U.S. patent application number 09/482789 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-31 for appliance communication and control system and appliance for use in same.
This patent application is currently assigned to THALIA PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Carroll, Maureen E., Cunningham, Glen, Devine, Mark, Hamann, John, Kunz, Lily, Lala, JoAnne, Montagnino, Jim, Parker, Ken, Swieboda, Mike, Ward, Evan T., Woods, Tim E., Zwonitzer, Stephen J..
Application Number | 20020011923 09/482789 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23917463 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020011923 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cunningham, Glen ; et
al. |
January 31, 2002 |
Appliance Communication And Control System And Appliance For Use In
Same
Abstract
A system of intelligent appliances coupled by common household
power lines or wireless links. One or more of the appliances serves
as a system controller and may include a further communications
interface for coupling to an external communications network, such
as the telephone network. The system can thus be accessed and
controlled remotely. The system can also communicate with and
obtain information from remote sources such as Internet-based
facilities.
Inventors: |
Cunningham, Glen; (Rockport,
MA) ; Parker, Ken; (Atlanta, GA) ; Woods, Tim
E.; (Novi, MI) ; Zwonitzer, Stephen J.;
(Atlanta, GA) ; Ward, Evan T.; (Chicago, IL)
; Carroll, Maureen E.; (Atlantia, GA) ; Hamann,
John; (Delray Beach, FL) ; Lala, JoAnne;
(Delray Beach, FL) ; Kunz, Lily; (Darien, IL)
; Swieboda, Mike; (Napeville, IL) ; Devine,
Mark; (Napeville, IL) ; Montagnino, Jim; (St
Charles, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jonathan S Caplan Esq
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York
NY
10022
US
|
Assignee: |
THALIA PRODUCTS, INC.
|
Family ID: |
23917463 |
Appl. No.: |
09/482789 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/12.32 ;
340/538 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 2203/5483 20130101;
H04B 2203/5458 20130101; H04L 2012/2843 20130101; H04L 2012/2845
20130101; H04B 2203/5445 20130101; H04B 2203/5437 20130101; H04B
3/542 20130101; A47J 2043/0733 20130101; H04B 2203/5441 20130101;
H04B 2203/5495 20130101; H04L 12/2803 20130101; H04L 2012/285
20130101; H04L 12/2818 20130101; H04L 12/282 20130101; H04L
2012/2841 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/310.01 |
International
Class: |
H04M 011/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A communications system comprising: a first device, the first
device including a first processor and a first power line interface
coupled to the first processor and to a power distribution system;
and a second device, the second device including a second processor
and a second power line interface coupled to the second processor
and to the power distribution system, wherein the first and second
devices communicate with each other, under the control of the first
and second processors, via the power distribution system and the
first and second power line interfaces.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first device includes a
network communications interface coupled to the first processor and
to a communications network.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second device includes a
wireless communications interface.
4. The system of claim 3, comprising: a third device, the third
device including a third processor and a further wireless
communications interface coupled to the third processor, the
further wireless communications interface being adapted to
communicate with the wireless communications interface of the
second device.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the second device is accessible
from the communications network.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the first device includes a
network communications interface coupled to the first processor and
to a communications network and wherein the third device is
accessible from the communications network.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein the wireless communications
interface and the further wireless communications interface include
radio frequency communications circuitry.
8. The system of claim 4, wherein the wireless communications
interface and the further wireless communications interface include
infrared communications circuitry.
9. A data communications method comprising: selecting a code;
detecting a remote communications device; providing the code to the
remote communications device; receiving from the remote
communications device data accompanied by the code; and ignoring
data not accompanied by the code.
10. The method of claim 5 comprising: activating the remote
communications device; and searching for the remote communications
device for a predetermined time period.
12. A method of providing selected information comprising: coupling
to a communications network; determining a state of an appliance
communication system; and receiving selected information from the
communications network in accordance with the state of the
appliance communications system.
13. The method of claim 12, comprising: transmitting further
information to the communications network in accordance with the
state of the appliance communications system.
14. An interface bridge device comprising: a processor; a wireless
interface; and a power line interface, wherein the wireless
interface and the power line interface are selectively coupled
under the control of the processor.
15. A mixer apparatus comprising: a motor; a processor, the
processor controlling the operation of the motor and monitoring the
operation of the motor; a power line interface, the power line
interface being coupled to the processor; and a weight sensor, the
weight sensor being coupled to the processor.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to intelligent appliances and
systems and methods whereby such appliances can interact with each
other.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] The use of power lines for the communication of data is well
known. Power line communication (PLC) systems and methods have been
used in a variety of applications, including the control of
household appliances. One manufacturer, X10 Ltd. of Seattle, Wash.
provides a system comprising modules for controlling the
application of power to appliances connected thereto in accordance
with control signals generated by a controller and communicated
over 110 VAC power lines. Like the modules, the controller plugs
into the power lines. Each module includes a switch for selecting
one of a plurality of identifiers by which the module is addressed
by the controller, thereby allowing a plurality of appliances in a
household to be controlled individually by one controller. The X10
system also includes a wireless controller which communicates via
RF with a unit which is plugged into the power lines. The system
can also communicate with devices such as battery-powered passive
infrared motion detectors and other security-related devices via
radio frequency (RF) links. The X10 system also includes a computer
interface allowing a personal computer (PC) to control and program
the system.
[0003] Systems such as the aforementioned suffer from several
limitations and drawbacks. For example, the degree of control is
limited to simply turning appliances on and off. There is no
capability of communicating information between the controller and
the appliances or among the appliances. Moreover, the
aforementioned system does not provide a method of adding
components and modifying the system which is user-friendly and
flexible while providing a high degree of security.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a novel system whereby two or
more appliances or devices can communicate and interact with each
other over common power lines within a building. In an exemplary
embodiment, the system comprises a controller device and a further
device, such as a coffee maker appliance, that are each coupled to
and powered from the wiring of a house. The controller and
appliance communicate with each other over the household power
lines using a bi-directional power line communications (PLC)
protocol. The appliance can operate in a stand-alone mode or in
accordance with messages received from the controller via the PLC
interface. The appliance generates status messages that are
received by the controller, thereby keeping the controller apprised
of the state of the appliance.
[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller is capable of
communicating with external networks such as the Internet over a
telephone connection or the like.
[0006] In a further exemplary embodiment, the present invention
provides a system that allows wireless communication of data to and
from appliances. As such, battery-powered devices or appliances
that are not coupled to power lines can communicate and
interoperate within a system of the present invention.
[0007] The present invention also provides intelligent appliances
that are capable of communicating and interoperating in a system in
accordance with the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0008] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
system in accordance with the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary generic
appliance in accordance with the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of an exemplary procedure for
configuring a system in accordance with the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a console device in
accordance with the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
console device in accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of an alarm clock
device in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
an alarm clock device in accordance with the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
hot beverage brewing device in accordance with the present
invention.
[0016] FIGS. 9A and 9B show an exemplary embodiment of a stand
mixer device in accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a stand mixer device in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a heating blanket device in accordance with the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a PLC/wireless bridge device in accordance with the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a smoke detector device in accordance with the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of a blood pressure
monitoring device in accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a blood pressure monitoring device in accordance with the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 16 shows an exemplary embodiment of a weight
measurement device in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a weight measurement device in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Control and Communications System
[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
system in accordance with the present invention. The system can be
used in a variety of settings such as in a house 10 which typically
has a plurality of rooms 12. The house 10 is typically coupled to a
power network 20 and one or more communications networks 30, such
as a PSTN or CATV network. Power, typically 50/60 Hz, 110/220 VAC,
is provided to the house 10 in a known way over a power line 25 and
distributed within the house over internal power lines 27 coupled
to outlet boxes 29 arranged among the rooms 12 of the house.
Communications, such as telephone or cable television signals are
provided to the house 10 over one or more communication lines 35,
in a known way.
[0026] The exemplary system of FIG. 1 comprises a plurality of
devices or appliances (e.g., 50, 52, 54) that can be coupled to the
power lines 27 of the house 10 by being plugged into a power outlet
29. The exemplary system of FIG. 1 also includes devices or
appliances (e.g., 72, 74, 76) that are not plugged into any outlet.
These will be described more fully below.
[0027] The various devices of the present invention that are
coupled to the power lines 27 of the house are capable of receiving
and/or sending data over the power lines 27 using a power line
communications (PLC) protocol, described more fully below. (Devices
which communicate via PLC will be referred to herein as PLC devices
or appliances.) A system in accordance with the present invention
includes at least two PLC devices, at least one of which acts as a
controller. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, a kitchen
console 50 and an enhanced function alarm clock 60 both act as
controllers. The console 50 and the alarm clock 60 can be used to
control the operation of and to receive and display information
from other devices or appliances in the system. The controllers 50
and 60 may also be coupled to an external communications network
(e.g., the internet, world wide web) via telephone, DSL or cable TV
lines 35 or the like, or via a wireless link such as cellular
telephone, satellite or the like. Such external access provides the
system of the present invention with a wide array of enhanced
capabilities, described more fully below. Other PLC devices in the
exemplary system of FIG. 1 include a stand mixer 52, a coffee maker
54 and an electric blanket 56. A conventional PLC device 62, such
as the AM465 Lamp Module or AM466 Appliance Module available from
X10 Corp., can also be included in an exemplary system of the
present invention, for controlling the application of power to a
lamp 64 or an appliance. The system of the present invention is
preferably backward compatible with such conventional PLC devices
(e.g., the PLC interface circuitry of the various devices of the
present invention is preferably compatible with the X10 protocol as
well as the more advanced EIA-600 protocol described more fully
below.) The PLC devices 52, 54 and 56 receive commands and/or data
from the controllers 50 and 60 and transmit status information to
the controllers 50 and 60. The functions of the various PLC devices
and the messaging used in the system of the present invention will
be described more fully below.
[0028] The exemplary system of FIG. 1 may also include a heating,
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system 85 which includes a
PLC interface and is thus capable of sending and receiving commands
and data over the power lines 27. The HVAC system 85 may be coupled
to a thermostat 78 which includes a PLC interface or a wireless
interface, described below, for communicating within a system of
the present invention.
[0029] The exemplary system of FIG. 1 comprises a further device 70
which includes two interfaces: a PLC interface for communicating
with other PLC devices over the power lines 27, and a wireless
interface for communicating with one or more devices that are not
powered via the power lines 27 and thus lack PLC interfaces. (The
latter devices will be referred to as wireless devices.) The device
70 acts a bridge between the PLC devices and the wireless devices,
thereby allowing them to communicate with each other. (The device
70 will therefore be referred to as a PLC/wireless bridge.)
[0030] The exemplary system of FIG. 1 includes several wireless
devices: a foot scale 72, smoke detectors 74, and a blood pressure
monitor 76. The wireless devices 72, 74, and 76 communicate with
the bridge device 70 over a wireless link. In a preferred
embodiment, such a link uses radio frequency (RF) signals, although
other wireless technologies such as infrared (IR) may also be used.
RF is preferred since it does not require an unobstructed
line-of-sight path between the transmitting and receiving devices
thereby affording greater freedom in the placement of devices.
[0031] The exemplary system of FIG. 1 also includes an interface
device 58 for interfacing devices such as personal computers (PC)
to the system of the present invention. The interface device 58
comprises a PLC interface and a further interface, such as an
RS-232 serial interface, for coupling to a conventional PC 59. Thus
coupled to the system, the PC 59 can act as a system controller.
Like the console 50 and the alarm clock 60, the PC 59 may also be
linked to an external communications network over telephone lines,
cable, or the like.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
device 200 in accordance with the present invention for use in a
system of the present invention. The exemplary device of FIG. 2
represents a generic device or appliance typically having a
superset of the functionality that may be found in any one device.
Generally, each of the aforementioned devices or appliances can be
implemented with a subset of the functional blocks shown in FIG.
2.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, each device 200 includes a central
processing unit (CPU) 220; a read-only memory (ROM) 222;
non-volatile memory 224, such as electrically-erasable programmable
ROM (E2PROM) or flash memory; random access memory (RAM) 226; and
some form of input/output (I/O) controller 228 coupled to one or
more of a set of sensors 230, actuators 240, switches 250,
indicators 260 and sound generating devices 265. The capacities and
capabilities of the various components and the mix and function of
the sensors, actuators, switches and indicators will depend on the
device represented by the block diagram of FIG. 2. For example, an
exemplary embodiment of the mixer appliance 52 includes several
buttons, a multi-segment LCD display, a dial, whose position is
detected by a rotary encoder, a current sensor (for sensing the
torque applied by the mixing motor), a variable speed motor
controller, and a plurality of load cells for measuring weight.
[0034] The CPU 220, ROM 222, E2PROM 224, RAM 226 and I/O block 228
can be implemented as a combination of one or more discrete
components or with a single-chip micro-controller 205 such as those
of the Z8 series manufactured by Zilog Corporation. Some devices,
such as the console 50, described more fully below, may include
mass storage 229 with fixed and/or removable storage media (e.g.,
hard drive, CDROM, floppy disk, DVD, etc.) or the like. The blocks
220-229 are coupled to and intercommunicate over a bi-directional
bus 215 in a known way.
[0035] Devices of the present invention that are powered from
household power (e.g., 110 VAC) or are otherwise coupled to the
power lines 27 (i.e., the aforementioned PLC devices) comprise PLC
interface circuitry 210. The PLC interface 210 couples to the power
lines 27 via a conventional power connector 202. The interface 210
is coupled to the bus 215 and communicates with the other blocks in
the device 200 which are coupled to the bus. The PLC interface
circuitry 210 can be implemented using an SSC P300 integrated
circuit (IC), available from Intellon Corporation of Ocala, Fla.
Other implementations for the PLC interface are possible, although
it is preferable that the PLC interface comply with an industry
standard such as the EIA-600 standard (or "CE Bus" standard). The
EIA-600 standard PLC interface provides 9.6-19.2 Kbaud,
bi-directional communication over standard household power wiring.
In an exemplary system of the present invention, the data rate is
9.6 Kbaud, although rates as low as 1.2 Kbaud may be used. The
EIA-600 standard also provides higher level messaging functions
using a Common Application Language (CAL).
[0036] The aforementioned wireless devices 70-78 comprise an RF
interface 270 and/or an IR interface 280, depending on the wireless
technology employed. The RF interface 270 may be bi-directional or,
in order to limit power consumption, unidirectional (i.e.,
transmit-only), and can be implemented in a known way. In the case
of a unidirectional RF interface 270, it may be desirable to also
include an IR interface 280 which is at least capable of receiving.
As described more fully below, the wireless devices 70-78 can use
such an interface to receive programming information upon initial
setup. Moreover, an IR interface 280 can be included in any device
(PLC or wireless) to allow the device to communicate with other
devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) or telephones
having IR interfaces. It may also be desirable to provide some
devices with a docking interface 290 for devices such as PDAs. For
example, with a PDA port 290 (or IR interface 280) the mixer 52 can
be controlled directly from a PDA either in a manual mode (e.g.,
with the PDA acting as the mixer's control panel) or in an
automatic mode (e.g., with the mixer executing a recipe downloaded
from the PDA). This capability would allow an appliance of
otherwise conventional functionality to greatly expand its
capabilities. A device with a PDA coupled thereto (either directly
or by a wireless link) may also act as a system controller.
[0037] Devices such as the kitchen console 50 and alarm clock 60
that are capable of external data communication include a modem
212, or the like, for communicating over the medium of choice
(e.g., telephone, cable, wireless).
[0038] While each of the appliances of the present invention, such
as the mixer 52, coffee maker 54, electric blanket 56, alarm clock
60, scale 72, smoke detector 74 and blood pressure monitor 76, are
capable of operating individually in a stand-alone mode, adding an
additional device of the present invention, such as a console 50,
to the same household creates a control and communications system
which provides substantially enhanced functionality and
capabilities. A user may thus, for example, first purchase a coffee
maker 54 and then add a console 50 or alarm clock 60. When a
controller 50, 59, 60 and another PLC device are plugged into the
power lines 27 of a household 10, an appliance communication and
control system is thus formed, in accordance with the present
invention. When a PLC/wireless bridge 70 is added, a mix of
wireless components 72, 74, 76 can also be included in the
system.
[0039] An exemplary procedure for setting up a system and adding
devices to a system in accordance with the present invention will
now be described with reference to FIG. 3.
[0040] When a controller, such as the console 50 or the alarm clock
60, is plugged into the power lines 27 of a house 10, it will first
perform a search (step 302) for other controllers 50, 59, 60, that
may be plugged into the power lines of the house. If the controller
50, 59, 60 determines (step 303) that there are no other
controllers plugged into the power lines 27 of the house 10, it
will select a house code (step 304) for the house 10 and proceed to
search for other PLC devices (step 306) that may already be in the
house (operating as stand-alone appliances) but that have not yet
been enabled or programmed for communication over the system of the
present invention. PLC devices in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention that are powered and operating will
periodically emit identifying information (e.g., model number and
serial number). The controller 50, 59, 60 will monitor the PLC
interface for such identifying information (step 306). If the
controller 50, 59, 60 detects valid identifying information that it
has not detected before (step 307), thereby indicating the
detection of a new device, it will provide the new device with the
house code (step 308). The new device will store the house code in
its non-volatile memory and preferably acknowledge this event with
an appropriate message to the controller 50, 59, 60. Within the
acknowledgement or a subsequent message, the new device may also
provide the controller 50, 59, 60 with any relevant additional data
for the device (e.g., software version, register contents,
configuration information, etc.) The controller 50, 59, 60 will
then enter the device information (e.g., serial number, model
number, software version, etc.) into a database in its non-volatile
memory. Some device information need not be stored at the
controller, however, since it can be queried at any time the device
is coupled to the system. For example, it may not be cost or space
efficient or useful to store the software versions and
manufacturing lot numbers of the appliances in each controller, but
the information will still be available at the appliance and can be
retrieved as needed.
[0041] Once a device has been programmed with a house code, it will
respond only to messages that reference that house code. Moreover,
messages originating from the device will reference the house code
stored in the device. Any further messages communicated between the
controller 50, 59, 60 and the device must include the correct house
code or else they are ignored by the recipient.
[0042] By storing the house code in non-volatile memory, an
appliance may be removed and reconnected to a system of the present
invention and it will retain its associated house code. For
example, a stand mixer 52 is often kept under the counter and
plugged in only when needed. It will keep its house code so that it
does not need to be reinstalled in the home system every time it is
plugged in. If the house code stored in an appliance is to be
changed, the user, in an exemplary embodiment, must initiate a
reset sequence to clear out the old house code, such as by pressing
and holding a certain button or buttons while the device is
powered. This would restore the appliance to its default state
(i.e., as from the factory), ready to be reinstalled in the same or
a different home with a different house code.
[0043] Because multiple homes may be coupled to the same power
distribution trunks 25, as shown in FIG. 1, it is possible for PLC
signals from one house 10 to propagate to another house 90 coupled
to the same power distribution trunks 25. By thus assigning a house
code to the devices within each house, in accordance with the
present invention, a device within a house will communicate only
with a controller within the same house and not with controllers
located in other houses coupled to the same power distribution
trunks 25. This arrangement prevents a controller 92 or a PLC
appliance 94 located in a house 90 from communicating with the
controllers or appliances of the house 10, and vice versa.
[0044] If a newly added controller 50, 59, 60, detects that there
is another controller already in the system (step 303), the newly
added controller obtains the house code from the established
controller, stores the house code in its non-volatile memory and
uses the house code in its communications, as in the case of any
newly added PLC device.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment of a method for adding an
appliance or a controller to a system of the present invention, an
already installed controller is placed in a search mode that looks
for new appliances and controllers in the home. This special mode
times out after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 minutes)
within which the user would have to plug in or activate the new
appliance or controller. The likelihood of a neighboring system
having one of its controllers in that mode at the same time is
extremely low, in which case the neighboring controllers would not
detect any one else's appliances as they are installed. In the
unlikely case that two buildings having sufficient electrical
connection to detect each others signals and each had a controller
in the same search mode at the same time, then the controllers
would both show any appliance newly installed in either system
during the time period of the search mode. In this embodiment, the
user is required to confirm the addition of each new appliance by
pressing a button or taking a similar action at the controller. If
a user nonetheless accidentally programs an appliance in a
neighbor's house to be part of his system, then the user could have
control of that appliance until the real owner corrected the
problem. Presumably the real owner would immediately be aware of
the mistake, since his controller would not be able to find the new
appliance (since it attached and configured to the neighbor's house
code). He would then be directed (e.g., by the instruction manual
or on-line instructions provided by the controller) to initiate a
house code reset in the appliance and to try again. This would
clear the neighbor's house code from his appliance and allow him to
correctly configure it for his home.
[0046] The communication and house code setup described above would
apply equally to the addition of new controllers into a home. In
addition to the original controller telling the new controller what
the house code should be, it could also transfer
controller-specific information such as information about
user-selected identifiers for each of the appliances in a home. For
example, an internal table could relate the serial number of each
smoke alarm to a room (basement, garage, hallway, etc.) Also,
multiple appliances of the same type may be described by use or
owner, such as with "his" and "hers" coffee makers that might be
loaded with different types of coffee.
[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary procedure for adding a new
appliance to an already operational system of the present
invention. To initiate the addition of a new appliance, the user
preferably puts the controller 50, 59, 60 into a search mode (steps
322). The user then powers the new device (step 324) which then
begins to transmit its identifying information (e.g. model number
and serial number)(step 326). The controller 50, 59, 60 monitors
the PLC interface (step 306) and proceeds as described above if a
new device is detected. The controller 50, 59, 60 will stay in the
search mode for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 min) and
then return to normal operation (step 309).
[0048] In an alternative embodiment, a newly added device can
initiate this procedure without requiring the user to place the
controller 50, 59, 60 in a search mode. This may create the problem
however, of causing a controller in a neighboring building to
inadvertently add the new device to the neighbor's system. In this
case, before the controller provides the new device with the house
code, the user can be asked to confirm this operation by manually
entering the device's serial number into the controller. The
controller then checks the user-entered serial number against the
serial number received from the new device and if there is a match,
will proceed to add the new device to its database and to provide
the new device with the house code.
[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the initial programming of
wireless devices such as the scale 72, smoke detector 74 and BP
monitor 76 is handled primarily by the PLC/wireless bridge device
70. In this embodiment, the bridge device 70 programs the newly
added wireless device with the house code and wireless
communications channel information via an IR interface, as
described more fully below. The newly added wireless device
confirms its initialization by transmitting its identifying
information (e.g., serial and model numbers) along with the house
code to the bridge device 70. The bridge device 70, in turn, via
the PLC interface, informs the system controller of the new
wireless device and provides to the system controller the
identifying information for the newly added wireless device. The
controller then adds the new wireless device to its database.
[0050] During normal operation, the controller 50, 59, 60 will
periodically broadcast (e.g., hourly, daily) a supervisory message
to all of the devices on the system (step 312). In addition to the
house code and other system-specific information, the supervisory
message preferably includes the current time and date. A properly
operating device will reply to the supervisory message. Devices
which include a clock function can use the time and date broadcast
in the supervisory message to synchronize their clocks. If the
controller 50, 59, 60 determines (step 314) that one or more
devices listed in its database as active did not reply to the
supervisory message, the controller will assume that the
non-responding devices were removed from the system and thus remove
those devices from its database (step 316). Preferably, the
controller 50, 59, 60 maintains a log of devices that are removed
from the system including the time and date of removal. When a
safety device such as a smoke detector 74 or the like is removed,
the controller preferably generates an alert to inform the
user.
[0051] The action the controller takes when a previously logged
appliance is absent from the system preferably depends on the
appliance. A safety or security related device such as a smoke
alarm or motion sensor may warrant the controller setting off an
alarm or other more urgent notification. An appliance that is
expected to be removed and reconnected regularly, such as the stand
mixer, may simply be displayed on the controller with its current
connection status only when the user causes the controller to enter
a status display mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller
will rely on the user to tell it to remove a non-connected device
from its internal databases, in most cases. For example, if a smoke
detector has failed and must be discarded, the controller will
detect the smoke detector's absence and can provide an indication
to the user. The user may then be required to confirm that the
device should be permanently removed from the system. This can be
either by a user initiated command, or by a user response to a
controller's query, e.g. a display of the question "HALLWAY smoke
alarm not detected. Remove from system permanently?".
[0052] A further procedure may be used to add conventional devices,
such as X-10 devices, to a system of the present invention. With
such devices, a house and a device code are manually selected at
each device. Being listen-only, such devices do not broadcast their
code settings. When adding such a device to a system of the present
invention, the user manually enters the house and device codes
selected on the device into the system controller. The system
controller then uses those codes when communicating with that
device (e.g., using the X-10 protocol).
Intelligent Appliances and Devices
[0053] Each of the devices and appliances mentioned above will now
be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 4 through
17.
PLC Appliances and Devices
[0054] KITCHEN CONSOLE
[0055] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a console 50, in
accordance with the present invention. The console 50 comprises a
housing 405 which houses the circuitry of the console including a
touchscreen display 410. The touchscreen display 410 can be
implemented using conventional components, such as a 12" diagonal,
800.times.600 resolution, back-lit, color, liquid crystal display
(LCD) with a touch-sensitive array overlaid thereon. In an
alternative embodiment, the console 50 may be provided with a
keyboard and/or a pointing device such as a mouse or track ball
(not shown) in addition to or as alternatives to the touchscreen.
Since the console 50 will likely be used in a kitchen, it is
preferable that the console be easy to clean and be resistant to
the often harsh conditions prevalent in a kitchen setting.
[0056] The exemplary console 50 is provided with a power cord and
connector 202 and a telephone cord and connector 213. The housing
may include an opening 407 for inserting removable storage media
229, such as a CDROM, DVD, floppy disk, or smart card into the
console.
[0057] The touchscreen display 410 may display a multitude of
images and combinations thereof such as one or more softkeys 412,
static or moving images 414 or other display elements 416 such as
advertising, promotional offers, or blocks of information such as
weather, news headlines, stock tickers, or the like. Depending on
the nature of the display element, pressing the touchscreen at the
display element can provide additional information or initiate
further actions. For example, a display element 416 may display an
offer of a discount coupon. By pressing on the display element, the
discount coupon can be added to an electronic shopping list
maintained by the console 50.
[0058] It should be noted that a similar user interface can be
provided with a PC 59 coupled to the system of the present
invention. In that case, a mouse and keyboard would most likely be
used in place of the touch-sensitive screen.
[0059] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the major functional
elements of the circuitry of the console 50. In an exemplary
embodiment, the CPU is a Pentium class processor, from Intel
Corporation, 64 MB of RAM 226 and 1 KB of NVM are included. Mass
storage 229 comprises a 6 GB hard drive and a CD-ROM drive. The I/O
block 228 comprises a video control circuit, for driving the LCD
261, a touchscreen scanning circuit for detecting presses of the
touchscreen array 251 and a sound control circuit for driving a
sound generating device 265, such as a loudspeaker, piezoelectric
element or the like. The sound generating device 265 is used to
produce various sounds such as alarms, prompts, key clicks, etc. or
to reproduce voice or music. Each of the aforementioned blocks can
be implemented using known devices.
[0060] The console 50 includes a PLC interface 210 and may also
include an RF interface 270 and/or an IR interface 280.
[0061] A modem 212 is included to allow the console to communicate
over conventional telephone lines. In an alternate embodiment, the
modem itself may be a PLC device, accessible to other PLC devices,
such as the console 50, via the PLC interface. The kitchen console
50 may also include a telephone and/or speakerphone (not shown) for
voice communications over the telephone lines.
[0062] As discussed, the console 50 serves as a controller in an
appliance communication and control system of the present
invention. In addition to providing a user interface, the console
50 also provides a communications interface to external networks,
such as the Internet, via its telephone connection. In a typical
application, the console 50 can be used, for example, to browse the
Internet for recipes. The recipes can be displayed on the
touchscreen 410 with each recipe step having an associated softkey
412 that the user can press to request additional information
(e.g., ingredient substitutions) or to indicate that the associated
step has been completed. The console 50 can also provide the
recipes to other devices in the system, such as the mixer 52. As
explained more fully below, the mixer 52 can display the recipe
steps and execute mixing functions in accordance with the recipe
steps.
[0063] As a system controller, the console 50 maintains identifying
and status information for each of the devices coupled to the
system. The console 50 can thus be used to display status
information for the various devices in the system. For example, if
the coffee maker 54 has completed a brew cycle, it can send a
message to the console 50 informing it of this event. The console
50 can then display a graphic indicating that the coffee maker 54
is ready to serve coffee.
[0064] In addition to device status and identifying information,
the controller can also maintain a log of any error messages or
alarms generated by the controller or a device.
[0065] Moreover, the various devices and/or the controller can
maintain usage information, e.g., button presses, operational
cycles, etc. For example, the coffee maker 54 can keep track of the
number of presses of each button on its control panel, the start
and end times of each brew cycle, etc. This information can be
maintained locally at the appliance and uploaded to the controller
periodically or upon demand.
[0066] Additionally, the controller (e.g. console 50) can supply
the system information remotely. This ability is helpful, for
example, when obtaining customer support for an installed system.
By uploading the system information to the customer support system,
a customer representative can be provided with the system
information conveniently and accurately during a customer service
call. Furthermore, the customer support system may also be able to
run diagnostic tests remotely on a customer's system and to
download the latest software for each appliance. The appliance
usage information is also valuable in determining how the
appliances are being used, thereby giving insights as to how they
can be improved or modified.
[0067] The console 50 by virtue of its external connectivity
provides a point through which the system of the present invention
can be monitored and controlled remotely. For example, by accessing
the console 50 over the internet or by telephone, a user can obtain
the status of the various devices and appliances within the system.
By the same connection, the user can also control the various
devices and appliances. For example, a user can dial the console 50
and reset the brewing start time of the coffee maker 54 or activate
a preheat feature of the heating blanket 56. The user can also
query the system to determine whether any appliance or device has
been activated or used during a specified period.
[0068] Remote access to the system of the present invention via a
system controller, such as the console 50, is preferably secured
such as by requiring the user to enter a password. Local access and
activation of the system can also be controlled by password. For
example, an authorized user can lock or disable selected appliances
of the system so as to disable their operation for a preselected
period of time or until the correct password is provided to the
system. Such a locking function can be performed remotely, at the
system controller or at each appliance. The user can also assign
one or more temporary access passwords which allow temporary access
to or activation of all or some of the system appliances. Such a
feature is useful, for example, where the user would allow cleaning
personnel to use the coffee maker 54 between the expected working
hours but would not allow the cleaning personnel to use the mixer
or the kitchen console 50. The user can also access the system to
determine if and when the temporary access password has been
entered.
[0069] The system of the present invention, via the console 50, or
other such system controller, can interact with networks such as
the Internet in context-specific and targeted modes that are
heretofore unprecedented. Via the console 50, the system of the
present invention can browse the Internet and access information
therefrom as a function of the operational state of the system
and/or of information gathered by the system. For example, when a
user is accessing a recipe on a recipe website, the user can add
all or some of the listed ingredients to a shopping list by
pressing the touchscreen next to or on the respective ingredients.
Selected ingredients may also have manufacturers' discount coupons
attached thereto. Once completed, the user can electronically send
the shopping list, with coupons, to an on-line grocer for
processing, payment and delivery. The list can also be printed at a
printer coupled to the system (e.g., via the PC 59) or uploaded to
a PDA via the IR interface 280 or other serial data interface of
the console 50. Once in the PDA, the list can then be downloaded to
a receiving system at a grocery store for processing.
[0070] The system of the present invention can also provide a
valuable targeted marketing function. In addition to the
aforementioned coupon scenario, the system controller, such as the
console 50, can receive and display advertising and promotional
information which can be tailored to a specific task being carried
out by a user with the system of the present invention. For
example, when the user is programming the coffee maker 54, the
console 50 can download or display a previously downloaded
advertisement (preferably downloaded during low network usage
hours) for a particular brand of coffee which may also include an
electronic coupon. If the user wishes to purchase the item, he can
add it to a shopping list, as described above. In another exemplary
scenario, if weight measurements uploaded from the scale 72 to the
console 50 suggest a significant weight increase, the console can
download suggestions for dietetic food or an advertisement for a
health spa. Preferably, the provision of such information and
advertising can be controlled by the user.
[0071] The console 50 can also provide a variety of additional
functions. For example, the console can serve as a home organizer
or household information center, storing and displaying messages,
reminders, telephone numbers and addresses. The console 50 can also
be programmed to search for and download news and information such
as sports and weather reports with pre-programmed "hot keys" for
selected websites. Periodically updated information such as news
can preferably be downloaded during low traffic hours and
presenting later on request. The console 50 may also provide
personalized "homepages" for each of multiple users for storing and
providing restricted access to personal information such as memos
and weight and blood pressure information obtained from the scale
72 and BP monitor 76.
[0072] ALARM CLOCK
[0073] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of an alarm clock 60,
in accordance with the present invention. As mentioned, the alarm
clock 60, like the console 50, can act as a system controller. A
system in accordance with the present invention may have multiple
controllers, although the various controllers may have different
capabilities and features. Whereas the console 50 will typically be
located in a kitchen, the alarm clock 60 will typically be located
in a bedroom.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 6, the clock 60 comprises a housing 605,
which houses the circuitry of the clock, a display 610 and buttons
607 and 622-626. The exemplary alarm clock 60 is provided with a
power cord and connector 202 and a telephone cord and connector
213. The housing 605 may comprise an opening (not shown) for a
sound generating device such as a speaker.
[0075] The display 610 may comprise a time display field 614, with
a set of seven-segment digit elements, a plurality of fixed
graphics 616 which can be selectively enabled and a bit-mapped
display field 618. A wide variety of display layouts and elements
are possible. For example, in an alternate embodiment, the
seven-segment digit elements can be replaced with a graphic
representation of an analog-type clock face. The display 610 can be
implemented in a known way using LCD technology and is preferably
back-lit.
[0076] The buttons 622-626 are used to move a cursor and/or
navigate through graphics, menus, etc. displayed on the display
610. The buttons 607 are used for conventional alarm clock
functions such as snooze, alarm set, etc.
[0077] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the major functional
elements of the clock 60. A modem 212, or the like, is included to
allow the clock to communicate over telephone lines. A PLC
interface 210 allows the clock to communicate with other PLC
devices over power lines. The microcontroller 205 controls the
display 610 and receives inputs from the buttons 607 and 622-626.
The alarm clock 60 may also include an IR interface 280 for
communicating with wireless devices. A sound generating device 265,
such as a loudspeaker, piezoelectric element or the like, is
controlled by the microcontroller 205 to produce various sounds
such as alarms, prompts, key clicks, etc. The alarm clock 60 may
also include a radio circuit (not shown) so as to act as an alarm
clock radio.
[0078] As discussed, the clock 60 may operate in a stand-alone
capacity as an alarm clock or may serve as a controller in an
appliance communication and control system of the present
invention. As a controller, the clock 60 performs many of the same
functions as the console 50. In addition to providing a user
interface, the clock 60, like the console 50, provides a
communications interface to external networks, such as the
telephone network and the Internet, via its telephone connection.
Among other functions, the alarm clock 60 can obtain the correct
time and software updates by dialing a predetermined telephone
number or accessing an appropriate website upon start-up and/or
periodically. Once it has obtained the correct time, the alarm
clock 60 can cause all of the other devices in the system with
clock functions (e.g., coffee maker, stand mixer) to set their
clocks accordingly.
[0079] Like the console 50, the alarm clock 60, as a system
controller preferably has extensive communications capabilities.
For example, the alarm clock 60 can preferably be accessed directly
over the Internet, it can generate and transmit e-mail alerts over
the Internet, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the alarm clock 60
can access the Internet through a portal that supports a lower
level protocol, performs the translations required to access the
desired information on the Internet through higher level protocols
such as TCP/IP, HTML and the like, and also packages gathered
information in a form that is most appropriate to send back to the
alarm clock. This is similar to what has already been done to
support small screen devices such as the 3Com Palm VII which has a
cellular wireless Internet connection capability.
[0080] The clock 60 can also be used to display status information
for the various devices in the system. For example, if the battery
level of a smoke detector 74 has fallen below a safe level, a
status message will be sent from the smoke detector (via the
PLC/wireless bridge 70) to the clock 60 informing the clock of this
condition. The clock 60 can then display a graphic on the display
610 indicating that a smoke detector needs new batteries and
identifying the particular smoke detector.
[0081] In another typical application, for example, if a smoke
detector 74 has detected the presence of smoke, an alarm message
will be sent from the smoke detector (via the PLC/wireless bridge
70) to the clock 60 informing the clock of this condition. The
clock 60 can then display a graphic on the display 610 indicating
that a smoke detector has been activated and identifying the
particular smoke detector. The alarm clock 60 can also generate an
alarm, synthesized voice message, or the like via its speaker 265.
In addition, the alarm clock 60 may place a telephone call to one
or more pre-programmed telephone numbers (e.g., monitoring service,
user's cell phone) with a synthesized voice message (or coded
digital data, if dialing into an automated monitoring service)
informing the called party of the alarm condition.
[0082] The alarm clock 60 can also perform some of the
informational and organizational functions described above in
connection with the kitchen console 50, to the extent allowed by
the alarm clock's more limited capabilities. For example, the alarm
clock 60 can provide access to a proprietary news service, whereby
news headlines of interest to the user, local weather and traffic
conditions, etc. could be downloaded by the clock during the night
so that the user can quickly browse this information on the clock
display in the morning upon waking. Furthermore, the clock can
modify its or the system's operation in accordance with the
information received. For example, if weather or traffic conditions
indicate a longer than normal commute time for the user, the alarm
clock can be programmed to automatically wake the user earlier to
still be able to arrive at work on time. The alarm clock 60 can
also be programmed to advance the activation of the coffee maker
54, accordingly.
[0083] COFFEE MAKER
[0084] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
coffee maker 54 in accordance with the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 8, the coffee maker 54 comprises a PLC interface 210
coupled to a microcontroller 205. The microcontroller 205 receives
inputs from a set of buttons or switches 252, and controls a
display 262.
[0085] As with conventional coffee makers, the coffee maker 54
comprises a heater 810 and a water reservoir 820. The heater 810 is
powered by heater control circuitry 242 which is controlled by the
microcontroller 205. The reservoir 820 is provided with a water
sensor 232. The water sensor 232 senses whether there is a
predetermined quantity of water in the reservoir 820. The sensor
232 can be implemented in a variety of known ways (e.g.,
capacitive, conductive, etc.) The sensor 232 is preferably placed
at a level in the reservoir 820 which ensures that a desired
minimum amount of water (e.g., four cups) is present in the
reservoir 820 before a brew cycle is initiated.
[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 232 comprises two
electrical conductors that project into the reservoir 820. The
impedance between the conductors varies depending on the presence
of water at the conductors. A circuit 235 senses the impedance
across the two conductors and provides a binary signal to the
microcontroller 205 in accordance with the sensed impedance. The
binary signal thus provides an indication of the absence or
presence of water in the reservoir 820.
[0087] In accordance with messages received via the PLC interface,
the microcontroller 205 of the coffee maker can control the
activation or deactivation of the heater 810, thus controlling the
start or finish of a brewing cycle. Via the PLC interface, the
coffee maker 54 can be commanded to immediately begin or end a brew
cycle or it may be commanded to begin or end a brew cycle at a
specified future time.
[0088] The microcontroller 205 can transmit messages via the PLC
interface 210 indicating the progress of a brewing cycle and the
presence of water in the water reservoir 820.
[0089] Before initiating a brewing cycle, the coffee maker 54
preferably will take into account the status of the water
reservoir. If the coffee maker 54 receives a command via the PLC
interface to begin a brewing cycle while the sensor 232 indicates
that the reservoir does not contain a minimum amount of water
(e.g., four cups), the microcontroller 205 can override the command
and keep the heater 810 off. The coffee maker 54 can also transmit
a message to the system controller (e.g., console 50) indicating
that the water reservoir 820 does not contain the minimum quantity
of water and that the requested brew cycle will not be initiated.
The system controller, in turn, can indicate the low-water
condition to the user, thereby prompting the user to refill the
reservoir 820. Once the reservoir is refilled, the brewing cycle
request can be automatically reinstated or the user can be required
to request the brewing cycle anew.
[0090] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the coffee maker 54
may be coupled to a water source, such as a household water supply
line, and may draw water as needed. If the coffee maker receives a
command to begin a brew cycle (immediately or at a future time) and
the water level in the reservoir is low, the coffee maker can draw
water from the supply line to fill the reservoir before beginning
the brew cycle. In this embodiment, a solenoid valve (not shown) or
the like is included between the water source and the reservoir 820
and is controlled by the microcontroller 205. A second water sensor
(not shown) is preferably included at or near the top of the water
reservoir 820 and is coupled to the microcontroller 205 so as to
inform the microcontroller when the reservoir 820 is full and thus
to shut off the solenoid valve.
[0091] In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the coffee maker 54
may comprise means for detecting the presence of grounds in the
brew basket and for determining if the grounds have already been
used. Such means can include a sensor for weighing the brew basket.
A brew basket containing used grounds, which are typically wet,
weighs more than the brew basket with dry, unused grounds, which in
turn weighs more than the brew basket when empty. By thus weighing
the brew basket, a determination can be made as to the presence and
state (e.g., wet or dry) of grounds in the brew basket.
[0092] As with other appliances in accordance with the present
invention, the coffee maker 54 can also be operated in a stand
alone mode. A control panel comprising buttons 252 and a display
262 are used for this purpose and thus provide a standard set of
functions such as a timer/clock, "ON/OFF", "set delayed brew time",
etc. The display 262 may also be used to display status information
(e.g. "BREW LATER", "ADD WATER"). The buttons 252 can also be used
to override remote PLC control of the coffee maker 54 or to
re-program the coffee maker locally.
[0093] An additional indicator 253 (or the display 262) can be used
to indicate the communications status of the coffee maker 54 over
the PLC interface. If there is a controller 50, 59, 60 present on
the same wiring 27, the microcontroller 205 will turn on the
indicator 253. During actual communication, the microcontroller 205
can cause the indicator 253 to flash. The microcontroller 205 will
keep the indicator 253 off if there is no system controller 50, 59,
60 present or if there is an error condition. If there is an error
condition, additional information can be provided by the display
262 or on the display of the system controller.
[0094] MIXER
[0095] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 10 are directed to an exemplary embodiment
of a mixer appliance 52 in accordance with the present
invention.
[0096] FIG. 9A shows an exemplary control panel 520 for a mixer
appliance 52 of the present invention. The control panel 520
comprises a display 561, one or more indicators 562, a plurality of
buttons 551 and a dial 553. The mixer 52 can be controlled entirely
from the control panel 520, as in a stand-alone mode, from the
console 50, as in a control and communications system of the
present invention, or via an IR interface 280. The IR interface 280
can be used, for example, to communicate with a PDA. The mixer 52
can also operate in an automatic or manual mode from either the
control panel 520 or from the console 50. Typically, however, the
mixer 52 will be operated in a manual mode from the control panel
520 and automatically from the console 50.
[0097] A schematic block diagram of an exemplary circuit for a
mixer appliance 52 is shown in FIG. 10. Like other PLC appliances
of the present invention, the mixer 52 comprises a microcontroller
205 coupled to a PLC interface 210. The microcontroller 205 is
coupled to and controls the display 561 and indicators 562 on the
mixer's control panel 520. The microcontroller 205 is also coupled
to and receives inputs from the buttons 551 and the dial 553 on the
mixer's control panel. The position of the dial 553 can be detected
using a variety of known techniques, such as optical encoding. An
encoder 555 is coupled to the microcontroller 205 to provide an
indication of the position of the dial 553.
[0098] The mixer 52 comprises a motor 525 for driving one or more
mixing blades 527, or the like, for processing food material in the
mixing bowl 530. The motor 525 is driven by a motor control and
monitoring circuit 241 under the control of the microcontroller
205. In an exemplary embodiment, the motor 525 is an alternating
current (AC) motor. The motor control circuit 241 monitors the
speed of the motor 525 via a tachometer input provided by a sensing
device 243, such as a hall effect device. In accordance with
control signals from the microcontroller 205, the motor control
circuit 241 controls the speed of rotation of the motor 525 by
varying the duty cycle over which power is applied to the motor.
The motor control circuit 241 also includes current and back-EMF
sensing circuitry to determine the load and torque being produced
by the motor. This motor control circuit 241 generates a digital
signal indicative of the torque, which signal is provided to the
microcontroller 205. The speed control and torque sensing features
of the control circuit 241 can be implemented in known ways.
[0099] The microcontroller 205 can control the mixer motor 525 in
accordance with inputs to the control panel 520, messages received
by the mixer over the PLC and IR interfaces or a program being
executed by the microcontroller. For example, a user, via the
control panel 520 can manually start or stop the mixer motor or
specify a duration of operation and can also set the speed of
operation using the dial 523. Via the control panel 520, console 50
or PDA, a user can access a timer function which allows the user to
specify a start and stop time or a start time and a duration of
operation. The timer function allows the user to set up the mixer
52 to perform a lengthy mixing process (e.g., beat eggs for 15
minutes), while freeing the user to perform other tasks without
requiring the user's attention to the state of the mixer.
[0100] Messages from the console 50 received over the PLC or IR
interface can command the mixer motor to start immediately or at
some future time or to stop immediately or at some future time, and
can also specify a speed setting (if none specified, the dial
setting or some default setting can be used). Even while the mixer
is under the control of the console 50, the dial 523 can be used to
fine-tune the speed of the mixer motor 525 about the speed
specified by the console 50. The user may override the remotely set
power level or mix timer by manually adjusting the level control or
timer settings, even while the mix cycle is progressing.
[0101] To prevent inadvertent starting of the mixer (either
remotely or locally), the mixer 52 may also be configured so as not
to allow programming of the mixer to start at some future time. It
may also be desirable not to allow any starting of the mixer
remotely, such as from the console 50.
[0102] The microcontroller 205 can also provide a soft start/stop
feature to prevent splatter and to improve the longevity of the
motor 525 and the components driven thereby. The microcontroller
205, via the control circuit 241, can gradually ramp-up or
ramp-down the speed of the motor 525 in accordance, for example,
with a speed profile stored in the mixer's memory.
[0103] Providing the microcontroller 205 with torque information
for the motor 525 allows the microcontroller to detect a variety of
conditions and to control the motor 525 accordingly. For example,
if the mixer blade 525 is jammed due to an obstruction, the current
drawn by the motor 525 will rise rapidly. Upon detecting this
condition, the microcontroller 205 can control the motor control
circuitry 241 to remove power from the motor 525.
[0104] The torque information can also be used to detect changes in
the condition of the material being mixed. For example, the mixer
52 may be in the process of executing a recipe step (e.g., "MIX
UNTIL A UNIFORM CONSISTENCY") that has been downloaded from the
console 50 to the mixer over the PLC interface or input locally via
the mixer's control panel 520. Until a uniform consistency is
achieved, the torque of the motor 525 will vary over some initial
range as the mixer blades 527 randomly encounter areas within the
material having different consistencies. Once uniform consistency
has been achieved, however, the torque of the motor 525 and thus
the current drawn by the motor will become relatively constant.
Upon detection of this condition (e.g., by comparing successive
current measurements), the microcontroller 205 can control the
motor 525 to stop.
[0105] The exemplary mixer of FIGS. 9-10 includes a weight
measurement capability. As shown in FIG. 9B, a plurality of weight
sensors 535 are arranged on the base 910 of the mixer 52. In the
exemplary embodiment shown, a sensor 535 is arranged between the
base 910 and each of four feet 915 arranged on the base 910 of the
mixer. A variety of pressure sensitive sensors such as
piezoelectric sensors, strain gauges, load cells or load cells with
integral strain gauges can be used for the sensors 535. Moreover,
different numbers of sensors (e.g., one or more) and arrangements
of sensors are possible. Known weighing arrangements and components
such as are used in conventional digital scales can also be
used.
[0106] The signals generated by the sensors 535 are processed by a
circuit 231 which generates a digital signal representative of the
weight sensed by the sensors at the base of the mixer. In an
exemplary embodiment, the circuit 231 comprises an analog
multiplexer 537 and a 22-bit A/D converter 237 which provides the
microcontroller 205 with periodic samples of the weight measured at
each of the four sensors 535. The microcontroller 205 adds the four
measurements to obtain a total weight of the mixer 52 (including
the contents of the mixing bowl 530). To reduce the effects of
mechanical and electrical noise, the microprocessor 205 preferably
adds the readings and averages and filters successive readings. The
optimum sample rate and filter specifications depend on the
mechanical and electrical specifics of the appliance.
[0107] The provision of weight information to the microcontroller
205 can be used for a variety of purposes. In one mode, a user can
initiate an operation to weigh a batch of material by pressing a
button 551 (e.g., "ON/Clear") on the control panel 520. The
microcontroller 205 determines the sensed weight at the time of the
button press (the "initial weight") and zeros the scale reading
displayed on the display 561. As the user adds the material to be
weighed to the mixing bowl 530, the display 561 provides a running
display of the currently measured weight above the zero setting
(i.e., the initial weight, the weight that was measured the last
time the "ON/Clear"button was pressed). An additional button (e.g.,
"Units") allows the user to select English or metric units of
measurement.
[0108] In another operating mode, the weighing function may be used
in carrying out a step of a recipe. For example, a recipe
downloaded from the Internet by the kitchen console 50 may include
a step such as "ADD TWO CUPS OF BROWN SUGAR". Using a database of
densities of commonly used ingredients, the kitchen console 50
looks up or calculates the weight of two cups of brown sugar and
provides that information along with the recipe step to the mixer
52 over the PLC interface. The mixer 52 may also be capable of
storing a smaller database of the more commonly used ingredients in
order to perform such a conversion calculation when used in a
stand-alone mode. Upon receiving the recipe step message from the
console 50, the mixer first obtains an initial weight measurement
using the sensors 535, and then prompts the user, via the display
561, to pour two cups of brown sugar into the mixing bowl 530. As
the user pours the brown sugar into the mixing bowl, the display
561 provides a running indication of how much of the two cups of
brown sugar the user has poured using an appropriate graphic
representation such as a bar graph, pie chart and/or a numerical
indication (e.g., percentage, weight, cups, etc.) Once the user has
added the amount called for by the recipe step (e.g., two cups), an
appropriate indication is generated to prompt the user to stop
adding more of the ingredient. For multiple ingredients, the above
procedure is repeated, with the scale zeroed between ingredients by
the user or automatically (upon reaching the specified weight).
When all ingredients called for by the recipe step have been added,
the mixer 52 can then transmit a message to the console 50 that the
recipe step has been completed. The console 50 can add a check mark
next to the completed recipe step on its display and send the next
recipe step to the mixer 52.
[0109] The weighing feature of the mixer 52 can be used for a
variety of purposes not limited to the aforementioned. For example,
with the mixing bowl removed or with an appropriately adapted tray
inserted, the mixer 52 can be used as a postal scale.
[0110] ELECTRIC BLANKET
[0111] FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of an exemplary heating
blanket appliance 56 in accordance with the present invention. The
exemplary heating blanket appliance of FIG. 11 comprises an
interface module 560, a dual-heating element blanket 1100, and two
controllers 1110, 1120, one for each heating element 1102, 1104 of
the blanket 1100. The interface module 560 comprises a PLC
interface 210, a microcontroller 205 and a heater power control
circuit 1150. The heater power control circuit 1150 controls the
application of power to each of the heating elements 1102 and 1104
in accordance with control signals from the microcontroller 205.
The microcontroller 205 can control the heating level of each
element 1102, 1104 by varying the duty cycle of the respective
control signal.
[0112] The microcontroller 205 is coupled to the controllers 1110
and 1120 and controls the heating elements 1102 and 1104 in
accordance with signals received from the controllers 1110 and
1120. In a further embodiment, the controllers 1110, 1120 (or the
alarm clock 60, when acting as a blanket controller, as described
below) may comprise temperature sensors (e.g., thermistors) to
sense ambient temperature. The ambient temperature thus sensed can
be used to maintain a more consistent temperature (particularly in
an open-loop system where the blanket does not have a temperature
sensor).
[0113] Each controller 1110, 1120 includes one or more buttons
(e.g., ON/OFF, PREHEAT) and/or a dial 252 for controlling the
activation and the temperature setting of the respective heating
element 1102, 1104. Each controller also includes a display 262 and
logic circuitry 1115. The display 262 can be implemented with a
back-lit LCD. The logic circuitry 1115 monitors the states of the
buttons and dial 252 and controls the display 262 in accordance
with the states of buttons and dial 252 and/or in accordance with
signals from the interface module 560. Thus, for example, the
display 262 can be used to display a desired temperature setting as
selected with the dial. The logic circuitry 1115 also communicates
the button and dial information to the microcontroller 205 which
controls the heater power control circuitry 1150 accordingly.
[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the controllers 1110, 1120 are
each coupled to the interface module 560 via a four-wire "I2C"
serial interface (power, data, clock and ground), although a
wireless interface (e.g., RF, IR) can also be used. Advantageously,
since the controllers do not require a substantial amount of power,
the four-wire interface can be implemented with thin wire. The
logic circuitry 1115 can be implemented using discrete logic
components, a logic ASIC or a simple microcontroller.
[0115] The microcontroller 205 can send and receive messages from a
system controller, such as the alarm clock 60, via the PLC
interface 210. The microcontroller 205 can thus communicate to the
alarm clock 60 the activation state (i.e., on or off) of each
heating element 1102, 1104 and the temperature setting of each. The
alarm clock 60 can display the state and setting of each heating
blanket element. The system controller 50, 59, 60 can also use the
electric blanket activation and setting information, for example,
to control a thermostat 78 of the HVAC system so as to reduce the
ambient heat when the electric blanket heating elements are on, or
vice versa. Conversely, the system controller can use temperature
and activation information from the thermostat 78 to control the
activation and/or setting of the electric blanket heating elements.
In a further embodiment, the electric blanket interface unit 560
can communicate directly with the thermostat 78 (e.g., via an RF
link) without the need for a system controller.
[0116] The microcontroller 205 can also control the heating
elements 1102, 1104 in accordance with command messages received
from the alarm clock 60. The command messages can specify that each
element 1102, 1104 be turned on or off immediately or at some
future time and can also specify the level at which to set each
element. The controllers 1110 and 1120 thus can be eliminated and
the user can input the desired heating blanket settings at the
alarm clock 60.
[0117] In a preferred embodiment, the heating blanket appliance 56
includes a pre-heat feature for each of the heating elements 1102,
1104. When the pre-heat feature is activated for a heating element,
the respective heating element is energized at an elevated level
(e.g., maximum, or several steps above the last setting) for a
selected time period. At the end of this time period, the heating
element will be energized at its selected setting as set via the
respective controller 1110, 1120 or via the alarm clock 60. The
pre-heat feature can be activated by pressing a dedicated button
252 on a controller 1110, 1120 or via the alarm clock 60. In an
exemplary embodiment, the duration of the pre-heat time period can
be selected by repeatedly pressing the pre-heat key on the
controller 1110, 1120 causing the display on the controller to step
through a sequence of time choices until the desired choice is
displayed.
Wireless Appliances and Devices
[0118] PLC/WIRELESS BRIDGE
[0119] FIG. 12 shows the block diagram of an exemplary embodiment
of a PLC/wireless bridge device 70. As described above, the
PLC/wireless bridge 70 allows wireless devices such as the scale
72, the smoke detector 74 and the blood pressure monitor 76 to
communicate with PLC devices, such as the system controllers 50,
59, 60. The exemplary PLC/wireless bridge 70 of FIG. 12 comprises
an RF interface 270 and a PLC interface 210, each coupled to a
microcontroller 205. The RF interface 270 can be implemented using
a frequency-hopping spread-spectrum IC available from Zilog
Corporation, although other implementations are possible.
[0120] The bridge device 70 may also include an IR interface 280
for communicating with other devices having IR interfaces. The
wireless bridge 70 can also be integrated into the console 50 or
clock 60. The wireless bridge 70 can also communicate with other
devices such as PDAs over the RF or IR interfaces or via a PDA I/O
port 290. A PDA loaded with the appropriate software in combination
with the wireless bridge 70 can act as a system controller.
Moreover, a PDA having a modem can provide an external connection
to the internet or the like.
[0121] Additionally, the wireless bridge 70 is also capable of
setting up and maintaining the wireless links between it and the
wireless devices of the present invention. Upon powering up, the
wireless bridge 70 listens for traffic on all of the channels
provided by the aforementioned spread-spectrum technique and
selects a channel that is not in use or which has the least noise.
The bridge 70 will then use the selected channel to communicate
with the RF devices of the present invention. Before an RF device
of the present invention is first placed in service, it is
programmed to communicate on the selected channel. As described
more fully below, this programming can occur via the RF interface,
an IR interface or via buttons on the RF device. If the bridge 70
detects that the selected channel has become unacceptable (e.g.,
due to noise), it will rescan and select a new channel. The other
RF devices must then be informed of the new channel, as upon
initial set-up.
[0122] SMOKE DETECTOR
[0123] FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a smoke detector 74 in accordance with the present invention. As
mentioned, the smoke detector 74 is a wireless device which
preferably communicates via an RF link with the PLC/wireless bridge
70. As shown in FIG. 13, the smoke detector comprises a smoke
sensor 232, a sound generating element 265, a status indicator 261
and an RF interface 270. The various elements of the smoke detector
are coupled to and controlled by a microcontroller 205.
[0124] The smoke detector of FIG. 13 is powered by one or more
batteries 802, thereby allowing it to be placed anywhere without
requiring the routing of power lines thereto. The smoke detector
includes a power sensing circuit 805 which monitors the condition
of the battery 802 such as by sensing the voltage developed by the
battery. The power sensing circuit 805 is coupled to the
microcontroller 205 and provides the microcontroller with an
indication of the battery's condition. The power sensing circuit
805 may be implemented and operate in a variety of well known ways.
For example, the sensing circuit 805 may include an
analog-to-digital converter and provide to the microcontroller a
digital representation of the battery's voltage level, or the
sensing circuit may include a comparator which provides a binary
indication to the microcontroller whether the voltage of the
battery 802 is above or below a predetermined threshold.
[0125] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13, the RF interface 270
includes a transmitter which allows the smoke detector to transmit
signals to the PLC/wireless bridge 70. Via the RF link, the smoke
detector 74 can transmit to the bridge device 70 messages
indicating alarm status (i.e., the presence of a smoke condition)
and battery status (e.g., an indication that the battery needs to
be replaced and/or the actual voltage level developed by the
battery), in addition to any other messages used by the system for
administrative purposes. To save power, the RF transmitter of the
RF interface 270 is on preferably only when transmitting a message.
The duration of each message is on the order of 10 ms.
[0126] In addition to transmitting alarm and battery status
messages, the smoke detector 74 will also preferably generate an
audible smoke alarm and battery status tone from its sound
generating device 265. The battery condition can also be indicated
by the indicator 261. As such, the smoke detector 74 can be used in
a stand-alone mode, similarly to a conventional smoke detector.
[0127] When the system controller receives an alarm or battery-low
message from a smoke detector 74, in addition to indicating the
event at the controller (e.g., via display or sound), the
controller can also generate a voice mail or email message and
transmit that to a monitoring service, fire department, homeowner,
etc. via the external communications interface. When the controller
50, 59, 60 receives a low-battery message from the smoke detector
74 (or any battery-powered wireless device with that capability) it
can automatically generate or add to a pending shopping list the
correct number and type of batteries to replace the failing
batteries.
[0128] In addition to transmitting data via its RF interface 270,
the smoke detector may also be capable of receiving data, for
purposes such as initial programming of the smoke detector. When
initially programming the smoke detector 74, or any other wireless
device in accordance with the present invention, the smoke detector
74 is provided with the house code of the system in which it is to
operate and the RF channel on which it is to communicate with the
wireless bridge 70. Additionally, it may be desirable to program
each smoke detector 74 with an identifying code or name which
identifies the individual smoke detector. Preferably, the
identifier is descriptive to the user conveying the location of the
smoke detector (e.g., "KITCHEN"). This identifier can be included
in the alarm status or battery status messages transmitted by the
smoke detector 74 to the PLC/wireless bridge 70. These messages are
then provided to the controller 50, 59, 60 which informs the user
of the specific smoke detector which has generated an alarm or
battery condition message. The programmed identifier can also be
audibly generated by the smoke detector's sound generating device
265 during an alarm or low-battery condition.
[0129] As an alternative to storing the user-selected identifier
(e.g., location) of a smoke detector in the smoke detector, each
system controller can maintain a list that associates the serial
number of each smoke alarm with its user-selected identifier. This
approach reduces the memory requirements of the smoke alarm so that
it need only store the RF channel and housecode in its non-volatile
memory to complete its installation in a home.
[0130] Loading data such as the aforementioned programming
information into the smoke detector 74 can be accomplished in a
variety of ways. In one embodiment, the RF interface 270 may
include a receiver so as to provide bi-directional RF connectivity,
thereby allowing the smoke detector to transmit and to receive
signals to and from the PLC/wireless bridge 70. In this case, when
a smoke detector 74 is powered-up in a system of the present
invention, it will scan the RF channels until it finds the channel
that the wireless bridge device 70 of the system is using to
communicate to the wireless devices. Establishment of the RF link
can be indicated by the indicator 261.
[0131] Upon establishment of an RF link between the wireless bridge
70 and the new smoke detector 74, the wireless bridge 70 can
provide the new smoke detector 74 with the house code and inform
the system controller of the presence of a new smoke detector 74,
as described above. The system controller can then prompt the user
to provide an identifier (e.g., "KITCHEN", "#4") for the smoke
detector 74. When the user enters the identifier at the controller,
the identifier is provided to the new smoke detector 74 which
stores it in its non-volatile memory. Additionally or
alternatively, as above, the system controller can store the
identifier in association with the smoke detector's serial number
in the controller's memory.
[0132] In an alternative embodiment, where the RF interface 270
provides only transmitting capability, an IR interface 280 can be
used to receive the programming data. Using the IR interface 280 of
the console 50, the alarm clock 60 or the wireless bridge 70, the
RF channel information, house code and smoke detector identifier
can be transmitted from the system controller 50, 59, 60 to the
smoke detector's IR interface 280 and stored in the smoke
detector's non-volatile memory. In this case, the smoke detector
would be held in front of the transmitting IR device, such as the
wireless/PLC bridge 70, during the programming procedure. The smoke
detector would then be mounted in its intended location.
[0133] In yet a further alternative embodiment (not shown), the
smoke detector 74 can be provided with one or more switches or
buttons for entering the programming data.
[0134] The disclosure herein regarding the smoke detector 74 is
also readily applicable to other kinds of detectors, such as carbon
monoxide detectors and the like. Moreover, the start-up and
programming procedures described in connection with the smoke
detector 74 are also applicable to other wireless devices of the
present invention. Furthermore, while the smoke detector 74 is
described above as a battery-powered wireless device, as is well
understood in light of the present disclosure, the smoke detector
of the present invention can also be implemented with a PLC
interface and be powered from household wiring.
[0135] BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR
[0136] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of a blood pressure
(BP) monitor 76 in accordance with the present invention. The
exemplary BP monitor 76 of FIG. 14 comprises a display and control
unit 760, which houses the circuitry for the BP monitor, and an arm
cuff 770 coupled to the display and control unit 760 via an air
hose 775. A manual pump 780 may be included for inflating the cuff
770. Alternatively, the display/control unit 760 may include an
electrically operated pump to inflate the cuff 770.
[0137] The control unit 760 is adapted to rest on the user's thigh
and comprises positioning features 765 and a cuff holder 767 for
storing the cuff 770 when not in use.
[0138] FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a circuit for a BP monitor 76 of the present invention. As
mentioned, the blood pressure monitor 76 is an RF device which
communicates via an RF link with the bridge device 70. As shown in
FIG. 15, the BP monitor comprises a pressure sensor 237 which is
coupled to the hose 775 and senses the pressure in the cuff 770, a
display 267, buttons 257, a power sensing circuit 705 and an RF
interface 270. In addition to measuring blood pressure, the BP
monitor 76 of the present invention can also measure pulse rate.
The pressure sensor 237 is coupled to a processing circuit 1537
which generates a digital representation of the pressure sensed by
the sensor 237, which representation is provided to the
microcontroller 205. The blood pressure and pulse sensing means of
the BP monitor 76 of the present invention can be implemented in
known ways. The various elements of the blood pressure monitor are
coupled to and controlled by a microcontroller 205.
[0139] The BP monitor of FIG. 15 is powered by one or more
batteries 702, thereby allowing it to be conveniently operated
without the restrictions of a power cord. A power sensing circuit
705 monitors the condition of the battery power source 702 such as
by sensing the voltage developed thereby. The power sensing circuit
705 is coupled to the microcontroller 205 to provide the
microcontroller with an indication of the battery's condition. The
power sensing circuit 705 may be implemented and operate in a
variety of well known ways, as discussed above in connection with
the smoke detector.
[0140] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15, the RF interface 270
includes a transmitter which allows the blood pressure monitor to
transmit signals to the PLC/wireless bridge 70. Via the RF link,
the blood pressure monitor 76 can transmit to the bridge device 70
messages including one or more blood pressure and/or pulse
measurements and battery status (e.g., an indication that the
battery needs to be replaced). In addition to transmitting blood
pressure and pulse measurements and battery status messages, the BP
monitor 76 will also preferably display the measurements and
battery status on the display 267. As such, the BP monitor 76 can
be used in a stand-alone mode, similarly to a conventional blood
pressure monitor. The monitor 76 can also store a plurality of
measurements and display those on demand.
[0141] For initial programming of the BP monitor 76, the buttons
257 can be used to enter the requisite data (e.g., house code, RF
channel). As described above for the smoke detector 74, the blood
pressure monitor 76 can be provided with an IR interface (not
shown) or a bi-directional RF interface for loading programming
information into the blood pressure monitor 76.
[0142] In addition to performing the initial programming, the
buttons 257 can be used to enter the identity of a user from whom a
measurement or series of measurements have been taken. The user
identifiers can be included in measurement messages transmitted by
the BP monitor 76 to the RF bridge 70. Preferably, the measurement
messages also include the time and date that the corresponding
measurement was made. The user identification and time/date data
can also be stored by the BP monitor 76 and/or displayed on the
display 267 along with the corresponding measurements.
[0143] Blood pressure and pulse measurement and battery status
messages from the blood pressure monitor 76 are received by the
PLC/wireless bridge 70 and forwarded via the PLC interface to the
system controller 50, 59, 60. If a message indicating a low-battery
condition is received, the controller 50, 59, 60 can generate an
appropriate indication (e.g., a flashing icon and/or sound) to the
user. Furthermore, the controller 50, 59, 60 can display and/or log
the pressure/pulse measurements received from the monitor 76, along
with the user identification and time/date information. That
information can then be accessed remotely or transmitted, such as
over the Internet, to a health care provider or the like. In
response, the controller 50, 59, 60 may receive and display
suggestions for altering one's diet in accordance with the reported
blood pressure and pulse measurements.
[0144] In yet a further embodiment, the BP monitor may comprise an
IR interface 280. Data from the BP monitor can be uploaded to a PDA
or to the system via an IR receiver on the system controller (e.g.,
the console 50 or alarm clock 60) or on the PLC/wireless bridge
device 70.
[0145] FOOT SCALE
[0146] FIG. 16 shows an exemplary embodiment of a foot scale 72 in
accordance with the present invention. The exemplary scale 72 of
FIG. 16 comprises a display 268 and a set of buttons 258.
[0147] FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a circuit for a foot scale 72 of the present invention. As
mentioned, the foot scale 72 is an RF device which communicates
with the system of the present invention via an RF link provided by
the PLC/wireless bridge 70. As shown in FIG. 17, the foot scale 72
comprises a weight sensor 238, a display 268, buttons 258, a power
sensing circuit 705, an RF interface 270 and a microcontroller 205.
The weight sensor 238 is coupled to an analog-to-digital converter
738 which is coupled to the microcontroller 205. The weight sensor
238 can be implemented, in a known way, using one or more load
cells. In an exemplary embodiment, the weight sensor 238 comprises
a load cell which includes a strain gauge in a bridge arrangement
that generates a differential voltage which is amplified, filtered,
and converted to digital form by the A/D converter 738.
[0148] The foot scale 72 may also comprise an IR interface 280
coupled to the microcontroller 205.
[0149] The foot scale of FIG. 17 is powered by one or more
batteries 702, thereby allowing it to be conveniently placed and
moved without the restrictions of a power cord. The power sensing
circuit 705 monitors the condition of the battery power source 702
such as by sensing the voltage developed thereby. The power sensing
circuit 705 is coupled to the microcontroller 205 to provide the
microcontroller with an indication of the battery's condition. The
power sensing circuit 705 may be implemented and operate in a
variety of well known ways, as described above in connection with
the smoke detector.
[0150] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17, the RF interface 270
includes a transmitter which allows the foot scale 72 to transmit
signals to the PLC/wireless bridge 70. Via the RF link, the foot
scale 72 can transmit to the PLC/wireless bridge 70 messages
including one or more weight measurements and a battery status
indication (e.g., an indication that the battery needs to be
replaced). In addition to transmitting weight measurements and
battery status messages, the foot scale 72 also displays weight
measurements and battery status on the display 267. As such, the
foot scale 72 can be used in a stand-alone mode, similarly to a
conventional foot scale. The scale 72 can also store a plurality of
measurements and display those on demand.
[0151] For initial programming of the foot scale, the buttons 258
can be used to enter the requisite data (e.g., house code, RF
channel). As described above for the smoke detector 74, the foot
scale 72 can be provided with an IR interface 280 or a
bi-directional RF interface for loading programming information
into the foot scale 72. The scale 72 may also be provided with a
further interface 295, such as a parallel interface or an RS-232
serial data interface, for communicating directly with a PC for
programming or measurement uploading purposes.
[0152] In addition to performing the initial programming, the
buttons 258 can be used to identify a user from whom a measurement
or series of weight measurements have been taken. In the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 16, one button 258 is assigned to each of
four users. Before a user steps on the scale 72, he can push his
assigned button, thereby identifying himself to the scale (e.g.,
user #2). The user then steps on the scale and is weighed. The
scale then displays the user's weight on the display 268 and stores
the user's weight in nonvolatile memory under the user's identity.
The scale can then transmit (via the wireless bridge 70) a weight
measurement message to the controller 50, 59, 60 with the user's
identity and weight. Upon initial programming of the scale 72 or at
the controller 50, 59, 60, a name can be assigned to each button
258 so that each user can be identified by name, as opposed to a
button number.
[0153] Preferably, the weight measurement messages generated by the
scale 72 also include the time and date of each measurement. The
user identification, time/date and weight data for a plurality of
measurements (e.g., 30) can also be stored by the foot scale 72 for
each of the plurality of users and uploaded to the controller 50,
59, 60 periodically (e.g., daily) or on command from the
controller. The stored information can also preferably be retrieved
and displayed locally on the display 268. Access to the weight
information of each user can also be restricted by password.
[0154] Weight measurement and battery status messages from the foot
scale 72 are received by the PLC/wireless bridge 70 and forwarded
via the PLC interface to the system controller 50, 59, 60. If a
message indicating a low-battery condition is received, the
controller 50, 59, 60 can generate an appropriate indication (e.g.,
a flashing icon and/or sound) to the user. Furthermore, the
controller 50, 59, 60 can display, log, graph, etc. the weight
measurements received from the foot scale 72, along with the user
identification and time/date information. That information can then
be accessed remotely or transmitted, such as over the Internet, to
a health care provider or the like. The controller can also use the
weight information to obtain diet suggestions from the internet or
to make suggestions of food items to add or substitute in a
shopping list.
[0155] In an alternative embodiment, users can be identified by the
scale by their weights. In this embodiment, the microcontroller 205
employs artificial intelligence to categorize users by their
weights, e.g., the user whose weight is approximately 115 lbs. is
user #1 whereas the user whose weight is approximately 175 lbs. is
user #2. As each user's weight fluctuates, the scale updates the
weight range associated with each user. If the weight reading is
close to the recent readings for two or more users then the scale
may pick the most likely match and ask the user if it is correct,
or provide them with the most likely choices.
[0156] In yet a further embodiment, users can be identified by the
scale 72 by the use of voice recognition. With this embodiment,
upon stepping on the scale 72, the user is prompted to speak his
name. The scale 72 stores the user's name and associated voice
print the first time the user uses the scale. When the user uses
the scale again, and speaks his name again, the speech sample is
compared to those stored by the scale until a match is found. If no
match is found and the user spoke a name that has already been
stored, the user is denied access or prompted to use another name.
If no match is found and the user spoke a name that has not already
been stored, the name and associated name print are stored.
[0157] Voice recognition has the additional benefit of serving as a
form of password to prevent users from viewing other user's stored
weight data.
[0158] In yet a further embodiment, the scale 72 comprises means
for measuring the height of a user standing on the scale. The
height measurement means comprises an ultrasonic (US) transmitter
and receiver. The US transmitter generates a pulse which propagates
upwards from the scale. In an initial calibration operation, a
pulse or sequence of pulses are transmitted by the US transmitter,
bounce off of the ceiling above the scale and are received by the
US receiver in the scale. The round-trip travel time (i.e., the
time between transmission and reception, referred to as tc) is
measured and stored. In performing a height measurement with a user
standing on the scale 72, a further pulse or sequence of pulses is
transmitted upwards. The time (tm) required for the pulse(s) to
travel from the scale 72 up to the ceiling, bounce off of the
ceiling down to the top of the user's head, bounce off of the top
of the user's head back up to the ceiling, and bounce off of the
ceiling back down to the scale 72 is measured. The user's height
can then be readily calculated as the distance traveled by the US
pulse(s) in the time period tc-tm/2.
[0159] The devices described herein are meant to be exemplary of
the present invention and not exhaustive. Other appliances or
devices that may be adapted in accordance with the present
invention include toasters, breadmakers, blenders, steamers,
humidifiers, irons, microwave ovens, stoves, grills, refrigerators,
dish washers, washers, dryers and air purifiers.
* * * * *