Washing machine appliance and augmented reality control features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to intuitively select and visualize operating parameters of washing machine appliances, such as fill volume and agitation settings, as these parameters are not readily apparent during operation.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a remote user interface device in wireless communication with the washing machine to obtain a live image of the wash basket, generate an overlay representing operating parameters, and synthesize this information in real time for display, allowing users to control the appliance based on intuitive inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional control interfaces are used for selecting operating parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot intuitively visualize the effect of parameter selections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera, processing device, and display interface that mediates between the user and the washing machine controls. This intermediary captures real-time images of the wash basket, processes them to determine water fill levels, and presents visual feedback to the user, thereby bridging the gap between user intent and machine operation without requiring direct modification of the washing machine's core control system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (physical buttons, dials, and visual indicators on the machine) with an electronic/image-processing-based system. Instead of using mechanical means to display water levels or parameter settings, the system uses digital image processing and electronic display to provide visual feedback, substituting mechanical visualization methods with electronic ones
2Loss of information
If visual feedback systems are implemented to show operating parameters, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors, processors, and display components
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service principles by using the washing machine's own existing infrastructure (power supply, control processor, display interface) to provide visual feedback. Rather than requiring entirely separate systems for each function, the patent integrates the visual feedback capability into the machine's existing control architecture, allowing the system to serve its own information display needs using its own resources
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary control interface for washing operations and as the display system for visual feedback. The same processor and display that control washing parameters are also used to present visual information about water levels and operational status, eliminating the need for separate dedicated display hardware
3Ease of operation
If real-time image processing is used to display water fill levels, then the ease of operation is improved through intuitive visual feedback, but the use of energy increases due to continuous camera operation and image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by updating the visual feedback at specific intervals during the filling operation rather than continuously. The camera captures images at predetermined moments (e.g., when fill level thresholds are approached), processes these discrete images to determine water levels, and updates the display accordingly. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous real-time processing while still providing timely visual feedback to guide user decisions
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of operating a washing machine at a remote user interface device in wireless communication with the washing machine appliance may include obtaining an image of the wash basket, generating an overlay representing one or more operating parameters of the washing machine appliance, and displaying the image and the overlay simultaneously on a display of the remote user interface device. The method also includes receiving a control input at the remote user interface device and directing the washing machine appliance based on the control input received at the remote user interface device.