U.S. patent application number 10/580339 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-26 for multifunctional aspirating hood for household use.
Invention is credited to Alberto Patarchi.
Application Number | 20070089725 10/580339 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34631183 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070089725 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patarchi; Alberto |
April 26, 2007 |
Multifunctional aspirating hood for household use
Abstract
A multifunctional aspirating hood for household use comprises,
in the front part of its body (1), a multimedia apparatus (2)
including a monitor (3) as a terminal unit of interaction with a
plurality of devices useful when using the kitchen and managing the
home. The monitor (3) may comprise of a touch screen for user
input. The multimedia apparatus (2) may provide the following
services: television (TV), video telephone, video intercom,
possibility of occupying children and elderly persons, safeguarding
the house and giving alarm, internet use, interpreting users voice
commands, a graphical user interface with windows technique and a
diagnostic software to call service for repair.
Inventors: |
Patarchi; Alberto; (Ostia
Lido, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
745 SOUTH 23RD STREET
2ND FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
34631183 |
Appl. No.: |
10/580339 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
November 24, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IT04/00648 |
371 Date: |
May 25, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/24 ;
348/E7.089 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 2012/285 20130101;
F24C 15/20 20130101; H04L 2012/2849 20130101; G08B 25/14 20130101;
H04L 12/2803 20130101; H04M 11/007 20130101; H04L 12/2825 20130101;
H04M 11/04 20130101; H04N 7/186 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/024 |
International
Class: |
F24C 15/30 20060101
F24C015/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 28, 2003 |
IT |
RM2003A000554 |
Claims
1. A multifunctional aspirating hood for household use,
characterised in that it comprises, in the front part of its body
(1), a multimedia apparatus (2) including a monitor (3) as a
terminal unit of interaction with a plurality of devices useful
when using the kitchen and managing the home.
2. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is provided with a touch screen (4).
3. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is the video terminal of a computer (22) connected to a unit
for commanding the general functions of the hood.
4. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is connected to antennas and cables of television networks.
5. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is connected to video telephone and video intercom
apparatuses.
6. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is connected to video cameras for watching home accesses and
areas occupied by persons requiring surveillance such as children,
the elderly, persons who are not self-sufficient and visitors.
7. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is connected to alarm systems located in areas of interest of
the home.
8. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is the video terminal of a computer (22) connected to the
Internet and to other telecommunications network via modem.
9. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is the video terminal of a computer (22) connected to a
micro-controller of energy consumption.
10. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is the video terminal of a computer (22) and it is provided
with a device for voice commands.
11. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that on said
monitor (3) is an initial standard display, divided into windows
(60 through 65) for the different sectors of interest.
12. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is the video terminal of a computer (22) where a diagnostic
software is installed for automatically calling service personnel
to repair failures and with other service centres.
13. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is a lectern monitor with adjustable inclination-through a
support (5) with ball joint.
14. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is the video terminal of a computer (22) provided with a reader
(15) for DVD, DVR, CD ROM and floppy disk.
15. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is the video terminal of a computer (22) provided with a video
camera (16).
16. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in. that said monitor
(3) is the video terminal of a computer (22) provided with at least
one speaker (10, 11) and with a microphone (12).
17. Hood as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said monitor
(3) is the video terminal of a computer (22) connected to a series
of sensors (21) for analysing the environmental state.
Description
DESCRIPTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a multifunctional
aspirating hood for household use.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] In recent years, aspirating hoods for household use have
undergone considerable technological advances, since the need for a
more balanced and controlled home environment is felt ever more
acutely. Highly sophisticated means are used to control the power
of aspiration motors, filters with timed indicator light,
illumination, as well as to automate start-up, to time maximum
motor speed, for gas sensors, etc. There are also hoods that
approach the cooking range. In any case, all these means serve
specific purposes, pertaining to the typical functions of a hood,
i.e. aspiration and purification. Even in last generation hoods
such tasks are individual and disconnected from each other: for
example, no fault control is provided. Above all, known hoods lack
any convenience for the user during the time, always quit long,
(s)he spends in the kitchen.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to overcome the
aforementioned drawbacks.
[0006] In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a
household hood with functions which go beyond the common field of
use of this household appliance.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a household
hood that has a mutually integrated functions.
[0008] A further object of the invention is to provide a household
hood which provides new opportunities. and enhances the convenience
of those who spend much of their time in the kitchen.
[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a multifunctional
household aspirating hood, which from a general point of view is
characterised in that it comprises, in the front part of its body,
a multimedia apparatus including a monitor as a terminal unit of
interaction with a plurality of devices useful when using the
kitchen and managing the home.
[0010] Further characteristics of the invention shall become more
readily apparent from the detailed description that follows, of a
preferred embodiment shown purely by way of non limiting example in
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multifunctional hood
according to the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front view of the hood of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned lateral view of the hood of
FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a monitor of the hood
according to the invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the hood according to the
present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation exemplifying a standard
display on the monitor of the hood according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0017] With reference initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, which are
respectively a perspective bottom view and front view of the hood
according to the present invention, the hood comprises a body 1,
having in its front part, a multimedia apparatus globally
designated by the reference number 2. The multimedia apparatus 2
internally houses a computer, having as a video terminal a monitor
3 which allows interaction with a plurality of devices useful when
using the kitchen and managing the household. Preferably, the
monitor 3 has a touch screen 4, which enables to interact with the
information simply by touching the portion of the screen whereon
they are shown.
[0018] With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, which are a partially
lateral view sectioned at the monitor and, respectively, a limited
perspective view limited to the monitor 3 and to its support 5. The
monitor 3 is of the lectern type, so is occupies little space in
the multimedia apparatus 2. Preferably, the monitor 3 is suspended
from the support 5, such as a curved arm, having a distal end 6 in
the form of a plate fastened to a wall inside the apparatus 2 and a
proximal end 7. The proximal end 7, i.e. the one connected to the
monitor 3, has a spherical portion 8 inserted in a seat 9 in the
rear part of the monitor 3 to obtain a ball joint. In this way, the
monitor 3 can be oriented towards any direction within the
environment of a kitchen.
[0019] Hereafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, an embodiment of
the multimedia apparatus 2 is provided by way of example. It is
readily apparent that other arrangements of the same devices that
comprise it are possible. The same apparatus may comprise different
devices from those indicated.
[0020] In particular, FIG. 2 shows some devices which, due to their
very function, are positioned externally in the apparatus 2. At
both sides of the monitor 3 there is a sound diffuser 10, 11.
Immediately above-the monitor 3 are schematically shown, from left
to right, a microphone 12 for voice commands to the computer, an
infrared sensor 13 to receive remove controls from related
emitters, an alarm siren 14 and a reader 15 of DVDs, DVRs, CD or
floppy disks. Centrally, above the monitor there is an integrated
video camera 16. In the upper part of the apparatus is shown a
series of antennas; from left to right in FIG. 2, the reference
number 17 designates an antenna TV the reference number 18
designates a weather antenna and the number 19 a telephone antenna.
Inferiorly in the apparatus 2, the reference number 20 designates a
lighting system, and the reference number 21 a series of
sensors.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram with a representation of the
devices of the hood connected to a central processing unit
designated by the reference number 22. Many of these devices have
already been indicated with reference to structural elements in
FIG. 2, which in FIG. 5, for the sake of convenience, retain the
same number. Shown are: the lectern monitor 3 with adjustable
inclination and possibly also height to have a better vision; a
sensor touch tft to provide a touch screen 3 in the monitor 3;
integrated video camera 16; a digital memory 23; a DVD, DVR, CD ROM
and floppy disk reader 15; a video telephone receiver 24 with
related card, antenna 19, direct outlet 190 and modem 191 for
Internet and intranet; a receiver 25 with related card 26 for TV
reception with multiple inputs via cable, dipole or satellite
antenna 17; a low frequency amplifier 27 with speakers 10, 11; a
receiver 28 with microphone 12 for voice commands; a series of
sensors 21 for analysing the environmental state (gas, humidity,
infrared, odours, etc.); one or more alarm sirens, whereof at least
is incorporated; one or more remote TV cameras, one or more fixed
or portable video intercoms from an IR port 29; one or more
intrusion alarm sensors 30 for doors and windows; a remote control
31 for remotely controlling the functions; a card 32 for
controlling the peripheral functions of the hood, motors, lights,
timings, signalling of the state of the filters, alarm signalling
with possible automatic calls to pre-set telephone numbers to alert
relatives or the cognisant authorities; a remote transmitter 33 of
telephone signals; an external meteorological unit for checking the
weather, temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, sun, rain,
humidity, air quality, CO.sub.2 etc. with the result of receiving
with antenna 18 and related card 34 from a remote weather
transmitter the current weather and the state of pollution
outdoors; a printer 35; an optional keyboard 36; a bluetooth card
37; a power supply 38. A diagnostics software provides the
capability of calling technical personnel directly via Internet in
case of failures.
[0022] The hood according to the invention is a more active and
intelligent household appliance than conventional ones. It provides
kitchen operators with a multiplicity of services thanks to the
multimedia apparatus. Said apparatus, through the lectern monitor
with adjustable inclination, but also adjustable height, can make
life easier, more joyful, more creative. The apparatus can
automatically control the general functions of the hood; inform
with the TV and entertain with music; allow to communicate by video
telephone or video intercom; watch the doors and windows of the
home, as well as children, the elderly, persons who are not
self-sufficient and visitors with a related alarm; allow to
communicate via Internet through a modem for downloading recipes,
as well as all information typically available in the network;
intelligently control energy consumption through a micro-controller
(not shown), with adequate software according to actual needs;
having a recipe book on an archive, with the capability of
personalising the user's own recipes, right above the work counter.
Thanks to a selection, commands become vocal leaving the hands
free, in contact with foods.
[0023] FIG. 6 shows an initial standard display, which allows to
have a time indicator with alarm clock and date display 61, and in
a window 62 meteorological information, such as internal and
external temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, sun, rain,
humidity, air quality, CO.sub.2, etc. It is thus possible to know
the current weather and the state of external and internal
pollution. A window 63 of the display pertains to the video
intercom, enabling to monitor the entry of the home, while on a
window 64 is displayed the state of the alarm system of the entire
home, in particular of any room where children or elderly person
are located. Lastly, a window 65 can display a recipe or other
information to remember, such as appointments or purchases to be
made to replenish stocks and to order the supplies directly from
stores, or a pleasant photograph.
[0024] In the lower area 66 of the display can be inserted command
windows to control the hood.
[0025] Lastly, the diagnostic software provides the capability, in
automatic mode via Internet, of calling technical personnel
directly in case of failure, and to be connected 24 hours a day
with a service centre.
[0026] A hood with these automated functions integrates the
functions of communicating and of having directly above the work
counter multimedia information useful for household activities and
life within the home, making every day life simpler and pleasant,
and of controlling and optimising consumption with considerable
energy savings.
[0027] With the hood according to the invention, a world wide
recipe book can be -archived and available for direct consultation
during cooking operations, with the ability to add personalised
recipes.
[0028] The monitor and the speakers with related microphone are an
integral part of a video intercom and video telephone system with
the possibility of communicating without being distracted from the
activity in the kitchen.
[0029] Through the remote cameras, the monitor allows total control
of the home, in particular its entries and the rooms of children or
elderly persons.
[0030] The multimedia apparatus applied to the hood according to
the invention is useful as an alarm system for intrusions, fires or
floods, with automatic alert call, through the incorporated
telephone, to the owner and to any rescue forces, recording images
for subsequent checks.
[0031] The monitor is connected to a video card for viewing TV,
DVD, CD ROM, Internet and Intranet programs.
[0032] Through the direct information on the monitor, managed by
the computer, motor consumption, lights and times are optimised to
obtain considerable energy savings.
[0033] The invention as conceived can be subject to numerous
modifications and variants, without thereby departing from the
scope of the innovative concept.
DESCRIPTION
[0034] 1. Technical Field
[0035] The present invention relates to a multifunctional
aspirating hood for household use.
[0036] 2. Background Art
[0037] In recent years, aspirating hoods for household use have
undergone considerable technological advances, since the need for a
more balanced and controlled home environment is felt ever more
acutely. Highly sophisticated means are used to control the power
of aspiration motors, filters with timed indicator light,
illumination, as well as to automate start-up, to time maximum
motor speed, for gas sensors, etc. There are also hoods that
approach the cooking range. In any case, all these means serve
specific purposes, pertaining to the typical functions of a hood,
i.e. aspiration and purification. Even in last generation hoods
such tasks are individual and disconnected from each other: for
example, no fault control is provided. Above all, known hoods lack
any convenience for the user during the time, always quit long,
(s)he spends in the kitchen.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0038] Therefore, the present invention aims to overcome the
aforementioned drawbacks.
[0039] In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a
household hood with functions which go beyond the common field of
use of this household appliance.
[0040] Another object of the invention is to provide a household
hood that has a mutually integrated functions.
[0041] A further object of the invention is to provide a household
hood which provides new opportunities. and enhances the convenience
of those who spend much of their time in the kitchen.
[0042] Therefore, the present invention provides a multifunctional
household aspirating hood, which from a general point of view is
characterised in that it comprises, in the front part of its body,
a multimedia apparatus including a monitor as a terminal unit of
interaction with a plurality of devices useful when using the
kitchen and managing the home.
[0043] Further characteristics of the invention shall become more
readily apparent from the detailed description that follows, of a
preferred embodiment shown purely by way of non limiting example in
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multifunctional hood
according to the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 2 is a front view of the hood of FIG. 1;
[0046] FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned lateral view of the hood of
FIG. 2;
[0047] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a monitor of the hood
according to the invention;
[0048] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the hood according to the
present invention; and
[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation exemplifying a standard
display on the monitor of the hood according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0050] With reference initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, which are
respectively a perspective bottom view and front view of the hood
according to the present invention, the hood comprises a body 1,
having in its front part, a multimedia apparatus globally
designated by the reference number 2. The multimedia apparatus 2
internally houses a computer, having as a video terminal a monitor
3 which allows interaction with a plurality of devices useful when
using the kitchen and managing the household. Preferably, the
monitor 3 has a touch screen 4, which enables to interact with the
information simply by touching the portion of the screen whereon
they are shown.
[0051] With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, which are a partially
lateral view sectioned at the monitor and, respectively, a limited
perspective view limited to the monitor 3 and to its support 5. The
monitor 3 is of the lectern type, so is occupies little space in
the multimedia apparatus 2. Preferably, the monitor 3 is suspended
from the support 5, such as a curved arm, having a distal end 6 in
the form of a plate fastened to a wall inside the apparatus 2 and a
proximal end 7. The proximal end 7, i.e. the one connected to the
monitor 3, has a spherical portion 8 inserted in a seat 9 in the
rear part of the monitor 3 to obtain a ball joint. In this way, the
monitor 3 can be oriented towards any direction within the
environment of a kitchen.
[0052] Hereafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, an embodiment of
the multimedia apparatus 2 is provided by way of example. It is
readily apparent that other arrangements of the same devices that
comprise it are possible. The same apparatus may comprise different
devices from those indicated.
[0053] In particular, FIG. 2 shows some devices which, due to their
very function, are positioned externally in the apparatus 2. At
both sides of the monitor 3 there is a sound diffuser 10, 11.
Immediately above the monitor 3 are schematically shown, from left
to right, a microphone 12 for voice commands to the computer, an
infrared sensor 13 to receive remove controls from related
emitters, an alarm siren 14 and a reader 15 of DVDs, DVRs, CD or
floppy disks. Centrally, above the monitor there is an integrated
video camera 16. In the upper part of the apparatus is shown a
series of antennas; from left to right in FIG. 2, the reference
number 17 designates an antenna TV the reference number 18
designates a weather antenna and the number 19 a telephone antenna.
Inferiorly in the apparatus 2, the reference number 20 designates a
lighting system, and the reference number 21 a series of
sensors.
[0054] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram with a representation of the
devices of the hood connected to a central processing unit
designated by the reference number 22. Many of these devices have
already been indicated with reference to structural elements in
FIG. 2, which in FIG. 5, for the sake of convenience, retain the
same number. Shown are: the lectern monitor 3 with adjustable
inclination and possibly also height to have a better vision; a
sensor touch tft to provide a touch screen 3 in the monitor 3;
integrated video camera 16; a digital memory 23; a DVD, DVR, CD ROM
and floppy disk reader 15; a video telephone receiver 24 with
related card, antenna 19, direct outlet 190 and modem 191 for
Internet and intranet; a receiver 25 with related card 26 for TV
reception with multiple inputs via cable, dipole or satellite
antenna 17; a low frequency amplifier 27 with speakers 10, 11; a
receiver 28 with microphone 12 for voice commands; a series of
sensors 21 for analysing the environmental state (gas, humidity,
infrared, odours, etc.); one or more alarm sirens, whereof at least
is incorporated; one or more remote TV cameras, one or more fixed
or portable video intercoms from an IR port 29; one or more
intrusion alarm sensors 30 for doors and windows; a remote control
31 for remotely controlling the functions; a card 32 for
controlling the peripheral functions of the hood, motors, lights,
timings, signalling of the state of the filters, alarm signalling
with possible automatic calls to pre-set telephone numbers to alert
relatives or the cognisant authorities; a remote transmitter 33 of
telephone signals; an external meteorological unit for checking the
weather, temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, sun, rain,
humidity, air quality, CO.sub.2 etc. with the result of receiving
with antenna 18 and related card 34 from a remote weather
transmitter the current weather and the state of pollution
outdoors; a printer 35; an optional keyboard 36; a bluetooth card
37; a power supply 38. A diagnostics software provides the
capability of calling technical personnel directly via Internet in
case of failures.
[0055] The hood according to the invention is a more active and
intelligent household appliance than conventional ones. It provides
kitchen operators with a multiplicity of services thanks to the
multimedia apparatus. Said apparatus, through the lectern monitor
with adjustable inclination, but also adjustable height, can make
life easier, more joyful, more creative. The apparatus can
automatically control the general functions of the hood; inform
with the TV and entertain with music; allow to communicate by video
telephone or video intercom; watch the doors and windows of the
home, as well as children, the elderly, persons who are not
self-sufficient and visitors with a related alarm; allow to
communicate via Internet through a modem for downloading recipes,
as well as all information typically available in the network;
intelligently control energy consumption through a micro-controller
(not shown), with adequate software according to actual needs;
having a recipe book on an archive, with the capability of
personalising the user's own recipes, right above the work counter.
Thanks to a selection, commands become vocal leaving the hands
free, in contact with foods.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows an initial standard display, which allows to
have a time indicator with alarm clock and date display 61, and in
a window 62 meteorological information, such as internal and
external temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, sun, rain,
humidity, air quality, CO.sub.2, etc. It is thus possible to know
the current weather and the state of external and internal
pollution. A window 63 of the display pertains to the video
intercom, enabling to monitor the entry of the home, while on a
window 64 is displayed the state of the alarm system of the entire
home, in particular of any room where children or elderly person
are located. Lastly, a window 65 can display a recipe or other
information to remember, such as appointments or purchases to be
made to replenish stocks and to order the supplies directly from
stores, or a pleasant photograph.
[0057] In the lower area 66 of the display can be inserted command
windows to control the hood.
[0058] Lastly, the diagnostic software provides the capability, in
automatic mode via Internet, of calling technical personnel
directly in case of failure, and to be connected 24 hours a day
with a service centre.
[0059] A hood with these automated functions integrates the
functions of communicating and of having directly above the work
counter multimedia information useful for household activities and
life within the home, making every day life simpler and pleasant,
and of controlling and optimising consumption with considerable
energy savings.
[0060] With the hood according to the invention, a world wide
recipe book can be archived and available for direct consultation
during cooking operations, with the ability to add personalised
recipes.
[0061] The monitor and the speakers with related microphone are an
integral part of a video intercom and video telephone system with
the possibility of communicating without being distracted from the
activity in the kitchen.
[0062] Through the remote cameras, the monitor allows total control
of the home, in particular its entries and the rooms of children or
elderly persons.
[0063] The multimedia apparatus applied to the hood according to
the invention is useful as an alarm system for intrusions, fires or
floods, with automatic alert call, through the incorporated
telephone, to the owner and to any rescue forces, recording images
for subsequent checks.
[0064] The monitor is connected to a video card for viewing TV,
DVD, CD ROM, Internet and Intranet programs.
[0065] Through the direct information on the monitor, managed by
the computer, motor consumption, lights and times are optimised to
obtain considerable energy savings.
[0066] The invention as conceived can be subject to numerous
modifications and variants, without thereby departing from the
scope of the innovative concept.
* * * * *