Passive Command Tags for Appliance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern consumer appliances, such as laundry machines, require complex user interfaces that often necessitate in-depth knowledge to operate effectively, leading to user confusion and difficulty in selecting appropriate settings, especially when coordinating operations between connected appliances like washing machines and dryers.
Innovation Solution
An appliance communication system utilizing passive command tags that can be selectively engaged with appliances, transmitting instruction signals to control operating cycles, allowing users to intuitively select and adjust settings without extensive knowledge, and enabling coordinated operations between connected appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex user interfaces with multiple settings and options are provided in modern consumer appliances, then the appliance can perform more advanced functions and operations, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users require in-depth knowledge to select appropriate settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces command tags as intermediary devices that mediate between the user and the complex appliance interface. Instead of requiring users to directly navigate complex settings, they simply attach a command tag which automatically communicates the desired operation to the appliance, simplifying the interaction while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The command tags serve as physical copies or representations of specific appliance operations. Each tag encapsulates a predefined set of settings and parameters, allowing users to select operations by physically attaching the appropriate tag rather than manually configuring multiple settings, thereby maintaining versatility while improving ease of use
2Reliability
If multiple settings and operational options are provided in connected appliances like washing machines and dryers, then the appliances can better preserve and treat articles, but the device complexity increases making it difficult for users to coordinate operations between appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The command tags provide a universal interface that works across multiple connected appliances (washing machines, dryers, etc.). A single tag can convey operational parameters that are applicable to different appliance types, reducing the need for appliance-specific interfaces and simplifying coordinated operations while maintaining reliable article treatment through consistent parameter communication
3Loss of information
If redundant information entry is required in both washing machine and dryer appliances, then complete operational data can be captured, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the time and effort required to enter similar information multiple times
Solution Approach 1:
The command tag performs preliminary action by pre-encoding all necessary operational parameters in a single attachable device. When the tag is attached to the first appliance, the information is captured and can be subsequently used when the same tag is attached to connected appliances, eliminating the need for redundant information entry while maintaining complete operational data across the appliance system
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance communication system is provided herein. The appliance communications system may include an appliance and a passive command tag. The appliance may include a controller configured to direct an operating cycle and an interface module configured to receive an instruction signal corresponding to the operating cycle. The passive command tag may be separably engaged with the appliance in selective communication with the interface module. The passive command tag may be configured to transmit the instruction signal in response to a read signal received from the interface module. The controller may be configured to vary the operating cycle based on the received instruction signal.