RU217234U1 - ELECTRIC KETTLE WITH WI-FI CONTROL - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to household devices controlled remotely using a Wi-Fi connection. Essence: the electric kettle contains a remote control unit built into the body of its operation, which, among other things, contains a converting module of the kettle, which is configured to process signals with the release of an informative Wi-Fi signal. At the same time, the conversion module contains a kettle microprocessor with an analysis and filtering unit and a control device connected by feedback to the kettle controller, an interference memory unit connected by feedback to the analysis and control unit, and a Wi-Fi signal transceiver unit, the input of which is connected to microprocessor control device, and the output with an analysis and filtering unit. The technical result of the utility model is to increase the stability of the connection of the kettle to a Wi-Fi wireless network for remote control of its operation modes while maintaining the high efficiency of the kettle device as a whole and the operation of the Wi-Fi signal transceiver unit built into the kettle, in particular. 2 ill., 1 tab.

Description

The utility model relates to cutlery, namely to a vessel for boiling water in the form of an electric kettle, the operation of which can be controlled both manually and remotely using a Wi-Fi connection. In particular, in an electric kettle, water heating temperature can be adjusted, providing for both manual and remote control, characterized by the possibility of remote control over a wireless network and the presence of an automatic temperature control function. The claimed device for an electric kettle with Wi-Fi control can be used in light industry in the production of such devices.

State of the art

There are a number of technical solutions aimed at the development of electric kettles, which could be controlled remotely. Kettle devices are also known, which are made with the possibility of wireless communication with a remote WI-FI router (modem).

Known is the design of the electric kettle RU 128976 U1, published on 06/20/2013, selected as the closest analogue of the proposed utility model, which contains a housing with a heating element that can be installed on a base containing a control unit for the operation of the kettle, including a controller, the first output of which is intended for connection to the electrical network, a thermostat and a manual control unit are connected to the second and third outputs, respectively, and the fourth output is configured to be connected to a heating element, while the fifth output of the controller, which is the output of the kettle operation control unit, is connected to the first output of the microprocessor, the second the output of which is connected to a conversion module configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote WI-FI router.

The known design of the prototype kettle has a significant drawback, which is the low stability of wireless Wi-Fi communication due to the fact that the converting module of the kettle is not able to analyze interference that affects the operation of wireless Wi-Fi networks. As a result, the known design is due to intermittent or unstable operation of the wireless connection of the kettle to the Wi-Fi network. This makes remote control difficult, and sometimes, due to the lack of Wi-Fi connection, impossible.

Thus, the objective of this utility model is to create an electric kettle device with the possibility of remote control from an application using a Wi-Fi network and the function of automatically filtering the received Wi-Fi information signal from interference generated by devices surrounding the electric kettle to improve Wi-Fi stability. connection and uninterrupted operation of the remote control of the kettle.

The technical result of the claimed utility model is to increase the stability of the kettle connection to a Wi-Fi wireless network for remote control of its operation modes while maintaining the high efficiency of the kettle device as a whole and the operation of the Wi-Fi signal reception and transmission system built into the kettle, in particular.

Utility Model Disclosure

Just like in the closest analogue, the proposed electric kettle contains a body with a heating element, a kettle operation control unit configured to connect its two outputs to the above-mentioned heating element and the electrical network. In turn, the kettle operation control unit includes a controller, a thermostat and a kettle manual control unit. Also, the controller is connected in series with the microprocessor, and the output of the microprocessor is connected in series with the conversion module, which is configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote Wi-Fi router (modem).

The difference between the claimed kettle device and its analogue is that the converting kettle module is configured to receive, register and filter the Wi-Fi signal against the background of interference detected by the transceiver unit.

The set goal, the technical result required and obtained by using the utility model are achieved by the fact that the electric kettle contains a body with a heating element, a kettle operation control unit, including a kettle controller and a kettle thermostat connected to it, a kettle manual control unit that converts the kettle module, with In this case, the converting module of the kettle is configured to process signals with the extraction of an informative Wi-Fi signal and includes a microprocessor of the kettle with an analysis and filtering unit and a control device connected in feedback to the kettle controller, an interference memory unit connected in feedback to the analysis and control unit, and a Wi-Fi signal transceiver unit, the input of which is connected to the microprocessor control device, and the output to the analysis and filtering unit.

Brief description of the drawings

The essence of the utility model is illustrated by drawings.

In FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the proposed device, which uses the following notation:

1 - kettle controller;

2 - kettle heating element;

3 - kettle thermostat block;

4 - kettle manual control unit;

5 - teapot microprocessor;

6 - converting kettle module;

7 - block of analysis and filtration;

8 - interference memory block;

9 - control device;

10 - block for receiving and transmitting data over a wireless network, for example, to an application installed on a portable device (not shown in the drawings);

In FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the analysis of incoming signals by the microprocessor.

Implementation of the utility model

As you know, in wireless networks, in particular, in a Wi-Fi network, radio waves are used as a signal propagation medium, and the operation of devices and data transmission in the network occurs without the use of cable connections. In this regard, the operation of wireless networks is affected by a greater amount of various kinds of interference. In turn, Wi-Fi devices are subject to even small interference from other devices, including those operating in the same frequency range.

As you know, wireless Wi-Fi networks use two frequency bands - 2.4 and 5 GHz. 802.11 b/g wireless networks operate in the 2.4 GHz band, 802.11a networks operate in the 5 GHz band, and 802.11n networks can operate in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

Bluetooth devices, wireless keyboards, and mice also operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and, therefore, may affect the operation of the access point and other Wi-Fi devices.

At the same time, Wi-Fi wireless devices have a limited range. For example, a home router with an 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi access point has a range of up to 60 m indoors and up to 400 m outdoors.

Indoors, the range of a wireless access point may be limited to a few tens of meters depending on the configuration of the rooms, the presence of solid walls and their number, as well as other obstacles.

At the same time, obstacles such as walls, ceilings, furniture, metal doors, etc. located between Wi-Fi devices may partially or significantly reflect/absorb radio signals, resulting in partial or complete signal loss. At the same time, the presence of solid walls, including concrete and reinforcement, sheet metal, plaster on the walls, steel frames, etc. also affects the quality of the radio signal and can significantly impair the operation of the conversion module of any Wi-Fi device, including an electric kettle.

Indoors, mirrors and tinted windows can also cause radio interference. Even the human body attenuates the signal by about 3 dB.

Table 1 shows the loss of Wi-Fi signal efficiency when passing through various obstacles that are present in the premises. The data are given for a network operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

In addition, the operation of the Wi-Fi device and the deterioration of the Wi-Fi connection quality are also affected by various household appliances operating in the Wi-Fi network coverage area.

For example, microwave ovens weaken the Wi-Fi signal strength, as they usually also operate in the 2.4 GHz band. In addition, baby monitors are also devices operating in the 2.4 GHz band, which creates interference and degrades the quality of Wi-Fi communications. Wi-Fi connectivity is also affected by CRT monitors, electric motors, wireless speakers operating at 2.4 or 5 GHz, some sources of electrical voltage such as electrical wiring, cables with insufficient shielding, and coaxial cables. and connectors used with some types of satellite dishes, external monitors and LCD screens operating at 2.4 GHz, wireless cameras, and other Wi-Fi devices within range of the Wi-Fi network.

Thus, various devices can interfere with the registration and transmission of signals over a Wi-Fi network. As noted above, these devices may include communications and/or electronic devices, including both wired and wireless devices (e.g., microwave ovens, printers, computers, tablets, phones, cordless phones, network nodes, network devices, set-top boxes, televisions, radios, communication devices), terminals, power lines, transmitters, various communication protocols used by devices, and the like.

However, in the proposed solution, it was decided to use filtering based on data about these interferences. It is proposed to use these interferences to create and/or generate interference patterns for each interference source.

Common types of interference can be divided into mutual or co-channel interference CCI (co-channel interference), inter-carrier interference ICI (inter-carrier interference) due to signal modulation, electromagnetic interference EMI (electromagnetic interference) due to radiation from an external source . In turn, the interference data can be used to create and/or generate interference patterns for each interferer. The interference patterns may be displayed on an interference map, which may illustrate spatial relationships of interference patterns, interference sources, non-radiating objects, combinations thereof, and the like. The generated interference map can be used to evaluate an unknown and/or new source of interference, such as a cordless phone, to determine how it might affect a Wi-Fi transceiver installed on a device such as an electric kettle, for example.

Thus, an electric kettle with Wi-Fi control is proposed, the design of which is configured to form and store an interference pattern from each interference source in order to compare the interference pattern and remove all interference from interference sources and leave only the signal pattern corresponding to the Wi- fi.

It should be reiterated that each interferer has its own unique interference pattern, and it is this data that can be used to create and/or generate an interference signature for each interferer. Meanwhile, information about the interferer can be included in the interference signature, such as operating frequency, signal strength, location, user information, and so on, to identify the interferer. To determine which interferer caused the interference pattern to change, the stored interference signatures can be compared with the interference data collected/acquired and the generated interference patterns.

When interference reduces the signal transmission rate, for example, the power level can be coordinated. You can also change the signal modulation to improve the signal-to-noise ratio between the desired Wi-Fi signal and the signal-to-interference (noise).

In addition, the network address of the interference source can be determined from the interference signature. For example, the network address may include an internet protocol address, a network address, a media access control (MAC) address, an internet address, and/or the like.

The implementation of the converting module of the kettle is based on the use of a Wi-Fi receiver configured as a transceiver unit 10. In this case, the transceiver unit 10 is configured to receive (for example, collect, collect and measure) signals from interference sources, of which the computational the device of the microprocessor 5 of the converting module 6 can determine data on interference when changing signals by comparing the received signals with the existing base of reference signals stored in the memory block 8. This comparative analysis is carried out in the analysis and filtering block 7 of the microprocessor 5. In this case, the receiver Wi- Fi implemented as a transceiver unit 10 may have a plurality of receiver channels that are capable of measuring the relative direction of the signal with the highest transmit energy. For example, a wideband or full spectrum receiver in a cable modem, satellite TV, and cable TV can be configured to perform spectral analysis to measure the energy content, including signal carrier, signal harmonics, and/or signal intermodulation. Changes in the energy content can indicate interference and can be used to determine the source of the interference. For example, when the energy content is measured over time, spectrum analysis can indicate to the receiver whether the interferer is a frequency modulated signal or if it is a frequency hopping signal. For example, some types of signals, such as Bluetooth (802.15.1) and Zigbee (802.15.4), use frequency hopping or spread spectrum techniques that can be easily detected. In another example, wireless and cellular technologies such as Digital Enhanced Wireless Communication (DECT) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) may have well-defined bandwidth.

Also, the conversion module 6 performs an analysis of the energy content in the time domain and can determine the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of the interferer. Time domain energy content analysis to determine PRF can be used in situations where signal analysis results in more than one type of interferer. In one aspect, instead of signal analysis, time domain analysis can be used to determine the PRF of the interferer.

As an example of using PRF to determine the source of interference, consider microwave ovens. Microwave ovens transmit either a continuous wave or long signal cycles lasting several seconds or more. However, if microwave oven signals are compared with the global system for mobile cellular transmitters (GSM), the latter have a relatively higher PRF compared to microwave ovens (approximately 216 Hz with an 8 Hz component). Based on the PRF, the computing device can determine if the interferer is a microwave or a GSM cellular transmitter.

Thus, the converter module of the kettle 6, due to its design, can determine sources of interference, including sources that have documented characteristics (reference interference), can determine the type of radio frequency interference and the signal strength present in a certain place.

At the same time, at the stage of forming an interference pattern, it can be created and/or generated based on the received interference data. For example, an interference pattern may include one or more of the following: radio interference pattern, microwave interference pattern, combinations thereof, and the like. In addition, the interference pattern may contain a frequency spectrum associated with multiple interference sources. The interference pattern is stored in the interference memory block 8 and is subsequently used as reference signals of the computing device of the microprocessor 5.

As shown in the block diagram in FIG. 1, the kettle device includes a kettle 1 controller unit, the first output of which is made with the possibility of connecting to the electrical network, and the second one - to the kettle 2 heating element unit located in the kettle body. Also, the kettle controller 1 is connected to the kettle 3 thermostat unit and the kettle 4 manual control unit These units are included in the manual control unit of the kettle, shown in the drawing with a dotted line.

In accordance with the proposed solution, the kettle controller 1 is connected in series with the help of feedback from the microprocessor of the kettle 5, namely, to the control device 9 of the microprocessor 5. In turn, the microprocessor of the kettle 5, namely the control device 9, is connected to the transceiver unit 10. The microprocessor 5 also includes an analysis and filtering unit 7, the first input of which is connected to the output of the transceiver unit 10, and the second input is connected by feedback to the interference memory unit 8. In this case, the teapot microprocessor 5 with a built-in control device 9 and a computing analysis and filtering unit 7 , together with the interference memory block 8 and the transceiver unit 10 form a converting module of the kettle 6.

The specified converting module of the kettle 6 performs the main function - it is receiving, filtering, amplifying and transmitting an information Wi-Fi signal to the controller of the kettle 1. At the same time, the proposed constructive implementation of the converting module of the kettle 6 provides filtering of all received interference signals due to the formation of an interference pattern, which may contain one or more of the following elements: a radio interference pattern, a microwave interference pattern, and their combinations. In addition, the interference pattern may contain a frequency spectrum associated with multiple interference sources. The interference pattern is stored in the interference memory block 8 and is subsequently used as reference signals of the computing device of the microprocessor 5, such as the analysis and filtering unit 7.

Thus, the information transmitted by the user via a Wi-Fi signal to the kettle will always be carried out by the kettle device, regardless of how much the specified information Wi-Fi signal is affected by interference from external devices and / or obstacles.

The operation of the claimed kettle device is as follows.

During the initial installation of an electric kettle with Wi-Fi control, the area is scanned by turning on the transceiver unit 10. This activation can be done manually by pressing the corresponding button on the kettle body, or the kettle’s LCD screen, or by turning the corresponding relay on the kettle body ( these elements are widely known and therefore not shown in the figures), which activates the manual control unit of the kettle 4 to transmit a signal to the controller of the kettle 1 and further send the command to the transceiver unit 10 through the control device 9 of the microprocessor 5. After scanning, the signals from all interference sources existing around the kettle using the analysis and filtering unit 7 with the recording of the obtained data on interference patterns in the memory of the interference memory unit 8. This step will ensure more efficient operation of the converting module of the kettle 6. Obviously, in a large office space in which the signal Wi-Fi can easily pass tens of meters in a small kitchen filled with various kinds of appliances, including a refrigerator, microwave oven, etc., where the Wi-Fi signal will be reflected from surfaces, absorbed and affected by electromagnetic radiation signals from operating appliances, interference pattern of interference will vary significantly.

The received interference signals are recorded in the interference memory 8 as additional reference interference signals. Thus, in the interference memory block 8 of the converting module of the kettle 6, an additional database is formed about the received interference patterns of signals from a variety of interference sources actually located around the kettle device and affecting the efficiency of Wi-Fi signal reception. At the same time, the interference memory block 8 contains stored data of reference signals of interference patterns of interference signals from documented interference sources, for example, signal types such as Bluetooth (802.15.1) and Zigbee (802.15.4), which use frequency hopping or extension methods. spectrum that can be easily detected. That is, additional data is stored in the interference memory block 8 - this is data on the interference patterns of interference generated from interference sources around the kettle. Thus, when analyzing the signal in the analysis and filtering unit 7, their classification will be greatly simplified by comparing with the signals available in the memory unit 8 of all the reference signals of the interference patterns of the signals present in it.

As a result, an information Wi-Fi control signal is received from the analysis and filtering unit 7 to the control device 9 of the microprocessor 5, which is then transmitted to the controller of the kettle 1.

In addition, the kettle device can give feedback to the user through the converting module of the kettle 6, for example, about the presence / absence of water in the kettle, about the temperature of the water in the kettle, about the need to replace the water (“dead water”), etc. In this case, the data from the controller 1 gets to the control device 9 of the microprocessor 5, then transferred to the transceiver unit 10, which emits an information signal to the remote user device.

Let's take a specific example.

The signal carrying information about the water temperature request (the user generates a remote request about the water temperature in the kettle at the moment.), comes from any of the devices that support the transmission and reception of a Wi-Fi signal, to the Wi-Fi router (modem), where it is processed and further received by the converting module 6 teapot. The transceiver unit 10 of the converting module 6 transmits the entire spectrum of signals received from the surrounding space to the microprocessor 5 in the analysis and filtering unit 7, then, at the request of the analysis and filtering unit 7, information about the interference pattern of the reference interference is transmitted from the memory of the interference memory unit 8. The analysis and filtering unit 7 performs the actions by means of the control system disclosed in FIG. 2 algorithms. 8 in particular, the initially received signal is analyzed in order to identify the presence of a “new” signal that is not in the database of the interference memory block 8. In the case of a positive decision about the presence of a “new” interference signal, the analysis and filtering block 7 transmits information about the interference pattern new interference into the interference memory 8 and there this signal is stored as an additional reference signal. If the received signal is available in the saved database of reference signals, the received signal is compared with the signals from the interference memory block 8. Next, it is analyzed whether there is an information Wi-Fi signal we need among the signals, filtering is carried out and all interference signals are removed, and then only the Wi-Fi information signal is transmitted.

The converted signal comes from the control device 9 of the microprocessor of the kettle 5 to the controller of the kettle 1. The controller 1 connects to the thermostat 3 of the kettle and converts the temperature of the water in the kettle into an electrical signal, which is transmitted from the controller of the kettle 1 through the control device 9 of the microprocessor of the kettle 5 to the receiving unit -transmissions and further to the Wi-Fi router, and then to one of the above user command devices.

In turn, the user, having received information about the water temperature, forms a task to heat the water in the kettle to a temperature of 80°C. The temperature of the water in the kettle is set by the user remotely using any device that supports a Wi-Fi connection, such as a computer, or a tablet, or a mobile phone, etc. The signal carrying information about the water temperature of 80°C, set by the user, comes from any of these devices to the Wi-Fi router (modem), where it is processed and then received by the converting module 6 of the kettle. The transceiver unit 10 of the converting module 6 transmits the entire spectrum of signals received from the surrounding space to the microprocessor 5 to the analysis and filtering unit 7, then, at the request of the analysis and filtering unit 7, information about the interference pattern of the reference interference is transmitted from the memory of the interference memory unit 8. The analysis and filtering unit 7 performs the actions by means of the control system disclosed in FIG. 2 algorithms.

The converted signal comes from the control device 9 of the microprocessor of the kettle 5 to the controller of the kettle 1. The controller 1 connects the heating element of the kettle 2 to the electrical network. The temperature of the water in the kettle is controlled by the kettle thermostat 3, which converts the temperature of the water in the kettle into an electrical signal sent to the controller of the kettle 1, which compares the temperature of the water in the kettle with the water temperature set by a remote control device (for example, such as a computer, tablet, mobile phone) and when the water temperature reaches 80°C, i.e. the desired temperature, disconnects the heating element of the kettle 2 from the electrical network. At the same time, the information signal about reaching the set temperature of 80°C from the kettle 1 controller through the kettle 5 microprocessor, it is the control device 9, enters the transceiver unit 10 and then is transmitted to the Wi-Fi router, and then to one of the above user command devices.

Thus, the user receives information both about the initial temperature of the water in the kettle, and about the received temperature corresponding to the setpoint. In this case, the command from the user's device will be executed even if the Wi-Fi signal is weakened, since the proposed solution will provide a stable Wi-Fi connection regardless of the location of the Wi-Fi router (far from the location of the kettle, for example, in another room) and noise arising during the operation of various kinds of devices (smart TV, microwave ovens, game consoles, refrigerator, etc.).

As follows from all of the above, due to signal processing in the converting module of the kettle 6, the quality of Wi-Fi communication is improved, which in turn improves the stability of the kettle's connection to the Wi-Fi wireless network for remote control of its operating modes.

The IQ HOME app can be used as a remote control application.

Reception and transmission of data between a portable device with an installed application and a device that receives commands (a transceiver unit in the kettle body) is carried out using such a type of communication / connection as Wi-Fi.

Thus, the proposed electric kettle with Wi-Fi control, including the above elements, provides remote control from the application using a Wi-Fi network due to the effective function of automatically filtering the received information Wi-Fi signal from interference created by devices and obstacles surrounding the electrical kettle, which increases the stability of the Wi-Fi connection and the smooth operation of the remote control of the kettle.

As follows from the description of possible implementations of the claimed utility model, the proposed electric kettle with remote control functions achieves the claimed technical result, which consists in increasing the stability of the kettle connection to a Wi-Fi wireless network for remote control of its operating modes while maintaining the high efficiency of the kettle device as a whole. and the operation of the Wi-Fi signal transceiver unit built into the kettle, in particular.

Considering the novelty of the set of essential features, the technical solution of the task, the materiality of all general and particular features of the utility model, proven in the section "Prior Art" and "Disclosure of the utility model"; the technical feasibility and industrial applicability of the proposed device proved in the section "Implementation and industrial implementation of the utility model"; solution of the tasks and confident achievement of the required technical result in the implementation and use of the utility model, in our opinion, the claimed device satisfies all the requirements for patentability for utility models.

The analysis also shows that all general and particular features of the utility model are essential, since each of them is necessary, and together they are not only sufficient to achieve the purpose of the utility model, but also allow it to be implemented industrially.

Claims (8)

Wi-Fi controlled electric kettle containing housing with heating element, a kettle operation control unit, including a kettle controller and a kettle thermostat connected to it, a kettle manual control unit that converts the kettle module, characterized in that the converting module of the kettle is configured to process signals with the extraction of an informative Wi-Fi signal and includes teapot microprocessor with an analysis and filtering unit and a control device connected in feedback to the teapot controller, interference memory unit connected by feedback to the analysis and control unit, and a unit for receiving and transmitting Wi-Fi signals, the input of which is connected to the microprocessor control device, and the output to the analysis and filtering unit.

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