WO2019192783A1 - A household appliance - Google Patents

A household appliance Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019192783A1
WO2019192783A1 PCT/EP2019/054944 EP2019054944W WO2019192783A1 WO 2019192783 A1 WO2019192783 A1 WO 2019192783A1 EP 2019054944 W EP2019054944 W EP 2019054944W WO 2019192783 A1 WO2019192783 A1 WO 2019192783A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
household appliance
control unit
electronic control
signal strength
communication signal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2019/054944
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ovunc Doruk Izgen
Original Assignee
Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
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 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi filed Critical Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Publication of WO2019192783A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019192783A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L12/2816—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities
    • H04L12/282—Controlling appliance services of a home automation network by calling their functionalities based on user interaction within the home
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/284—Home automation networks characterised by the type of medium used
    • H04L2012/2841—Wireless
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/2803—Home automation networks
    • H04L2012/2847—Home automation networks characterised by the type of home appliance used
    • H04L2012/285—Generic home appliances, e.g. refrigerators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/70—Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/80—Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a household appliance which can be controlled by means of communication signals.
  • the household appliances rendered remotely accessible by Internet of Things functionality offer side functions which enhance user interactions. Functions such as digital picture frame, downloadable programs or remote controllability consume high processor power and increase the overall energy consumption levels of household appliances.
  • the general method used to reduce energy consumption is shifting a household appliance to the less energy consuming sleep mode after elapsing of a certain duration from the final physical interaction. Such a household appliance exits the sleep mode when a user physically interacts with it again.
  • This sleep mode which is not intelligent, is unable to optimally reduce the energy consumption of input/output applications, and also adversely affect user experience as it requires physical interaction of the users.
  • the aim of the present invention is to realize a control method enhancing energy saving in household appliances.
  • the household appliance realized to achieve the aim of the present invention and disclosed in the first claim and the dependent claims, comprises a body, an electronic control unit provided on the body, controlling the basic functions and various user interfaces of the household appliance, a remote access device for remotely controlling the household appliance by way of wireless communication, and communication signals enabling communication between the remote access device and the electronic control unit.
  • the household appliance of the invention for example a washing machine, operates its various units and various user interfaces in different states depending on the communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit.
  • the strength of the communication signals is inversely proportional to the distance between the remote access device and the household appliance. This enables the household appliance to exhibit different behaviors if a user is farther or closer to the household appliance.
  • the household appliance operates in a normal operation state if the communication signal strength is higher than a threshold value predetermined by the user or the appliance. In this case, since the user is very close to the household appliance, various user interfaces operate in their normal state, without any functional changes.
  • the household appliance operates in sleep mode if the communication signal strength is lower than a threshold value predetermined by the user or the appliance. In this case, since the user is far from the household appliance, various interfaces used to directly inform the user are turned off, saving energy.
  • a visual user interface for example a screen is provided on the body.
  • the background illumination of the interface is increased, decreased or completely turned off depending on the strength of the communication signals.
  • the interface has a high brightness and is available for transmitting information if the user is close to the household appliance, and the brightness of the interface is reduced or completely turned off when the user is far away, saving energy.
  • a tactile user interface for example a touch button is provided on the body.
  • the tactile interface is turned off when the communication signal strength drops below a threshold value predetermined by the user or the appliance. This enables saving energy by turning the interface off when the user is in a remote location from the household appliance.
  • an audible user interface for example a speaker is provided on the body.
  • the sound level of the audible user interface is adjusted inversely proportionally to the communication signal strength.
  • the sizes of the symbols or fonts displayed on the visual user interface are enlarged or shrunk inversely proportionally to the strength of the communication signals. This enables facilitating information transmission by using larger symbols or fonts on the interface when the user is farther from the household appliance.
  • the household appliance operates in silent mode if the communication signal strength is higher than a threshold value predetermined by the user or the household appliance.
  • a threshold value predetermined by the user or the household appliance.
  • operation of the units of the household appliance such as a fan or a motor, making noise likely to disturb the user are halted until the communication signal strength drops below the threshold value. Convenience is thus provided.
  • a smart phone or a smart watch is used as the remote access device.
  • the communication between the household appliance and the remote access device is enabled in accordance with the Bluetooth standard.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of a household appliance.
  • Figure 2 is a diagram of interaction of the control system of a household appliance with a remote access device.
  • the household appliance (1) comprises a body (2), an electronic control unit (3) provided on the body (2), used to control various user interfaces, and a remote access device (7) transmitting communication signals to the electronic control unit (3) ( Figure 1 and Figure 2).
  • the electronic control unit (3) of the household appliance (1) of the invention further enables determining the strength of the communication signals transmitted by the remote access device (7) and executing operation modes predetermined by the producer based on the determined communication signal strength.
  • the main parameter affecting the communication signal strength is the distance between the remote access device (7) and the household appliance (1), the household appliance (1) is enabled to behavior differently depending on the distance between the household appliance (1) and the user.
  • the household appliance (1) comprises an electronic control unit (3) enabling applying the normal operation mode if the measured communication signal strength is higher than a limit strength value predetermined by the producer.
  • the communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit (3) is compared to a predetermined limit strength value, and the household appliance (1) is operated in normal operation mode if the measured value is higher then the predetermined value. This is the state in which the user is proximate to the household appliance (1). In this state, all units of the household appliance (1) are enabled to operate functionally.
  • the household appliance (1) comprises an electronic control unit (3) enabling applying sleep mode if the measured communication signal strength is lower than a limit strength value predetermined by the producer.
  • the communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit (3) is compared to the predetermined limit strength value, and the household appliance (1) is operated in sleep mode if the measured value is lower then the predetermined value. This is the state in which the user is far from the household appliance (1). In this state, redundant energy consumption is prevented by the suitable units of the household appliance being operated with less energy.
  • the household appliance (1) comprises a visual user interface (4) provided on the body (2), whose illumination brightness is reduced in the sleep mode. Redundant energy consumption is prevented by reducing or completely turning off the brightness of the visual user interface (4) once the household appliance (1) shifts to the sleep mode.
  • the household appliance (1) comprises a visual user interface (4) whose font sizes are adjusted inversely proportionally to the measured communication signal strength.
  • the character font and other related visual sizes of the visual user interface (4) can be changed.
  • the sizes of the visuals and fonts increase as the communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit (3) decreases, and vice versa. This facilitates reading the information on the visual user interface (4) for a user farther from the household appliance (1).
  • the household appliance (1) comprises a tactile user interface (6) provided on the body (2), which is locked up in the sleep mode. Once the household appliance (1) shifts to the sleep mode due to a low communication signal strength, the tactile user interface (6) is turned off. Redundant energy consumption is thus prevented by reducing the processing power of the household appliance (1).
  • the household appliance (1) comprises an audible user interface (5) provided on the body (2), whose sound level is adjusted according to the measured communication signal strength.
  • the sound level of the audible user interface (5) increases as the communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit (3) decreases, and vice versa.
  • the communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit (3) is compared to a predetermined threshold value, and the household appliance (1) is operated in silent mode if the measured value is higher then the predetermined value. In this case, the noise generating units of the household appliance (1) are halted until the communication signal strength drops below the threshold value. This enables a user to avoid the noise generated by the household appliance (1) when he/she is in proximity.
  • a smart phone or a smart watch is used as the source of the communication signal transmitted to the electronic control unit (3).
  • the widespread use of such devices in daily life provides convenience for the users.
  • the communication signals transmitted to the electronic control unit (3) are defined according to the Bluetooth communication standards. Said standard reduces the energy consumed in communication.
  • various units of the household appliance (1) are enabled to operate in various states by evaluating the communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit (3). By this, energy is saved and the household appliance (1) is provided with convenience.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a household appliance comprising a body (2), an electronic control unit (3) provided on the body (2), used to control various user interfaces, and a remote access device (7) transmitting communication signals to the electronic control unit (3).

Description

A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE
The present invention relates to a household appliance which can be controlled by means of communication signals.
Along with their basic functions, the household appliances rendered remotely accessible by Internet of Things functionality offer side functions which enhance user interactions. Functions such as digital picture frame, downloadable programs or remote controllability consume high processor power and increase the overall energy consumption levels of household appliances.
The general method used to reduce energy consumption is shifting a household appliance to the less energy consuming sleep mode after elapsing of a certain duration from the final physical interaction. Such a household appliance exits the sleep mode when a user physically interacts with it again. This sleep mode which is not intelligent, is unable to optimally reduce the energy consumption of input/output applications, and also adversely affect user experience as it requires physical interaction of the users.
State of the art United States patent document no. US20030034877 defines applications for providing control of devices based on user proximity.
The aim of the present invention is to realize a control method enhancing energy saving in household appliances.
The household appliance realized to achieve the aim of the present invention and disclosed in the first claim and the dependent claims, comprises a body, an electronic control unit provided on the body, controlling the basic functions and various user interfaces of the household appliance, a remote access device for remotely controlling the household appliance by way of wireless communication, and communication signals enabling communication between the remote access device and the electronic control unit.
The household appliance of the invention, for example a washing machine, operates its various units and various user interfaces in different states depending on the communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit. The strength of the communication signals is inversely proportional to the distance between the remote access device and the household appliance. This enables the household appliance to exhibit different behaviors if a user is farther or closer to the household appliance.
In an embodiment of the invention, the household appliance operates in a normal operation state if the communication signal strength is higher than a threshold value predetermined by the user or the appliance. In this case, since the user is very close to the household appliance, various user interfaces operate in their normal state, without any functional changes.
In another embodiment of the invention, the household appliance operates in sleep mode if the communication signal strength is lower than a threshold value predetermined by the user or the appliance. In this case, since the user is far from the household appliance, various interfaces used to directly inform the user are turned off, saving energy.
In another embodiment of the invention, a visual user interface, for example a screen is provided on the body. The background illumination of the interface is increased, decreased or completely turned off depending on the strength of the communication signals. The interface has a high brightness and is available for transmitting information if the user is close to the household appliance, and the brightness of the interface is reduced or completely turned off when the user is far away, saving energy.
In another embodiment of the invention, a tactile user interface, for example a touch button is provided on the body. The tactile interface is turned off when the communication signal strength drops below a threshold value predetermined by the user or the appliance. This enables saving energy by turning the interface off when the user is in a remote location from the household appliance.
In another embodiment of the invention, an audible user interface, for example a speaker is provided on the body. The sound level of the audible user interface is adjusted inversely proportionally to the communication signal strength. By this, the user can hear various audible alerts generated by the appliance more easily if he/she is far from the appliance. In addition, energy is saved by generating the audible alerts with lower sound levels when the user is proximate to the appliance.
In another embodiment of the invention, the sizes of the symbols or fonts displayed on the visual user interface are enlarged or shrunk inversely proportionally to the strength of the communication signals. This enables facilitating information transmission by using larger symbols or fonts on the interface when the user is farther from the household appliance.
In another embodiment of the invention, the household appliance operates in silent mode if the communication signal strength is higher than a threshold value predetermined by the user or the household appliance. In the silent mode, operation of the units of the household appliance, such as a fan or a motor, making noise likely to disturb the user are halted until the communication signal strength drops below the threshold value. Convenience is thus provided.
In another embodiment of the invention, a smart phone or a smart watch is used as the remote access device.
In another embodiment of the invention, the communication between the household appliance and the remote access device is enabled in accordance with the Bluetooth standard.
A household appliance realized to achieve the aims of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a household appliance.
Figure 2 is a diagram of interaction of the control system of a household appliance with a remote access device.
The elements in the figures are numbered individually and the correspondence of these numbers are given hereinafter.
  1. Household appliance
  2. Body
  3. Electronic control unit
  4. Visual user interface
  5. Audible user interface
  6. Tactile user interface
  7. Remote access device
The household appliance (1) comprises a body (2), an electronic control unit (3) provided on the body (2), used to control various user interfaces, and a remote access device (7) transmitting communication signals to the electronic control unit (3) (Figure 1 and Figure 2).
The electronic control unit (3) of the household appliance (1) of the invention, further enables determining the strength of the communication signals transmitted by the remote access device (7) and executing operation modes predetermined by the producer based on the determined communication signal strength. By this, since the main parameter affecting the communication signal strength is the distance between the remote access device (7) and the household appliance (1), the household appliance (1) is enabled to behavior differently depending on the distance between the household appliance (1) and the user.
In an embodiment of the invention, the household appliance (1) comprises an electronic control unit (3) enabling applying the normal operation mode if the measured communication signal strength is higher than a limit strength value predetermined by the producer. The communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit (3) is compared to a predetermined limit strength value, and the household appliance (1) is operated in normal operation mode if the measured value is higher then the predetermined value. This is the state in which the user is proximate to the household appliance (1). In this state, all units of the household appliance (1) are enabled to operate functionally.
In another embodiment of the invention, the household appliance (1) comprises an electronic control unit (3) enabling applying sleep mode if the measured communication signal strength is lower than a limit strength value predetermined by the producer. The communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit (3) is compared to the predetermined limit strength value, and the household appliance (1) is operated in sleep mode if the measured value is lower then the predetermined value. This is the state in which the user is far from the household appliance (1). In this state, redundant energy consumption is prevented by the suitable units of the household appliance being operated with less energy.
In another embodiment of the invention, the household appliance (1) comprises a visual user interface (4) provided on the body (2), whose illumination brightness is reduced in the sleep mode. Redundant energy consumption is prevented by reducing or completely turning off the brightness of the visual user interface (4) once the household appliance (1) shifts to the sleep mode.
In another embodiment of the invention, the household appliance (1) comprises a visual user interface (4) whose font sizes are adjusted inversely proportionally to the measured communication signal strength. The character font and other related visual sizes of the visual user interface (4) can be changed. The sizes of the visuals and fonts increase as the communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit (3) decreases, and vice versa. This facilitates reading the information on the visual user interface (4) for a user farther from the household appliance (1).
In another embodiment of the invention, the household appliance (1) comprises a tactile user interface (6) provided on the body (2), which is locked up in the sleep mode. Once the household appliance (1) shifts to the sleep mode due to a low communication signal strength, the tactile user interface (6) is turned off. Redundant energy consumption is thus prevented by reducing the processing power of the household appliance (1).
In another embodiment of the invention, the household appliance (1) comprises an audible user interface (5) provided on the body (2), whose sound level is adjusted according to the measured communication signal strength. The sound level of the audible user interface (5) increases as the communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit (3) decreases, and vice versa. By this, a higher sound level is used for a user farther from the household appliance (1), and a lower sound level is used for a user who is closer. This enables improving the user experience and reducing the energy consumption.
In another embodiment of the invention, the communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit (3) is compared to a predetermined threshold value, and the household appliance (1) is operated in silent mode if the measured value is higher then the predetermined value. In this case, the noise generating units of the household appliance (1) are halted until the communication signal strength drops below the threshold value. This enables a user to avoid the noise generated by the household appliance (1) when he/she is in proximity.
In another embodiment of the invention, a smart phone or a smart watch is used as the source of the communication signal transmitted to the electronic control unit (3). The widespread use of such devices in daily life provides convenience for the users.
In another embodiment of the invention, the communication signals transmitted to the electronic control unit (3) are defined according to the Bluetooth communication standards. Said standard reduces the energy consumed in communication.
In the household appliance (1) of the invention, various units of the household appliance (1) are enabled to operate in various states by evaluating the communication signal strength measured by the electronic control unit (3). By this, energy is saved and the household appliance (1) is provided with convenience.

Claims (7)

  1. A household appliance (1) comprising a body (2), an electronic control unit (3) provided on the body (2), used to control various user interfaces, and a remote access device (7) transmitting communication signals to the electronic control unit (3), characterized by the electronic control unit (3) determining the strength of the communication signals transmitted by the remote access device (7), and enabling executing the operation modes predetermined by the producer based on the determined communication signal strength.
  2. A household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the electronic control unit (3) enabling applying the normal operation mode if the measured communication signal strength is higher than a limit strength value predetermined by the producer.
  3. A household appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the electronic control unit (3) enabling applying the sleep mode if the measured communication signal strength is lower than a limit strength value predetermined by the producer.
  4. A household appliance (1) according to claim 3, characterized by a visual user interface (4) provided on the body (2), whose illumination brightness is reduced in the sleep mode.
  5. A household appliance (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the visual user interface (4) whose font sizes are adjusted inversely proportionally to the measured communication signal strength.
  6. A household appliance (1) according to any one of the claims 3 to 5, characterized by a tactile user interface (6) provided on the body (2), locked up in the sleep mode.
  7. A household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an audible user interface (5) provided on the body (2), whose sound level is adjusted according to the measured communication signal strength.
PCT/EP2019/054944 2018-04-02 2019-02-28 A household appliance WO2019192783A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR201804582 2018-04-02
TRA2018/04582 2018-04-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019192783A1 true WO2019192783A1 (en) 2019-10-10

Family

ID=65635689

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2019/054944 WO2019192783A1 (en) 2018-04-02 2019-02-28 A household appliance

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2019192783A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030034877A1 (en) 2001-08-14 2003-02-20 Miller Brett E. Proximity detection for access control
US20130002722A1 (en) * 2011-07-01 2013-01-03 Krimon Yuri I Adaptive text font and image adjustments in smart handheld devices for improved usability
US20150126126A1 (en) * 2013-11-06 2015-05-07 General Electric Company Methods for determining proximity of a moble device and an appliance and for operating the same
EP2988280A1 (en) * 2014-08-19 2016-02-24 Miele & Cie. KG Device and method for adjusting the loudness of a signal tone for signalling a state of a household appliance and household appliance

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030034877A1 (en) 2001-08-14 2003-02-20 Miller Brett E. Proximity detection for access control
US20130002722A1 (en) * 2011-07-01 2013-01-03 Krimon Yuri I Adaptive text font and image adjustments in smart handheld devices for improved usability
US20150126126A1 (en) * 2013-11-06 2015-05-07 General Electric Company Methods for determining proximity of a moble device and an appliance and for operating the same
EP2988280A1 (en) * 2014-08-19 2016-02-24 Miele & Cie. KG Device and method for adjusting the loudness of a signal tone for signalling a state of a household appliance and household appliance

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN106919401B (en) Method and device for dynamically adjusting resolution and mobile terminal
EP3182717A1 (en) Electronic device and control method thereof
US10360833B2 (en) Method for controlling image display and terminal
US20130043986A1 (en) Remote controller and remote control method using same having two control modes for controlling at least two different household electric appliances
CN106484354B (en) Display brightness adjusting method and mobile terminal
WO2020062495A1 (en) Home intelligent control terminal
US20130091369A1 (en) Power-saving input device and power-saving method for such input device
WO2022105447A1 (en) Iot device control method, apparatus, terminal, and storage medium
JP2012074895A (en) Remote control, display and television receiver including remote control as input device, and program for operating remote control, display, and television receiver
CN107526569A (en) A kind of volume adjusting method, device, storage medium and mobile terminal
CN107277581A (en) A kind of video broadcasting method and its device, mobile terminal
WO2019192783A1 (en) A household appliance
JP2022048146A5 (en)
CN106933362B (en) Mouse control method, mouse controller and electronic equipment
US20140136868A1 (en) Power saving method and handheld electronic device using the same
CN103618954A (en) Display system control device and control method
KR20170031577A (en) Universal serial bus device, electronic appratus having the same and control method thereof
JP2003230183A (en) Controller and equipment to be controlled
CN105321497A (en) All-in-one machine power-up display LOGO and implementation method for sound and brightness control
CN201174805Y (en) Indication lamp control apparatus
CN106846775B (en) Control method, control device, control system and wire controller of wire controller
CN112233673A (en) Control method of kitchen system, and computer-readable storage medium
CN113495488A (en) Control method of household appliance, household appliance and computer readable storage medium
KR101049251B1 (en) Integrated remote control unit and its control method
CN101610368A (en) Remote control and method of operation thereof

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 19708479

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 19708479

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1