Demand driven ice mode software

Abstract

This disclosure is related to software that responds to consumer usage patterns in order to create more ice. The developed software monitors ice dispenses rather they are crushed or cubed. When a threshold of the number of dispenses within the preset time period has been met, the freezer enters a high demand mode. During high demand mode, the freezer is commanded to run at a colder temperature for a preset period of time. The method described in this disclosure includes setting a threshold for the number of dispenses within a time interval and detecting the number of dispenses that are related to a trigger's activation. The method continues with sending a signal when the number of dispenses surpasses the threshold within the time interval and taking a corrective action that increases the production of ice when the signal is received.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]This disclosure relates to the automated boosting of ice production and more particularly, this disclosure is directed towards a method of boosting ice production within a freezer region based on consumer demand. However, this application should not be limited to that particular application and may find application and benefit in related environments and uses. For example, this disclosure may have application in boosting the production of other products in relation to the demand.[0002]A need exists for a product that responds to consumer usage patterns in order to create more ice without user intervention. Currently in the art, there are methods which are used in order to increase ice production. Generally, energy and performance requirements dictate a freezer temperature of 0 degrees, at the mid-range freezer setting. Although energy and performance is optimized at this point, ice production is not. When more ice is required, there are such modes as “turbo ice” whic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a method and system for an automated ice dispenser in a freezer region. The system includes a dispensing module that measures the amount of ice dispensed and a temperature control module that lowers the temperature of the freezer region when activated. The system also includes a logic module that receives the measurement of ice dispensed and sends an activation signal to the temperature control module if the measurement exceeds a predetermined threshold within a predetermined time interval. The method involves setting a threshold for the number of dispenses in a time interval, detecting the number of dispenses related to a trigger's activation, and sending a signal when the number of dispenses surpasses the threshold. The correction action may include convection or decreasing the temperature within the freezer region. The quantitative measurement may be a weighted measurement related to the number of trigger activations or the time interval. The technical effect of the patent is to maintain adequate ice production based on consumer usage patterns."

Problems solved by technology

Although energy and performance is optimized at this point, ice production is not.

However, by that point, the supply of ice has already been diminished and there is a danger of running out.

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