Method for data communication with a domestic appliance by a mobile computer device, mobile computer device and domestic appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for data communication with domestic appliances, such as cooking ovens and hobs, lack flexibility and effectiveness in remote monitoring and control, especially when it comes to real-time video streaming and parameter management.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a wireless data connection between a domestic appliance and a mobile computer device, where the appliance includes a camera for generating a video stream, an image serving unit for transferring images, and a switching element that enables or disables video streaming based on the appliance's state, allowing real-time monitoring and control through a mobile device with optional bidirectional communication for controlling the appliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If video streaming is continuously enabled for remote monitoring, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time monitoring capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic video streaming by controlling the camera to capture images at defined intervals rather than continuously. The control unit receives user input specifying image capture intervals and automatically adjusts the camera operation accordingly, enabling real-time monitoring while significantly reducing energy consumption through periodic rather than continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the camera operates continuously to capture images, then monitoring effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring effectivenessVSAvoidcamera energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera operation is made dynamic and adaptive rather than static and continuous. The control unit adjusts the camera's operating state based on real-time conditions and user preferences, switching between active capture and standby states. This dynamic control optimizes monitoring effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption by activating the camera only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If image resolution and quality are increased, then monitoring precision is improved, but data transmission load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddata transmission volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts image capture parameters including resolution, format, and interval based on monitoring requirements and transmission conditions. The control unit modifies these parameters to achieve optimal balance between image quality and data transmission efficiency, allowing high-quality monitoring when needed while reducing data load during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If wireless data transmission is implemented for remote control, then operational flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the appliance's central controller and as a wireless communication interface for remote operations. By integrating remote control capabilities into the existing control unit rather than adding separate dedicated hardware, the system achieves operational flexibility while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3189507B1Method for data communication with a domestic appliance by a mobile computer device, mobile computer device and domestic appliance
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP3189507B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3189507B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3189507B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for data communication with a domestic appliance (10) by a mobile computer device (12). The domestic appliance (10) and the mobile computer device (12) are interconnected or interconnectable via a wireless data connection (22). Said wireless data connection (22) is adapted for transferring signals between the domestic appliance (10) and the mobile computer device (12). Further, the present invention relates to application software for the mobile computer device. Moreover, the present invention relates to a domestic appliance. Additionally, the present invention relates to a mobile computer device comprising a display (18) or touch screen.