Refrigerator prompt sound self-defining system and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a refrigerator prompt sound self-defining system and method.The refrigerator prompt sound self-defining system comprises an MCU microcontroller unit, an external Flash chip, a power amplifier and a loudspeaker, and a mobile phone APP conducts audio data transmission with the MCU microcontroller unit through a WiFi or Bluetooth module; the MCU microcontroller unit writes audio data into the external Flash chip through an SPI protocol, when the refrigerator needs voice prompt, the MCU microcontroller unit extracts the audio data in the external Flash chip, the audio data are generated into analog audio signals through a DMA controller and a DAC module in the MCU microcontroller unit, and the analog audio signals are sent to the external Flash chip through the MCU microcontroller unit. And the analog audio signal drives the loudspeaker to emit corresponding audio through the power amplifier. According to the method, the user can be allowed to customize sound prompts according to own preferences, using habits or specific requirements, so that the intelligent level, the user interaction experience and the function practicability of the product are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a refrigerator notification sound customization system and method, which belongs to the field of household appliance technology. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of smart home technology and the continuous improvement of consumers' demands for quality of life, refrigerators, as an indispensable appliance in family life, have expanded their functions from simple food storage to intelligent and user-friendly features. Existing refrigerators are usually equipped with basic sound prompt functions, such as door not closed warnings, abnormal temperature alarms, and operation success feedback. These prompt sounds are mostly fixed sound effects preset by the manufacturer or simple buzzing sounds.

[0003] This fixed audio prompt pattern has significant limitations: on the one hand, it cannot meet the personalized needs of different user groups. For example, children, the elderly, or users with hearing impairments may require specific types or frequencies of prompt sounds to ensure effective recognition. On the other hand, in scenarios shared by multiple family members, fixed prompt sounds are difficult to distinguish between different operators or different event types, leading to reduced user recognition of the prompt information and affecting user experience and operational efficiency. Furthermore, monotonous prompt sounds can easily cause auditory fatigue and may even be ignored, thus negating the warning effect of the prompt.

[0004] Therefore, it is indeed necessary to improve existing technologies to address their shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a refrigerator prompt sound customization system and method to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It allows users to customize the sound prompts according to their own preferences, usage habits or specific needs, so as to improve the intelligence level of the product, user interaction experience and functional practicality.

[0006] This invention adopts the following technical solution: a refrigerator prompt sound customization system, including an MCU microcontroller unit, an external Flash chip, a power amplifier, and a speaker. A mobile APP transmits audio data with the MCU microcontroller unit via WiFi or Bluetooth. The MCU microcontroller unit writes the audio data into the external Flash chip via the SPI protocol. When the refrigerator needs a sound prompt, the MCU microcontroller unit extracts the audio data from the external Flash chip and generates an analog audio signal through the DMA controller and DAC module in the MCU microcontroller unit. The analog audio signal drives the speaker to play the corresponding audio through the power amplifier.

[0007] The present invention also adopts the following technical solution: a method for customizing a refrigerator notification sound system, the steps of which are as follows:

[0008] Step 1: System Initialization and Hardware Preparation

[0009] When the refrigerator's main control system is powered on and started, the MCU microcontroller unit first runs a self-test program to check the connection status and operation of the external Flash chip, DAC module, power amplifier, and speaker, and then feeds back the self-test results.

[0010] Step 2: User-side audio configuration and transmission;

[0011] Step 3: Data reception and storage on the refrigerator side

[0012] After the communication module of the MCU microcontroller unit fully receives the data packet, the MCU core performs cyclic redundancy check. After the check passes, the MCU microcontroller unit parses the data packet header to obtain the event type and audio data information.

[0013] The MCU microcontroller unit queries the user memory space status of the external Flash, and then efficiently writes the audio data to the specified address via the SPI bus in page programming mode;

[0014] After the writing is completed, the MCU microcontroller unit creates or updates a record in the dynamic index table in memory. Finally, the updated dynamic index table is written back to the index area of ​​Flash for hardening and storage.

[0015] Step 4: Event Triggering and High-Fidelity Playback.

[0016] Furthermore, step one also includes:

[0017] The MCU microcontroller unit initializes its internal Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocol stacks and puts the communication module into listening mode. At the same time, it initializes the clock and registers of the SPI bus, DMA controller, and DAC module to prepare for data transmission and audio playback.

[0018] The MCU microcontroller unit reads a sound index table from the system reserved area of ​​the external Flash chip. This table initially contains the factory default sound file address and its associated events. If no user-defined file is detected, this index table is used by default.

[0019] Furthermore, step two specifically includes the following steps:

[0020] After a user opens the dedicated mobile app and selects a local audio file, the app's built-in audio encoding engine will adaptively transcode the high-bitrate audio file, converting it into a specific format that the MCU microcontroller unit can directly decode and play.

[0021] The user specifies an associated refrigerator event for the converted audio file, and the APP encapsulates this association information together with the audio data into a custom data package;

[0022] The mobile app can connect to the home Wi-Fi network or refrigerator Bluetooth by scanning or manually pairing.

[0023] Furthermore, the transmission between the mobile app and the home Wi-Fi network or the refrigerator's Bluetooth uses the Ymodem protocol.

[0024] Furthermore, step four specifically includes the following steps:

[0025] The main loop program of the MCU microcontroller unit continuously polls or receives event signals from the refrigerator hardware via interrupts. Once an event is detected, it immediately matches it in the dynamic index table and retrieves the corresponding custom audio file storage address.

[0026] The MCU microcontroller unit is configured with a DMA controller, which sets its source to the Flash data address and its destination to the DAC data register. After DMA is started, it automatically moves audio data from Flash to the playback buffer without the need for continuous intervention from the CPU core.

[0027] Furthermore, step four specifically includes the following steps:

[0028] The DAC module reads PCM digital samples from the buffer at a constant sampling rate and converts them into analog voltage signals;

[0029] Subsequently, the analog voltage signal enters a programmable gain power amplifier, and the MCU microcontroller unit adjusts the audio amplification factor to control the volume according to the volume parameters set in the index table.

[0030] The amplified analog voltage signal drives the speaker to produce sound.

[0031] Furthermore, during audio playback, the MCU microcontroller unit controls a status indicator light to flash in sync with the audio rhythm. After playback ends, the MCU microcontroller unit immediately switches the power amplifier to low-power standby mode and releases the relevant buffer resources.

[0032] This invention offers the following advantages: The refrigerator's customizable notification sound system utilizes dual-mode communication technology (WIFI and Bluetooth), allowing users to conveniently store personalized audio content in the refrigerator's built-in FLASH chip. By employing a high-performance MCU as the control core, the system accurately reads the stored audio data and utilizes its integrated DAC module to efficiently convert digital signals to analog signals. Combined with an amplifier chip to amplify the audio signals, it drives a high-fidelity speaker to output clear and full sound quality. This invention not only expands the intelligent application scenarios of refrigerators, meeting users' audio playback needs in various life scenarios, but also ensures the stability of audio transmission and the real-time performance of playback through efficient hardware-level collaboration, enhancing the interactive experience and added value of home appliances. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator notification sound customization system of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the method for customizing refrigerator notification sounds according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] This invention relates to a refrigerator sound customization system, comprising an MCU microcontroller unit and an external Flash chip. A mobile app transmits preferred audio data to the MCU microcontroller unit on the refrigerator display panel via WiFi or Bluetooth. The MCU microcontroller unit then writes the audio data into the external Flash chip via the SPI protocol. When the refrigerator needs to trigger a door opening alarm or provide other sound prompts, the MCU microcontroller unit extracts the audio data from the external Flash chip. Using a DMA controller and a DAC module within the MCU microcontroller unit, the audio data is converted into an analog audio signal, which is then amplified by a power amplifier to drive a speaker (loudspeaker) to emit the corresponding audio.

[0037] The method for customizing the refrigerator notification sound system of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0038] Step 1: System initialization and hardware preparation.

[0039] Hardware system power-on self-test: When the refrigerator main control system is powered on, the MCU microcontroller unit on the refrigerator display board first runs a self-test program to check the connection status and operation of the external Flash chip, DAC module, power amplifier circuit and speaker, and feeds back the self-test results through the display panel or indicator lights.

[0040] Initialize the communication module and peripherals: The MCU microcontroller unit initializes its internal Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocol stacks and puts the communication module into listening mode. Simultaneously, it initializes the clocks and registers of the SPI bus, DMA controller, and DAC module, preparing for data transmission and audio playback.

[0041] Loading the default alert tone index table: The MCU microcontroller unit reads an alert tone index table from the system reserved area of ​​the external Flash chip. This table initially contains the factory default alert tone file addresses and their associated events (such as "door open alarm" and "fault alarm"). If no user-defined file is detected, this index table is used by default.

[0042] Step 2: User-side audio configuration and transmission.

[0043] APP Audio Management and Preprocessing: Users open the dedicated mobile APP. The APP provides an interface for users to select local audio files or record in real time. After selection, the APP's built-in audio encoding engine will adaptively transcode high bitrate audio files, uniformly converting them into a specific format that the MCU can directly decode and play (12-bit, 16kHz sampling rate mono WAV format) to reduce data volume and processing burden.

[0044] Event association and metadata encapsulation: Users specify the associated refrigerator event for the converted audio file. The app encapsulates this association information together with the audio data into a custom data packet, which includes a file header (containing event type identifier, data length, etc.) and a data body (audio data stream).

[0045] Establishing a connection and ensuring reliable transmission: The mobile app establishes a connection with the home Wi-Fi network or the refrigerator's Bluetooth via scanning or manual pairing. Transmission uses the Ymodem protocol to ensure data packet integrity. During transmission, the app displays the progress, and the refrigerator's display panel simultaneously shows a "Receiving" status indicator.

[0046] Step 3: Data reception and solidification storage on the refrigerator side.

[0047] Data Verification and Parsing: After the communication module of the refrigerator MCU microcontroller unit fully receives the data packet, the MCU core performs a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). After the verification passes, the MCU parses the data packet header to obtain the event type and audio data information.

[0048] Dynamic management of Flash storage space: The MCU queries the user storage area status of the external Flash. Subsequently, it efficiently writes audio data to the specified address via the SPI bus in page programming mode.

[0049] Update the index table: After the write operation is complete, the MCU creates or updates a record in the dynamic index table in memory. This record precisely associates the trigger event type, the starting physical address of the audio file in Flash, the file length, and playback parameters (such as base volume). Finally, the updated dynamic index table is written back to the Flash index area for permanent storage.

[0050] Step 4: Event Triggering and High-Fidelity Playback.

[0051] Real-time event monitoring and matching: The MCU's main loop program continuously polls or receives event signals from hardware such as door switches, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors via interrupts. Once an event is detected (such as a door opening timeout of 60 seconds), it immediately matches the event in a dynamic index table to retrieve the corresponding custom audio file storage address.

[0052] DMA streaming read and decode: The MCU is configured with a DMA controller, setting its source to the Flash data address and its destination to the DAC's data register (or an intermediate RAM buffer). After DMA is started, audio data is automatically moved from Flash to the playback buffer without continuous CPU core intervention.

[0053] High-precision digital-to-analog conversion and power amplification:

[0054] The DAC module reads PCM digital samples from the buffer at a constant sampling rate (e.g., 16kHz) and converts them into analog voltage signals.

[0055] The analog signal first passes through a filter circuit to remove high-frequency noise generated during digital conversion.

[0056] The signal then enters a programmable gain power amplifier. The MCU can control the volume by adjusting the audio amplification factor according to the volume parameters set in the index table.

[0057] Audio playback and post-playback processing: The amplified analog electrical signal drives the speaker to produce sound. During playback, the MCU can control a status indicator light to flash in rhythm with the audio. After playback ends, the MCU immediately switches the power amplifier to low-power standby mode and releases the relevant buffer resources.

[0058] This invention relates to a refrigerator notification sound customization system. Utilizing dual-mode Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication technology, users can conveniently store personalized audio content in the refrigerator's built-in FLASH chip. By employing a high-performance MCU as the control core, the system accurately reads the stored audio data and uses its integrated DAC module to efficiently convert digital signals to analog signals. Combined with an amplifier chip to amplify the audio signals, it drives a high-fidelity speaker to output clear and full sound quality. This invention not only expands the intelligent application scenarios of refrigerators, meeting users' audio playback needs in various life scenarios, but also ensures the stability of audio transmission and real-time playback through efficient hardware-level collaboration, enhancing the interactive experience and added value of home appliances.

[0059] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator notification sound customization system, characterized in that: The system includes an MCU microcontroller unit, an external Flash chip, a power amplifier, and a speaker. A mobile app transmits audio data to the MCU microcontroller unit via WiFi or Bluetooth. The MCU microcontroller unit writes the audio data into the external Flash chip via the SPI protocol. When the refrigerator needs an audio prompt, the MCU microcontroller unit extracts the audio data from the external Flash chip and generates an analog audio signal using the DMA controller and DAC module in the MCU microcontroller unit. The analog audio signal drives the speaker to output the corresponding audio through the power amplifier.

2. A customization method for a refrigerator notification sound customization system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The steps are as follows: Step 1: System initialization and hardware preparation; When the refrigerator's main control system is powered on and started, the MCU microcontroller unit first runs a self-test program to check the connection status and operation of the external Flash chip, DAC module, power amplifier, and speaker, and then feeds back the self-test results. Step 2: User-side audio configuration and transmission; Step 3: Data reception and storage on the refrigerator side; After the communication module of the MCU microcontroller unit fully receives the data packet, the MCU core performs cyclic redundancy check. After the check passes, the MCU microcontroller unit parses the data packet header to obtain the event type and audio data information. The MCU microcontroller unit queries the user memory space status of the external Flash, and then efficiently writes the audio data to the specified address via the SPI bus in page programming mode; After the writing is completed, the MCU microcontroller unit creates or updates a record in the dynamic index table in memory. Finally, the updated dynamic index table is written back to the index area of ​​Flash for hardening and storage. Step 4: Event Triggering and High-Fidelity Playback.

3. The customization method of the refrigerator notification sound customization system as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Step one also includes: The MCU microcontroller unit initializes its internal Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocol stacks and puts the communication module into listening mode. At the same time, it initializes the clock and registers of the SPI bus, DMA controller, and DAC module to prepare for data transmission and audio playback. The MCU microcontroller unit reads a sound index table from the system reserved area of ​​the external Flash chip. This table initially contains the factory default sound file address and its associated events. If no user-defined file is detected, this index table is used by default.

4. The customization method of the refrigerator notification sound customization system as described in claim 3, characterized in that: Step two specifically includes the following steps: After a user opens the dedicated mobile app and selects a local audio file, the app's built-in audio encoding engine will adaptively transcode the high-bitrate audio file, converting it into a specific format that the MCU microcontroller unit can directly decode and play. The user specifies an associated refrigerator event for the converted audio file, and the APP encapsulates this association information together with the audio data into a custom data package; The mobile app can connect to the home Wi-Fi network or refrigerator Bluetooth by scanning or manually pairing.

5. The customization method of the refrigerator notification sound customization system as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The transmission between the mobile app and the home Wi-Fi network or the refrigerator's Bluetooth uses the Ymodem protocol.

6. The customization method of the refrigerator notification sound customization system as described in claim 5, characterized in that: Step four specifically includes the following steps: The main loop program of the MCU microcontroller unit continuously polls or receives event signals from the refrigerator hardware via interrupt. Once an event is detected, it immediately matches it in the dynamic index table and retrieves the corresponding custom audio file storage address. The MCU microcontroller unit is configured with a DMA controller, which sets its source to the Flash data address and its destination to the DAC data register. After DMA is started, it automatically moves audio data from Flash to the playback buffer without the need for continuous intervention from the CPU core.

7. The customization method of the refrigerator notification sound customization system as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Step four specifically includes the following steps: The DAC module reads PCM digital samples from the buffer at a constant sampling rate and converts them into analog voltage signals; Subsequently, the analog voltage signal enters a programmable gain power amplifier, and the MCU microcontroller unit adjusts the audio amplification factor to control the volume according to the volume parameters set in the index table; The amplified analog voltage signal drives the speaker to produce sound.

8. The customization method of the refrigerator notification sound customization system as described in claim 7, characterized in that: During audio playback, the MCU microcontroller unit controls a status indicator light to flash in sync with the audio rhythm. After playback ends, the MCU microcontroller unit immediately switches the power amplifier to low-power standby mode and releases the relevant buffer resources.

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