A household appliance controlled by using a virtual interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling household appliances using a virtual interface projected on a surface, such as a kitchen counter, pose safety risks due to the presence of hot objects within the projection area, as they do not effectively monitor or warn users of temperature hazards.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature sensor to measure and map temperatures within the projection area, and a control unit that adjusts the projected interface and warns users of hot regions, preventing the virtual interface from being moved to hazardous areas and providing temperature information to ensure user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a virtual interface is projected on a kitchen counter surface, then the user can control household appliances conveniently, but the user may be exposed to safety risks from hot objects in the projection area
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor performs preliminary detection of hot objects in the projection area before the user interacts with the virtual interface. The control unit receives temperature data in advance and prepares appropriate responses, such as preventing projection on hot surfaces or displaying warning indicators, thereby eliminating safety risks before they can affect the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor acts as an intermediary between the projection area and the control unit. It continuously monitors the temperature in the projection area and transmits this information to the control unit, which then adjusts the projection or displays warnings. This intermediary detection mechanism enables the system to respond to thermal hazards without requiring direct user interaction with hot objects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the projector projects images on the kitchen counter, then the virtual interface can be displayed, but the projection area may contain hot objects that cause burns
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor provides continuous feedback about the thermal state of the projection area to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the projection position or displays warning indicators when hot objects are detected. This feedback loop ensures that the system maintains adaptability in interface positioning while preventing projection on hazardous hot surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temperature detection in potential projection areas before allowing the virtual interface to be displayed. The control unit receives temperature data in advance and prevents projection on hot surfaces or displays warning indicators, thereby eliminating burn hazards before users can be exposed to them.
3Device complexity
If the virtual interface is projected on a surface without temperature monitoring, then the system is simple, but the user cannot be warned of hot regions
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor serves as an intermediary detection device that continuously monitors the projection area and transmits temperature information to the control unit. This intermediary component enables the system to provide safety warnings without significantly complicating the overall control architecture, as the sensor operates independently and feeds data to the existing control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor autonomously performs detection and transmits data to the control unit without requiring manual intervention or complex processing. The control unit simply receives the temperature information and displays appropriate warnings or adjusts the projection, allowing the system to maintain simplicity while enhancing safety through automated temperature monitoring.
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
Enhances user safety and satisfaction by preventing burns from hot objects and improving the user experience through real-time temperature monitoring and warning systems integrated with the virtual interface.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor that is disposed next to the projector projecting the virtual interface providing the control of the household appliances and that provides the measurement of the temperatures within the projection area
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a projector (2) which projects image of a virtual interface (S) which enables control of household appliances within a projection area (P) on a surface (Y), a movement sensor (3) which enables the gestures on the projection area (P) to be detected, and a control unit (4) which controls the projector (2) and the household appliances to which the same is connected, by means of the data received from the movement sensor (3).