U.S. patent application number 14/496161 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-31 for system and method for electronically tagging items for use in controlling electrical devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTEL CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is INTEL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Hannah R. Colett, Philip J. Corriveau, Rina A. Doherty, Yinni Guo, Sarah Jihye Han, James J. Scovell, Dalila Szostak.
Application Number | 20160091874 14/496161 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55410404 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160091874 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Colett; Hannah R. ; et
al. |
March 31, 2016 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONICALLY TAGGING ITEMS FOR USE IN
CONTROLLING ELECTRICAL DEVICES
Abstract
A system and method for electronically tagging items for use in
controlling electrical devices are disclosed. A particular
embodiment includes: a controller; a tag reader interface in data
communication with the controller, the tag reader interface being
configured to receive item information read from an electronically
readable tag attached to an item placed in an electrical device; a
display device driver in data communication with the controller for
driving the display of operational messages for a user/operator of
the electrical device, the operational messages being based on the
item information; and an appliance interface in data communication
with the controller for receiving control commands from the
controller and for issuing corresponding control signals for
controlling the electrical device, the control commands being based
on the item information.
Inventors: |
Colett; Hannah R.;
(Hillsboro, OR) ; Corriveau; Philip J.; (Carlton,
OR) ; Doherty; Rina A.; (Forest Grove, OR) ;
Scovell; James J.; (Beaverton, OR) ; Han; Sarah
Jihye; (Hillsboro, OR) ; Guo; Yinni; (San
Jose, CA) ; Szostak; Dalila; (Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTEL CORPORATION |
SANTA CLARA |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
INTEL CORPORATION
SANTA CLARA
CA
|
Family ID: |
55410404 |
Appl. No.: |
14/496161 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
235/385 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 93/00 20130101;
G06K 19/06037 20130101; D06F 93/005 20130101; G06K 19/027 20130101;
G06K 19/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G05B 15/02 20060101
G05B015/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a controller; a tag reader interface in
data communication with the controller, the tag reader interface
being configured to receive item information read from each of a
plurality of electronically readable tags directly attached to each
of a plurality of items placed in an electrical device, the
plurality of items being placed in the electrical device for each
cycle of the device, the electrical device being of a type from the
group consisting of: a clothes washer, a clothes dryer, a steam
cleaner, an industrial clothes press, a dishwasher, and a
refrigerator; a display device driver in data communication with
the controller for driving the display of operational messages for
a user/operator of the electrical device, the operational messages
being based on the item information from the plurality of items in
the electrical device; and an appliance interface in data
communication with the controller for receiving control commands
from the controller and for issuing corresponding control signals
for controlling the electrical device, the control commands being
based on the item information from the plurality of items in the
electrical device, the controller being further configured to
detect conflicting care needs of the plurality of items placed in
the electrical device.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including a scanner
interface in data communication with the controller, the scanner
interface being configured to receive item information read from
each of the electronically readable tags directly attached to each
of the plurality of items placed in the electrical device.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the
electronically readable tags is of a type from the group consisting
of: a microchip, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a
barcode, and a Quick Response (QR) code.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including a network
interface in data communication with the controller, the network
interface being configured to enable the controller to communicate
with external network resources.
5. (canceled)
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the item information
is of a type from the group consisting of: item care instructions,
the item manufacturer, a date of manufacture or purchase, a name or
identity of an owner or purchaser, and an item stock keeping unit
(SKU) number.
7. (canceled)
8. An appliance comprising: a tag reader configured to read item
information from each of a plurality of electronically readable
tags directly attached to each of a plurality of items placed in
the appliance, the plurality of items being placed in the appliance
for each cycle of the appliance, the appliance being of a type from
the group consisting of: a clothes washer, a clothes dryer, a steam
cleaner, an industrial clothes press, a dishwasher, and a
refrigerator; a display device for displaying operational messages
for a user/operator of the appliance, the operational messages
being based on the item information from the plurality of items in
the appliance; and an appliance control module in data
communication with the tag reader and the display device, the
appliance control module including: a controller; a tag reader
interface in data communication with the controller and the tag
reader, the tag reader interface being configured to receive the
item information read from each of the electronically readable tags
directly attached to each of the plurality of items placed in the
appliance; a display device driver in data communication with the
controller and the display device, the display device driver for
driving the display of operational messages for the user/operator
of the appliance, the operational messages being based on the item
information from the plurality of items in the electrical device;
and an appliance interface in data communication with the
controller for receiving control commands from the controller and
for issuing corresponding control signals to the appliance, the
control commands being based on the item information from the
plurality of items in the appliance, the controller being further
configured to detect conflicting care needs of the plurality of
items placed in the appliance.
9. The appliance as claimed in claim 8 further including a scanner
interface in data communication with the controller, the scanner
interface being configured to receive item information read from
each of the electronically readable tags directly attached to each
of the plurality of items placed in the appliance.
10. The appliance as claimed in claim 8 wherein each of the
electronically readable tags is of a type from the group consisting
of: a microchip, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a
barcode, and a Quick Response (QR) code.
11. The appliance as claimed in claim 8 further including a network
interface in data communication with the controller, the network
interface being configured to enable the controller to communicate
with external network resources.
12. (canceled)
13. The appliance as claimed in claim 8 wherein the item
information is of a type from the group consisting of: item care
instructions, the item manufacturer, a date of manufacture or
purchase, a name or identity of an owner or purchaser, and an item
stock keeping unit (SKU) number.
14. (canceled)
15. A method comprising: reading each of a plurality of
electronically readable tags directly attached to each of a
plurality of items placed in an electrical device to retrieve item
information from each of the electronically readable tags, the
plurality of items being placed in the electrical device for each
cycle of the device, the electrical device being of a type from the
group consisting of: a clothes washer, a clothes dryer, a steam
cleaner, an industrial clothes press, a dishwasher, and a
refrigerator; generating operational messages and control commands
based on the item information from the plurality of items in the
electrical device; displaying the operational messages for a
user/operator of the electrical device, the operational messages
being based on the item information from the plurality of items in
the electrical device; detecting conflicting care needs of the
plurality of items placed in the electrical device; and issuing
control signals for controlling the electrical device, the control
signals being based on the item information from the plurality of
items in the electrical device.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15 further including scanning
item information from each of the electronically readable tags
directly attached to each of the plurality of items placed in the
electrical device.
17. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein each of the
electronically readable tags is of a type from the group consisting
of: a microchip, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a
barcode, and a Quick Response (QR) code.
18.-19. (canceled)
20. An apparatus comprising: a controller means; a tag reader
interfacing means in data communication with the controller means,
the tag reader interfacing means being configured to receive item
information read from each of a plurality of electronically
readable tags directly attached to each of a plurality of items
placed in an electrical device, the plurality of items being placed
in the electrical device for each cycle of the device, the
electrical device being of a type from the group consisting of: a
clothes washer, a clothes dryer, a steam cleaner, an industrial
clothes press, a dishwasher, and a refrigerator; a display device
driving means in data communication with the controller means for
driving the display of operational messages for a user/operator of
the electrical device, the operational messages being based on the
item information from the plurality of items in the electrical
device; and an appliance interfacing means in data communication
with the controller means for receiving control commands from the
controller means and for issuing corresponding control signals for
controlling the electrical device, the control commands being based
on the item information from the plurality of items in the
electrical device, the controller means being further configured to
detect conflicting care needs of the plurality of items placed in
the electrical device.
21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein each of the
electronically readable tags is of a type from the group consisting
of: a microchip, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a
barcode, and a Quick Response (QR) code.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This patent application relates to electronic or electrical
systems or devices, appliances, and computer-implemented software,
according to various example embodiments, and more specifically to
a system and method for electronically tagging items for use in
controlling electrical devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a conventional
technology that uses communication via radio waves to exchange data
between a reader and an electronic tag attached to an object,
typically for the purpose of identification and tracking. Some tags
can be read from several meters away and beyond the line of sight
of the reader. The application of bulk reading enables an almost
parallel reading of a plurality of tags.
[0003] Radio-frequency identification involves interrogators (also
known as readers), and tags. Most RFID tags contain at least two
parts. One part is typically an integrated circuit for storing and
processing information, modulating and demodulating a
radio-frequency (RF) signal, and other specialized functions. The
other part is an antenna for receiving and transmitting the RF
signal. RFID tags can be passive RFID tags, which have no power
source and require an external electromagnetic field to initiate a
signal transmission, or active RFID tags, which contain a battery
and can transmit signals once an external source (e.g., an
interrogator) has been successfully identified.
[0004] RFID technology is used in the apparel and textile
manufacturing industry. This technology was introduced in the
textile industry many years ago. In the apparel retail sector, RFID
is widely used by big retailers for security and for tracking sales
stock and real time information. However, RFID and other electronic
tagging technologies have not been extensively used for controlling
electrical devices.
[0005] It can be frustrating and expensive if one fails to keep
track of and manage care instructions for clothing. Apparel can be
easily ruined if care instructions are not properly followed.
Typically, items of clothing have a tag or label sewn inside one of
the seams. The tags or labels themselves are sometimes a nuisance
and are often cut off or become unreadable due to wear and tear.
The information on the tags is also often hard to read and
understand. It can also be difficult to match the care instructions
on the tag of clothing to the options provided on a clothes washer
and dryer. Washers and dryers have become quite sophisticated in
the options they provide for specialized care needs; but, it can be
overwhelming to remember each and every garment's individual care
instructions.
[0006] Currently, the way to obtain care instructions for garments
is to read the label and try to interpret the symbols and
instructions. Sometimes it is even harder to understand symbols and
instructions if the clothes are imported from abroad. This can be
time-consuming and prone to misinterpretation, which can result in
ruined clothing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The various embodiments are illustrated by way of example,
and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment for applying an
electronically readable tag or label to an item;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a top-loading clothes washer as an
appliance of an example embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a clothes dryer as an appliance of an
example embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates the system architecture of an example
embodiment of the appliance control module;
[0012] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate sample information displays
generated by the microcontroller and presented on the display
device of an example embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an item sorter of an example
embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a processing flow chart illustrating an example
embodiment of a method as described herein; and
[0015] FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in
the example form of a mobile computing and/or communication system
within which a set of instructions when executed and/or processing
logic when activated may cause the machine to perform any one or
more of the methodologies described and/or claimed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It will be
evident, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the
various embodiments may be practiced without these specific
details.
[0017] In the various embodiments described herein, a system and
method for electronically tagging items for use in controlling
electrical devices are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments can be
used with a wide variety of electrical or electronic devices,
appliances, or other electrical equipment, such as clothes washers,
clothes dryers, steam cleaners, industrial clothes presses, and the
like. Example embodiments are described in more detail below.
[0018] Clothes washers, dryers, and other appliances have become
quite sophisticated in the options they provide for specialized
care needs; but, it can be overwhelming to remember each and every
garment's individual care instructions. The various embodiments
described herein provide an automated solution to reduce the
workload of the appliance user/operator. The various embodiments
described herein employ an electronically readable item tag or
label, which can be attached or embedded in an item, such as an
item of clothing. The electronically readable item tag or label can
be automatically read and interpreted by the electrical appliance
(e.g., a clothes washer, dryer, etc.) to allow for automatic
configuration of the appliance to accommodate the specific needs of
a load of items (e.g., a load of laundry) being processed by the
appliance. As a result, the various embodiments provide customized
care of items and decrease the workload of the user/operator.
[0019] In the various embodiments described herein, the
electronically readable item tag or label can be a microchip, a
radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a barcode, a Quick
Response (QR) code, or the like embedded in the hem of an item of
clothing, attached to a portion of the garment, attached to a
garment label, or attached or embedded into an item. The general
use of RFID tags, barcodes and QR codes are well known to those of
ordinary skill in the art. The various embodiments described herein
apply these known technologies to the electronic tagging of items
for use in controlling electrical devices as described in more
detail below.
[0020] In conventional systems, the way to obtain care instructions
for garments is for the appliance user/operator to manually read
the label and try to interpret the symbols and instructions on the
label. Sometimes it is even harder to understand symbols and
instructions if the items are imported from abroad or the labels
are written in a non-native language. This can be time-consuming
for the appliance user/operator and prone to misinterpretation,
which can result in ruined clothing or other items.
[0021] The various embodiments described herein provide a better
solution. As electronically tagged items of a load (e.g., a load of
clothing) are placed inside or near an appliance (e.g., a clothes
washer, dryer, etc.), a reader attached to the appliance is
configured to read the electronically readable item tag or label on
each item placed into or near the appliance. A data processor and
memory, microcontroller, or other control system in the appliance
can record the particular care instructions and other item
information encoded into the electronic tag of each item. A variety
of item information can be encoded into the electronic tag of each
item. For example, the encoded item information can include: the
care instructions (e.g., washing, drying, ironing instructions,
etc.) of the garment, the garment manufacturer, provenance
information, the sourcing of materials and the manufacturing
processes used, the date of manufacture and/or purchase, the name
or identity of the owner or purchaser, the item stock keeping unit
(SKU) number, the size of the garment, the dry weight and wet
weight of the garment, the identity of the materials from which the
garment is made, safety advisories, storage and disposal
advisories, special care instructions or warnings, the number of
times the item has been washed or dried, a flammability coding, a
water resistance coding, allergen warnings, government or industry
rating data, manufacturer identification data, pricing information,
liability limitations, copyright or trademark advisories, website
or uniform resource locator (URL) links, and the like. The data
processor or microcontroller can aggregate and record the retrieved
item data for all items in the load being processed by the
appliance. An information display on the appliance can show care
instructions and item information. This displayed information can
include the number of times the item has been washed, the material
from which the garment is made, whether it is safe to bleach or
iron the item, etc. The appliance (e.g., washer, dryer, etc.) can
also automatically suggest washing and drying settings according to
the care instructions read from the electronically readable item
tag. The suggested settings can be displayed to a user/operator via
a light emitting diode (LED) display or other conventional display
device on the appliance. If multiple items are present in or near
the appliance, the data processor or microcontroller in the
appliance can suggest ideal settings based on the care needs of the
items in the appliance and/or present a warning that one or more of
the items have conflicting care needs. Additionally, for appliances
that support an application programming interface (API) provided
with an example embodiment, the data processor or microcontroller
can automatically configure the settings of the appliance based on
the item information read from the electronically readable item
tags of the items placed into or near the appliance. For example,
the data processor or microcontroller may determine that several
delicate garment items have been placed into the appliance (e.g., a
clothes washer) by reading the electronic tags of the items in the
load. Based on this determination, the data processor or
microcontroller can automatically program the washer to use a wash
cycle configured for delicate loads. In this manner, an example
embodiment can automatically configure the settings of an appliance
based on the particular needs or characteristics of the items in a
load being processed by the appliance.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, an example embodiment is
illustrated for applying an electronically readable tag or label on
an item. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a garment
102 is tagged in any of a variety of ways with an electronically
readable item tag or label 100. As shown, the electronically
readable item tag 100 can be a microchip, a radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tag, a barcode, a Quick Response (QR) code,
or the like embedded in the hem of an item of clothing, attached to
a portion of the garment, attached to a garment label, or otherwise
attached or embedded into an item. In other embodiments, dishware,
silverware, or other kitchen or dining utensils can also be tagged
with an electronically readable tag or label 100. In still other
embodiments, food items, cleaning items, bathroom items, tools, or
other household items can also be tagged with an electronically
readable tag or label 100. In each case, the electronically
readable item tag or label 100 can be configured to be waterproof,
wear-resistant, heat and cold resistant, and configured for
permanent or semi-permanent attachment to an item or object by
adhesive, bonding, stitching, or embedding into the material of the
item.
[0023] Each electronically readable item tag or label 100 can be
encoded with item information pertaining to the item to which the
tag 100 is attached. In the case of a microchip or an RFID tag, the
information can be read by a reader using a radio frequency (RF)
signal receiver as well known to those of ordinary skill in the
art. In the case of a barcode or a Quick Response (QR) code, the
information can be read by a scanner configured to decode the
arrangement of printed shapes in the barcode or QR code image as
well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In each case, the
item information encoded into the tag 100 can be read or scanned
and transferred to a data processor or microcontroller (generally a
controller) for processing. As described above, a variety of item
information can be encoded into the electronic tag of each item. As
a result, a variety of item-specific information can be
electronically passed from the tag 100 on each item to a data
processor or microcontroller as described in more detail below.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an example embodiment is
illustrated for use with any of a variety of appliances, such as
the top-loading clothes washer 200 shown in FIG. 2 or the clothes
dryer 201 shown in FIG. 3. It will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein that other types
of appliances (e.g., dishwashers, refrigerators, and the like) can
be configured to include the technologies disclosed herein.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2, the top-loading clothes washer 200
of an example embodiment is shown to include an RFID reader 210,
which can be affixed to the top of the washer 200 near an opening
into which clothing items are placed. Such RFID readers are
well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In a similar
fashion, the clothes dryer 201 shown in FIG. 3 can include an RFID
reader 210, which can be affixed to the front of the dryer 201 near
an opening into which clothing items are placed. As shown in FIGS.
2 and 3, items placed into appliances 200 or 201 can each include
electronically readable item tags or labels 100. As these items are
placed into appliances 200 or 201, the items come into proximity of
the RFID reader 210. As a result, the RFID reader 210 can
electronically read the item information encoded into the
electronically readable item tag 100 of each item. This item
information can be transferred to an appliance control module 220
described in more detail below.
[0026] Referring again to FIG. 2, the top-loading clothes washer
200 of an example embodiment is shown to include a barcode or QR
code scanner 235, which can be installed in an upper portion of the
washer 200 near an opening into which clothing items are placed.
Such barcode or QR code scanners are well-known to those of
ordinary skill in the art. In a similar fashion, the clothes dryer
201 shown in FIG. 3 includes a barcode or QR code scanner 235,
which can be installed in the front of the dryer 201 near an
opening into which clothing items are placed. As shown in FIGS. 2
and 3, items placed into appliances 200 or 201 can each include
electronically readable item tags or labels 100. However, some
items may not have a microchip, RFID tag, or other radio-enabled
tag. Some items in load 202 may only include a barcode or QR code
on the item label or somewhere on the item. Because these items
without a radio-enabled tag cannot be automatically read by the
RFID reader 210, the user/operator can pass these items in front of
barcode or QR code scanner 235. As a result, the barcode or QR code
scanner 235 can electronically read the item information encoded
into the electronically readable item tag 100 of each item. This
item information can be transferred to the appliance control module
220 described in more detail below.
[0027] Referring again to FIG. 2, the top-loading clothes washer
200 of an example embodiment is shown to include a display device
230, which can be installed in an upper portion of the washer 200
and easily visible to the user/operator. The display device 230 can
be a standard a light emitting diode (LED) display, plasma display,
or other conventional display device. Such display devices are
well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In a similar
fashion, the clothes dryer 201 shown in FIG. 3 can include a
display device 230, which can be installed in the front of the
dryer 201 and easily visible to the user/operator. The display
device 230 can be used to display messages or prompts to the
user/operator of the appliance. These messages or prompts can be
generated by the appliance control module 220 described in more
detail below. In some embodiments, the display device 230 can be a
standard touchscreen display device, which accepts user/operator
inputs and command selections. These user/operator inputs and
command selections can also be transferred to the appliance control
module 220 described in more detail below.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 4, the diagram illustrates the system
architecture of an example embodiment of the appliance control
module 220. As described above, the appliance control module 220
receives item information read from the electronically readable
item tags 100 on the items of a load 202 in or near the appliance.
The radio-enabled tags 100 can be read by the RFID reader 210. The
item information can be received at the appliance control module
220 from the RFID reader 210 by an electronic tag reader interface
310. Using well-known protocols, the electronic tag reader
interface 310 can receive electronic signals from the RFID reader
210 and convert the received signals to computer-readable tag data
or item data representing the item information read from the tags
100. The item information can be passed to a microcontroller 320.
The non-radio-enabled tags 100 in load 202 can be scanned by the
barcode/QR code scanner 235. The item information can be received
at the appliance control module 220 from the barcode/QR code
scanner 235 by an electronic scanner interface 315. Using
well-known protocols, the electronic scanner interface 315 can
receive electronic signals from the barcode/QR code scanner 235 and
convert the received signals to computer-readable tag data or item
data representing the item information scanned from the tags 100.
The item information can be passed to the microcontroller 320.
[0029] The microcontroller 320 or controller of an example
embodiment generally handles the user/operator interface and the
automatic control of an appliance based on the item information
associated with a load being processed by the appliance. The
microcontroller 320 can be a specialized processing module of a
particular appliance. Alternatively, the microcontroller 320 can be
a general data processor of the appliance. The microcontroller 320
can also be implemented using standard discrete logic components,
semiconductor logic, application-specific integrated circuits
(ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA) components, or any of
a variety of conventional electronic components and techniques. In
the example embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the microcontroller 320
receives item information read from the tags 100 of items in or
near an appliance as described above. The microcontroller 320 can
aggregate and record the received item data in a configuration data
store and logic element 322 for all items in the load 202 being
processed by the appliance. The microcontroller 320 can use logic
preconfigured into the configuration data store and logic element
322 to generate information displays for presentation to a
user/operator via the display driver 330 and the display device
230. For example, the microcontroller 320 can automatically
generate information displays to suggest washing and/or drying
settings according to the care instructions read from the
electronically readable item tags 100 of the load 202. If multiple
items are present in the appliance, the microcontroller 320 can
suggest ideal settings based on the aggregated care needs of the
items in the appliance and/or present a warning that one or more of
the items in the load 202 have conflicting care needs. The
microcontroller 320 can suggest appliance settings for the
user/operator to approve or reject. The microcontroller 320 can
also provide suggestions, such as white clothing should not be
washed with dark colored clothing that may bleed or discolor the
white clothing. As particular examples for illustration, sample
information displays generated by microcontroller 320 and presented
on display device 230 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. If the
user/operator doesn't agree with the suggestions presented on the
display device 230 by the microcontroller 320, the user/operator
has the option of selecting their own custom wash or dry.
Additionally, the user/operator can be prompted to automatically
add the appropriate amounts of soap, fabric softener, and bleach
based on the load size and clothing types as read from the item
tags 100. If an item is placed in the appliance that shouldn't be
included in the load 202 (e.g. a dry clean only item or an item
that requires a special garment bag), a warning can be displayed on
the display device 230 to alert the user/operator (e.g., see FIG.
6). A particular embodiment can also have predefined weight
profiles for clothes and can check clothing for forgotten items
left in pockets by comparing the weight profiles of items in the
load 202 with the current weight of items inside the appliance.
[0030] Referring still to FIG. 4, the appliance control module 220
of an example embodiment can automatically configure and control
the operation of an appliance based on the item information
obtained from the electronically readable tags of the items in the
load. For appliances that support an application programming
interface (API) 345 provided with an example embodiment, the
microcontroller 320 can automatically configure the settings of the
appliance based on the information read from the electronically
readable tags of the items placed into or near the appliance. An
appliance interface 340 is provided in a particular embodiment to
convert appliance settings or control signals into a form
compatible with an API 345 for a particular class of appliances or
electrical devices. As a result, the microcontroller 320 can
generate and issue appliance settings or control commands to
configure the operation of an appliance. For example, the
microcontroller 320 may determine that several delicate garment
items have been placed into an appliance (e.g., a clothes washer)
by reading the electronic tags of the items in the load. Based on
this determination, the microcontroller 320 can use the appliance
interface 340 to automatically program the washer to use a wash
cycle configured for delicate loads. In this manner, an example
embodiment can automatically configure the settings and operation
of an appliance based on the particular needs or characteristics of
the items in a load being processed by the appliance.
[0031] Referring still to FIG. 4, the appliance control module 220
of an example embodiment can include a network interface 350 and a
wireless transceiver 360. The combination of the network interface
350 and the wireless transceiver 360 enables the appliance control
module 220 to be in network communication with a local area network
or a wide area network, such as the Internet. Using well-known
network protocols and electrical interfaces, the appliance control
module 220 and the microcontroller 320 therein can establish a data
connection with various network-accessible external resources, such
as servers, websites, and distributed databases. These external
resources can be accessed by the appliance control module 220 to
enable the appliance control module 220 to gather additional
information related to items detected in a particular load. For
example, the appliance control module 220 can use item information
read from an electronically readable item tag to retrieve
additional information pertaining to the item from an external
resource. As a result, the appliance control module 220 can
retrieve a highly detailed set of item information from external
resources based on item information read from an electronically
readable item tag. The appliance control module 220 can also use
the network interface 350 to retrieve a highly detailed set of
additional appliance information pertaining to a particular
appliance or electrical device being controlled by the appliance
control module 220. The appliance control module 220 can use this
additional appliance information to more accurately and robustly
control the operation of the appliance. Moreover, the appliance
control module 220 can use the network interface 350 to retrieve
additional configuration data and logic for storage in
configuration data and logic store 322 and use by the appliance
control module 220. Additionally, the network interface 350 can be
used by authorized external network resources to monitor and
control the operation of the appliance control module 220 from a
remote site. In this manner, the appliance control module 220 at
one or more sites can be networked together and controlled or
monitored by a network host.
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates an item sorter of an example embodiment.
Given the electronically readable item tags or labels 100 attached
to items of clothing as described above, a particular embodiment
includes a laundry sorter 400 for separating items into sorted bins
410 based on the item information read by the RFID reader 210 or
the barcode/QR code scanner 235. A microcontroller of laundry
sorter 400 can receive item information read from the tags 100 of
items placed in the sorter 400 as described above. The
microcontroller can use preconfigured logic to control the sorter
400 to separate particular items into sorted bins 410 based on the
item information. Items can be sorted in a variety of groupings as
defined by user-defined parameters. The laundry sorter 400 for
sorting laundry based on the electronically read item information
can be configured for both commercial and residential users.
[0033] In various alternative embodiments, the appliance control
module as described herein can be adapted for a variety of
electrical or electronic devices, appliances, or other electrical
equipment, such as clothes washers, clothes dryers, steam cleaners,
industrial clothes presses, dishwashers, refrigerators, or other
types of appliances. The items placed into or with these appliances
can be electronically tagged as described above. As also described
above, the operation of the appliances can be automatically
configured based on the specific item information read by the
appliance control module from the items placed into or with the
appliances. In this manner, the appliances can be configured to
alert a user/operator regarding a variety of conditions. For
example, in the case of a refrigerator, an embodiment can alert a
user/operator regarding food items that are about to expire or food
items that may be hazardous if consumed in a raw form.
Additionally, the user/operator can be alerted regarding issues
related to safety, storage, and disposal. As described above, the
various embodiments can also configure the operation of the
appliances based on the specific item information read from the
electronic tags on each item. As a result, the various embodiments
described herein provide systems and methods for electronically
tagging items for use in controlling electrical devices.
[0034] In other alternative embodiments, the embedding of
electronically readable item tags or labels into apparel can
provide corporations and retailers with more opportunities and
information to increase sales. When a consumer walks into a store,
the retailer can collect sizing information that allows sales
associates to guide customers to certain sections of the store. The
embedding of electronically readable item tags or labels into
apparel can also allow retailers to offer special sales for repeat
customers or even a discount if the individual is already wearing a
product that was recently purchased. This allows for a more
personalized and tailored shopping experience. In addition to an
improved customer experience, the inventory process can be improved
and simplified using a wand that can read the electronically
readable item tags or labels. A retailer can pass the wand over
clothing racks and shelves to get sizing, color, and quantity
information for all the products based on the tag information read
from the electronically readable item tags or labels.
[0035] In addition to the advantages of the disclosed embodiments
for corporations or retailers, consumers can also obtain value from
the embedding of electronically readable item tags or labels into
apparel as disclosed herein. For example, consumers can scan items
while shopping to obtain tag information from the electronically
readable item tags or labels attached to products of interest. The
tag information can inform the consumer as to the materials used in
the manufacture of products, their origins, dyes used, sizing
information, comparison to previous purchases, wash instructions,
reviews, etc. This would provide consumers more control over the
purchases they make and would even help them to find items similar
to previous purchases if the previously purchased items are old and
worn out. Consumers worried about environmental conditions
associated with the manufacturing of their clothing can find
instantaneous information on the factory conditions where the
garment was made as well as the sourcing of materials to avoid
areas of conflict. This can help to improve work conditions, the
use of sustainable materials, and reduction of pollution due to
chemical processes used during manufacturing.
[0036] Thus, the example embodiments described herein provide a
technical solution to a technical problem. The various embodiments
improve the functioning of a variety of classes of appliances by
providing electronic tagging of items used in controlling the
operation of electrical devices, such as appliances. The various
embodiments also serve to transform the operational state of
appliances to a different and improved state by virtue of the
variety of manipulations, modifications, and/or controls applied to
the appliances based on the item information read from the item
tags. Additionally, the various embodiments effect an improvement
in a variety of technical fields including the fields of appliance
control, home computing, information sharing, and device
communications.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 8, a processing flow diagram
illustrates an example embodiment of a method 1100 for a method as
described herein. The method 1100 of an example embodiment
includes: reading an electronically readable tag attached to an
item placed in an electrical device to retrieve item information
from the electronically readable tag (processing block 1110);
generating operational messages and control commands based on the
item information (processing block 1120); displaying the
operational messages for a user/operator of the electrical device,
the operational messages being based on the item information
(processing block 1130); and issuing control signals for
controlling the electrical device, the control signals being based
on the item information (processing block 1140).
[0038] FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in
the example form of a mobile computing and/or communication system
700 within which a set of instructions when executed and/or
processing logic when activated may cause the machine to perform
any one or more of the methodologies described and/or claimed
herein. In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a
standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other
machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the
capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network
environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or
distributed) network environment. The machine may be a personal
computer (PC), a laptop computer, a tablet computing system, a
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a
smartphone, a web appliance, a set-top box (STB), a network router,
switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of
instructions (sequential or otherwise) or activating processing
logic that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further,
while only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" can
also be taken to include any collection of machines that
individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of
instructions or processing logic to perform any one or more of the
methodologies described and/or claimed herein.
[0039] The example computing and/or communication system 700 can
include a data processor 702 (e.g., a System-on-a-Chip (SoC),
general processing core, graphics core, and optionally other
processing logic) and a memory 704, which can communicate with each
other via a bus or other data transfer system 706. The computing
and/or communication system 700 may further include various
input/output (I/O) devices and/or interfaces 710, such as a
touchscreen display and optionally a network interface 712. In an
example embodiment, the network interface 712 can include one or
more radio transceivers configured for compatibility with any one
or more standard wireless and/or cellular protocols or access
technologies (e.g., 2nd (2G), 2.5, 3rd (3G), 4th (4G) generation,
and future generation radio access for cellular systems, Global
System for Mobile communication (GSM), General Packet Radio
Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Wideband
Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), LTE, CDMA2000, WLAN,
Wireless Router (WR) mesh, and the like). Network interface 712 may
also be configured for use with various other wired and/or wireless
communication protocols, including TCP/IP, UDP, SIP, SMS, RTP, WAP,
CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, UWB, WiFi, WiMax, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11x, and
the like. In essence, network interface 712 may include or support
virtually any wired and/or wireless communication mechanisms by
which information may travel between the computing and/or
communication system 700 and another computing or communication
system via network 714.
[0040] The memory 704 can represent a machine-readable medium on
which is stored one or more sets of instructions, software,
firmware, or other processing logic (e.g., logic 708) embodying any
one or more of the methodologies or functions described and/or
claimed herein. The logic 708, or a portion thereof, may also
reside, completely or at least partially within the processor 702
during execution thereof by the computing and/or communication
system 700. As such, the memory 704 and the processor 702 may also
constitute machine-readable media. The logic 708, or a portion
thereof, may also be configured as processing logic or logic, at
least a portion of which is partially implemented in hardware. The
logic 708, or a portion thereof, may further be transmitted or
received over a network 714 via the network interface 712. While
the machine-readable medium of an example embodiment can be a
single medium, the term "machine-readable medium" should be taken
to include a single non-transitory medium or multiple
non-transitory media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,
and/or associated caches and computing systems) that store the one
or more sets of instructions. The term "machine-readable medium"
can also be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is
capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for
execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any
one or more of the methodologies of the various embodiments, or
that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures
utilized by or associated with such a set of instructions. The term
"machine-readable medium" can accordingly be taken to include, but
not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, and
magnetic media.
[0041] In various embodiments as described herein, example
embodiments include at least the following examples.
[0042] An apparatus comprising: a controller; a tag reader
interface in data communication with the controller, the tag reader
interface being configured to receive item information read from an
electronically readable tag attached to an item placed in an
electrical device; a display device driver in data communication
with the controller for driving the display of operational messages
for a user/operator of the electrical device, the operational
messages being based on the item information; and an appliance
interface in data communication with the controller for receiving
control commands from the controller and for issuing corresponding
control signals for controlling the electrical device, the control
commands being based on the item information.
[0043] The apparatus as claimed above further including a scanner
interface in data communication with the controller, the scanner
interface being configured to receive item information read from
the electronically readable tag attached to the item placed in the
electrical device.
[0044] The apparatus as claimed above wherein the electronically
readable tag is of a type from the group consisting of: a
microchip, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a barcode,
and a Quick Response (QR) code.
[0045] The apparatus as claimed above further including a network
interface in data communication with the controller, the network
interface being configured to enable the controller to communicate
with external network resources.
[0046] The apparatus as claimed above wherein the electrical device
is of a type from the group consisting of: a clothes washer, a
clothes dryer, a steam cleaner, an industrial clothes press, a
dishwasher, a refrigerator, and an appliance.
[0047] The apparatus as claimed above wherein the item information
is of a type from the group consisting of: item care instructions,
the item manufacturer, a date of manufacture or purchase, a name or
identity of an owner or purchaser, and an item stock keeping unit
(SKU) number.
[0048] The apparatus as claimed above being further configured to
detect conflicting care needs of items placed in the electrical
device.
[0049] An appliance comprising: a tag reader configured to read
item information from an electronically readable tag attached to an
item placed in the appliance; a display device for displaying
operational messages for a user/operator of the appliance, the
operational messages being based on the item information; and an
appliance control module in data communication with the tag reader
and the display device, the appliance control module including: a
controller; a tag reader interface in data communication with the
controller and the tag reader, the tag reader interface being
configured to receive the item information read from the
electronically readable tag attached to the item placed in the
appliance; a display device driver in data communication with the
controller and the display device, the display device driver for
driving the display of operational messages for the user/operator
of the apparatus, the operational messages being based on the item
information; and an appliance interface in data communication with
the controller for receiving control commands from the controller
and for issuing corresponding control signals to the apparatus, the
control commands being based on the item information.
[0050] The appliance as claimed above further including a scanner
interface in data communication with the controller, the scanner
interface being configured to receive item information read from
the electronically readable tag attached to the item placed in the
appliance.
[0051] The appliance as claimed above wherein the electronically
readable tag is of a type from the group consisting of: a
microchip, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a barcode,
and a Quick Response (QR) code.
[0052] The appliance as claimed above further including a network
interface in data communication with the controller, the network
interface being configured to enable the controller to communicate
with external network resources.
[0053] The appliance as claimed above wherein the appliance is of a
type from the group consisting of: a clothes washer, a clothes
dryer, a steam cleaner, an industrial clothes press, a dishwasher,
and a refrigerator.
[0054] The appliance as claimed above wherein the item information
is of a type from the group consisting of: item care instructions,
the item manufacturer, a date of manufacture or purchase, a name or
identity of an owner or purchaser, and an item stock keeping unit
(SKU) number.
[0055] The appliance as claimed above being further configured to
detect conflicting care needs of items placed in the appliance.
[0056] A method comprising: reading an electronically readable tag
attached to an item placed in an electrical device to retrieve item
information from the electronically readable tag; generating
operational messages and control commands based on the item
information; displaying the operational messages for a
user/operator of the electrical device, the operational messages
being based on the item information; and issuing control signals
for controlling the electrical device, the control signals being
based on the item information.
[0057] The method as claimed above further including scanning item
information from the electronically readable tag attached to the
item placed in the electrical device.
[0058] The method as claimed above wherein the electronically
readable tag is of a type from the group consisting of: a
microchip, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a barcode,
and a Quick Response (QR) code.
[0059] The method as claimed above further including providing a
network interface in data communication with a controller to enable
the controller to communicate with external network resources.
[0060] The method as claimed above wherein the electrical device is
of a type from the group consisting of: a clothes washer, a clothes
dryer, a steam cleaner, an industrial clothes press, a dishwasher,
a refrigerator, and an appliance.
[0061] The method as claimed above wherein the item information is
of a type from the group consisting of: item care instructions, the
item manufacturer, a date of manufacture or purchase, a name or
identity of an owner or purchaser, and an item stock keeping unit
(SKU) number.
[0062] The method as claimed above including detecting conflicting
care needs of items placed in the electrical device.
[0063] An apparatus comprising: a controller means; a tag reader
interfacing means in data communication with the controller means,
the tag reader interfacing means being configured to receive item
information read from an electronically readable tag attached to an
item placed in an electrical device; a display device driving means
in data communication with the controller means for driving the
display of operational messages for a user/operator of the
electrical device, the operational messages being based on the item
information; and an appliance interfacing means in data
communication with the controller means for receiving control
commands from the controller means and for issuing corresponding
control signals for controlling the electrical device, the control
commands being based on the item information.
[0064] The apparatus as claimed above further including a scanner
interfacing means in data communication with the controller means,
the scanner interfacing means being configured to receive item
information read from the electronically readable tag attached to
the item placed in the electrical device.
[0065] The apparatus as claimed above wherein the electronically
readable tag is of a type from the group consisting of: a
microchip, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a barcode,
and a Quick Response (QR) code.
[0066] The apparatus as claimed above further including a network
interfacing means in data communication with the controller means,
the network interfacing means being configured to enable the
controller means to communicate with external network
resources.
[0067] The apparatus as claimed above wherein the electrical device
is of a type from the group consisting of: a clothes washer, a
clothes dryer, a steam cleaner, an industrial clothes press, a
dishwasher, a refrigerator, and an appliance.
[0068] The apparatus as claimed above wherein the item information
is of a type from the group consisting of: item care instructions,
the item manufacturer, a date of manufacture or purchase, a name or
identity of an owner or purchaser, and an item stock keeping unit
(SKU) number.
[0069] The apparatus as claimed above being further configured to
detect conflicting care needs of items placed in the electrical
device.
[0070] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37
C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the
reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure.
It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition,
in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various
features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the
purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure
is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the
claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly
recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single
disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby
incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim
standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
* * * * *