Appliance Light-Emitting Device Animation for Wash Cycle Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing appliance user interfaces do not effectively convey the progress of various wash operations during a wash cycle, particularly lacking clear indication of time remaining and being inconvenient for users due to text readability and language comprehension issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an arrangement of light-emitting devices on the user interface that animates wash operations by turning devices on and off in a manner corresponding to the operation, providing visual feedback that corresponds to the wash cycle progress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If text-based display is used to indicate wash cycle information, then information can be provided, but users cannot read text from a distance or comprehend the language
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different colored lights (e.g., blue, green, yellow, red) to represent different wash cycle stages and time remaining. This visual color-coding system allows users to quickly understand wash progress without needing to read text, resolving the contradiction between providing information and ensuring user comprehension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional text information to two-dimensional visual spatial arrangement of lights. The arrangement of lights in different positions and patterns provides dimensional information about wash cycle progress, making it accessible from a distance and comprehensible without language barriers.
2Loss of information
If detailed text information is provided on the display, then complete wash cycle information is available, but users cannot read text from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting devices use varying colors and intensities to encode detailed wash operation information that can be perceived from a distance. The visual signal strength and color patterns convey operational details without requiring close proximity for text reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of wash cycle progress through light patterns rather than text. The arrangement and state of lights replicate the information normally conveyed by text displays, making it accessible at various distances.
3Ease of operation
If traditional display and input controller are used, then wash cycle selection is possible, but the interface does not provide clear indication of wash operation progress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback through light-emitting devices that respond to and indicate the current wash operation state. As the wash cycle progresses through different stages, the light patterns change accordingly, providing continuous feedback about operational progress to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-emitting devices dynamically change their state (on/off, color, intensity, arrangement) to reflect the dynamic progress of the wash cycle. This dynamic visual indication system adapts to different wash operation stages, providing clear real-time feedback that static text displays cannot achieve.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively communicates the progress of wash operations to users through visual animation, enhancing user experience by providing clear and intuitive feedback, even for users who may struggle with text-based information.
Implementation Method 1
an arrangement of light-emitting devices on the user interface of the washing machine appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A method for indicating a wash operation of a wash cycle of an appliance is provided. The wash operation is indicated on a user interface of the appliance. The method includes initiating the wash cycle of the appliance via the user interface. During the wash cycle, the method includes operating an arrangement of light-emitting devices on the user interface of the appliance to animate the wash operation. One or more of the light-emitting devices are turned on and off in a manner that corresponds to the wash operation during the wash cycle.