Audio and motion-based control of a personalized smart appliance, media, and methods of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional appliances lack hands-free operation and customization for specific users, posing challenges such as the risk of burns when hands are occupied or unsuitable for use with messy substances, and failing to adapt to individual user preferences.
Innovation Solution
A method and appliance that detect voice or motion inputs to recognize and authenticate users, modifying operation based on user profiles, allowing hands-free control and customization, including gesture-based burner selection and temperature adjustment, with safety features for automatic shut-off and augmented reality integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional buttons and knobs are used for appliance control, then the appliance structure is simple and reliable, but hands-free operation is not possible and user customization is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical buttons and knobs with voice recognition and motion gesture detection systems. The voice recognition system uses microphones and signal processing to interpret spoken commands, while motion gestures are captured through cameras or sensors that track hand movements. This substitution enables hands-free operation while integrating these detection systems into the appliance's control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that bridges the gap between simple mechanical controls and complex hands-free operation. This intermediary layer includes signal processing units that convert voice and motion inputs into control commands, and a profile management system that matches users to their preferred settings. This intermediary architecture enables customization without requiring complete system redesign.
2Ease of operation
If hands-free operation is implemented through voice or motion detection, then user convenience and safety are improved, but the system requires complex detection and processing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional detection system where the same hardware components (microphones, cameras, sensors) serve multiple purposes. For example, the motion detection system not only controls appliance operation but also identifies user presence and gestures for profile selection. The voice recognition system both executes commands and captures user preferences for customization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-calibration and automatic profile matching capabilities. When a new user is detected, the system automatically creates a profile by observing usage patterns and preferences without requiring manual setup. The detection system continuously refines its recognition accuracy by learning from ongoing interactions, reducing the need for complex manual configuration and maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user profiles and customization features are added, then personalization and user experience are enhanced, but data processing and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized profile storage and processing where each user's profile data is maintained separately and processed only when that user interacts with the appliance. The system stores essential customization parameters (preferred temperature settings, cooking modes, gesture patterns) in a compact format that requires minimal processing power. Data is retrieved and applied locally at the appliance rather than requiring continuous cloud communication.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and media are provided for hands-free operation of an appliance. For example, the appliance may detect input from a hands-free user, where the detected input is voice or gesticular. The appliance may compare the detected input to known inputs and retrieving the user's profile based on the detected input corresponding to a known input. Based upon retrieval of the user's profile, the appliance may output recognition of the user input and modify operation of a burner according to both the user input and the retrieved user profile. Based upon the detected input being unrecognized, the appliance may create a new user profile associated with the detected input and modify operation of a burner according to the detected input.