off when the water has boiled, and a water level indicator. The kettle is normally turned on to boil the contents by manipulating a switch or button on the kettle.

Kettles that can be activated remotely are also known. It was reported in 2005 that Tea seller PG Tips was cooperating with Orange UK to develop a PG Tips branded kettle that could be switched on by sending a text message to the kettle (http://www.telecompaper. com/news/pg-tips-orange-uk-to-develop-sms-tea-kettle-- 491 087). Development reports are also available that relate to a kettle that would connect to the local wi-fi network and automatically send a tweet when it had boiled (http://www.mobileinc.co.uk/201 0/03/introducing-the-twettle-project-the-kettle-that-tweets!).

Neither of the projects above make any reference to a way in which the level of the water in the kettle can be assessed. Furthermore, the information given is indicative that the level of control and communication available is at a basic level -that is, on/off only, or a simple communication to indicate to a remotely located user that an operation has been completed.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Summary

It is an object of the present invention to provide a kettle which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of assessing the volume of fluid in a kettle which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)' following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun Accordingly, in an aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in a kettle, comprising: a jug adapted to hold a volume of fluid, having an electrically-powered internal heating element configured to boil the volume of fluid in the jug and a temperature sensor adapted to sense the temperature of the volume of fluid; a base unit adapted to mate with the jug to form an electrical connection between the base unit and the heating element, the base unit connectable to an external power source; a control unit adapted to receive input from the temperature sensor and to control the power output of the heating element; a wireless receiver and transmitter unit in communication with the control unit, the wireless receiver and transmitter unit adapted to transmit signals generated by the control unit, and receive signals for communication to the control unit, the control unit configured to generate a refill reminder signal if the volume of fluid in the jug is assessed to have fallen below a minimum set level. This alerts a user that the kettle needs refilling and saves time the next time the kettle is to be used.

Advantageously, the control unit is configured to register the end of a heating cycle and assess the elapsed time between removal and replacement of the jug on the base unit following the end of the heating cycle, the control unit generating a refill reminder signal if the elapsed time is under a preset minimum level.

Alternatively, the controller is configured to assess the time between removal and replacement of the jug by registering breaking and reconnection of an electrical circuit between the jug and the base unit.

Alternatively, the control unit is configured to register the end of a heating cycle and monitor the rate of temperature change, the control unit generating a refill reminder signal if the rate of temperature decrease is under a certain minimum value.

Alternatively, the control unit is configured to register the end of a heating cycle and monitor the rate of temperature change, the control unit generating a refill reminder signal if the time taken for the temperature to fall to a preset temperature is over a preset minimum time value.

Alternatively, the kettle further has a weight sensor in the base unit, the control unit receiving signals from the weight sensor indicative of the weight of the jug and contents, the control unit generating a refill reminder signal if the weight is below a certain preset minimum.

Advantageously, the wireless receiver and transmitter unit has an RSSI, the control unit configured to receive signal strength data from the RSSI and to use this to calculate the volume of fluid in the jug. This allows the Advantageously, a refill reminder signal is also generated after the contents of the jug has been heated, the signal also indicating the volume of fluid in the jug.

Advantageously, the wireless receiver and transmitter unit and control unit are configured to operate as a wifi range and/or signal booster.

In a second aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist in a kettle, comprising: ajug adapted to hold a volume of fluid, having an electrically-powered internal heating element configured to boil the volume of fluid in the jug; a control unit adapted to control the power output of the heating element; an RF wireless communications device having an RSSI, the control unit further configured to receive signal strength data from the RSSI and to use this to calculate the volume of fluid in the jug, the control unit de-powering the heating element if the volume of fluid in the jug is calculated to be below a certain preset minimum level. The fact that the volume of fluid can be calculated from the signal strength data allows this to be used to assist in controlling the kettle.

Advantageously, a transmitter is connected to the controller, the controller and transmitter adapted to generate and send a signal indicative of the fluid level in the jug. These communications to a user assists a user in controlling heating and refilling operations.

Advantageously, a refill reminder signal is also generated if the volume ot fluid in the jug is below a certain level.

Advantageously, the RF wireless communications device and control unit are configured to operate as a wifi range and/or signal booster.

In a third aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a method of measuring the fluid level in a kettle of known volume and dimensions comprising the steps of: transmitting an RE wireless signal of known strength through the kettle to a Received Signal Strength Indicator; receiving the signal strength data at the Received Signal Strength Indicator; assessing the signal strength loss; performing a calculation using the volume and dimensions of the kettle and the signal strength loss to assess the volume of fluid in the kettle. The fact that the volume of fluid can be calculated from the signal strength data allows this to be used to assist in controlling the kettle.

Advantageously in the step of transmitting an RF wireless signal the frequency used is in the 2.4 GHz ISM Band. This is a common and free band so can be used easily and inexpensively.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of the Eigures

Figure 1 shows a kettle according to an embodiment of the invention having a jug and a base to which the jug is electrically connected.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the modules within the base of the kettle of figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a view of radio waves or wireless communication signals being received and transmitted by a transceiver in the base of the kettle, and absorbed by the water in the jug.

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the modules and interconnections therebetween of figure 2.

Detailed Description

An embodiment of remotely controllable kettle 1 will now be described with reference to the figures.

The kettle 1 has two main parts: a jug 2 and a base unit 3. These are described below. Jug

The jug 2 has a generally cylindrical body that holds a volume of water in use and which can be filled via a spout 7 and/or a lid 13. An advantageous capacity is sub-stantially around 18 Litre& The jug 2 has an internal heating element 4 which heats and boils the contents of the jug 2. An advantageous power output is substantially around 2200W. The jug 2 also has a temperature sensor 5 that monitors the tem-perature of the contents of the jug 2. The jug 2 can be lifted and manipulated by a handle 6 for pouring or similar. The base of the jug 2 includes an electrical connector that connects to the heating element 4. When the jug 2 is in position on the base unit 3, the heating element 4 is electrically connected via the electrical connector to a power supply module 8 located in the base unit 3 which provides electrical power to the heating element 4 and any other electrical items in the jug 2 (e.g. a power light or similar).

Base Unit The base unit 3 is configured so that when the jug 2 is engaged with the base unit 3, the jug 2 rests on and is partly enclosed by the base unit 3 to make an electrical con-nection between the jug 2 and base 3. The base unit 3 is connected to a mains power outlet and receives electrical power via a cable or similar (not shown), typically 220V at 50HZ. The base unit 3 has an internal control unit 9 that includes a memory, a printed circuit board and any other necessary circuitry items. The internal control unit 9 is preferably a micro control unit that receives input from the temperature sen-sor 5 and which also receives user commands from a control panel 10 on the base unit 3. The control panel 10 has a number of buttons that allow a user to select vari- ous functions for heating the contents of the jug 2 at a single button press. Advanta-geously, these could be a range of push-buttons for selecting different temperatures for the preparation of different beverages at a single press -e.g. 100°C for black tea, 90°C for coffee, 80°C for green tea, 65°C for heating milk, etc. A manual input can also be achieved using a temp up/down rocker switch or button pair or similar to manually select a desired temperature. A display (not shown) could also be included to show the current contents temperature, the selected temperature, power and sig-nal connections, etc. A keep warm' function could also be included, activation of which would either continuously power the heating element 4 at a low level to main- tain the temperature of the contents of the jug 2 at an intermediate level above ambi-ent but below a boiling or use temperature. Alternatively, the heating element could be intermittently activated to achieve a similar effect. The internal control unit 9 re-ceives input from the control panel 10 and controls the output power of the heating element 4 accordingly.

A wireless receiver and transmitter 11 is also housed within the base unit 3, and is connected to the control unit 9 to enable two-way communication therebetween. The receiver/transmitter 11 receives signals from the temperature sensor 5 via the control unit 9. These signals relate for example to the temperature of the contents of the kettle. The receiver/transmitter 11 is configured so as to be able to transmit these to a remote control unit 12 which is described in detail below.

The receiver/transmitter 11 is configured so as to be able to receive and transmit Wireless 802.llb/g, WEP/WPA(WPA2 and between Tablets, iPhones, Android-enabled system, etc. Remote Control Unit The remote control unit 12 is configured to be able to transmit and receive signals from the receiver/transmitter 11, and to display information on a remote display so that this can be read by a user. The remote control unit 12 can be a smartphone, tablet device, desktop PC, laptop or similar. The remote control unit 12 can be an existing commercial third-party unit programmed by loading it with software, or the remote control unit 12 could be a hardware unit specifically for use with the kettle 1.

The remote control unit 12 receives signals from the receiver/transmitter 11, displays data and command prompts to a user, and transmits commands to the receiver/transmitter 11. Examples of various specific embodiments of routines are outlined below.

Temperature setting: An interface on the remote control unit 12 allows a user to select a desired contents temperature. A signal indicative of this selection is transmitted wirelessly to the control unit 9 via the receiver/transmitter 11. Once the temperature is selected, the heating element 4 can either be activated manually via a button or switch on the jug 2 or base unit 3, or can be activated from the remote control unit 12. The temperature sensor 5 monitors the temperature of the contents of the jug, signalling this to the control unit 9, which cuts power to the heating element 4 once the set temperature is reached. A task completed' signal can be transmitted to the remote control unit 12 from the control unit 9 via the receiver/transmitter 11.

Wake up mode: An alarm is set on the remote control unit 12 which alerts a user at a set time, and provides a prompt asking the user if they wish to boil the kettle. On receiving a yes' reply, a signal indicative of this selection is transmitted wirelessly to the control unit 9 via the receiver/transmitter 11, which activates the heating element 4.

Home mode: The remote control unit 12 is programmed so that an activation signal is sent at certain pre-specified times to the control unit 9 via the receiver/transmitter 11. This signal also contains information relating to the required temperature. The control unit operates accordingly to heat the contents of the jug. This mode is useful if a user is going to be at home at certain hours and wishes to have hot water at a certain temperature at certain pre-specified times.

Advert mode: The remote control unit 12 allows a user to enter data relating to TV shows which they wish to view -e.g. the user can manually enter date of broadcast and start and finish times, or the user could enter the show name and the remote control unit 12 will automatically interrogate an external or internal database to find the required information. The remote control unit 12 either estimates the likely time of an advert break (e.g. fifteen minutes into a show that lasts half-an-hour, and at the end of the show), or an external database provides information relating to the break times and this is transmitted to the remote control unit 12. The result is that when the TV ads are about to appear the kettle would have started boiling. This functionality can be used by multiple users from multiple terminals or remote control devices so that for example all the occupants of a house can connect at once or in parallel.

Game mode: If used in a multi-user environment such as an office, either a single remote control unit, or multiple remote control units such as unit 12 can be associated with the kettle 1. A number of users are programmed into or listed in either the internal control unit 9, or the remote control unit(s) 12. Prompts can be sent either at pre-set times or intervals in the day to an individual user from the list to alert them to make tea for all the members of the list or a subset thereof, or an individual user could use a remote control unit 12 to force' a prompt to be sent immediately. Users on the list could be selected randomly, sequentially, or in a pre-set pattern. For example, the routine could be set so that user A' always makes the first round of tea in the morning, but the order is random for the rest of the day, either including or excluding user A'. Alternatively, a points system could be used with weighting given to various factors such as last user to make a round, number of times a user has made a round within a set time period (e.g. a week), etc. Either the remote control unit(s) 12 or the internal control unit 9 can also include a tea rating system that will also allow users to rate the quality of individual tea-making users on the list, a leader board or similar showing how each user rates relative to the others.

Refill reminder: the control unit 12 is configured to assess the fluid level in the jug 2 and to generate a refill reminder signal once the volume of fluid in the jug is assessed to have fallen below a minimum set level. A signal is transmitted from the control unit 9 via the receiver/transmitter 11 to be received by the remote control unit 12 to remind a user to refill the kettle. This signal can be triggered in a number of ways: i) if a user removes and then almost immediately replaces the jug 2 on the base unit 3 directly after the end of a heating cycle is registered by the controller (e.g. if the heating element 4 has been activated, the temperature sensor 5 has recorded a required temperature and the controller has deactivated the heating element 4 in response), this is indicative that the contents has been used but that not enough time has elapsed for a user to have refilled the jug 2. The control unit will assess the elapsed time between removal and replacement of the jug 2 on the base unit 3. If this is under a certain minimum, then a refill reminder signal is generated and transmitted. A removal and replacement signal can be generated in a number of ways, the most straightforward being breaking and reconnection of the electrical power circuit between the base unit 3 and the jug 2.

ii) The temperature sensor can also be used to double-check whether a refill has already taken place, as the addition of cold water to the jug 2 will cause the temperature to drop faster than if the kettle has not been refilled. The control unit 12 can monitor the rate of temperature change and assess from this if the jug has been refilled if the late of decrease is over a certain minimum value. If the rate of decrease is under a certain minimum value then a refill reminder signal is generated and transmitted. Alternatively, the control unit generates a refill reminder signal if the time taken for the temperature to fall to a preset temperature is over a preset minimum value, the preset programmed as substantially the maximum expected ambient water temperature from a cold tap. The refill reminder can also be triggered by a time delay, a refill reminder signal generated a set time after the boil notification has been sent. For example, 30 seconds, or three minutes, or similar as required. This time could be user-alterable or a user could turn this off if not required.

iii) A weight sensor in the base unit could also be used. The control unit 12 will receive data relating to the weight of the jug 2 and contents, and if this is below a certain minimum, then a refill reminder signal is generated and transmitted.

iv) The water level measurement process outlined below can be used to assess the level of fluid in the jug 2 and send a refill reminder if the level is below a certain pre-set level.

No water reminder: Similar to the refill reminder outlined above, a message is sent to the remote control unit 12 from the control unit 9 via the receiver/transmitter 11 to remind a user to refill the kettle before use if a user has attempted to activate an empty kettle. Again, the water level measurement process outlined below can be used to assess the amount of water or other fluid in the kettle. This can also be monitored not just on water volume but more accurately on the command sent back from the control unit. The kettle has an internal STRIX convertor (used in all kettles as a safety precaution) and this will prevent the kettle from boiling. This will then send a message to the remote control unit indicating that there is no or low water in the kettle.

The kettle 1 can connect to the remote control unit 12 in any known manner. How-ever, it is advantageous if the connection is made in one of the as following ways The remote control is directly connected to the receiver/transmitter 11.

A three-way connection is made between the kettle 1, the receiver/transmitter 11 and an existing local home/office wifi network. This creates a three way connection in a similar fashion to any other household wifi device (.g. a printer or similar). This feature also allows the consumer to use the kettle 1 as a wireless communication booster/extender or access point. The kettle 1 acts as its own wifi hub and can bounce' any signals received from an existing in- ternet hub, or can be the home's access point if a wireless bridge is made be-tween the home's router and the kettle.

Other communications protocols could also be used in the kettle. For example Blue-tooth, Bluetooth LE, Dash?, RFID (both passive and active), UWB, Dust, Wireless HART, CAN. Where wireless receiver and transmitter' or similar is used in this specification this should be taken as covering all of these various communication protocol types.

Water Level Management As outlined above, the kettle 1 is controlled remotely by receiving and transmitting commands and data wirelessly. One of the most popular Radio Frequency (RF) wireless communication frequencies in use today is the 2.4 0Hz ISM Band. One of the primary reasons for its popularity is that it is a license-free frequency band thereby allowing a number of wireless products to be produced without the need for paying license fees for a particular band. Most of the IEEE8O2.1 1 wireless communications protocols are based on this frequency as are many IEEE8O2.15.4 protocols. A transmitter acting as the RF source produces RF waves or wireless communication signals, which tend to radiate isotropically from the RE source. RF waves tend to be susceptible to power losses due to absorption of the radiated power or absorption of radio wave or absorption of the wireless communication signal by any bodies of water which a radiated signal encounters, and the 2.4 0Hz ISM Band frequency is particularly susceptible to power losses.

This effect can be used to calculate the water level in the jug 2. The jug 2 is of known volume and dimensions. These characteristics are held within the memory of the internal control unit 9, or in the remote control unit 12, or both. The base unit 3 of the kettle 1 described above further has an RF wireless communications device that is preferably part of the receiver/transmitter 11, but which can be a separate item, the RE wireless communications device installed so that it is in close proximity to the jug 2 when the jug 2 is located in position on the base 3. The RE wireless communications device has a built-in Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSl).

Electromagnetic energy waves from RF sources, are shown by arrows 104, 105, 106, 107. As outlined above, electromagnetic energy is susceptible to absorption by water. Therefore the more water that is in the jug 2, the more electromagnetic energy will be absorbed. Transmitted energy waves from the RF wireless communications device are shown on figure 3 by arrows 104, 105. Received energy waves from the remote control unit 12 are shown by the arrows 106, 107. Energy is absorbed from these by the water 100 in the jug 2. The internal control unit 9 receives data relating to the signal strength from the RSSI of the RF wireless communications device 14, and/or monitors the energy transmitted by the RF wireless communications device 14. This data is used by the control unit 11 to calculate the volume of water in the jug, and this can be converted to a water level value using the known stored dimensional characteristics. Alternatively, the volume data can be converted into value indicative of a number of cups.

The RF wireless communications device 14 and method outlined above could also be used on a standard jug kettle, with or without a base unit, the standard kettle having a control unit controlling the electrically-powered internal heating element which is also configured to receive signal strength data from the RSSI and to use this to calculate the volume of fluid in the jug. The control unit could de-power the heating element if the volume of fluid in the jug is calculated to be below a certain preset minimum level. If the kettle had a transmitter, the control unit could also use this to send signals indicative of the volume of fluid in the kettle, and could convert this to a number indicative of a number of cups.

Claims

Claims 1. A kettle, comprising: a jug adapted to hold a volume of fluid, having an electrically-powered internal heating element configured to boil the volume of fluid in the jug and a temperature sensor adapted to sense the temperature of the volume of fluid; a base unit adapted to mate with the jug to form an electrical connection between the base unit and the heating element, the base unit connectable to an external power source; a control unit adapted to receive input from the temperature sensor and to control the power output of the heating element; a wireless receiver and transmitter unit in communication with the control unit, the wireless receiver and transmitter unit adapted to transmit signals generated by the control unit, and receive signals for communication to the control unit, the control unit configured to generate a refill reminder signal if the volume of fluid in the jug is assessed to have fallen below a minimum set level.
2. A kettle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured to register the end of a heating cycle and assess the elapsed time between removal and replacement of the jug on the base unit following the end of the heating cycle, the control unit generating a refill reminder signal if the elapsed time is under a preset minimum level.
3. A kettle as claimed in claim 2 wherein the controller is configured to assess the time between removal and replacement of the jug by registering breaking and reconnection of an electrical circuit between the jug and the base unit.
4. A kettle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured to register the end of a heating cycle and monitor the rate of temperature change, the control unit generating a refill reminder signal if the rate of temperature decrease is under a certain minimum value
5. A kettle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured to register the end of a heating cycle and monitor the rate of temperature change, the control unit generating a refill reminder signal if the time taken for the temperature to fall to a preset temperature is over a preset minimum time value.
6. A kettle as claimed in claim 1 further having a weight sensor in the base unit, the control unit receiving signals from the weight sensor indicative of the weight of the jug and contents, the control unit generating a refill reminder signal if the weight is below a certain preset minimum.
7. A kettle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the wireless receiver and transmitter unit has an RSSI, the control unit configured to receive signal strength data from the RSSI and to use this to calculate the volume of fluid in the jug.
8. A kettle as claimed in claim 7 wherein a refill reminder signal is also generated after the contents of the jug has been heated, the signal also indicating the volume of fluid in the jug.
9. A kettle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the wireless receiver and transmitter unit and control unit are configured to operate as a wifi range and/or signal booster.
10. A kettle, comprising: a jug adapted to hold a volume of fluid, having an electrically-powered internal heating element configured to boil the volume of fluid in the jug; a control unit adapted to control the power output of the heating element; an RE wireless communications device having an RSSI, the control unit further configured to receive signal strength data from the RSSI and to use this to calculate the volume of fluid in the jug, the control unit de-powering the heating element if the volume of fluid in the jug is calculated to be below a certain preset minimum level.
11. A kettle as claimed in claim 10 further comprising a wireless transceiver connected to the controller, the controller and transceiver adapted to generate and send a signal indicative of the fluid level in the jug.
12. A kettle as claimed in claim 11 wherein a refill reminder signal is also generated if the volume of fluid in the jug is below a certain level.
13. A kettle as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the RE wireless communications device and control unit are configured to operate as a wifi range and/or signal booster.
14. A method of measuring the fluid level in a kettle of known volume and dimensions comprising the steps of: transmitting an RF wireless signal of known strength through the kettle to a Received Signal Strength Indicator; receiving the signal strength data at the Received Signal Strength Indicator; assessing the signal strength loss; performing a calculation using the volume and dimensions of the kettle and the signal strength loss to assess the volume of fluid in the kettle.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein in the step of transmitting an RF wireless signal the frequency used is in the 2.4 GHz ISM Band.