Software-Based Appliance Program Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances with fixed preset programs lack flexibility to accommodate varying user needs and performance features, limiting their functionality and customization options.
Innovation Solution
A method where household appliance programs are implemented in software, allowing for dynamic selection and modification of programs via a microprocessor control program, enabling users to customize settings such as spin cycle duration based on specific needs, and allowing for the addition or modification of programs over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed preset household appliance programs are used (e.g., program switch), then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the flexibility and adaptability to user needs are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical program switch system with a software-based control program and memory system. Household appliance programs are stored as data in memory areas and executed by a processing unit, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switching mechanisms while enabling greater flexibility and ease of modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic program selection and execution where the control program can load different household appliance programs from memory based on user selection. The program table allows dynamic ordering and selection of programs, enabling the system to adapt to different user needs without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If household appliance programs are hardcoded in hardware, then the reliability is high, but the ability to modify or add programs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software copies of household appliance programs stored in memory rather than hardwired logic. Each program is represented as data that can be copied into memory areas and executed by the processing unit, allowing easy modification and addition of programs while maintaining reliable execution through standardized processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control program serves multiple functions: it manages memory areas, loads different household appliance programs, executes selected programs, and handles user selections. This universal control mechanism replaces multiple dedicated hardware circuits, enabling flexibility while maintaining reliability through a single standardized execution path.
3Ease of operation
If a program switch mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation for customizing programs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to easily select and customize programs through a user interface that displays available programs from the program table. Users can navigate through programs, make selections, and modify parameters without dealing with complex mechanical switches or technical configurations, making the system user-friendly despite the sophisticated software control behind it.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves dividing a portion of a memory (18) of a household appliance e.g. washing machine (10), into memory regions (22). Household appliance programs (24) are stored in each memory region. The memory regions occupied by the appliance program are notified to a control program (20) i.e. microprocessor executable control program. The notified regions are registered in a household appliance program table by the control program. The appliance program is selected from the table and the selected program is executed by the control program, during an operation of the household appliance. An independent claim is also included for a computer program comprising a set of instructions to execute a method for operating a household appliance.