System and method for monitoring scalar property of liquid during a laundry machine treatment cycle

Abstract

A laundry machine is provided including a cabinet having an interior and a tub within the interior. The tub has an interior volume with a drum positioned within the tub. A motor engages the drum. The laundry machine also includes a sensor in operative engagement with the interior volume and sensing a scalar property of liquid within the tub. The laundry machine also includes an output device communicatively coupled to the sensor that reports the scalar property or an indexed value thereof over time to an environment outside of the cabinet. A method is also provided for displaying the effectiveness of the laundry machine. The method includes initiating a laundry treatment cycle, sensing the scalar property of the liquid within the tub at multiple times during the laundry treatment cycle and displaying the scalar property or indexed value thereof to the environment outside of the cabinet.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING SCALAR PROPERTY OF LIQUID DURING

[0002] A LAUNDRY MACHINE TREATMENT CYCLE

[0003] FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to laundry machines and more specifically to a system and method for monitoring a scalar property of liquid during a laundry treatment cycle of a laundry machine.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Various machines for washing articles, including dishwashers and laundry machines, typically involve a user selecting one or more preprogrammed treatment cycles after which the machine operates according to the preprogrammed treatment cycle. For laundry machines, these preprogrammed laundry treatment cycles involve one or more sub-cycles including one or more wash sub-cycles, one or more rinse sub-cycles and one or more spin sub-cycles.

[0007] Each preprogrammed laundry treatment cycle also involves one or more fixed parameters, such as a fixed time duration for the treatment cycle including a fixed time duration for each of the sub-cycles. Thus, once a user selects the preprogrammed laundry treatment cycle, inserts the detergent at the detergent receptacle and activates the laundry machine, the laundry machine is controlled as a function of time based on each of these fixed time duration sub-cycles. For example, at the end of the wash sub-cycle fixed time duration, the laundry machine commences the rinse sub-cycle.

[0008] Conventional laundry machines typically include a display on a user interface which displays an elapsed time of the preprogrammed laundry treatment cycle and / or a remaining time of the preprogrammed laundry treatment cycle (e.g. a difference between the fixed time duration of the laundry treatment cycle and the elapsed time).

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] It was discovered that there are several drawbacks to the conventional approach of controlling the operation of the laundry machine based on one or more fixed time durations of the sub-cycles. For example, it was recognized that in many scenarios soil has not been completely removed from laundry in the laundry machine at the end of the fixed time durations of the wash sub-cycle and the rinse sub-cycle. Thus, it would be premature to commence the spin sub-cycle and then terminate the preprogrammed treatment cycle when soil remains in the laundry.

[0011] To overcome these noted drawbacks, the disclosure provided herein includes various aspects which sense a value of a scalar property of liquid in the washing machine during the laundry treatment cycle. This sensed scalar property value is then used to achieve various advantages that is not present in conventional laundry machines. In one example, the operation of the laundry machine during the treatment cycle is controlled based on this scalar property value rather than based on time. This advantageously ensures that the laundry machine only switches to a next subcycle within the laundry treatment cycle if the scalar property value (e.g. turbidity) is within an acceptable threshold or range. In one example, where the scalar property value is turbidity, after a wash sub-cycle and a rinse sub-cycle the laundry machine does not commence a spin-cycle if the measured turbidity value is above a threshold value or range. This ensures that the laundry machine does not prematurely commence a spin-cycle and end the laundry treatment cycle if soil is still present in the laundry.

[0012] Additionally, another advantage of the sensed scalar property value is that this value or an indexed value thereof can be output on a display to be viewed by the user during the laundry treatment cycle. This advantageously communicates to the user the progress of the laundry treatment cycle not in terms of time units but rather in terms of the scalar property value (e.g. turbidity) which more accurately communicates the progress of the laundry treatment cycle.

[0013] In a first set of aspects of the disclosure a laundry machine is provided. The laundry machine includes a cabinet having an interior and a tub positioned within the interior. The tub has an interior volume. The laundry machine also includes a drum within the tub and a motor engaged with the drum. The laundry machine also includes a sensor in operative engagement with the interior volume and sensing a scalar property of a liquid within the tub. The laundry machine also includes an output device communicatively coupled to the sensor that reports the scalar property or an indexed value thereof over time to an environment that is outside of the cabinet.

[0014] In a second set of aspects of the disclosure a process is provided for displaying the effectiveness of the laundry machine. The method includes the step of initiating a laundry treatment cycle of the laundry washing machine. The method further includes the step of sensing the scalar property of the liquid within the tub at multiple times during the laundry treatment cycle. The method further includes the step of displaying the scalar property or indexed value thereof to the environment that is outside of the cabinet.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following figures.

[0017] FIG. 1 is an example according to various aspects illustrating a system for operating a laundry machine during a laundry treatment cycle;

[0018] FIG. 2 is an example according to various aspects illustrating a block diagram of the system of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 3 A is an example according to various aspects illustrating a graph indicating a threshold value of a scalar property value of liquid over a laundry treatment cycle in the system of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 3B is an example according to various aspects illustrating a curve of a measured scalar property value of liquid over a laundry treatment cycle in the system of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3C is an example according to various aspects illustrating a curve of a measured scalar property value of liquid over a laundry treatment cycle in the system of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 4A is an example according to various aspects illustrating an output device to display the sensed scalar property value of the liquid or an indexed value thereof during operation of the system of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 4B is an example according to various aspects illustrating an output device to display the sensed scalar property value of the liquid or an indexed value thereof during operation of the system of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 4C is an example according to various aspects illustrating an output device to display the sensed scalar property value of the liquid or a remaining time in a laundry treatment cycle based thereon during operation of the system of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 4D is an example according to various aspects illustrating an output device to display a recommended action based on the sensed scalar property value not in conformance with a threshold range or value;

[0026] FIG. 4E is an example according to various aspects illustrating an output device to display that the sensed scalar property value is in conformance with a threshold range or value such that the laundry treatment cycle is complete;

[0027] FIG. 5 is an example according to various aspects illustrating a flowchart depicting a method for displaying a sensed scalar property value of liquid during a laundry treatment cycle of a laundry machine;

[0028] FIG. 6 is an example according to various aspects illustrating a block diagram of a computer system upon which an aspect of the disclosure may be implemented;

[0029] FIG. 7 is an example according to various aspects illustrating a block diagram of a chip set upon which an aspect of the disclosure may be implemented; and

[0030] FIG. 8 is an example according to various aspects illustrating a block diagram of a mobile terminal for communications which is capable of operating in the system of FIG. 1.

[0031] It should be understood that the various aspects are not limited to the examples illustrated in the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Introduction and Definitions

[0033] This description is written to describe the disclosure to a person having ordinary skill in the art, who will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the specific examples or aspects described. The examples and aspects are single instances of the disclosure which will make a much larger scope apparent to the person having ordinary skill in the art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by the person having ordinary skill in the art. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing examples and aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0034] All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The examples and aspects described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to the person having ordinary skill in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application. Many variations and modifications may be made to the aspects of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. For example, unless otherwise indicated, the present disclosure is not limited to particular materials, reagents, reaction materials, manufacturing processes, or the like, as such can vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. It is also possible in the present disclosure that steps can be executed in different sequence where this is logically possible.

[0035] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (for example, having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0036] In everyday usage, indefinite articles (like “a” or “an”) precede countable nouns and noncountable nouns almost never take indefinite articles. It must be noted, therefore, that, as used in this specification and in the claims that follow, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a support” includes a plurality of supports. Particularly when a single countable noun is listed as an element in a claim, this specification will generally use a phrase such as “a single.” For example, “a single support.”

[0037] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages indicating the amount of a component in a composition represent a percent by weight of the component based on the total weight of the composition. The term “mol percent” or “mole percent” generally refers to the percentage that the moles of a particular component are of the total moles that are in a mixture. The sum of the mole fractions for each component in a solution is equal to 1.

[0038] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit (unless the context clearly dictates otherwise), between the upper and lower limit of that range, and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.

[0039] In this specification and in the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings unless a contrary intention is apparent.

[0040] “Laundry machine” generally refers to a machine that is used to launder textile articles such as laundry, bedding, delicates, etc.

[0041] “Scalar property” refers to a property of liquid that can affect a laundry treatment cycle of textile articles in a laundry machine with said liquid.

[0042] System

[0043] FIG. 1 is an example according to various aspects illustrating a system for operating a laundry machine 100 during a laundry treatment cycle. The laundry machine 100 includes a cabinet 102 having an interior 103. A tub 110 is positioned within the interior 103 and the tub 110 has an interior volume 111. A drum 106 is positioned within the tub 110. A motor 114 is engaged with the drum 106. A processor 108 is also provided that is communicatively coupled with the motor 114 and other components (e.g. water valve 115 in FIG. 2, detergent receptacle, etc.) to control operation of the laundry machine 100 during one or more phases or sub-cycles (e.g. wash sub-cycle, rinse sub-cycle and spin sub-cycle) of the laundry treatment cycle.

[0044] In one aspect of the disclosure, the system senses a scalar property (e.g. turbidity, conductivity, etc.) of liquid in the laundry machine 100 during a laundry treatment cycle and utilizes this sensed scalar property in various applications. As further shown in FIG. 1, in one aspect a sensor 116 is in operative engagement with the interior volume 111 to sense a scalar property (e.g. turbidity, conductivity, etc.) of a liquid within the tub 106 during a laundry treatment cycle. The sensor 116 is communicatively coupled with the processor 108 and sends signals indicating the sensed scalar property values to the processor 108 at incremental time periods. In one example aspect, the sensor 116 is a turbidity sensor. In another example aspect, the sensor 116 is a conductivity sensor.

[0045] In this aspect of the disclosure, the system 100 also includes an output device communicatively coupled to the sensor 116 that reports a value of the scalar property or an indexed value thereof (e.g. a ratio where an initial sensed value of the scalar property is the denominator and a current sensed value is the numerator, or a ratio where a desired end value of the scalar property is the denominator and the current sensed value is the numerator, etc.). In one aspect of the disclosure, the scalar property value or indexed value thereof is output over time during a laundry treatment cycle to an environment outside the cabinet 102. In one example aspect of the disclosure, the output device is a display 120 on a mobile device 112 (e.g. smart phone). In another example aspect of the disclosure, the output device is a display 104 (e.g. touchscreen) on an exterior surface 122 (opposite to the interior 103) of the cabinet 102. Although FIG. 1 shows the sensor 116, in other aspects of the disclosure the sensor 116 is omitted from the laundry machine 100.

[0046] FIG. 2 is an example according to various aspects illustrating a block diagram of the system of FIG. 1. The block diagram of FIG. 2 depicts the data transmission between multiple components of the system.

[0047] In various aspects, the processor 108 includes a liquid scalar property module 162 with instructions to cause the system and the processor 108 to perform one or more steps of the method 200 of FIG. 5. In some aspects, the processor 108 comprises a general purpose computer system, as depicted in FIG. 6 or a chip set as depicted in FIG. 7 or a mobile terminal as depicted in FIG. 8.

[0048] In an aspect a memory 164 of the processor 108 stores an acceptable range or threshold of the sensed scalar property of the liquid in the laundry machine 100 during a laundry treatment cycle. FIG. 3 A is an example according to various aspects illustrating a graph 154 indicating a threshold or acceptable value 156 of a scalar property value of liquid (e.g. turbidity, conductivity) over a laundry treatment cycle in the system of FIG. 1. The horizontal axis 155 is time in arbitrary units. The vertical axis 157 is the scalar property of liquid in appropriate units (e.g. turbidity measured in nephelometric turbidity units or NTU, conductivity measured in units of micro-siemens per centimeter or pS / cm). As shown in FIG. 3 A, in one aspect the acceptable value 156 of the scalar property is depicted over a wash sub-cycle 144, a rinse sub-cycle 146 and a spin sub-cycle 147. As shown in FIG. 3 A, in some aspects the memory 164 stores one or more threshold values for the scalar property value that is used to determine when to switch to a next sub-cycle. In the example aspect of FIG. 3 A, a high threshold value 170 of the scalar property is depicted that is used to determine when to switch from the wash sub-cycle 144 to the rinse subcycle 146 and a low threshold value 172 for the scalar property is depicted that is used to determined when to switch from the rinse sub-cycle 146 to the spin sub-cycle 147.

[0049] During a laundry treatment cycle, as the processor 108 receives the sensed scalar property values from the sensor 116, the processor 108 compares the sensed scalar property value with the threshold or acceptable values stored in the memory 164 and adjusts one or more parameters of the laundry treatment cycle (e.g. signals the motor 114 and / or the water valves 115, etc.). FIG. 3B is an example according to various aspects illustrating a graph 154’ with a curve 152 of a measured scalar property value of liquid over a laundry treatment cycle in the system of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3B, the measured scalar property value on the curve 152 reaches the high threshold value 170 at the same time as the threshold or acceptable value 156 in FIG. 3 A and thus the processor 108 switches the laundry machine 100 to the rinse sub-cycle 146 about the same time as in FIG. 3 A. However, as shown in FIG. 3B, since the measured scalar property value remains above the low threshold value 172 beyond that shown in FIG. 3 A, the processor 108 extends the rinse sub-cycle 146’ beyond the rinse sub-cycle 146 of FIG. 3A to ensure that the spin sub-cycle 147 does not commence until the measured scalar property value has reached the low threshold 172. FIG. 3C depicts a graph 154” that is similar to the graph 154’ of FIG. 3B except the processor 108 switches the laundry machine 100 to the rinse sub-cycle 146 earlier than in FIG. 3 A since the measured scalar property value reached the high threshold 170 sooner than in FIG. 3A. This results in a shortened wash sub-cycle 144’ as depicted in FIG. 3C. Thus, in these aspects of the disclosure, the processor 108 operates the laundry machine 100 during the laundry treatment cycle based on the measured values of the scalar property values received from the sensor 116.

[0050] Various aspects of the disclosure will now be discussed in regards to outputting the sensed scalar property values and / or indexed values thereof. FIG. 4A is an example according to various aspects illustrating an output device (e.g. display 104) to display the sensed scalar property value of the liquid or an indexed value thereof during operation of the system of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4A in one aspect an indicia 158 is output on the display 104 that indicates the sensed scalar property value Xi (e.g. value of the turbidity in NTU and / or value of the conductivity in pS / cm). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4A in one aspect the indicia 158 includes an indexed value Yi of the sensed scalar property value which is a ratio with a denominator that is an initial sensed scalar property value (e.g. 1 NTU, 1 pS / cm) and the numerator is a currently measured scalar property value (e.g. 75 NTU, 200 pS / cm). In one example aspect, the denominator is an initial sensed scalar property value at the beginning of a laundry treatment cycle. In another example aspect, the denominator is a final desired scalar property value at completion of the laundry treatment cycle. FIG. 4B depicts a similar aspect of indicia 158 output on the display 104, except that the sensed scalar property value X2 and the ratio Y2 are measured at different times than in FIG. 4A. In one example aspect, the indicia 158 of FIG. 4A is output during a wash sub-cycle of the laundry treatment cycle and the indicia 158 of FIG. 4B is output during an end of a rinse sub-cycle of the laundry treatment cycle. The output device (e.g. display 104, display 120) receives data indicating the sensed scalar property value from the processor 108 after the processor 108 received data from the sensor 116 indicating the sensed scalar property value. In other embodiments, the output device directly receives the data indicating the sensed scalar property value from the sensor 116. Although FIGS. 4A and 4B depict that the output device (e.g. display 104, display 120) outputs the sensed scalar property value and / or an indexed value thereof, in other aspects a graph (such as FIGS. 3 A through 3C) is output on the output device indicating a graph of the sensed scalar property value over time.

[0051] Although FIGS. 4A and 4B depict that the output device (e.g. display 104) outputs the sensed scalar property value and / or an indexed value thereof, in other embodiments a time value is output on the output device, such as a remaining time in the laundry treatment cycle. In this aspect, the remaining time in the laundry treatment cycle is determined based on comparing the sensed scalar property values with the threshold or acceptable scalar property values stored in the memory 164. As previously discussed with respect to FIG. 3B, in some aspects the duration of the laundry treatment cycle is extended (e.g. rinse sub-cycle 146’) if the sensed scalar property value exceeds one or more of the scalar property value thresholds 170, 172. FIG. 4C depicts an aspect of the output device (e.g. display 104) where the indicia 158 output to the user includes the sensed scalar property value X3 and a time remaining in a particular sub-cycle (e.g. rinse). In this example embodiment, with respect to FIG. 3B the output time remaining on the output device is based on the processor 108 assessing the trend of the sensed scalar property value 152 and estimating when the sensed scalar property value 152 will reach the low threshold value 172. In other embodiments, the indicia 158 indicates a remaining time in the laundry treatment cycle.

[0052] In addition to outputting the scalar property value and / or an indexed value thereof, other indicia can be displayed on the output device with regard to the sensed scalar property value. In one aspect of the disclosure, the output device displays indicia to a user recommending a particular next action based on the sensed scalar property value. FIG. 4D is an example according to various aspects illustrating an output device (e.g. display 104, display 120) to display a recommended action based on the sensed scalar property value not in conformance with a threshold range or value. In one example aspect, where the processor 108 determines that the sensed scalar property value is still above a threshold value (e.g. low threshold value 172 in FIG. 3 A) towards the end of a rinse-cycle, the processor 108 determines that an additional wash subcycle and / or rinse sub-cycle is necessary. The display 104 of FIG. 4D includes indicia 158 indicating the nonconformance of the sensed scalar property value (e.g. “Scalar property value too high”) and a recommended next step (e.g. Recommend additional Wash / Rinse Cycle”). Additionally, in one example aspect the display 104 also features a plurality of active areas 161, 163 on the touchscreen so that the user can manually approve or reject the recommended next step. In other aspects, the processor 108 automatically takes the suggested action without prompting the user to approve the suggested action or takes the suggested action if the user does not respond within a predetermined time (e.g. one minute). An audible alert can also be output instead of or in conjunction with the indicia 158 of FIG. 4D to audibly alert the user in order to prompt feedback from the user to approve the suggested action. In still other aspects, the output device may prompt the user to take additional action (e.g. insert more detergent) in order to perform the suggested action. In still other aspects, the indicia provided to the user via. the output device can be a tactile cue on the laundry machine or an app-bell whistle, pop or vibrate.

[0053] In still other aspects, the output device displays indicia when the sensed scalar property value is in conformance with the threshold or acceptable range of values. In these aspects, the output device may also display that a particular sub-cycle or the laundry treatment cycle is complete. FIG. 4E is an example according to various aspects illustrating an output device (e.g. display 104) to display that the sensed scalar property value is in conformance with a threshold range or value (e.g. low threshold value 172 for the rinse sub-cycle) such that the rinse sub-cycle is complete and that the spin sub-cycle is about to commence.

[0054] Method for Displaying Scalar Property Value of Liquid in Laundry Machine

[0055] A method for displaying the scalar property values during a laundry treatment cycle on the laundry machine will now be discussed. FIG. 5 is an example according to various aspects illustrating a flowchart depicting a method 200 for displaying a sensed scalar property value of liquid during a laundry treatment cycle of a laundry machine 100. In some aspects, the method 200 displays the effectiveness of the laundry machine 101 during the laundry treatment cycle. As shown in FIG. 5, in one aspect the method 200 begins at step 202 where a laundry treatment cycle is initiated with the laundry machine 100. In one example aspect, the laundry treatment cycle is input by the user using the switch 140 (e.g. mechanical or electronic switch) to select one of a plurality of preprogrammed laundry treatment cycles.

[0056] In an aspect, after the laundry treatment cycle has commenced, the sensor 116 measures a value of the scalar property of liquid within the tub 106 at multiple times during the laundry treatment cycle. In one example aspect, the sensor 116 is a turbidity sensor. In another example aspect, the sensor 116 is a conductivity sensor. In one example aspect, the sensor 116 is a turbidity sensor that features one or more optical components including an optical source that outputs an optical signal in the direction of a first optical sensor, where liquid within the tub 106 is positioned between the optical source and the first optical sensor. The first optical sensor measures a transmitted signal from the optical source and additional optical sensors are positioned to measure a scattered signal of the optical signal. In an example aspect, the turbidity sensor measures the turbidity of the liquid based on the measured scattered signal and / or a ratio of the scattered signal to the transmitted signal. However, the turbidity sensor can be any sensor known to one of ordinary skill in the art that can be used to measure turbidity of liquid. With respect to the conductivity sensor, this sensor can be any sensor known to one of ordinary skill in the art to measure conductivity of liquid.

[0057] In an aspect, in step 206 the sensed scalar property values from step 204 are output on a display. In one example aspect, FIGS. 4A through 4C depict various scalar property values and indexed values thereof being output on a display (e.g. touchscreen display 104 or mobile device display 120). In an example aspect, the outputted sensed scalar property value is instantaneous for each time increment that the scalar property value is sensed in step 204. In other aspects, in step 206 a graph indicating the sensed scalar property values (e.g. FIGS. 3B and 3C) is output on the display. In yet another example aspect, in step 206 an estimated time remaining in the laundry treatment cycle (or current sub-cycle) is output on the display in addition to the sensed scalar property value (FIG. 4C).

[0058] In an aspect, in step 208 the processor 108 compares the measured scalar property values from step 206 with the threshold or acceptable range of values stored in the memory 164. FIG. 3 A depicts one example aspect of the threshold or acceptable values 156 for the laundry treatment cycle including the low threshold value 172 (e.g. to switch from the rinse to the spin sub-cycle) and high threshold value 170 (e.g. to switch from a wash to a rinse sub-cycle). If the measured scalar property value conforms with the threshold or acceptable range, the method 200 moves to block 210. If the measured scalar property value does not conform with the threshold or acceptable range, the method 200 moves to block 212.

[0059] In an aspect, in step 210 a user stimulus is disseminated to indicate that the measured scalar property value in step 204 conforms with the threshold range or values and further to indicate that the laundry machine 100 is being operated in accordance with the laundry treatment cycle. FIG. 4E depicts one example aspect of step 210 where the user stimulus is output on the display (e.g. touchscreen display 104 or mobile device display 120) that the sensed scalar property value reached a desired value for the current sub-cycle and that a next sub-cycle of the laundry treatment cycle will commence shortly.

[0060] In an aspect, in step 212 a user stimulus is disseminated to indicate that the measured scalar property value in step 204 does not conform with the threshold range or values and further to indicate a suggested next step. As shown in FIG. 4D, in one example aspect step 212 involves outputting on the output device (e.g. display 104, display 120) that the sensed scalar property value (e.g. turbidity, conductivity) is too high and to recommend a next step (e.g. additional wash and rinse sub-cycle). As further shown in FIG. 4D, in yet another example aspect a prompt is provided for the user to accept or reject the proposed next step (e.g. active areas 161, 163 which can be pressed by the user on the touchscreen display 104).

[0061] Hardware

[0062] FIG. 6 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system 300 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Computer system 300 includes a communication mechanism such as a bus 310 for passing information between other internal and external components of the computer system 300. Information is represented as physical signals of a measurable phenomenon, typically electric voltages, but including, in other embodiments, such phenomena as magnetic, electromagnetic, pressure, chemical, molecular atomic and quantum interactions. For example, north and south magnetic fields, or a zero and non-zero electric voltage, represent two states (0, 1) of a binary digit (bit). Other phenomena can represent digits of a higher base. A superposition of multiple simultaneous quantum states before measurement represents a quantum bit (qubit). A sequence of one or more digits constitutes digital data that is used to represent a number or code for a character. In some embodiments, information called analog data is represented by a near continuum of measurable values within a particular range. Computer system 300, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of one or more methods described herein.

[0063] A sequence of binary digits constitutes digital data that is used to represent a number or code for a character. A bus 310 includes many parallel conductors of information so that information is transferred quickly among devices coupled to the bus 310. One or more processors 302 for processing information are coupled with the bus 310. A processor 302 performs a set of operations on information. The set of operations include bringing information in from the bus 310 and placing information on the bus 310. The set of operations also typically include comparing two or more units of information, shifting positions of units of information, and combining two or more units of information, such as by addition or multiplication. A sequence of operations to be executed by the processor 302 constitutes computer instructions.

[0064] Computer system 300 also includes a memory 304 coupled to bus 310. The memory 304, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, stores information including computer instructions. Dynamic memory allows information stored therein to be changed by the computer system 300. RAM allows a unit of information stored at a location called a memory address to be stored and retrieved independently of information at neighboring addresses. The memory 304 is also used by the processor 302 to store temporary values during execution of computer instructions. The computer system 300 also includes a read only memory (ROM) 306 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 310 for storing static information, including instructions, that is not changed by the computer system 300. Also coupled to bus 310 is a non-volatile (persistent) storage device 308, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, for storing information, including instructions, that persists even when the computer system 300 is turned off or otherwise loses power.

[0065] Information, including instructions, is provided to the bus 310 for use by the processor from an external input device 312, such as a keyboard containing alphanumeric keys operated by a human user, or a sensor. A sensor detects conditions in its vicinity and transforms those detections into signals compatible with the signals used to represent information in computer system 300. Other external devices coupled to bus 310, used primarily for interacting with humans, include a display device 314, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD), for presenting images, and a pointing device 316, such as a mouse or a trackball or cursor direction keys, for controlling a position of a small cursor image presented on the display 314 and issuing commands associated with graphical elements presented on the display 314.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, special purpose hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (IC) 320, is coupled to bus 310. The special purpose hardware is configured to perform operations not performed by processor 302 quickly enough for special purposes. Examples of application specific ICs include graphics accelerator cards for generating images for display 314, cryptographic boards for encrypting and decrypting messages sent over a network, speech recognition, and interfaces to special external devices, such as robotic arms and medical scanning equipment that repeatedly perform some complex sequence of operations that are more efficiently implemented in hardware.

[0067] Computer system 300 also includes one or more instances of a communications interface 370 coupled to bus 310. Communication interface 370 provides a two-way communication coupling to a variety of external devices that operate with their own processors, such as printers, scanners and external disks. In general the coupling is with a network link 378 that is connected to a local network 380 to which a variety of external devices with their own processors are connected. For example, communication interface 370 may be a parallel port or a serial port or a universal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. In some embodiments, communications interface 370 is an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or a telephone modem that provides an information communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. In some embodiments, a communication interface 370 is a cable modem that converts signals on bus 310 into signals for a communication connection over a coaxial cable or into optical signals for a communication connection over a fiber optic cable. As another example, communications interface 370 may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN, such as Ethernet. Wireless links may also be implemented. Carrier waves, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves travel through space without wires or cables. Signals include man-made variations in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization or other physical properties of carrier waves. For wireless links, the communications interface 370 sends and receives electrical, acoustic or electromagnetic signals, including infrared and optical signals, that carry information streams, such as digital data.

[0068] The term computer-readable medium is used herein to refer to any medium that participates in providing information to processor 302, including instructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 308. Volatile media include, for example, dynamic memory 304. Transmission media include, for example, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and waves that travel through space without wires or cables, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves. The term computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any medium that participates in providing information to processor 302, except for transmission media. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a compact disk ROM (CD-ROM), a digital video disk (DVD) or any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, or any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), a FLASH-EPROM, or any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read. The term non-transitory computer- readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any medium that participates in providing information to processor 302, except for carrier waves and other signals.

[0069] Logic encoded in one or more tangible media includes one or both of processor instructions on a computer-readable storage media and special purpose hardware, such as ASIC *320.

[0070] Network link 378 typically provides information communication through one or more networks to other devices that use or process the information. For example, network link 378 may provide a connection through local network 380 to a host computer 382 or to equipment 384 operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISP equipment 384 in turn provides data communication services through the public, world-wide packet-switching communication network of networks now commonly referred to as the Internet 390. A computer called a server 392 connected to the Internet provides a service in response to information received over the Internet. For example, server 392 provides information representing video data for presentation at display 314.

[0071] The invention is related to the use of computer system 300 for implementing the techniques described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, those techniques are performed by computer system 300 in response to processor 302 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in memory 304. Such instructions, also called software and program code, may be read into memory 304 from another computer-readable medium such as storage device 308. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in memory 304 causes processor 302 to perform the method steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardware, such as application specific integrated circuit 320, may be used in place of or in combination with software to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0072] The signals transmitted over network link 378 and other networks through communications interface 370, carry information to and from computer system 300. Computer system 300 can send and receive information, including program code, through the networks 380, 390 among others, through network link 378 and communications interface 370. In an example using the Internet 390, a server 392 transmits program code for a particular application, requested by a message sent from computer 300, through Internet 390, ISP equipment 384, local network 380 and communications interface 370. The received code may be executed by processor 302 as it is received, or may be stored in storage device 308 or other non-volatile storage for later execution, or both. In this manner, computer system 300 may obtain application program code in the form of a signal on a carrier wave.

[0073] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequence of instructions or data or both to processor 302 for execution. For example, instructions and data may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer such as host 382. The remote computer loads the instructions and data into its dynamic memory and sends the instructions and data over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the computer system 300 receives the instructions and data on a telephone line and uses an infra-red transmitter to convert the instructions and data to a signal on an infra-red a carrier wave serving as the network link 378. An infrared detector serving as communications interface 370 receives the instructions and data carried in the infrared signal and places information representing the instructions and data onto bus 310. Bus 310 carries the information to memory 304 from which processor 302 retrieves and executes the instructions using some of the data sent with the instructions. The instructions and data received in memory 304 may optionally be stored on storage device 308, either before or after execution by the processor 302.

[0074] FIG. 7 illustrates a chip set 400 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Chip set 400 is programmed to perform one or more steps of a method described herein and includes, for instance, the processor and memory components described with respect to FIG. *6 incorporated in one or more physical packages (e.g., chips). By way of example, a physical package includes an arrangement of one or more materials, components, and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard) to provide one or more characteristics such as physical strength, conservation of size, and / or limitation of electrical interaction. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set can be implemented in a single chip. Chip set 400, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of a method described herein.

[0075] In one embodiment, the chip set 400 includes a communication mechanism such as a bus 401 for passing information among the components of the chip set 400. A processor 403 has connectivity to the bus 401 to execute instructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory 405. The processor 403 may include one or more processing cores with each core configured to perform independently. A multi -core processor enables multiprocessing within a single physical package. Examples of a multi-core processor include two, four, eight, or greater numbers of processing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor 403 may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus 401 to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and multithreading. The processor 403 may also be accompanied with one or more specialized components to perform certain processing functions and tasks such as one or more digital signal processors (DSP) 407, or one or more applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASIC) 409. A DSP 407 typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) in real time independently of the processor 403. Similarly, an ASIC 409 can be configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed by a general purposed processor. Other specialized components to aid in performing the inventive functions described herein include one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) (not shown), one or more controllers (not shown), or one or more other special-purpose computer chips.

[0076] The processor 403 and accompanying components have connectivity to the memory 405 via the bus 401. The memory 405 includes both dynamic memory (e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and static memory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructions that when executed perform one or more steps of a method described herein. The memory 405 also stores the data associated with or generated by the execution of one or more steps of the methods described herein.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a diagram of exemplary components of a mobile terminal 500 (e.g., cell phone handset) for communications, which is capable of operating in the system of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, mobile terminal 501, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps described herein. Generally, a radio receiver is often defined in terms of front-end and back-end characteristics. The front-end of the receiver encompasses all of the Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry whereas the back-end encompasses all of the base-band processing circuitry. As used in this application, the term “circuitry” refers to both: (1) hardware-only implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry), and (2) to combinations of circuitry and software (and / or firmware) (such as, if applicable to the particular context, to a combination of processor(s), including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions). This definition of “circuitry” applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application and if applicable to the particular context, the term “circuitry” would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) and its (or their) accompanying software / or firmware. The term “circuitry” would also cover if applicable to the particular context, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit in a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a cellular network device or other network devices.

[0078] Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a Main Control Unit (MCU) 503, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 505, and a receiver / transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and a speaker gain control unit. A main display unit 507 provides a display to the user in support of various applications and mobile terminal functions that perform or support the steps as described herein. The display 507 includes display circuitry configured to display at least a portion of a user interface of the mobile terminal (e.g., mobile telephone). Additionally, the display 507 and display circuitry are configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal. An audio function circuitry 509 includes a microphone 511 and microphone amplifier that amplifies the speech signal output from the microphone 511. The amplified speech signal output from the microphone 511 is fed to a coder / decoder (CODEC) 513.

[0079] A radio section 515 amplifies power and converts frequency in order to communicate with a base station, which is included in a mobile communication system, via antenna 517. The power amplifier (PA) 519 and the transmitter / modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to the MCU 503, with an output from the PA 519 coupled to the duplexer 521 or circulator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA 519 also couples to a battery interface and power control unit 520.

[0080] In use, a user of mobile terminal 501 speaks into the microphone 511 and his or her voice along with any detected background noise is converted into an analog voltage. The analog voltage is then converted into a digital signal through the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) 523. The control unit 503 routes the digital signal into the DSP 505 for processing therein, such as speech encoding, channel encoding, encrypting, and interleaving. In one embodiment, the processed voice signals are encoded, by units not separately shown, using a cellular transmission protocol such as enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), satellite, and the like, or any combination thereof.

[0081] The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer 525 for compensation of any frequency -dep endent impairments that occur during transmission though the air such as phase and amplitude distortion. After equalizing the bit stream, the modulator 527 combines the signal with a RF signal generated in the RF interface 529. The modulator 527 generates a sine wave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare the signal for transmission, an up- converter 531 combines the sine wave output from the modulator 527 with another sine wave generated by a synthesizer 533 to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. The signal is then sent through a PA 519 to increase the signal to an appropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA 519 acts as a variable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP 505 from information received from a network base station. The signal is then filtered within the duplexer 521 and optionally sent to an antenna coupler 535 to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer. Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna 517 to a local base station. An automatic gain control (AGC) can be supplied to control the gain of the final stages of the receiver. The signals may be forwarded from there to a remote telephone which may be another cellular telephone, any other mobile phone or a land-line connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or other telephony networks.

[0082] Voice signals transmitted to the mobile terminal 501 are received via antenna 517 and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA) 537. A down-converter 539 lowers the carrier frequency while the demodulator 541 strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream. The signal then goes through the equalizer 525 and is processed by the DSP 505. A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) 543 converts the signal and the resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker 545, all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU) 503 which can be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) (not shown).

[0083] The MCU 503 receives various signals including input signals from the keyboard 547. The keyboard 547 and / or the MCU 503 in combination with other user input components (e.g., the microphone 511) comprise a user interface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU 503 runs a user interface software to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal 501 as described herein. The MCU 503 also delivers a display command and a switch command to the display 507 and to the speech output switching controller, respectively. Further, the MCU 503 exchanges information with the DSP 505 and can access an optionally incorporated SIM card 549 and a memory 551. In addition, the MCU 503 executes various control functions required of the terminal. The DSP 505 may, depending upon the implementation, perform any of a variety of conventional digital processing functions on the voice signals. Additionally, DSP 505 determines the background noise level of the local environment from the signals detected by microphone 511 and sets the gain of microphone 511 to a level selected to compensate for the natural tendency of the user of the mobile terminal 501. The CODEC 513 includes the ADC 523 and DAC 543. The memory 551 stores various data including call incoming tone data and is capable of storing other data including music data received via, e.g., the global Internet. The software module could reside in RAM memory, flash memory, registers, or any other form of writable storage medium known in the art. The memory device 551 may be, but not limited to, a single memory, CD, DVD, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, optical storage, magnetic disk storage, flash memory storage, or any other non-volatile storage medium capable of storing digital data.

[0084] An optionally incorporated SIM card 549 carries, for instance, important information, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplying service, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card 549 serves primarily to identify the mobile terminal 501 on a radio network. The card 549 also contains a memory for storing a personal telephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobile terminal settings.

[0085] In some embodiments, the mobile terminal 501 includes a digital camera comprising an array of optical detectors, such as charge coupled device (CCD) array 565. The output of the array is image data that is transferred to the MCU for further processing or storage in the memory 551 or both. In the illustrated embodiment, the light impinges on the optical array through a lens 563, such as a pin-hole lens or a material lens made of an optical grade glass or plastic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile terminal 501 includes a light source 561, such as a LED to illuminate a subject for capture by the optical array, e.g., CCD 565. The light source is powered by the battery interface and power control module 520 and controlled by the MCU 503 based on instructions stored or loaded into the MCU 503.

[0086] Combinations

[0087] An Example follows:

[0088] A. A laundry machine comprising: a cabinet having an interior; a tub positioned within said interior, wherein said tub has an interior volume; a drum within said tub; and a motor engaged with said drum; a sensor in operative engagement with said interior volume and sensing a scalar property of a liquid within said tub; an output device communicatively coupled to said sensor that reports said scalar property or an indexed value thereof as a function of time to an environment that is outside of said cabinet. B. The laundry machine according to Paragraph A, wherein said cabinet has an exterior surface opposite said interior, wherein said output device is communicatively coupled to a display engaged with said exterior surface.

[0089] C. The laundry machine according to Paragraph A or B, wherein said output device is communicatively coupled to a wireless device having a display.

[0090] D. The laundry machine according to any of Paragraphs A to C, wherein said sensor is a turbidity sensor.

[0091] E. The laundry machine according to any of Paragraphs A to C, wherein said sensor is a conductivity sensor.

[0092] F. A process for displaying the effectiveness of the laundry machine according to any of Paragraphs A to E comprising the steps of initiating a laundry treatment cycle of said laundry washing machine; sensing said scalar property of said liquid within said tub at multiple times during said laundry treatment cycle; displaying said scalar property or indexed value thereof to said environment that is outside of said cabinet.

[0093] G. The process according to Paragraph F, wherein said cabinet has an exterior surface opposite said interior, wherein said output device is communicatively coupled to a display engaged with said exterior surface.

[0094] H. The process according to Paragraph F or G, wherein said output device is communicatively coupled to a wireless device having a display.

[0095] I. The process according to any of Paragraphs F to H, wherein said sensor is a turbidity sensor.

[0096] J. The process according to any of Paragraphs F to H, wherein said sensor is a conductivity sensor.

[0097] K. The process according to any of Paragraphs F to J, wherein said scalar property or indexed value thereof is displayed as an instantaneous value at a particular time.

[0098] L. The process according to any of Paragraphs F to K, wherein said scalar property or indexed value thereof is displayed as a graph of said scalar property as a function of time.

[0099] M. The process according to any of Paragraphs F to L, wherein when said scalar property at the end of said laundry treatment cycle is in nonconformance with a threshold value or acceptable range of values, displaying an indicia to a user of a supplemental action to be taken by said user. N. The process according to any of Paragraphs F to M, wherein said laundry treatment cycle is a function of said scalar property .

[0100] O. The process according to Paragraph N, wherein said laundry machine is configured to disseminate a user stimulus when said scalar property operably determines a next process step in said laundry treatment cycle .

[0101] P. The process according to any of Paragraphs F to O, wherein said laundry treatment machine is configured to disseminate a user stimulus when said scalar property or indexed value thereof reaches a predetermined acceptable value .

[0102] Q. The process according to any of Paragraphs F to P, wherein said laundry treatment cycle is a function of said scalar property, wherein said laundry treatment machine is configured to compute and disseminate an estimated or computed time remaining in said laundry treatment cycle based at least partially on said scalar property .

[0103] Further Definitions and Cross-References

[0104] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

[0105] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any disclosure disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such disclosure. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0106] While particular aspects of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A laundry machine comprising: a cabinet having an interior; a tub positioned within said interior, wherein said tub has an interior volume; a drum within said tub; and a motor engaged with said drum; a sensor in operative engagement with said interior volume and sensing a scalar property of a liquid within said tub; an output device communicatively coupled to said sensor that reports said scalar property or an indexed value thereof as a function of time to an environment that is outside of said cabinet.

2. The laundry machine according to Claim 1, wherein said cabinet has an exterior surface opposite said interior, wherein said output device is communicatively coupled to a display engaged with said exterior surface, preferably wherein said output device is communicatively coupled to a wireless device having a display.

3. The laundry machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor is a turbidity sensor.

4. The laundry machine according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein said sensor is a conductivity sensor.

5. A process for displaying the effectiveness of the laundry machine according to Claim 1 comprising the steps of: initiating a laundry treatment cycle of said laundry washing machine; sensing said scalar property of said liquid within said tub at multiple times during said laundry treatment cycle; displaying said scalar property or indexed value thereof to said environment that is outside of said cabinet.

6. The process according to Claim 5, wherein said cabinet has an exterior surface opposite said interior, wherein said output device is communicatively coupled to a display engaged withsaid exterior surface, preferably wherein output device is communicatively coupled to a wireless device having a display.

7. The process according to any of claims 5 and 6, wherein said sensor is a turbidity sensor.

8. The process according to any of claims 5 and 6, wherein said sensor is a conductivity sensor.

9. The process according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein said scalar property or indexed value thereof is displayed as an instantaneous value at a particular time.

10. The process according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein said scalar property or indexed value thereof is displayed as a graph of said scalar property as a function of time.

11. The process according to any of claims 5 to 10, wherein when said scalar property at the end of said laundry treatment cycle is in nonconformance with a threshold value or acceptable range of values, displaying an indicia to a user of a supplemental action to be taken by said user.

12. The process according to any of claims 5 to 11, wherein said laundry treatment cycle is a function of said scalar property.

13. The process according to Claim 12, wherein said laundry machine is configured to disseminate a user stimulus when said scalar property operably determines a next process step in said laundry treatment cycle.

14. The process according to any of claims 5 to 13, wherein said laundry treatment machine is configured to disseminate a user stimulus when said scalar property or indexed value thereof reaches a predetermined acceptable value.

15. The process according to any of claims 5 to 14, wherein said laundry treatment cycle is a function of said scalar property, wherein said laundry treatment machine is configured to compute and disseminate an estimated or computed time remaining in said laundry treatment cycle based at least partially on said scalar property.

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