WO2006087735A1 - An appliance to provide an optimum washing and drying with minimum external inputs - Google Patents

An appliance to provide an optimum washing and drying with minimum external inputs Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006087735A1
WO2006087735A1 PCT/IN2006/000050 IN2006000050W WO2006087735A1 WO 2006087735 A1 WO2006087735 A1 WO 2006087735A1 IN 2006000050 W IN2006000050 W IN 2006000050W WO 2006087735 A1 WO2006087735 A1 WO 2006087735A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
program
appliance
cycles
user
cycle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IN2006/000050
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bijon Nag
Original Assignee
Ifb Industries Ltd
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 Ifb Industries Ltd filed Critical Ifb Industries Ltd
Publication of WO2006087735A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006087735A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4293—Arrangements for programme selection, e.g. control panels; Indication of the selected programme, programme progress or other parameters of the programme, e.g. by using display panels
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/28—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2101/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/42—Detergent or additive supply

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an appliance with a controller to receive minimum inputs to provide an optimum wash and drying.
  • the present invention particularly relates to an appliance with a controller requiring minimum external inputs and enabling the appliance to perform compatible appliance operating programs along with compatible program cycles and disabling the non-compatible program cycles corresponding to the enabled set of appliance operating programs.
  • Household appliances such as Washing machines, Dishwashers, Laundry dryers etc., are used to wash and clean fabrics and dishes both domestically and commercially.
  • washing machines which are one of the widely used household appliances, are equipped to wash clothing material of different types.
  • the clothing material may be cotton, different polyester materials, silk cloth, etc.
  • the type of the cloth determines the type of the washing module/program to be used.
  • the washing modules/programs comprises of the necessary functionalities to execute the corresponding working operations of a washing cycle.
  • the user has to manually select different options to enable the washing machine to wash the clothes.
  • the different options that have to be selected by the user manually are: the kind of textile, the appropriate temperature, the degree of soilage (if present) and the other optional functions.
  • the selection has to be accurate to ensure effective washing.
  • the combination of these options also determines the performance of the washing machine to wash a particular type of cloth material.
  • washing machines In such washing machines, the user is expected to have a thorough knowledge of these optional functions and their combinations. In addition, the user needs to have knowledge of the effect of the selection of various options on different types of textiles in order to do proper selection of the wash program. In order to ensure perfect use of the washing machine and the available features in it, the user is expected to study the manual given along with the washing machine exhaustively. This may not be practical, for all users of the washing machine. The washing machine is mostly used by servants who may not be educated enough to understand and assimilate the manual. Therefore, due to lack of knowledge, the user may not choose the required optional functions for the corresponding textile type and hence the wash effects may not be effective.
  • the conventional washing machines do not provide the user status of the programs that is running. Due to unavailability of the status of the program that is running, the user may be present constantly around the washing machine, as the user does not know the amount of time that is left for the termination of the program. This results in unnecessary time-consumption and the user is always in anxiety.
  • the user selects the different options manually every time. There is no facility of storing programs to execute the same combination repeatedly at the push of a button, instead of going over the pain-staking procedure of selecting the different combinations each time.
  • Cottons Module - This module is used to execute functions for washing cotton fabrics at various temperature levels ranging from cold to very high temperatures (95°C).
  • the cotton fabrics include cottons (White and Coloured), soiled cottons, bed sheets, curtains, under garments, towels, shirts, trousers etc.
  • Synthetics Module - This module is exercised for washing synthetic fabrics at various temperature levels ranging from cold to high temperatures (6O 0 C). This module is executed especially for washing easy care fabrics made from cotton, synthetics, lightly soiled blouses, shirts etc made of polyester or similar blends.
  • Eco Module - This module is exercised for washing heavily soiled cotton/synthetic clothes such as whites, cottons and coloreds, bed sheets, curtains, towels, shirts and trousers at selected temperature levels.
  • Delicates Module - This module is utilized for washing sensitive easy care fabrics like skirts, blouses, and shirts, net curtains, mixed fibre fabrics or Turkish towels at a lower temperature. Woolens Module - This module is utilized for washing hand-washable or machine- washable fabrics made from wool or wool blend. Silk Module - This module is used to wash silk fabrics.
  • Mini Module - This module is used for cleaning very lightly soiled daily wear garments.
  • Drain Module - This program is used for draining out the water from the washing machine.
  • Rinse and Spin Module - It includes exclusive rinse cycles with subsequent spin cycle. This program is suitable for rinsing hand-washed items.
  • program cycles that are available to a user. These program cycles also contain functional features for performing various washing tasks.
  • the optional program cycles include pre-washing program cycle, soaking program cycle, quick washing program cycle, intensive washing program cycle, water plus program cycle, additional rinse program cycle, rinse-hold program cycle and time-delay program cycle.
  • appliances such as drying machines and dishwashers also have drying and cleaning cycles, which needs to be controlled as per the user requirements.
  • the primary object of the present invention is to provide an appliance with a controller requiring minimum external inputs and enabling the appliance to perform compatible appliance operating programs along with compatible program cycles and disabling the non-compatible program cycles corresponding to the enabled set of appliance operating programs.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an appliance that can optimize the program cycles to achieve the desired wash or drying operations.
  • the present invention provides a method for controlling an appliance with minimum user inputs, said method comprising the steps of; providing a program-controlled appliance with a control panel having a plurality of appliance operating program selectors for enabling minimum program selection from a user, the appliance with program cycles corresponding to the selected program, said program cycles executable by a micro controller, the appliance having a memory component for storing the functions of the program cycles, the appliance having a display unit for displaying the status of the appliance operation, providing desired minimum user inputs, enabling by an automatic selection, a set of optimized compatible program cycles corresponding to the selected minimum program inputs, disabling automatically the corresponding non-compatible program cycles that are contrary to the selected program cycle, and executing the selected program cycles.
  • the present invention also provides a method of providing a dishwasher as the program-controlled appliance for washing an article and changing the selection of appliance operating program cycles to implement washing cycles based on minimum user inputs.
  • the present invention further provides a method of providing a laundry dryer as the program-controlled appliance and changing the selection of appliance operating program cycles to implement drying cycles based on the minimum user inputs.
  • Fig 1 is a block diagram depicting the appliance of the present invention.
  • Fig 2 is a functional flow diagram for the working of the appliance in accordance with the present invention.
  • the present invention provides a program-controlled appliance with a controller requiring minimum external inputs and enabling the appliance to perform compatible appliance operating programs along with compatible- program cycles and disabling the non-compatible program cycles corresponding to the enabled set of appliance operating programs.
  • Fig 1 provides a program-controlled appliance 12 with a control panel 1 with a power switch 2, appliance operating program selector 3, plurality of actuators, preferably in the form of buttons or switches 4 for selecting soil level, program cycle modules and corresponding program cycles, a micro controller 5 for executing the appliance operating programs and program cycles, the appliance having a memory component 6 for storing the functions of the appliance operations and program cycles, and the appliance having a display unit 7 for displaying the output of the status of the appliance operation.
  • a program-controlled appliance 12 with a control panel 1 with a power switch 2, appliance operating program selector 3, plurality of actuators, preferably in the form of buttons or switches 4 for selecting soil level, program cycle modules and corresponding program cycles, a micro controller 5 for executing the appliance operating programs and program cycles, the appliance having a memory component 6 for storing the functions of the appliance operations and program cycles, and the appliance having a display unit 7 for displaying the output of the status of the appliance operation.
  • a program selector 3 preferably a jog dial or a rotary switch, disposed to select the desired appliance-operating program.
  • the program selector 3 can be any other suitable devices such as switch, keys etc., which can be suitably adapted to the appliance of the present invention.
  • the actuators 4 are disposed enable user to select program cycle modules to indicate and enable the user to select a program cycle corresponding to the selected appliance-operating program and soil level.
  • a switch 8 is disposed on the control panel to start/pause the operation of the appliance.
  • a visual indicator 9 is disposed on the start/pause switch 8 to indicate the status of the running of appliance-operating program.
  • the control panel 1 of the present invention is interfaced with the micro- controller 5 by means of an interface 10, which is generally an electronic circuit.
  • an interface 10 is generally an electronic circuit.
  • the wash controller used in the washing machine of the present invention can be an electro-mechanical type of controller or hybrid type of controller.
  • the visual indicator 9 used in the washing machine of the present invention is also programmed to operate in flashing mode or in continuous glow mode or in off mode.
  • the interface unit 10 In addition to interfacing the micro- controller 5 with the control panel 1, the interface unit 10 also interfaces with an audio means like a buzzer 11.
  • the memory 6 used in the present invention is a Serial Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (SEEPROM).
  • SEEPROM Serial Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
  • any known programmable memory devices such as ROM, PROM and the like can also be suitably used.
  • the appliance (washing machine) of the present invention is a user-friendly washing machine requiring minimum number of instructions from the user without compromising on the wash quality. Accordingly, the user of the washing machine is required to provide the minimum number of instructions to the washing machine to initiate the washing cycle. The user is given an option of selecting the language he is comfortable with from the list of languages provided by the washing machine.
  • the two basic instructions that are required from the user are; the textile type and the soilage level of the cloth the user desires to be washed using the washing machine of the present invention.
  • the different available textile types include cotton, synthetic, wool, delicate material, mixed fabric, silk, jeans etc.
  • a brief description of each fabric is given to enable the user to select the correct material of the cloth, which is intended to be washed.
  • the display unit also exhibits a list of soilage levels that are available.
  • the levels of soilage available include, very lightly soiled, lightly soiled, medium soiled, dirty and very dirty.
  • a brief description of each soilage level is also provided to enable the user to select the correct soilage level of the cloth, that is intended to be washed using the washing machine of the present invention.
  • wash controller processes the data and automatically activates the corresponding wash cycle.
  • the wash controller additionally selects the appropriate temperature, spin speed and the required optional functions to give the best wash effects.
  • the optional functions which are selected by the wash controller are suitably chosen from a list of optional functions which includes Pre wash, Soak, Time save / Quick wash, Intensive wash, Water plus, Additional rinse etc.
  • the wash controller processes the information and displays a plurality of parameters at the display unit of the washing machine.
  • the parameters displayed at the display unit of the washing machine are, complete program duration, recommended temperature, recommended spin speed, water consumption, energy consumption and other details to the corresponding selected program.
  • the wash controller also displays the maximum quantity of load, which can be loaded inside the drum of the washing machine. In other words, the maximum number of clothes that can be conveniently washed in one wash cycle is provided at the display unit of the washing machine.
  • the wash controller also displays the quantity that is loaded in the washing machine during use. Based upon the load quantity that is loaded in the washing machine at present, the wash controller further determines the type of detergent to be used.
  • the detergent may be in powder form or a liquid form.
  • the wash controller provides on the display unit whether powder type or liquid type of detergent is to be fed in the washing machine.
  • the wash controller In addition to displaying the type of detergent to be used in the washing machine, the wash controller also displays the recommended detergent quantity and the chamber in the detergent dispenser of the washing machine in which the detergent is to be deposited. To enable the wash controller of the washing machine to determine the amount of detergent and type of detergent to be used, suitable sensors means and corresponding programs are utilized.
  • the display unit of the washing machine of the present invention displays the recommended temperature, recommended spin speed etc. Based on the displayed value, the user may at will vary the temperature and also the spin speed. If the user varies the settings of the temperature and the spin speed, then the wash controller is alerted and given the information about the changed settings. Based on the changed settings, the wash controller automatically adjusts the other parameters like the program duration, water consumption and energy consumption.
  • the adjusted and new values of all the parameters are then displayed at the display unit.
  • the user is also provided an option of delaying the start of the wash cycle to suit his requirement. For instance, if the user delays the start of the program by about 1 hour, then the washing machine will fall in sleep mode for 1 hour and at the end of 1 hour the washing machine automatically starts the corresponding washing cycle.
  • the wash controller of the washing machine displays, the wash cycle status on the display unit.
  • the wash cycle status includes the balance time left for the program completion.
  • the executed wash cycle/ program can be stored in the memory for future use. This helps to do the quick selection of the program by the user.
  • the display unit in addition to serving as a display panel for displaying the different parameters as well as status of the wash cycle, also serves as an educational tool kit for children by providing alphabets, numbers etc.
  • the wash controller of the washing machine of the present invention also records failures, which facilitates in performing prompt servicing of the washing machine.
  • the history of occurred failures will be recorded on the memory unit and the service engineers can view the same by entering the secret codes. This helps the technicians to analyze the problem thoroughly and then to execute the corrective actions accordingly.
  • the washing machine of the present invention can also be combined with other electronic gadgets in order to create a digital home control of all electrical home appliances. This eases the customer to operate the appliances from a remote location.
  • Fig 2 of the accompanied diagrams which is a general flow diagram, the method of implementing the program-controlled washing operations of the present invention is described by seeking minimum inputs from a user.
  • the flow diagram as provided in Fig 2 is a general one, common to any appliance such as a washing machine, dish washer and the like, which is operated in accordance with the method of the present invention.
  • the implementation of the method of the present invention is described by selecting a washing machine as the appliance.
  • the present invention provides a washing machine with a wash controller, which conveniently prevent selection of contradictory program cycles and minimize the requirement of user inputs.
  • the system with minimum inputs is actuated by powering on the washing machine by means of the power switch 2.
  • the micro-controller 5 and the memory table initializations are reset and all the ports (not shown in the figure) are configured.
  • the hardware is initialized.
  • the position of the program selector 2 is tested to read the selected appliance-operating program. Subsequently, the user initiates the desired appliance-operating program by using the selector 3.
  • a series of program cycles are made available to the user.
  • These program cycles are repository functional features for performing various washing tasks.
  • the automatically selected program cycles viz., optimum wash temperature, optimum spin speed, preset timer for the execution of program cycle, number of wash cycles, wash duration, water level, drum movement, number of rinse cycles and spin sequence are enabled and the necessary program cycles for modifications are shown on the display 7.
  • the other functions like maximum load indication, energy consumption, water consumption, detergent consumption and the like are shown on the display 7 for the user to get the complete information.
  • buttons 4 are utilized.
  • the non-compatible program cycles of the selected program cycle will be automatically disabled. For example, if the user selects Drain appliance operating program, the program cycles temperature, spin speed, wash duration, water level, number of rinse cycles, options and spin sequence are automatically disabled. Based upon the user selection, the other functions like maximum load indication, energy consumption, water consumption, detergent consumption and the like are automatically adjusted and shown on the display 7 for the user to get the complete information. The same is shown in the below mentioned Table 2. Table 2
  • the system waits for the user to initiate the program execution mode through the selection of start/pause button 8. After the user opts for the start function, the system starts executing the program.
  • the user On completion of the program execution, the user is provided an option to save the executed program in the memory program. This helps to do the quick selection of the program by the user. The user can either save or ignore the request provided by the system.
  • the appliance when the appliance is a dish washer as the program-controlled appliance the corresponding changes that are required in the selection of appliance operating program is achieved by implementing at least one of setting a pre-set timer for the execution of the selected program wash cycle, determining number of wash cycles, determining wash duration and water level, setting of temperature of water, modifying the circulation of washing liquid, determining number of rinse cycles, and determining drying sequence.
  • the appliance when the appliance is a laundry dryer as the program-controlled appliance the corresponding changes that are required in the selection of appliance operating program is achieved by implementing at least one of setting a pre-set timer for the execution of the selected drying program cycle, determining drying sequence and duration of drying, modifying the temperature of circulated air, regulating the drum movement, cooling of internal temperature, and performing anti-creasing.
  • the display unit in addition to serving as a display panel for displaying the different parameters as well as status of the program.
  • the system of the washing machine of the present invention also records failures, which facilitates in performing prompt servicing of the washing machine.
  • the history of occurred failures will be recorded on the memory unit and the service engineers can view the same by entering the secret codes. This helps the technicians to analyze the problem thoroughly and then to execute the corrective actions accordingly.
  • the washing machine of the present invention can also be combined with other electronic gadgets in order to create a digital home control of all electrical home appliances. This eases the customer to operate the appliances from a remote location.
  • the present invention provides a method for controlling an appliance with minimum user inputs, said method comprising the steps of; providing a program- controlled appliance with a control panel having a plurality of appliance operating program selectors for enabling minimum program selection from a user, the appliance with program cycles corresponding to the selected program, said program cycles executable by a micro controller, the appliance having a memory component for storing the functions of the program cycles, the appliance having a display unit for displaying the status of the appliance operation, providing desired minimum user inputs, enabling by an automatic selection, a set of optimized compatible program cycles corresponding to the selected minimum program inputs, disabling automatically the corresponding non- compatible program cycles that are contrary to the selected program cycle, and executing the selected program cycles.
  • An embodiment of the present invention a method wherein the minimum number of inputs from a user are fabric type or article type and soil content.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention a method wherein the user is provided with means to alter the automatic program cycle. Yet another embodiment of the present invention the method wherein the enablement and disablement of appliance operations are indicated to user by visual and/or audio elements.
  • the method wherein providing a laundry washing machine as the program-controlled appliance for washing a fabric ' ; and changing the selection of program to implement at least one of the program cycles.
  • the method of washing of implementing the program wash cycles comprising, providing the type of the fabric as user input providing extent of soil content of the fabric as user input, and selecting automatically the appropriate program cycle corresponding to the fabric type and soil content.
  • program cycle comprises the step of; selecting automatically an optimum wash temperature for said user input, selecting automatically an optimum spin speed for said user input, setting a pre-set timer for the execution of program cycle, determining the number of wash cycles, determining wash duration, determining water level, modifying drum movement, setting of rinse cycles, setting of spin sequence, and executing the program cycle.
  • the selection of at least one of the selected program cycles comprises; providing the type of the article as user input, providing the soil content of the article as user input, and selecting automatically the appropriate program cycle corresponding to the article type and soil content.
  • the program cycle in implementing the washing if an article comprises, setting a pre-set timer for the execution of the selected program cycle, determining number of wash cycles, determining wash duration and water level, setting of temperature of water, modifying the circulation of washing liquid, determining number of rinse cycles, determining drying sequence, and executing the program cycle.
  • the method of washing an article wherein the type of article is ceramic, metallic, plastic, rubber or glass. It is also an embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing a laundry dryer as the program-controlled appliance; and changing the selection of appliance operating program to implement at least one of the program cycles.
  • the program cycle for laundry dryer comprises, providing type of fabric as user input, and selecting automatically the appropriate program cycle corresponding to the fabric
  • the program cycle for performing the laundry drying operation comprising the steps of; setting a pre-set timer for the execution of the selected program cycle, determining drying sequence and duration of drying, modifying the temperature of circulated air, regulating the drum movement, cooling of internal temperature, performing anti-creasing, and executing the program cycle
  • the appliance of the present invention is provided with a large graphical display, facilitating better visibility and displaying more parameters.
  • the appliance of the present invention prevents selection of improper and contradictory wash options.
  • the wash controller of the present invention automatically selects suitable washing cycle, and other required parameters to give the best wash effects.
  • the appliance (washing machine) provides facility for storage of executed wash cycle programs in the memory for quick use in the future.
  • the wash controller of the washing machine of the present invention also records failures, which facilitates in doing prompt service of the machine.
  • the appliance (washing machine) of the present invention is also provided with a display unit to display different parameters in the language, which is comfortable to the user.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)

Abstract

A method for controlling an appliance with minimum user inputs, said method comprising the steps of; providing a program-controlled appliance with a control panel having a plurality of appliance operating program selectors for enabling minimum program selection from a user, the appliance with program cycles corresponding to the selected program, said program cycles executable by a micro controller, the appliance having a memory component for storing the functions of the program cycles, the appliance having a display unit for displaying the status of the appliance operation, providing desired minimum user inputs, enabling by an automatic selection, a set of optimized compatible program cycles corresponding to the selected minimum program inputs, disabling automatically the corresponding non-compatible program cycles that are contrary to the selected program cycle, and executing the selected program cycles. The present invention also provides a method of providing a dishwasher and a dryer as the program-controlled appliance for washing and drying articles by changing the selection of appliance operating program cycles to implement washing and drying cycles based on minimum user inputs.

Description

AN APPLIANCE TO PROVIDE AN OPTIMUM WASHING AND DRYING
WITH MINIMUM EXTERNAL INPUTS Technical field
The present invention relates to an appliance with a controller to receive minimum inputs to provide an optimum wash and drying. The present invention particularly relates to an appliance with a controller requiring minimum external inputs and enabling the appliance to perform compatible appliance operating programs along with compatible program cycles and disabling the non-compatible program cycles corresponding to the enabled set of appliance operating programs. Background and prior art
Household appliances such as Washing machines, Dishwashers, Laundry dryers etc., are used to wash and clean fabrics and dishes both domestically and commercially. The options that are made available to the users of these appliances, in selection and execution of tasks associated with washing and cleaning of the selected articles, have grown exponentially over a period of time.
Considering the complexities that are associated with the selection and execution of these tasks, a higher demand is placed on user's familiarity with the functioning of a household appliance.
For instance, considering the functioning of washing machines, which are one of the widely used household appliances, are equipped to wash clothing material of different types. The clothing material may be cotton, different polyester materials, silk cloth, etc. The type of the cloth determines the type of the washing module/program to be used. The washing modules/programs comprises of the necessary functionalities to execute the corresponding working operations of a washing cycle. In conventionally known washing machines, the user has to manually select different options to enable the washing machine to wash the clothes. The different options that have to be selected by the user manually are: the kind of textile, the appropriate temperature, the degree of soilage (if present) and the other optional functions. However, the selection has to be accurate to ensure effective washing. The combination of these options also determines the performance of the washing machine to wash a particular type of cloth material. In such washing machines, the user is expected to have a thorough knowledge of these optional functions and their combinations. In addition, the user needs to have knowledge of the effect of the selection of various options on different types of textiles in order to do proper selection of the wash program. In order to ensure perfect use of the washing machine and the available features in it, the user is expected to study the manual given along with the washing machine exhaustively. This may not be practical, for all users of the washing machine. The washing machine is mostly used by servants who may not be educated enough to understand and assimilate the manual. Therefore, due to lack of knowledge, the user may not choose the required optional functions for the corresponding textile type and hence the wash effects may not be effective.
In addition to the above problem, the conventional washing machines do not provide the user status of the programs that is running. Due to unavailability of the status of the program that is running, the user may be present constantly around the washing machine, as the user does not know the amount of time that is left for the termination of the program. This results in unnecessary time-consumption and the user is always in anxiety. In conventional washing machines, the user selects the different options manually every time. There is no facility of storing programs to execute the same combination repeatedly at the push of a button, instead of going over the pain-staking procedure of selecting the different combinations each time. Some of the main functional modules/programs that are available to a user include: Cottons Module - This module is used to execute functions for washing cotton fabrics at various temperature levels ranging from cold to very high temperatures (95°C). The cotton fabrics include cottons (White and Coloured), soiled cottons, bed sheets, curtains, under garments, towels, shirts, trousers etc. Synthetics Module - This module is exercised for washing synthetic fabrics at various temperature levels ranging from cold to high temperatures (6O0C). This module is executed especially for washing easy care fabrics made from cotton, synthetics, lightly soiled blouses, shirts etc made of polyester or similar blends.
Eco Module - This module is exercised for washing heavily soiled cotton/synthetic clothes such as whites, cottons and coloreds, bed sheets, curtains, towels, shirts and trousers at selected temperature levels.
Delicates Module - This module is utilized for washing sensitive easy care fabrics like skirts, blouses, and shirts, net curtains, mixed fibre fabrics or Turkish towels at a lower temperature. Woolens Module - This module is utilized for washing hand-washable or machine- washable fabrics made from wool or wool blend. Silk Module - This module is used to wash silk fabrics.
Mini Module - This module is used for cleaning very lightly soiled daily wear garments. Drain Module - This program is used for draining out the water from the washing machine.
Rinse and Spin Module - It includes exclusive rinse cycles with subsequent spin cycle. This program is suitable for rinsing hand-washed items.
Spin Module - This is an exclusive spinning program. This module is useful for squeezing out water from hand washed/rinsed items.
In addition to these main functional modules, there are optional program cycles that are available to a user. These program cycles also contain functional features for performing various washing tasks. The optional program cycles include pre-washing program cycle, soaking program cycle, quick washing program cycle, intensive washing program cycle, water plus program cycle, additional rinse program cycle, rinse-hold program cycle and time-delay program cycle.
Similarly, appliances such as drying machines and dishwashers also have drying and cleaning cycles, which needs to be controlled as per the user requirements.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide an appliance that can operate optimally with minimum external inputs from a user and enabling the appliance to perform compatible appliance operating program cycles and disabling the non-compatible program cycles corresponding to the enabled set of appliance operating cycles. Objects of the invention
The primary object of the present invention is to provide an appliance with a controller requiring minimum external inputs and enabling the appliance to perform compatible appliance operating programs along with compatible program cycles and disabling the non-compatible program cycles corresponding to the enabled set of appliance operating programs.
An object of the present invention is to provide an appliance that can optimize the program cycles to achieve the desired wash or drying operations.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an appliance with a controller for facilitating enhanced washing effect due to automatic and accurate selection of different washing operation combinations. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an appliance with a controller, which conveniently indicates the availability of applicable selection modules to the user.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher and a dryer with a controller for washing and drying articles. Summary of the invention
Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for controlling an appliance with minimum user inputs, said method comprising the steps of; providing a program-controlled appliance with a control panel having a plurality of appliance operating program selectors for enabling minimum program selection from a user, the appliance with program cycles corresponding to the selected program, said program cycles executable by a micro controller, the appliance having a memory component for storing the functions of the program cycles, the appliance having a display unit for displaying the status of the appliance operation, providing desired minimum user inputs, enabling by an automatic selection, a set of optimized compatible program cycles corresponding to the selected minimum program inputs, disabling automatically the corresponding non-compatible program cycles that are contrary to the selected program cycle, and executing the selected program cycles. The present invention also provides a method of providing a dishwasher as the program-controlled appliance for washing an article and changing the selection of appliance operating program cycles to implement washing cycles based on minimum user inputs. The present invention further provides a method of providing a laundry dryer as the program-controlled appliance and changing the selection of appliance operating program cycles to implement drying cycles based on the minimum user inputs. Brief description of the drawings
Fig 1 is a block diagram depicting the appliance of the present invention.
Fig 2 is a functional flow diagram for the working of the appliance in accordance with the present invention.
Detailed description of the invention The present invention provides a program-controlled appliance with a controller requiring minimum external inputs and enabling the appliance to perform compatible appliance operating programs along with compatible- program cycles and disabling the non-compatible program cycles corresponding to the enabled set of appliance operating programs.
The present invention is now described by referring to the accompanied diagrams. Initially by referring to Fig 1, general system architecture of the appliance of the present invention is provided. Initially, the program-controlled appliance of the present invention is described by way of implementation of the method of the present invention in washing machine. Fig 1 provides a program-controlled appliance 12 with a control panel 1 with a power switch 2, appliance operating program selector 3, plurality of actuators, preferably in the form of buttons or switches 4 for selecting soil level, program cycle modules and corresponding program cycles, a micro controller 5 for executing the appliance operating programs and program cycles, the appliance having a memory component 6 for storing the functions of the appliance operations and program cycles, and the appliance having a display unit 7 for displaying the output of the status of the appliance operation. A program selector 3 preferably a jog dial or a rotary switch, disposed to select the desired appliance-operating program. The program selector 3 can be any other suitable devices such as switch, keys etc., which can be suitably adapted to the appliance of the present invention.
The actuators 4 are disposed enable user to select program cycle modules to indicate and enable the user to select a program cycle corresponding to the selected appliance-operating program and soil level. A switch 8 is disposed on the control panel to start/pause the operation of the appliance. A visual indicator 9 is disposed on the start/pause switch 8 to indicate the status of the running of appliance-operating program.
The control panel 1 of the present invention is interfaced with the micro- controller 5 by means of an interface 10, which is generally an electronic circuit. However, it may be appreciated that the wash controller used in the washing machine of the present invention can be an electro-mechanical type of controller or hybrid type of controller.
The visual indicator 9 used in the washing machine of the present invention is also programmed to operate in flashing mode or in continuous glow mode or in off mode.
Any selection made on the control panel 1 by the user, is communicated to the micro-controller 5 through the interface 10. In addition to interfacing the micro- controller 5 with the control panel 1, the interface unit 10 also interfaces with an audio means like a buzzer 11.
The memory 6 used in the present invention is a Serial Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (SEEPROM). However, any known programmable memory devices such as ROM, PROM and the like can also be suitably used.
The appliance (washing machine) of the present invention is a user-friendly washing machine requiring minimum number of instructions from the user without compromising on the wash quality. Accordingly, the user of the washing machine is required to provide the minimum number of instructions to the washing machine to initiate the washing cycle. The user is given an option of selecting the language he is comfortable with from the list of languages provided by the washing machine.
After selecting the desired language, the user is required to provide only two instructions for initiating the appropriate washing cycle/ program automatically. The two basic instructions that are required from the user are; the textile type and the soilage level of the cloth the user desires to be washed using the washing machine of the present invention.
On the display unit of the washing machine a list of the available textile types is shown. The different available textile types include cotton, synthetic, wool, delicate material, mixed fabric, silk, jeans etc. In addition to the list of these available options, a brief description of each fabric is given to enable the user to select the correct material of the cloth, which is intended to be washed.
The display unit also exhibits a list of soilage levels that are available. The levels of soilage available include, very lightly soiled, lightly soiled, medium soiled, dirty and very dirty. In addition to the list displayed indicating the various soilage levels, a brief description of each soilage level is also provided to enable the user to select the correct soilage level of the cloth, that is intended to be washed using the washing machine of the present invention.
Once both the options, namely the type of cloth material to be washed and the soilage level of the cloth to be washed are selected by the user manually, wash controller processes the data and automatically activates the corresponding wash cycle. The wash controller additionally selects the appropriate temperature, spin speed and the required optional functions to give the best wash effects. The optional functions which are selected by the wash controller are suitably chosen from a list of optional functions which includes Pre wash, Soak, Time save / Quick wash, Intensive wash, Water plus, Additional rinse etc.
The wash controller processes the information and displays a plurality of parameters at the display unit of the washing machine. The parameters displayed at the display unit of the washing machine are, complete program duration, recommended temperature, recommended spin speed, water consumption, energy consumption and other details to the corresponding selected program.
In addition to the above-mentioned parameters, the wash controller also displays the maximum quantity of load, which can be loaded inside the drum of the washing machine. In other words, the maximum number of clothes that can be conveniently washed in one wash cycle is provided at the display unit of the washing machine. In addition to displaying the maximum quantity of load that can be loaded in the washing machine, the wash controller also displays the quantity that is loaded in the washing machine during use. Based upon the load quantity that is loaded in the washing machine at present, the wash controller further determines the type of detergent to be used. The detergent may be in powder form or a liquid form. The wash controller provides on the display unit whether powder type or liquid type of detergent is to be fed in the washing machine. In addition to displaying the type of detergent to be used in the washing machine, the wash controller also displays the recommended detergent quantity and the chamber in the detergent dispenser of the washing machine in which the detergent is to be deposited. To enable the wash controller of the washing machine to determine the amount of detergent and type of detergent to be used, suitable sensors means and corresponding programs are utilized. The display unit of the washing machine of the present invention displays the recommended temperature, recommended spin speed etc. Based on the displayed value, the user may at will vary the temperature and also the spin speed. If the user varies the settings of the temperature and the spin speed, then the wash controller is alerted and given the information about the changed settings. Based on the changed settings, the wash controller automatically adjusts the other parameters like the program duration, water consumption and energy consumption. The adjusted and new values of all the parameters are then displayed at the display unit. In addition to varying the temperature and spin speed settings, the user is also provided an option of delaying the start of the wash cycle to suit his requirement. For instance, if the user delays the start of the program by about 1 hour, then the washing machine will fall in sleep mode for 1 hour and at the end of 1 hour the washing machine automatically starts the corresponding washing cycle.
The wash controller of the washing machine displays, the wash cycle status on the display unit. The wash cycle status includes the balance time left for the program completion.
According to an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention, the executed wash cycle/ program can be stored in the memory for future use. This helps to do the quick selection of the program by the user.
According to another embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention, the display unit in addition to serving as a display panel for displaying the different parameters as well as status of the wash cycle, also serves as an educational tool kit for children by providing alphabets, numbers etc.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the wash controller of the washing machine of the present invention also records failures, which facilitates in performing prompt servicing of the washing machine.
The history of occurred failures will be recorded on the memory unit and the service engineers can view the same by entering the secret codes. This helps the technicians to analyze the problem thoroughly and then to execute the corrective actions accordingly.
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine of the present invention can also be combined with other electronic gadgets in order to create a digital home control of all electrical home appliances. This eases the customer to operate the appliances from a remote location.
Now by referring to Fig 2 of the accompanied diagrams, which is a general flow diagram, the method of implementing the program-controlled washing operations of the present invention is described by seeking minimum inputs from a user. It may be noted here that the flow diagram as provided in Fig 2 is a general one, common to any appliance such as a washing machine, dish washer and the like, which is operated in accordance with the method of the present invention. Further, as an exemplary embodiment, the implementation of the method of the present invention is described by selecting a washing machine as the appliance. However, this should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention, since the method as described in the present invention can equally be made applicable to other implementations like laundry dryer and dishwasher etc., The present invention provides a washing machine with a wash controller, which conveniently prevent selection of contradictory program cycles and minimize the requirement of user inputs. User mode
The system with minimum inputs is actuated by powering on the washing machine by means of the power switch 2. Initially the micro-controller 5 and the memory table initializations are reset and all the ports (not shown in the figure) are configured. After resetting the micro-controller 5 and the memory 6 the hardware is initialized. After initializing the hardware, the position of the program selector 2 is tested to read the selected appliance-operating program. Subsequently, the user initiates the desired appliance-operating program by using the selector 3. For instance, considering the Washing Machine as an appliance, some of the appliance-operating programs required for washing fabrics such as Cotton/Linen (Cold-95°C), Synthetics (Cold-60°C), Delicate (Cold-40°C), Woolens/Hand-washable (Cold-40°C) and Silk (Cold-40°C) are made available to the user on the control panel 1. For every main appliance-operating program, different soil level content is made available to the user. Appliance auto-selection mode
Based upon the selection of main appliance-operating program and soil level content, a series of program cycles are made available to the user. These program cycles are repository functional features for performing various washing tasks. In the present invention, where a washing machine is used as the appliance for implementing the method, the automatically selected program cycles viz., optimum wash temperature, optimum spin speed, preset timer for the execution of program cycle, number of wash cycles, wash duration, water level, drum movement, number of rinse cycles and spin sequence are enabled and the necessary program cycles for modifications are shown on the display 7. In addition, the other functions like maximum load indication, energy consumption, water consumption, detergent consumption and the like are shown on the display 7 for the user to get the complete information.
In the form of an illustration, the following parameters as provided in Table 1 are considered. In this illustration, a user is enabled to input parameters such as fabric type (cotton) and soil content (three levels). Further, some of the program cycles, which the user can alter, are shown in the Table 1.
Figure imgf000011_0001
User intervention mode
Accordingly, to enable the user to modify available automatically selected program cycles, push buttons 4 are utilized.
Further, in another aspect of the present invention, when the user selects a set of program cycles corresponding to appliance-operating program, the non-compatible program cycles of the selected program cycle will be automatically disabled. For example, if the user selects Drain appliance operating program, the program cycles temperature, spin speed, wash duration, water level, number of rinse cycles, options and spin sequence are automatically disabled. Based upon the user selection, the other functions like maximum load indication, energy consumption, water consumption, detergent consumption and the like are automatically adjusted and shown on the display 7 for the user to get the complete information. The same is shown in the below mentioned Table 2. Table 2
Figure imgf000012_0001
Program execution mode
On completion of getting the necessary inputs from the user, the system waits for the user to initiate the program execution mode through the selection of start/pause button 8. After the user opts for the start function, the system starts executing the program.
On completion of the program execution, the user is provided an option to save the executed program in the memory program. This helps to do the quick selection of the program by the user. The user can either save or ignore the request provided by the system.
In another aspect of the present invention, when the appliance is a dish washer as the program-controlled appliance the corresponding changes that are required in the selection of appliance operating program is achieved by implementing at least one of setting a pre-set timer for the execution of the selected program wash cycle, determining number of wash cycles, determining wash duration and water level, setting of temperature of water, modifying the circulation of washing liquid, determining number of rinse cycles, and determining drying sequence.
In another aspect of the present invention, when the appliance is a laundry dryer as the program-controlled appliance the corresponding changes that are required in the selection of appliance operating program is achieved by implementing at least one of setting a pre-set timer for the execution of the selected drying program cycle, determining drying sequence and duration of drying, modifying the temperature of circulated air, regulating the drum movement, cooling of internal temperature, and performing anti-creasing.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the display unit in addition to serving as a display panel for displaying the different parameters as well as status of the program.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the system of the washing machine of the present invention also records failures, which facilitates in performing prompt servicing of the washing machine. The history of occurred failures will be recorded on the memory unit and the service engineers can view the same by entering the secret codes. This helps the technicians to analyze the problem thoroughly and then to execute the corrective actions accordingly.
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine of the present invention can also be combined with other electronic gadgets in order to create a digital home control of all electrical home appliances. This eases the customer to operate the appliances from a remote location.
Therefore, the present invention provides a method for controlling an appliance with minimum user inputs, said method comprising the steps of; providing a program- controlled appliance with a control panel having a plurality of appliance operating program selectors for enabling minimum program selection from a user, the appliance with program cycles corresponding to the selected program, said program cycles executable by a micro controller, the appliance having a memory component for storing the functions of the program cycles, the appliance having a display unit for displaying the status of the appliance operation, providing desired minimum user inputs, enabling by an automatic selection, a set of optimized compatible program cycles corresponding to the selected minimum program inputs, disabling automatically the corresponding non- compatible program cycles that are contrary to the selected program cycle, and executing the selected program cycles. An embodiment of the present invention a method wherein the minimum number of inputs from a user are fabric type or article type and soil content.
Another embodiment of the present invention a method wherein the user is provided with means to alter the automatic program cycle. Yet another embodiment of the present invention the method wherein the enablement and disablement of appliance operations are indicated to user by visual and/or audio elements.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the method wherein providing a laundry washing machine as the program-controlled appliance for washing a fabric'; and changing the selection of program to implement at least one of the program cycles.
In further embodiment of the present invention, the method of washing of implementing the program wash cycles, said method comprising, providing the type of the fabric as user input providing extent of soil content of the fabric as user input, and selecting automatically the appropriate program cycle corresponding to the fabric type and soil content.
In another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the implementation of program cycle comprises the step of; selecting automatically an optimum wash temperature for said user input, selecting automatically an optimum spin speed for said user input, setting a pre-set timer for the execution of program cycle, determining the number of wash cycles, determining wash duration, determining water level, modifying drum movement, setting of rinse cycles, setting of spin sequence, and executing the program cycle.
It is an embodiment a method of providing a dishwasher as the program- controlled appliance for washing an article; and changing the selection of appliance operating program to implement at least one of the program cycles. The selection of at least one of the selected program cycles comprises; providing the type of the article as user input, providing the soil content of the article as user input, and selecting automatically the appropriate program cycle corresponding to the article type and soil content. The program cycle in implementing the washing if an article comprises, setting a pre-set timer for the execution of the selected program cycle, determining number of wash cycles, determining wash duration and water level, setting of temperature of water, modifying the circulation of washing liquid, determining number of rinse cycles, determining drying sequence, and executing the program cycle. In another embodiment of the present invention, the method of washing an article, wherein the type of article is ceramic, metallic, plastic, rubber or glass. It is also an embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing a laundry dryer as the program-controlled appliance; and changing the selection of appliance operating program to implement at least one of the program cycles.
In another embodiment of the present invention the program cycle for laundry dryer comprises, providing type of fabric as user input, and selecting automatically the appropriate program cycle corresponding to the fabric
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the program cycle for performing the laundry drying operation comprising the steps of; setting a pre-set timer for the execution of the selected program cycle, determining drying sequence and duration of drying, modifying the temperature of circulated air, regulating the drum movement, cooling of internal temperature, performing anti-creasing, and executing the program cycle Advantages
1. The appliance of the present invention is provided with a large graphical display, facilitating better visibility and displaying more parameters.
2. When the appliance is, a washing machine a user is required to have knowledge only about the types of textile and degree of soilage of the fabric and need not know the details of the washing process and the machine details.
3. The appliance of the present invention prevents selection of improper and contradictory wash options.
4. The wash controller of the present invention automatically selects suitable washing cycle, and other required parameters to give the best wash effects.
5. The appliance (washing machine) provides facility for storage of executed wash cycle programs in the memory for quick use in the future. 6. The wash controller of the washing machine of the present invention also records failures, which facilitates in doing prompt service of the machine. 7. The appliance (washing machine) of the present invention is also provided with a display unit to display different parameters in the language, which is comfortable to the user.

Claims

We Claim:
1. A method for controlling an appliance with minimum user inputs, said method comprising the steps of;
(a) providing a program-controlled appliance with a control panel having a plurality of appliance operating program selectors for enabling minimum program selection from a user, the appliance with program cycles corresponding to the selected program, said program cycles executable by a micro controller, the appliance having a memory component for storing the functions of the program cycles, the appliance having a display unit for displaying the status of the appliance operation,
(b) providing desired minimum user inputs,
(c) enabling by an automatic selection, a set of optimized compatible program cycles corresponding to the selected minimum program inputs,
(d) disabling automatically the corresponding non-compatible program cycles that are contrary to the selected program cycle, and
(e) executing the selected program cycles.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the minimum number of inputs from a user are fabric type or article type and soil content.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the user is provided with means to alter the automatic program cycle.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the enablement and disablement of appliance operations are indicated to user by visual and/or audio means.
5. The method according to claim 1, which comprises: providing a laundry washing machine as the program-controlled appliance for washing a fabric; and changing the selection of program to implement at least one of the program cycles.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein implementing at least one of the selected wash program cycle comprises;
(a) providing the type of the fabric as user input
(b) providing extent of soil content of the fabric as user input, and (c) selecting automatically the appropriate program cycle corresponding to the fabric type and soil content.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the program cycle comprising the steps of; (a) selecting automatically an optimum wash temperature for said user input,
(b) selecting automatically an optimum spin speed for said user input,
(c) setting a pre-set timer for the execution of program cycle,
(d) determining the number of wash cycles, (e) determining wash duration,
(f) determining water level,
(g) modifying drum movement, (h) setting of rinse cycles,
(i) setting of spin sequence, and (j) executing the program cycle.
8. The method according to claim 1, which comprises: providing a dish washer as the program-controlled appliance for washing an article; and changing the selection of appliance operating program to implement at least one of the program cycles.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein implementing at least one of the selected program cycles comprises:
(a) providing the type of the article as user input,
(b) providing the soil content of the article as user input, and
(c) selecting automatically the appropriate program cycle corresponding to the article type and soil content.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the program cycle comprising the steps of;
(a) setting a pre-set timer for the execution of the selected program cycle,
(b) determining number of wash cycles, (c) determining wash duration and water level,
(d) setting of temperature of water,
(e) modifying the circulation of washing liquid,
(f) determining number of rinse cycles,
(g) determining drying sequence, and (h) executing the program cycle.
11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the type of article is ceramic, metallic, plastic, rubber or glass.
12. The method according to claim 1, which comprises: providing a laundry dryer as the program-controlled appliance; and changing the selection of appliance operating program to implement at least one of the program cycles.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the implementing at least one of the selected program cycles comprises:
(a) providing type of fabric as user input, and
(b) selecting automatically the appropriate program cycle corresponding to the fabric
14. The method according to claim 13,wherein the program cycle comprising the steps of:
(a) setting a pre-set timer for the execution of the selected program cycle,
(b) determining drying sequence and duration of drying,
(c) modifying the temperature of circulated air,
(d) regulating the drum movement, (e) cooling of internal temperature,
(f) performing anti-creasing, and
(g) executing the program cycle.
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