Appliance State Recognition Using Multi-Sensor Response Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy and smart appliances lack advanced user interaction and optimization features, leading to inefficient usage and user forgetfulness, especially in tasks like laundry and dishwashing, where timely intervention is required to prevent issues like moldy clothes or re-running cycles.
Innovation Solution
An appliance state recognition system that uses sensor data from temperature, motion, and proximity sensors to determine the state of appliances and send automated responses or notifications to users or controllers, optimizing operation times and user interactions based on behavioral patterns and energy costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated state recognition and response systems are implemented, then appliance usage efficiency and user experience are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: sensor data collection module, state determination module, and response generation module. Each module handles specific tasks independently, making the overall system manageable despite its complexity. The sensor data module collects information from multiple sensors, the state determination module processes this data to identify appliance states, and the response generation module formulates appropriate user notifications or controller commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between sensors and user interaction. This layer includes the state determination module that translates raw sensor data into meaningful appliance states, and the response generation module that converts states into user-friendly notifications. This intermediary structure abstracts the complexity from both the physical sensors and the user interface.
2Ease of operation
If multiple sensors and automated responses are used, then user interaction optimization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased automation
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance system performs self-monitoring and self-notification functions. The sensor data module continuously collects operational data, the state determination module automatically identifies when specific states occur, and the response generation module autonomously creates user notifications without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach simplifies user interaction while maintaining high automation for monitoring and alerting functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where sensor data continuously informs state determination, which in turn triggers appropriate responses. The response module sends notifications to user devices or commands to appliance controllers based on detected states, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes user interaction based on real-time appliance conditions.
3Loss of energy
If real-time monitoring and automated responses are implemented, then energy waste is reduced, but loss of time for system setup and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection and state determination setup during manufacturing or initial installation. Sensor configurations, data collection parameters, and response rules are pre-established, allowing the system to begin immediate energy-efficient operation without requiring extensive user configuration. The modular architecture allows for pre-programming of common appliance states and responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter adjustment and optimization over time. Initial configurations can be modified based on actual usage patterns and energy consumption data, enabling the system to adapt and improve energy efficiency while reducing the perceived setup time through progressive configuration rather than requiring complete setup beforehand.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to recognition of an appliance state based on sensor data and determination of a response based at least in part on the appliance state. In various embodiments, an apparatus to recognize an appliance state may include a sensor data module to identify sensor data in one or more signals relating to data from one or more sensors associated with an appliance, an appliance state recognition module to determine an appliance state of the appliance based at least in part on the sensor data, a response module to determine a response based at least in part on the appliance state, and a transmission module to send the response to at least one of an appliance controller for the appliance or a presentation device. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.