Appliance machine data communications systems and methods

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for accessing and controlling appliance machines that operate within environments with limited or no internet connectivity. A bluetooth connection is provided for communicating with the appliance machines and for error checking bluetooth data transmissions. A control application uses the bluetooth connection to communicate with the appliance machines.

Description

APPLIANCE MACHINE DATA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS AND METHODSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally to communication systems for interacting with machines and more particularly to embodiments of the subject matter related to communications between a mobile communications device and a locally situated appliance machine.BACKGROUND

[0002] Data communications with appliance machines can be problematic with conventional approaches. As an example, conventional approaches may require live connections or proprietary devices to communicate and control appliance machines. They may also require technicians to be on site.SUMMARY

[0003] Systems and methods are provided for accessing and controlling appliance machines that operate within environments with limited or no internet connectivity. A bluetooth connection is provided for communicating with the appliance machines and for error checking bluetooth data transmissions. A control application uses the bluetooth connection to communicate with the appliance machines.

[0004] According to an embodiment, a processor-implemented device for accesses and controls appliance machines. A bluetooth connection is used to communicate with the appliance machines and for error checking bluetooth data transmissions. The appliance machines operate within environments without internet connectivity. A control application uses the bluetooth connection to communicate with firmware on at least one of the appliance machines. The control application receives from the firmware beacons of bluetooth low energy advertising data for connection to the control application. After connection to the firmware, the control application transmits over the bluetooth connection read and write configuration and status messages to the firmware for configuring and determining status of the at least one appliance machine.

[0005] According to an embodiment, a system and method are directed to accessing and controlling appliance machines that operate within environments with limited or no internet connectivity. This would include, for example, environments having an absence of Wi-Ficonnections or cellular phone connections. To overcome such disadvantages, a Bluetooth connection is utilized for communicating with appliance machines in conjunction with proper Bluetooth data transmission error checking.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram depicting an appliance machine communication system in an on-line mode.

[0007] Figure 2 is a block diagram depicting a machine communication system in an off-line mode.

[0008] Figure 3 is a block diagram depicting a control application configuring a machine using a QR code approach.

[0009] Figure 4 is a block diagram depicting a bluetooth-only type of communication between the control application and the machine.

[0010] Figure 5 is a block diagram depicting a machine communicating with a cell phone over a bluetooth connection.

[0011] Figure 6 is a block diagram depicting a user registering and programming a machine as well as view the status of the machine.

[0012] Figure 7 is a block diagram depicting validating and uploading fields to a machine.

[0013] Figure 8 is a block diagram depicting a two pump dispenser system.

[0014] Figure 9 is a block diagram depicting a control application allowing a user to switch between machines.

[0015] Figure 10 is a block diagram depicting a QR code being scanned.

[0016] Figures 11 -20 are block diagrams depicting an operational scenario using an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figures 21-24 are block diagrams depicting operational scenarios and information flow for appliance machine communication.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Figure 1 depicts at 100 a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment for the appliance machine communication system in an on-line mode. In the example of Figure 1 , a mobile communication device 102 contains a control application 104 for communicating with a machine 106 (e.g., a dispensing pump) over a Bluetooth communication connection 108. (Figure 4 provides at 400 an example of this type of Bluetooth-only type of communication between the control application and the machine.)

[0019] The machine 106 can include a peristaltic device or pump which is used to dispense fluids in a controlled manner. More specifically, a peristaltic pump is able to precisely control the dispensing of a wide variety of fluids, while maintaining the integrity and purity of the fluids being pumped. Such a pump can be part of many different types of machines, including dishwashers, washing machines, drain cleaning machines, pool systems, mining operations, etc.

[0020] A cell phone can be used as the mobile communication device 102 as well as a tablet, or other similar type device provided that the device has Bluetooth communication capability. The machine 106 can communicate with the cell phone over a Bluetooth connection 108 after firmware (or other type programming) has been installed on the machine 106. (This is shown for example at 500 in Figure 5.)

[0021] The firmware on the primary pump beacons the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) advertising data and once connected to the control application 104 responds to the read and write configuration and status messages sent via the control application 104. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertising is a way for BLE devices to communicate with each other by sending packets of data to other devices without needing to connect first. These packets are called advertisements and are sent at a fixed interval called the advertising interval. Advertisements can contain information such as the advertiser’s address, discoverability and connectability modes, and application data.

[0022] The firmware, which is installed on the pump system in this example, also coordinates the status messages sent between the connected modules which allows the system to dispense chemicals, log data etc. based on the status messages that are appearing on the data bus.

[0023] If the machine’s pump has already been configured as shown at 114 to communicate with the control application 104 on the cell phone, then the control application 104 sends data collected from the pump to a remote location, such as to a hub location in a cloud computing environment 110 for display on a status screen 112. Data collected from the pump can include many different types of information about the device. For example, status information anddispensing amount reports associated with the pump can be collected by the control application and sent to the cloud location.

[0024] If the machine’s pump has not already been configured as shown at 1 16 to communicate with the control application 104 on the cell phone 102, then the control application 104 begins the machine registration and configuration process 118. During the new device registration process, the control application 104 can collect different types of information, such as the location of the device (e.g., the physical address where the device is located, room location of the device, etc.). (Figure 6 provides at 600 an example where a user can register and program the machine as well as view the status of the machine. Figure 7 provides at 700 an example of validating and uploading fields to the machine.)

[0025] After cloud registration 118, the control application 104 initiates the new device configuration process. Different methods for device registration can be utilized as shown at 120. For example, the device configuration can be done through a QR code approach, a wizard step-by-step approach, a manual approach (e.g., a user manually types in the configuration information), etc. The configuration process can collect such information as the dosage amount thresholds of the device, how long is the wash cycle, etc.

[0026] After the registration and configuration process is complete, then the machine’s operational data can be collected by the control application 104 and stored on the cloud 110. After the data is stored on the cloud 110, then other users who have access to the hub can view the data such as via status screen 112. Additionally, the machine operational data (e.g., number of cleaning cycles, number of times under temperature, whether fluid within the device has run out, etc.) can be viewed through status screens provided by the control application 104.

[0027] The machine’s operational data is generated and stored by the machine 106 in data buckets. When the machine 106 is ready, the machine 106 sends the operational data to the control application 104. The time range for sending the operational data can vary based upon the type of machine 106. For example, a machine 106 can send over the data buckets every 5 minutes to the control application 104, when a new cycle begins or ends, etc. In an embodiment, the control application 104 may send a request to the machine 106 to pull the most recent set of data buckets on the machine 106.

[0028] As an illustration of a cycle, a cycle for a dishwasher can be a predefined sequence of operations that the dishwasher executes to clean and sometimes dry dishes. Each cycle involves a series of steps including pre-rinsing, washing, rinsing, and drying, and may be configured to handle different types of loads and soil levels. The operational data associated with a cycle is constantly being generated and aggregated into the data buckets for storage. The data bucketscan store different ranges of time, such that there may be 30 day data buckets (which stores the aggregate value over those 30 days for an operational data parameter), 10 day data buckets, etc. Different types of data buckets can be associated with different types of operational data.

[0029] Figure 8 depicts at 800 a two pump Prime dispenser system, consisting of a Primary pump, a secondary pump and a washer interface. The system can have up to 7 secondary pumps and can accommodate different washer interface modules. The on I off switch on the Primary controls the power to the system.

[0030] After the user is finished with a particular machine, the control application 104 allows the user to interact with other machines. (Figure 9 provides at 900 an example of the control application allowing a user to switch between machines.)

[0031] Figure 2 depicts at 200 a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment for the machine communication system in an off-line mode. While the cell phone 102 is in the offline mode, the control application on the cell phone 102 performs the registration process and configuration process as described above with respect to Figure 1, but the registration and configuration information for the customer is stored (e.g., cached, etc.) on the cell phone 102.

[0032] While the cell phone 102 is in the offline mode, the control application on the cell phone 102 communicates with the prime pump over the bluetooth communication connection 108 in order to perform the registration and configuration process. When the cell phone 102 can reconnect to the Internet, such as through a Wi-Fi connection or cellular network connection, the control application sends the stored registration and configuration information to the hub location in the cloud.

[0033] Figure 3 depicts at 300 a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the control application configuring a machine using the QR code approach. The control application connects with the machine 106 only through a Bluetooth connection 108 for the configuration process. All of the parameters for programming the machine 106 (e.g., how much soap a dispenser dispensed for a particular cycle, etc.) are preprogrammed in a QR code 302. After the cell phone 102 scans the QR code 302, the control application recognizes the parameters for programming the machine 106 and pre-populates the configuration screens of the control application. The control application sends the configuration parameters to the machine 106 so that the machine 106 can be configured to properly generate and send data to the control application. (Figure 10 provides an example of the QR code 302 being scanned.)

[0034] Figures 11-20 depict an operational scenario using an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 11 depicts at 1100 a customer information screen for handling information such as Dispenser Id, work order Number etc. for the configuration of a Bluetooth device.

[0036] Figure 12 depicts at 1200 a user being redirected to email to complete the registration of the dispenser and starting programming screen which deals with the programming mode selection.

[0037] Figure 13 depicts at 1300 the system requiring camera permissions to scan the QR code. It scans the QR code to auto populate the precise configuration values. The system 1300 provides an Upload to the Machine Screen to allow the TCS person to adjust the settings for the pump, dish machine, detergent settings, 3rd pump settings and hygiene settings for configuring the Bluetooth device.

[0038] Figure 14 depicts at 1400 a user interface to configure parameters for the machine, such as minimum wash temperature.

[0039] Figure 15 depicts at 1500 a user interface to configure parameters for the machine, such as alarm volume.

[0040] Figure 16 depicts at 1600 status screens to help the TCS person to look at the device values.

[0041] Figure 17 depicts at 1700 a factory reset which will reset all values to their default states.

[0042] Figure 18 depicts at 1800 and edit settings which will allow the technician (e.g., TCS person) to change their selection and the configuration of Bluetooth Device. An update firmware feature helps the technician to update the Bluetooth device.

[0043] Figure 19 depicts at 1900 a reports main screen to allow the TCS person to navigate to the individual report such as hygiene summary wash, hygiene summary rinse etc.

[0044] Figure 20 depicts at 2000 an Auto Sync user interface to allow the TCS person to control the data syncing with the dispenser.

[0045] The systems and methods described above overcome significant technical disadvantages over previous approaches. For example, the systems and methods allow configuration, registration, and reporting of a machine in an off-line mode. Typically dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and other such machines (that are being controlled locally by the control application) are in bunkers or basements where cellular network connections and Wi-Fi connections are not accessible or electrical noise is present and disrupts such connections. Other problematic locations can include remotely located mining operations where internet connectivity may not be available in such a harsh environment.

[0046] Another technical issue is the Bluetooth identification process. When a cell phone is scanning for configured machines that are accessible over Bluetooth, the control application is configured to identify only the registered machines and filters out other Bluetooth-enableddevices, such as headphones, that may be locally accessible. In an embodiment, the control application uses a preprogrammed filter that examines the advertising strings of available Bluetooth devices that are within the Bluetooth communication range. For example, the control application will filter out any Bluetooth advertising strings that do not begin with the string “DSE.” In this respect, only the configured machines are shown to the user through the control application. (Figure 6 provides an example where only particular machines with the correct initial string are recognized.)

[0047] Additionally, proper Bluetooth data transmission error checking is performed for the communications over the Bluetooth communication connection. The error checking ensures that the data that was sent to the device was the data that was received by the device.

[0048] A technical benefit of using the control application on a cell phone is that the status screens displayed on the cell phone removes the need for installing LCD screens on the machines.

[0049] While examples have been used to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, the patentable scope of the invention is defined by claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the examples disclosed herein are to be considered non-limiting.

[0050] As an example, Figures 21-24 depict operational scenarios and information flow for appliance machine communication. Figure 21 depicts at 2100 an exemplary operational scenario where operations at 2102 allow a user to open the control application and connect to an existing or new system (e.g., machine). Operations depicted at 2104 describe a process flow for an existing system. Operations depicted at 2106 describe a process flow for a new system. Figure 22 depicts at 2200 operations for connecting to an existing dispenser and viewing a status screen, such as to send date, trouble shooting, etc. Figure 23 depicts at 2300 operations for using QR codes and uploading current firmware. Collected information can be viewed via the portal administration console. Figure 24 depicts at 2400 various devices and communication systems that can operate within the systems and methods described herein, such as edge devices 2402, cloud connections, 2404, local connections 2406, and smart reliable pumps 2408.

[0051] The technical benefits from the system described herein can include customer improved operational efficiency by providing: reliable, accurate & consistent dosing for maximum cleaning performance at minimum cost; insights to reduce water and energy consumption and to optimize process; smooth running, undisrupted operations preventingproductivity loss and costly rewash procedures; out-of-product alerts to ensure compliance; enhanced customer experience through full data integration into Diversey digital platform; better sustainability footprint; etc. Additional example benefits can include the following: increased efficiency; easier / faster installation; easier / faster programming; easier / faster servicing; ability to optimize preventative maintenance planning; fewer service visits due to (i) more reliable pumps, (ii) longer tube life, (iii) option to do remote servicing; fewer emergency service visits; real-time connection; integrate in customer digital environment; integrate in ID2.0 proposition; real-time remote notifications; advanced pro-active reporting; remote programming; pumps dosing correctly; chemicals available; hygiene compliance; water and energy use; wash temperature correct; etc.

[0052] As another example and as described above, one or more embodiments can be configured as follows: modular pump design - new product portfolio, replacing aging systems; no routers - low monthly costs for customers, enabling increased sales; offline capability which enhances security; simple onboarding process; ease of installation and programming; point of use data for customers and technicians; data and analytics capability; etc.

[0053] It is further noted that the systems and methods may be implemented on various types of data processor environments (e.g., on one or more data processors) which execute instructions (e.g., software instructions) to perform operations disclosed herein. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be implemented on many different types of processing devices by program code comprising program instructions that are executable by the device processing subsystem. The software program instructions may include source code, object code, machine code, or any other stored data that is operable to cause a processing system to perform the methods and operations described herein.

[0054] The systems’ and methods’ data (e.g., associations, mappings, data input, data output, intermediate data results, final data results, etc.) may be stored and implemented in one or more different types of computer-implemented data stores, such as different types of storage devices and programming constructs (e.g., memory, RAM, ROM, Flash memory, flat files, databases, programming data structures, programming variables, IF-THEN (or similar type) statement constructs, etc.). It is noted that data structures describe formats for use in organizing and storing data in databases, programs, memory, or other computer-readable media for use by a computer program.

[0055] The systems and methods may be provided on many different types of computer- readable storage media including computer storage mechanisms (e.g., non-transitory media, such as CD-ROM, diskette, RAM, flash memory, computer’s hard drive, etc.) that containinstructions (e.g., software) for use in execution by a processor to perform the methods’ operations and implement the systems described herein.

[0056] The computer components, software modules, functions, data stores and data structures described herein may be connected directly or indirectly to each other in order to allow the flow of data needed for their operations. It is also noted that a module or processor includes but is not limited to a unit of code that performs a software operation, and can be implemented for example as a subroutine unit of code, or as a software function unit of code, or as an object (as in an object-oriented paradigm), or as an applet, or in a computer script language, or as another type of computer code. The software components and / or functionality may be located on a single computer or distributed across multiple computers depending upon the situation at hand.

[0057] It should be understood that as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Finally, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meanings of “and” and “or” include both the conjunctive and disjunctive and may be used interchangeably unless the context expressly dictates otherwise; the phrase “exclusive or” may be used to indicate situation where only the disjunctive meaning may apply.

Claims

CLAIMSIt is claimed:

1. A processor-implemented device for accessing and controlling appliance machines, comprising: a bluetooth connection for communicating with the appliance machines and for error checking bluetooth data transmissions, wherein the appliance machines operate within environments without internet connectivity; and a control application which uses the bluetooth connection to communicate with firmware on at least one of the appliance machines; wherein the control application receives from the firmware beacons of bluetooth low energy advertising data for connection to the control application; wherein after connection to the firmware, the control application transmits over the bluetooth connection read and write configuration and status messages to the firmware for configuring and determining status of the at least one appliance machine.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the appliance machines operating within environments without internet connectivity include environments having an absence of Wi-Fi connections or cellular phone connections.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the bluetooth low energy advertising data are sent at a fixed interval over the bluetooth connection to the control application.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the bluetooth low energy advertising data contain advertiser’s address, discoverability and connectability modes, and application data.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein if a pump of the at least one appliance machine has not already been configured to communicate with the control application, then the control application initiates a machine registration and configuration process.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein during the device registration process, the control application collects the physical address where the device is located.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the device registration process includes using a QR code approach or a wizard step-by-step approach or a manual approach, wherein a device configuration process collects dosage amount thresholds of the device and how long is the wash cycle.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein after the device registration and configuration process is complete, then the at least one appliance machine’s operational data is collected by the control application and stored on a cloud-based storage system.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein after the data is stored on the cloud-based storage system, machine operational data provided by the control application is displayed to users through status screens.

10. The device of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the appliance machines includes a peristaltic device for dispensing fluids; wherein the peristaltic device dispenses fluids within one or more of the following machines: dishwashers, washing machines, drain cleaning machines, pool systems, and mining machines, wherein the device includes a cell phone or tablet.

11. A processor- implemented method for accessing and controlling appliance machines, the method comprising: communicating, a bluetooth connection, with the appliance machines and for error checking bluetooth data transmissions, wherein the appliance machines operate within environments without internet connectivity; and using the bluetooth connection by a control application to communicate with firmware on at least one of the appliance machines; wherein the control application receives from the firmware beacons of bluetooth low energy advertising data for connection to the control application; wherein after connection to the firmware, the control application transmits over the bluetooth connection read and write configuration and status messages to the firmware for configuring and determining status of the at least one appliance machine.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the appliance machines operating within environments without internet connectivity include environments having an absence of Wi-Fi connections or cellular phone connections.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein if a pump of the at least one appliance machine has not already been configured to communicate with the control application, then the control application initiates a machine registration and configuration process.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein during the device registration process, the control application collects the physical address where the device is located.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the device registration process includes using a QR code approach or a wizard step-by-step approach or a manual approach, wherein a device configuration process collects dosage amount thresholds of the device and how long is the wash cycle.

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