WO2003010475A1 - Procede et systeme destine a un refrigerateur a mode de presentation integre - Google Patents

Procede et systeme destine a un refrigerateur a mode de presentation integre Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003010475A1
WO2003010475A1 PCT/US2002/022354 US0222354W WO03010475A1 WO 2003010475 A1 WO2003010475 A1 WO 2003010475A1 US 0222354 W US0222354 W US 0222354W WO 03010475 A1 WO03010475 A1 WO 03010475A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
refrigerator
intelligent control
message
display
cabinet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2002/022354
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2003010475B1 (fr
Inventor
Nelson J. Ii Ferragut
John L. Mcnamara
Original Assignee
Maytag Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Maytag Corporation filed Critical Maytag Corporation
Priority to CA002453603A priority Critical patent/CA2453603C/fr
Priority claimed from US10/195,204 external-priority patent/US6993485B2/en
Publication of WO2003010475A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003010475A1/fr
Publication of WO2003010475B1 publication Critical patent/WO2003010475B1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F27/00—Combined visual and audible advertising or displaying, e.g. for public address
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/06—Refrigerators with a vertical mullion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/36—Visual displays
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/02—Sensors detecting door opening

Definitions

  • TITLE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATOR WITH INTEGRATED
  • the present invention relates to refrigerators. More particularly, the present invention relates to refrigerators having an integrated presentation mode that is used to play audio- visual messages.
  • Refrigerators store food as their primary function. Yet, modern day refrigerators can have numerous additional features that can serve as major selling points of the refrigerator. Sales personnel who sell the refrigerators may not always be aware of these features, thus cannot communicate this information to potential buyers. Also, potential buyers may simply not want to talk with sales personnel. Information about the refrigerators can be posted or otherwise made available to potential buyers, but potential buyers will not necessarily read this information. Furthermore, printed information about operation of a refrigerator is easily separated from the refrigerator, both on the show room floor, of after the refrigerator has been purchased and installed.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that presents information about a refrigerator after interest has been expressed in the refrigerator.
  • Yet another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator capable of playing audio-visual messages.
  • a refrigerator includes a cabinet, a refrigerating compartment disposed within the cabinet, a display operatively connected to the cabinet, an intelligent control electrically connected to the display, the intelligent control being adapted to provide a product message related to the refrigerator on the display.
  • the invention provides for a method for providing product information.
  • the method includes the steps of providing a refrigerator adapted for communicating an audio-visual message containing product information about the refrigerator, playing an audio portion of the message, and displaying a visual portion of the message.
  • the message can be about functions of the refrigerator or other selling points of the refrigerator or about how to properly use the refrigerator.
  • a refrigerator that includes a cabinet for enclosing a refrigerating compartment, the cabinet having a door for providing access to the refrigerating compartment, a display operatively connected to the cabinet, an intelligent control electrically connected to the display, a speaker operatively connected to the intelligent control, and the intelligent control being adapted to provide an audio visual presentation about the refrigerator.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a refrigerator of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing the refrigerator with the doors open.
  • Figure 3 A is a diagram of a user interface according to one embodiment of the present invention where the display illustrates a visual portion of a presentation about the refrigerator.
  • Figure 3B is a diagram of a user interface according to one embodiment of the present invention where the display illustrates water and ice dispensement refrigerator functions.
  • Figure 3C is a diagram of a user interface according to one embodiment of the present invention where the display illustrates air filter replacement information.
  • Figure 3D is a diagram of a user interface according to one embodiment of the present invention where the display illustrates water filter replacement information.
  • Figures 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator 10 having a side by side configuration.
  • the refrigerator 10 includes a housing or cabinet 11. There is a refrigeration compartment door 12 and a freezer compartment door 14 to provide access to compartments within the cabinet 11.
  • the freezer compartment door 14 contains a water and ice dispenser, generally shown at 16.
  • the water and ice dispenser 16 include a lower receptacle 18 for receiving cups and dispensing water and ice.
  • Above the receptacle 18 is a user interface panel 20.
  • the panel 20 includes a display 22, one or more manual inputs such as button 30, and an LED 34.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the refrigerator 10 with an open refrigeration compartment door 12 and an open freezer compartment door 14.
  • the open refrigeration compartment door 12 exposes the refrigeration compartment 13 within the cabinet 11.
  • the open freezer door 14 exposes the freezer compartment 15 within the cabinet 11.
  • the term "refrigerating compartment” can refer to either a refrigeration compartment or a freezer compartment.
  • the present invention is not limited to any particular placement of either the water and ice dispenser 16 or the user interface panel 20 or the various elements of the user interface panel 20.
  • Figure 3 A shows one view of the user interface panel 20.
  • the user interface panel 20 includes a plurality of manual inputs, including buttons 24, 26, and 28 as well as a menu button 30 and a message/play button 32.
  • the message/play button 32 and the LED 34 are used in conjunction with an electronic message center used to store and retrieve audio messages. Where the electronic message center is used to record audio messages, a microphone (not shown) is also used.
  • the display 22 is adapted for displaying a visual presentation portion 36 of a product message.
  • the product message can be about various features of the refrigerator 10, how to operate the refrigerator 10, or other information related to the refrigerator 10.
  • a speaker (not shown in Figure 3 A) can provide for an audio portion of the presentation such that the presentation about the refrigerator is an audiovisual presentation.
  • the visual portion 36 of the presentation can include text, graphics, and can be an animation. For example, the visual portion 36 can be an animation showing how different features of the refrigerator 10 operate or are used.
  • Figures 3B-3D show how the display 22 need not be solely used for the audiovisual presentation.
  • the display 22 is also adapted for displaying refrigerator operation information.
  • three icons are present.
  • a first icon 38 is associated with dispensement of crushed ice.
  • a second icon 40 is associated with dispensement of cubed ice.
  • a third icon 42 is associated with dispensement of water.
  • Each of the icons 38, 40, and 42 and its associated function is also associated with one of the buttons 24, 26, and 28, respectively such that pressing one of the buttons 24, 26, and 28, results in performing the associated refrigerator function.
  • each of the icons 38, 40, and 42 also includes a textual label beneath it, "CRUSHED", "CUBED”, and "WATER", respectively.
  • the menu button 30 can be used to display any number of screens.
  • the use of the manual input buttons 24, 26, 28 is menu-driven so that the buttons allow for the selection of different functions based upon the currently displayed information on the display 22.
  • Other display screens can provide for selecting a language in which to display information, setting date and time information, adjusting volume information, setting a timer, checking the status of a water filter, checking the status of an air filter, or other refrigerator functions.
  • Figure 3C illustrates another embodiment of the display 22 of the user interface panel 20 which is adapted to provide a user interface for air filter replacement.
  • the display 22 includes air filter information 44. This information 44 can include the remaining capacity of an air filter and/or an estimated replacement date.
  • the display 22 provides for the display of refrigerator operation information in addition to a visual presentation 36 ( Figure 3 A) about refrigerator information.
  • Figure 3D illustrates another embodiment of the display 22 of the user interface panel 20 being adapted to provide a user interface for water filter replacement.
  • the display 22 includes water filter information 46. This information can include the remaining capacity of a water filter, an estimated order date by which the water filter should be ordered in order to obtain it prior to an estimated replacement date, and/or the estimated replacement date. This is another example of how the display 22 provides for the display of refrigerator operation information in addition to being used to provide for displaying a visual portion 36 ( Figure 3A) of a product message.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the invention.
  • the refrigerator 10 includes an intelligent control 48.
  • the intelligent control 48 preferably includes a microcontroller or microprocessor, or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), however, the present invention contemplates that any type of intelligent control can be used as appropriate in a particular design.
  • the intelligent control 48 is electrically connected to a display 22.
  • the display 22 can be used to display either refrigerator operations or functions or messages about the refrigerator including sales messages, product information messages, or promotional messages.
  • the display 22 is a LCD panel type display, however, the present invention contemplates that other types of displays may be used, such as may be appropriate or desirable in a particular application.
  • the intelligent control 48 is also electrically connected to manual inputs 50.
  • the manual inputs 50 can include the buttons 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 (as shown in Figures 3A- 3D).
  • the manual inputs 50 need not be separate buttons, but can be incorporated into a touch screen display, or otherwise provided.
  • the intelligent control 48 can also be used to control refrigerator functions.
  • the intelligent control 48 is electrically connected to the refrigeration system 56 such that the intelligent control 48 can control the dispensement of ice, the dispensement of water, or other refrigerator functions.
  • the intelligent control 48 is also electrically connected to a speaker 52 which is used to play an audio portion of a presentation.
  • the intelligent control 48 is also electrically connected to a memory 54.
  • the memory 54 is used to store one or more audio portions or visual portions of a product presentation. The present invention contemplates that more than one type of memory can be used.
  • the audio portion of the presentation can be stored on an integrated circuit from Integrated Storage Devices, Inc. (ISD) that can be a part of the intelligent control 48, while the visual portion of the presentation can be stored in a separate memory associated with a microcontroller or processor.
  • ISD Integrated Storage Devices, Inc.
  • the present invention contemplates that the visual portion of the presentation can include an animation.
  • An activation input 58 is also shown that is electrically connected to the intelligent control 48.
  • the activation input 58 can be a switch associated with a door of a refrigerating compartment. When potential buyers are examining refrigerators on the showroom floor, they may open the door of a refrigerator or otherwise express interest in a particular refrigerator.
  • the activation input 58 is associated with a door of the refrigerator, the intelligent control 48 is adapted to start playing a presentation upon the opening of the door. Thus, the presentation is only played once a potential buyer has expressed interest in the refrigerator.
  • the present invention also contemplates that the activation input 58 can be otherwise located and may be used for other purposes as well when the refrigerator is not within a sales or presentation mode.
  • the activation input 58 can be associated with the ice dispenser such that when the refiigerator is in a presentation mode, instead of dispensing ice, the refrigerator provides information about ice dispensing features of the refrigerator.
  • the present invention can determine a user or potential buyer's interest in the refrigerator or particular features of the refrigerator and can select an appropriate presentation based on the interest expressed.
  • the activation input 58 can be a switch associated with a proximity detector such that when a person walks by the refrigerator, the presentation begins.
  • the intelligent control 48 can also include a timer so that the presentation can be restarted after a duration of time.
  • the present invention contemplates variations including the type of display, the type of refrigerator functions performed, the placement of the display, the number and placement of manual inputs, the manner in which a particular presentation is selected, the content of presentations, and other variations within the spirit and scope of the invention.
  • the user interface panel can be incorporated into other appliances and be used in conjunction with the functions of a particular appliance.

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un système destiné à un réfrigérateur (10) à mode de présentation intégré. Ce réfrigérateur (10) comprend une carrosserie (11), un compartiment réfrigérant placé dans cette carrosserie (11), un afficheur (22) connecté opérationnel à cette carrosserie (11), une commande intelligente électriquement connectée à l'afficheur (22), cette commande intelligente étant adaptée pour délivrer un message de produit relatif à ce réfrigérateur (10) sur l'afficheur (22). Ce procédé consiste à prendre un réfrigérateur (10) adapté pour communiquer un message audiovisuel contenant des informations de produit relatives à ce réfrigérateur, à lire une partie audio de ce message et à afficher une partie visuelle de ce message.
PCT/US2002/022354 2001-07-16 2002-07-15 Procede et systeme destine a un refrigerateur a mode de presentation integre WO2003010475A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002453603A CA2453603C (fr) 2001-07-16 2002-07-15 Procede et systeme destine a un refrigerateur a mode de presentation integre

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US30569201P 2001-07-16 2001-07-16
US60/305,692 2001-07-16
US10/195,204 2002-07-15
US10/195,204 US6993485B2 (en) 2001-07-16 2002-07-15 Method and system for refrigerator with integrated presentation mode

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003010475A1 true WO2003010475A1 (fr) 2003-02-06
WO2003010475B1 WO2003010475B1 (fr) 2003-09-18

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2002/022354 WO2003010475A1 (fr) 2001-07-16 2002-07-15 Procede et systeme destine a un refrigerateur a mode de presentation integre

Country Status (2)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2453603C (fr)
WO (1) WO2003010475A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005083340A1 (fr) * 2004-03-02 2005-09-09 Goran Trifunovic Vitrine refrigerante sonorisee
DE202006009543U1 (de) * 2006-06-19 2007-10-31 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät sowie Bedieneinrichtung hierfür
WO2011097533A1 (fr) 2010-02-04 2011-08-11 Transmolecular, Inc. Polypeptides chlorotoxines et leurs conjugués et utilisations
WO2013003507A1 (fr) 2011-06-27 2013-01-03 Morphotek, Inc. Agents multifonction

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0421941A1 (fr) * 1989-10-06 1991-04-10 Calipso S.A.S. Management Consultant Di Giancarlo Cipelli Dispositif pour publicité avec diffusion de messages audio-visuels
WO1997050045A1 (fr) * 1996-06-24 1997-12-31 Stanley Hartstein Clavier d'ordinateur integre a une porte de refrigerateur
WO1998044477A1 (fr) * 1997-04-01 1998-10-08 Evolve Products, Inc. Module d'affichage publicitaire sans fil
EP1039441A2 (fr) * 1999-03-23 2000-09-27 Minolta Co., Ltd. Dispositif d'affichage à cristaux liquides
US6170273B1 (en) * 1996-03-08 2001-01-09 Nestec S.A. Interactive display unit for refrigerated foods
EP1079360A1 (fr) * 1999-08-26 2001-02-28 Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. Système fournisseur de messages

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0421941A1 (fr) * 1989-10-06 1991-04-10 Calipso S.A.S. Management Consultant Di Giancarlo Cipelli Dispositif pour publicité avec diffusion de messages audio-visuels
US6170273B1 (en) * 1996-03-08 2001-01-09 Nestec S.A. Interactive display unit for refrigerated foods
WO1997050045A1 (fr) * 1996-06-24 1997-12-31 Stanley Hartstein Clavier d'ordinateur integre a une porte de refrigerateur
WO1998044477A1 (fr) * 1997-04-01 1998-10-08 Evolve Products, Inc. Module d'affichage publicitaire sans fil
EP1039441A2 (fr) * 1999-03-23 2000-09-27 Minolta Co., Ltd. Dispositif d'affichage à cristaux liquides
EP1079360A1 (fr) * 1999-08-26 2001-02-28 Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. Système fournisseur de messages

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005083340A1 (fr) * 2004-03-02 2005-09-09 Goran Trifunovic Vitrine refrigerante sonorisee
DE202006009543U1 (de) * 2006-06-19 2007-10-31 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät sowie Bedieneinrichtung hierfür
WO2011097533A1 (fr) 2010-02-04 2011-08-11 Transmolecular, Inc. Polypeptides chlorotoxines et leurs conjugués et utilisations
EP3238735A1 (fr) 2010-02-04 2017-11-01 Morphotek, Inc. Polypeptides chlorotoxines et leurs conjugués et utilisations
WO2013003507A1 (fr) 2011-06-27 2013-01-03 Morphotek, Inc. Agents multifonction

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2003010475B1 (fr) 2003-09-18
CA2453603C (fr) 2007-01-02
CA2453603A1 (fr) 2003-02-06

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