U.S. patent application number 14/791767 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-12 for systems and methods of dispensing water or ice.
The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Tyler James Doering, Joseph Thomas Waugh.
Application Number | 20170010034 14/791767 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57730661 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170010034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doering; Tyler James ; et
al. |
January 12, 2017 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF DISPENSING WATER OR ICE
Abstract
Systems and methods for dispensing water or ice are provided. In
particular, a dispensing system can include a sensor configured to
detect the presence of a container proximate the dispensing system.
The sensor can be further configured to detect a top lip of the
container and a level of contents in the container relative to the
top lip. When a container is detected, the dispensing system can be
configured to dispense water or ice, for instance, responsive to a
user input. The dispensing system can be further configured to
cease dispensing water or ice when the level of water or ice
reaches a threshold level.
Inventors: |
Doering; Tyler James;
(Louisville, KY) ; Waugh; Joseph Thomas;
(Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57730661 |
Appl. No.: |
14/791767 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 2001/009 20130101;
F25D 23/126 20130101; F25C 5/22 20180101 |
International
Class: |
F25C 5/00 20060101
F25C005/00; F25D 23/02 20060101 F25D023/02; F25D 23/12 20060101
F25D023/12 |
Claims
1. A dispensing system for dispensing liquid or ice, the system
comprising: a dispenser defining a dispensing recess, the dispenser
comprising a nozzle for dispensing liquid or ice; a sensor disposed
within the dispensing recess, the sensor configured to receive one
or more signals indicative of a presence of a container proximate
the dispensing recess and a level of contents in the container; and
one or more control devices configured to control the operation of
the dispenser, the one or more control devices configured to:
receive one or more signals from the sensor; detect a level of ice
within the container based at least in part on the one or more
signals from the sensor; and responsive to detecting the level of
ice, determine whether a level of liquid is detected within the
container based at least in part on the one or more signals from
the sensor; wherein, when a level of liquid is not detected within
the container, liquid is dispensed into the container for an
initial time period, and wherein, when a level of liquid is
detected, liquid is dispensed into the container until the level of
liquid rises to a threshold level.
2. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the one or more
control devices are further configured to control the operation of
the dispenser such that the dispenser only dispenses liquid or ice
when the presence of the container is detected proximate the
dispensing recess.
3. The dispensing system of claim 2, wherein liquid or ice is only
dispensed by the dispenser responsive to a user request for liquid
or ice.
4. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an
ultrasonic transducer configured to periodically transmit one or
more sound waves, and receive one or more reflected sound
waves.
5. The dispensing system of claim 4, wherein the one or more
reflected sound waves are indicative of at least one surface of the
container.
6. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is
configured to detect one or more surfaces of the container, and
wherein the one or more control devices are configured to
distinguish a signal indicative of a top lip of the container from
a signal indicative of a lower portion of the container.
7. The dispensing system of claim 5, wherein the one or more
control devices are further configured to distinguish a signal
indicative of the level of contents in the container from the
signal indicative of the lower portion and the signal indicative of
the top lip.
8. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the one or more
control devices are further configured to determine a height of the
container based at least in part on the one or more signals from
the sensor.
9. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the threshold level is
between about 3 centimeters and about 7 centimeters beneath the top
lip of the container.
10. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is
positioned in the dispensing recess such that one or more sound
waves transmitted by the sensor are transmitted parallel to a
stream of liquid or ice being dispensed by the dispenser.
11. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the initial time
period corresponds to an amount of time until liquid is detected in
the container.
12. A refrigerator appliance, comprising: a cabinet defining a
chilled chamber for receipt of food articles; a door mounted to the
cabinet, the door configured for permitting selective access to the
chilled chamber of the cabinet; a dispenser mounted to the door,
the dispenser defining a dispensing recess and including a nozzle
for dispensing liquid or ice: a sensor positioned within the
dispensing recess configured to detect the presence of a container
proximate the dispenser and a level of contents within the
container; and one or more control devices configured to control
the operation of the dispenser, the one or more control devices
configured to: receive one or more signals from the sensor, wherein
at least one of the one or more signals is indicative of a level of
ice within the container; and responsive to receiving the at least
one signal indicative of the level of ice, control the operation of
the dispenser such that when a level of liquid is not detected in
the container, liquid is dispensed for an initial time period, and
when a level of liquid is detected in the container, liquid is
dispensed until the level of liquid in the container reaches a
threshold level.
13. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein the sensor is
an ultrasonic sensor configured to emit sound waves and receive
reflected sound waves.
14. The refrigerator appliance of claim 13, wherein the reflected
sound waves comprise sound waves reflected off of one or more
surfaces of a container proximate the dispenser.
15. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein the container
has a geometry comprising a top lip and a lower portion below the
top lip extending outwardly beyond the top lip.
16. The refrigerator appliance of claim 15, wherein the one or more
control devices are configured to distinguish a signal indicative
of the top lip from a signal indicative of the lower portion.
17. The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, wherein the one or more
control devices are configured to control the operation of the
dispenser such that liquid or ice is dispensed only in response to
a request from a user while the presence of a container is detected
proximate the dispenser.
18. A method of dispensing liquid or ice into a container, the
method comprising: receiving one or more signals from a sensor, the
sensor configured to detect data indicative of one or more surfaces
associated with a container positioned proximate a dispenser, the
dispenser configured to dispense liquid or ice into the container;
detecting a presence of the container based at least in part on the
one or more received signals; determining a level of ice within the
container based at least in part on the one or more received
signals; and responsive to determining the level of ice, dispensing
liquid into the container based at least in part on a user input,
wherein, when a level of liquid is not detected in the container,
liquid is dispensed for an initial time period, and when a level of
liquid is detected in the container, liquid is dispensed until the
level of liquid in the container reaches a threshold level.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the container has a geometry
including a top lip and a lower portion below the top lip extending
outwardly beyond the top lip.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising distinguishing at
least one signal indicative of the lower portion from at least one
signal indicative of the level of liquid within the container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to dispensing water
or ice from an appliance, and more particularly to automatically
dispensing water or ice using a single sensor configuration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Refrigerator appliances generally include one or more
cabinets defining chambers for the receipt of food items for
storage. Refrigerator appliances may also include features for
dispensing ice and/or water. To provide ice and/or water, a
dispenser is typically positioned on a door of the appliance. The
user positions a container proximate the dispenser and ice, water,
or both are deposited into the container depending upon the user's
selection. A paddle or other type switch can be provided whereby
the user can make a selection. Typically, the water is chilled by
routing through one of the refrigerated chambers.
[0003] The water dispenser may have an associated sensor
arrangement configured to detect the height and/or presence of a
container positioned proximate the dispenser. For instance,
conventional dispenser systems may implement a horizontal sensor to
detect a position of the container, and a vertical sensor to detect
a top lip of the container and/or a liquid level within the
container.
[0004] Such conventional sensor arrangements can be costly and
inefficient. Thus, there is a need for a water dispensing system
having a simplified sensor system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0006] One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to
a dispensing system for dispensing liquid or ice. The system
includes a dispenser defining a dispensing recess. The dispenser
comprises a nozzle for dispensing liquid or ice. The system further
includes a sensor disposed within the dispensing recess. The sensor
is configured to receive one or more signals indicative of a
presence of a container proximate the dispensing recess and a level
of contents in the container. The system further includes one or
more control devices configured to control the operation of the
dispenser. The one or more control devices are configured to
receive one or more signals from the sensor. The one or more
control devices are further configured to detect a level of ice
within the container based at least in part on the one or more
signals from the sensor. The one or more control devices are
further configured to, responsive to detecting the level of ice,
determine whether a level of liquid is detected within the
container based at least in part on the one or more signals from
the sensor. Wherein, when a level of liquid is not detected within
the container, liquid is dispensed into the container for an
initial time period. When liquid is detected, liquid is dispensed
into the container until the level of liquid rises to a threshold
level.
[0007] Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed
to a refrigerator appliance. The refrigerator appliance includes a
cabinet defining a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles.
The refrigerator appliance further includes a door mounted to the
cabinet configured for permitting selective access to the chilled
chamber of the cabinet. The refrigerator appliance further includes
a dispenser mounted to the door defining a dispensing recess and
including a nozzle for dispensing liquid or ice. The refrigerator
appliance further includes a sensor positioned within the
dispensing recess configured to detect the presence of a container
proximate the dispenser and a level of contents within the
container. The refrigerator appliance further includes one or more
control devices configured to control the operation of the
dispenser. The one or more control devices are configured to
receive one or more signals from the sensor. At least one of the
one or more signals is indicative of a level of ice within the
container. The one or more control devices are further configured
to, responsive to receiving the at least one signal indicative of
the level of ice, control the operation of the dispenser such that
when a level of liquid is not detected in the container, liquid is
dispensed for an initial time period. When a level of liquid is
detected in the container, liquid is dispensed until the level of
liquid in the container reaches a threshold level.
[0008] Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed
to a method of dispensing liquid or ice into a container. The
method includes receiving one or more signals from a sensor. The
sensor is configured to detect data indicative of one or more
surfaces associated with a container positioned proximate a
dispenser. The dispenser is configured to dispense liquid or ice
into the container. The method further includes detecting a
presence of the container based at least in part on the one or more
received signals. The method further includes determining a level
of ice within the container based at least in part on the one or
more received signals. The method further includes, responsive to
determining the level of ice, dispensing liquid into the container
based at least in part on a user input. When a level of liquid is
not detected in the container, liquid is dispensed for an initial
time period. When a level of liquid is detected in the container,
liquid is dispensed until the level of liquid in the container
reaches a threshold level.
[0009] Variations and modifications can be made to these example
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts an example refrigerator appliance according
to example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts an example dispensing assembly according to
example embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts an example dispensing assembly having a
sensor for detecting the presence of a container and a level of
contents within the container according to example embodiments of
the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of an example method of
dispensing water or ice into a container according to example
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an example method of
ceasing dispensing water or ice according to example embodiments of
the present disclosure; and
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of an example method of
dispensing water into a container already holding ice according to
example embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0019] Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to
systems and methods for dispensing water or ice. More particularly,
a sensor associated with a dispensing system can be configured to
detect a presence of a container positioned proximate the
dispensing system. The sensor can be further configured to
determine a height of the container and/or a level of contents
within the container. In example embodiments, the sensor may be an
ultrasonic sensor positioned on an upper portion of the dispensing
system, such that the sensor transmits signals parallel to the
water stream dispensed by the dispenser. When a container is
positioned proximate the dispensing system, the sensor can detect
the container, and subsequently send a signal indicative of the
detected container to a control system associated with the
dispenser. The control system can then enable the dispenser to
dispense water or ice, for instance, responsive to a user input. It
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the dispenser
can be configured to dispense various other suitable forms of
liquid instead of or in addition to water without deviating from
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0020] Once the container has been detected, a height of the
container can be determined. In particular, the sensor can be
further configured to detect a top lip of the container. The sensor
can send a signal indicative of the lip to the control system, and
the control system can determine a height of the container based at
least in part on the signal.
[0021] As the container fills with water or ice, a level of the
water or ice within the container can be determined. For instance,
the sensor can detect the water or ice, and can send a signal
indicative of the water or ice to the control system, which can
determine the level of the water or ice from the signal. When the
difference between the height of the container and the level of the
water or ice falls below a threshold, the dispenser can cease
dispensing water or ice. In example embodiments, the threshold can
be in the range of about 1/2 inch to about 3 inches. As used
herein, the term "about," when used in reference to a numerical
value, is intended to refer to within 20% of the numerical value.
It will be appreciated that various other suitable thresholds may
be used. In example embodiments, the level of the water or ice
relative to the height of the lip of the container can be
determined at least in part from the amount of time between
detecting the top lip and detecting the water or ice.
[0022] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a front view of
an example embodiment of a refrigerator appliance 100. Refrigerator
appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 120 defining an upper
fresh food chamber 122 and a lower freezer chamber 124 arranged
below the fresh food chamber 122. As such, refrigerator appliance
100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. In the
exemplary embodiment, housing 120 also defines a mechanical
compartment (not shown) for receipt of a sealed cooling system.
Using the teachings disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will
understand that the present invention can be used with other types
of refrigerators (e.g., side-by-sides). Consequently, the
description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and
is not intended to limit the invention in any aspect.
[0023] Refrigerator doors 126, 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge
of housing 120 for accessing fresh food compartment 122. A freezer
door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors 126, 128 for
accessing freezer chamber 124. In the exemplary embodiment, freezer
door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably
mounted within freezer chamber 124.
[0024] Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a dispensing assembly
110 for dispensing water and ice. Dispensing assembly 110 includes
a dispenser 114 positioned on an exterior portion of refrigerator
appliance 100. Dispenser 114 includes a discharging outlet 134 for
accessing ice and water. Dispensing assembly 110 further includes a
sensor 112 positioned on discharging outlet 134. As will be
described in more detail below, sensor 112 can be configured to
detect a presence of a container positioned within dispensing
assembly 110, and to detect the top lip of the container. A user
interface panel 136 is provided for controlling the mode of
operation. For example, user interface panel 136 includes a water
dispensing button (not labeled) and an ice-dispensing button (not
labeled) for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed,
non-crushed ice, or water, etc.
[0025] Discharging outlet 134 is an external part of dispenser 114,
and is mounted in a dispensing recess or recessed portion 138
defined in an outside surface of refrigerator door 126. Recessed
portion 138 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient
for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access
ice of water without the need to bend-over and without the need to
access freezer chamber 124. In the exemplary embodiment, recessed
portion 138 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest
level of a user.
[0026] Operation of the refrigerator appliance 100 is regulated by
a controller (not shown) that is operatively coupled to user
interface panel 136 and/or sensor 112. Panel 136 provides
selections for user manipulation of the operation of refrigerator
appliance 100 such as e.g., selections between whole or crushed
ice, chilled water, and/or other options. In response to user
manipulation of the user interface panel 136, the controller
operates various components of the refrigerator appliance 100. The
controller may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout
refrigerator appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, controller is located within beneath the user interface
panel 136 on door 126. In such an embodiment, input/output ("I/O")
signals may be routed between controller and various operational
components of refrigerator appliance 100. In one exemplary
embodiment, the user interface panel 136 may represent a general
purpose I/O ("GPIO") device or functional block. In another
exemplary embodiment, the user interface 136 may include input
components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical,
mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary
dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 136 may be
in communication with the controller via one or more signal lines
or shared communication busses.
[0027] FIG. 2 provides a close-up front view of the dispenser 114
of dispensing assembly 110. An exemplary nozzle 140 of the present
invention is positioned adjacent to an activation member 132.
Nozzle 140 includes a plurality of fluid outlets 142 through which
water may flow into a container placed into the recess 138 of
dispensing assembly 110 by a user of appliance 100. Dispensing
assembly 110 can further include a sensor, such as sensor 112.
Sensor 112 can be positioned parallel to the water stream dispensed
by dispenser 114. In particular, sensor 112 can be positioned
within an upper portion of dispenser 114 such that one or more
signals generated by sensor 112 are transmitted parallel to the
water stream. In this manner, sensor 112 may be positioned
vertically with respect to a container placed in dispenser 114.
[0028] In example embodiments, sensor 112 may be an ultrasonic
transducer configured to periodically transmit and receive high
frequency sound waves, and to convert the received sound waves into
electrical data. In particular, sensor 112 may be configured to
generate and transmit a sound wave, and to receive one or more
echoed sound waves. Sensor 112 can further be configured to
determine a time interval between transmitting the sound wave and
receiving the one or more echoes. It will be appreciated that
various other sensors and/or sensor configurations may be used,
such as for instance, a sensor configuration including a separate
and distinct transmitter and receiver.
[0029] FIG. 3 provides a close-up front view of the dispenser 114
of dispensing assembly 110. In example embodiments, sensor 112 can
be configured to detect a presence of a container 111 positioned
proximate dispenser 114. For instance, sensor 112 can transmit one
or more signals (e.g. sound waves), and receive one or more signals
(e.g. reflected sound waves) indicative of container 111. In
particular, the presence of a container can be detected at least in
part by a comparison of a received signal with a baseline signal.
The baseline signal can be a signal received by sensor 112 that is
not reflected by a container. For instance, the baseline signal can
be a signal transmitted by sensor 112 that is reflected, for
instance, by a bottom surface of dispenser 114. Such signal can
have an associated time interval corresponding to a particular
known time interval (or range of time) for a signal transmitted by
sensor 112 to return to sensor 112 in the absence of a container.
When container 111 is positioned proximate dispenser 114, a
different signal can be received corresponding at least in part to
the signal reflected by container 111. Such signal can have a
different corresponding time interval (or range of time), which can
be indicative of the presence of container 111.
[0030] The detection of the presence of container 111 can trigger a
dispense enable, such that water or ice can be allowed to dispense
from dispenser 114. In example embodiments, when the dispense
enable is triggered, water or ice can be dispensed from dispenser
114 responsive to, for instance, a user interaction with user
interface panel 136 indicative of a request for water or ice. In
this manner, the presence of a container must be detected before
dispenser 114 will dispense water or ice. For instance, if a user
provides an input to user interface panel 136 indicative of a
request to dispense water, water will not be dispensed unless a
container is detected proximate dispenser 114 in conjunction with
the user input.
[0031] Sensor 112 can be further configured to detect a level of
water or ice in container 111 relative to a top lip of container
111. In example embodiments, sensor 112 can be configured to detect
the level of the water or ice once the presence of a container has
been detected. For instance, when a container is positioned
proximate dispenser 114, various signals can be received by sensor
112 indicative of the various surfaces by which the signals are
reflected. For instance, a signal can be received indicative of a
bottom surface of dispenser 114 (e.g. signal 143). Such signal can
correspond to the baseline signal described above. Further, a
signal can be received indicative of the top lip of container 111
(e.g. signal 145), and a signal can be received indicative of the
water or ice level within container 111 (e.g. signal 147). One or
more signals may further be received indicative of the various
geometries of container 111 (e.g. signal 149). For instance,
container 111 includes a handle 113 extending horizontally from
container 111. As shown, signal 149 is indicative of handle 113. As
another example, if a container has a geometry wherein a middle
portion of the container has a larger radius than the top lip of
the container, a signal may be received indicative of the middle
portion, and a different signal may be received indicative of the
top lip.
[0032] In example embodiments, the top lip can be identified based
at least in part on the first received signal by sensor 112, such
that the first received signal corresponds to the surface closest
to the sensor (e.g. the top lip). In this manner, the signal
indicative of the top lip of container 111 can be distinguished
from a signal indicative of, for instance, a middle portion of
container 111 (e.g. handle 113), or from a signal indicative of
water or ice in container 111. As described above, such signals can
have an associated time intervals corresponding to the time it
takes for the signal to travel from sensor 112, reflect off of a
surface, and be received by sensor 112. The signal indicative of
the top lip can have the shortest associated time interval.
[0033] Once the top lip is identified, a water or ice level within
container 111 can also be identified. In particular, as dispenser
114 dispenses water or ice, the water or ice level within container
111 will rise. As the level rises, the time interval corresponding
to the signal that reflects off of the water or ice will decrease.
The signal indicative of the water or ice level may be identified
due at least in part to the change in the level of the water or
ice. In this manner, the signal indicative of the water level can
be distinguished, for instance, from a signal indicative of a
protruding middle portion of container 111. For instance, a signal
indicative of the level of water in container 111 (e.g. signal
147), and a signal indicative of a middle portion of container 111
(e.g. signal 149) can each have time intervals that are less than
the time interval associated with signal 143 (e.g. the baseline
signal) but greater than the time interval associated with signal
145. In example embodiments, the signal indicative of the level of
water can be distinguished from the signal indicative of the middle
portion due to the changing characteristics of the signal
indicative of the water level.
[0034] Once the signals indicative of the top lip and the water or
ice level have been identified, the water or ice level can be
measured relative to the top lip. For instance, as the water or ice
level rises, the distance between the water or ice level and the
top lip will decrease. When the distance between the top lip and
the water or ice level falls below a threshold distance, dispenser
114 can be configured to cease dispensing water or ice. The
threshold distance can be, for instance, between about 3
centimeters and 15 centimeters. In example embodiments, the
distance between the top lip and the water or ice level can be
determined based on the difference between the time intervals of
the respective signals. Dispenser 114 can be configured to cease
dispensing water or ice when the difference between the time
intervals corresponds to the threshold distance.
[0035] In example embodiments, a signal indicative of ice in
container 111 can be distinguished from a signal indicative of
water in container 111. For instance, a container may first contain
an amount of ice when a user requests for water to be dispensed,
such that the rising water level may not initially be detected by
sensor 112 due at least in part to the presence of the ice. In such
embodiments, when ice can be detected but not water, dispenser 114
may be configured to blindly dispense water for an initial time
period although the water level cannot initially be detected. For
instance, the initial time period may be a predetermined time
period, or may be determined at least in part from the determined
height of container 111.
[0036] In alternative embodiments, dispenser 114 may be configured
to blindly dispense water until a water level within container 111
can be detected. For instance, the initial time period can
correspond to the amount of time until a level of water in
container 111 is detected. In this manner, once sensor 112 is able
to detect the water level, dispenser 114 can be configured to
dispense water in accordance with example embodiments of the
present disclosure. For instance, dispenser 114 can be configured
to dispense water until the distance between the water level and
the top lip falls below the threshold distance.
[0037] In such embodiments, water may still be dispensed even if
the distance between the ice level and the top lip of container 111
is less than the threshold distance. For instance, if a level of
ice is detected 0.5 inches from the top lip of container 111, water
may still be dispensed. As the water is dispensed into container
111, the overall level of contents in container 111 will not
initially rise. In particular, the ice level and the water level
will converge as the ice settles and the water level rises.
Accordingly, in such embodiments, water may be dispensed by
dispenser 114 until the distance between the combined water and ice
level and the top lip is less than the threshold distance.
[0038] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of an example method (200) of
dispensing water according to example embodiments of the present
disclosure. The method (200) can be implemented by one or more
computing devices. In addition, FIG. 4 depicts steps performed in a
particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those
of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided
herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods
disclosed herein can be modified, adapted, expanded, omitted,
and/or rearranged in various ways without deviating from the scope
of the present disclosure.
[0039] At (202), method (200) can include detecting the presence of
a container proximate a dispenser. As described above, the
dispenser can be configured to dispense water or ice into the
container. The container can be detected based at least in part on
one or more signals received from a sensor. In example embodiments,
the sensor can be an ultrasonic transducer configured to transmit
one or more high frequency sound waves, and to receive one or more
reflected high frequency sound waves. The sound waves received by
the sensor can have associated time intervals corresponding to an
amount of time between the transmission of the sound wave and
reception of the corresponding reflected sound wave. The presence
of the container can be detected at least in part on a comparison
between the time interval of a received sound wave and a baseline
time interval associated with a baseline signal. The baseline time
interval can correspond to the amount of time between transmission
of a sound wave by the sensor and reception of the sound wave when
no container is present proximate the dispenser.
[0040] At (204), method (200) can include, responsive to detecting
the presence of the container, triggering a dispense enable. The
triggering of the dispense enable can allow water or ice to be
dispensed by the dispenser. In example embodiments, water or ice
may be dispensed only when the dispense enable is triggered.
[0041] At (206), method (200) can include receiving a user input
indicative of a request for water or ice to be dispensed. The user
input can include an interaction with a user interface, an
actuation of a paddle, or various other suitable user inputs. At
(208), method (200) can include dispensing water or ice. In example
embodiments, water or ice may be dispensed only responsive to the
user input while the dispense enable is triggered (e.g. while the
container is detected proximate the dispenser). In alternative
embodiments, water or ice may automatically be dispensed responsive
to the triggering of the dispense enable (e.g. without requiring a
user input).
[0042] As water or ice is being dispensed into the container, the
level of water or ice will rise. In example embodiments, the
dispenser can automatically cease dispensing water or ice when the
level of water or ice reaches a certain point. For instance, FIG. 5
depicts a flow diagram of an example method (300) of dispensing
water or ice into a container according to example embodiments of
the present disclosure. At (302), method (300) can include
identifying a signal indicative of a top lip of the container. The
top lip of the container can correspond to the highest point of the
container. For instance, the top lip can be a rim of the container.
The top lip of the container can be identified at least in part
from the one or more signals received from the sensor. In
particular, as described above, the top lip can correspond to
signal having the shortest associated time interval.
[0043] At (304), method (300) can include determining the level of
water or ice within the container. The level of water or ice can be
determined at least in part from the one or more signals received
from the sensor. In example embodiments, water or ice in the
container can be identified based at least in part on a change in
signals received from the sensor. In particular, as the water or
ice level rises (e.g. as water or ice is being dispensed into the
container), the time interval associated with the sound waves
reflected by the water or ice will shorten. The water or ice level
can be determined based on the changing time interval of such
signals.
[0044] In example embodiments, the container may have a geometry
wherein one or more lower portions of the container extend
outwardly beyond the top lip. For instance, the container may have
a handle, such as depicted in FIG. 3. In such embodiments, the
sensor may receive sound waves reflected by the top lip and sound
waves reflected from the lower portion. Signals received from the
sensor indicative of the top lip of the container can be
distinguished from signals indicative of the lower portion based at
least in part on the time intervals associated with the signals.
Further, signals indicative of the water or ice level may be
distinguished from signals indicative of the lower portion. In this
manner, water or ice in the container may not be confused with the
lower portion of the container.
[0045] At (306), method (300) can include comparing the level of
water or ice within the container to a threshold distance. The
threshold distance can correspond to a desired amount of water or
ice in the container, such that the container does not overflow. In
example embodiments, the threshold distance can be a distance
measured relative to the bottom of the container (and/or the bottom
surface of the dispensing assembly on which the container sits).
For instance, the threshold distance can be a distance of six
inches from the bottom of the container. In such embodiments, the
threshold distance may be determined based at least in part on a
determined height of the container. In further example embodiments,
the threshold distance can be a distance measured relative to the
top lip of the container. For instance, the threshold distance can
be a distance of one inch from the top lip.
[0046] At (308), method (300) can include ceasing dispensing water
or ice when the level of water or ice in the container reaches the
threshold distance. In this manner, once the water or ice reaches
an appropriate level, no more water or ice will be dispensed into
the container.
[0047] In alternative embodiments, the dispenser can be configured
to dispense water for a period of time (e.g. a dispensing period).
In such embodiments, the dispensing period may be a predetermined
time period, or the dispensing period may be determined based at
least in part on the determined height of the container and a
determined width and/or radius of the container. For instance, if
the height of the container is determined to be eight inches, and
the radius is determined to be two inches, a dispensing period can
be determined such that an appropriate amount of water or ice is
dispensed into the container during the dispensing period.
[0048] As described above, if an amount of ice is already present
in the container positioned proximate the dispenser, a level of
water may not initially be detectable. For instance, the ice in the
container may block the sound waves transmitted by the sensor from
reaching the water. In such embodiments, water may be dispensed
blindly for an initial period of time. For instance, FIG. 6 depicts
a flow diagram of an example method (400) of dispensing water into
a container according to example embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0049] At (402), method (400) can include detecting the presence of
a container proximate the dispenser. At (404), method (400) can
include determining a level of ice within the container. In
particular, ice within the container can be distinguished from
water within the container based at least in part on the one or
more signals received from the sensor. The level of the ice can
further be determined based at least in part on the received
signals.
[0050] At (406), method (400) can include determining whether a
level of water can be detected in the container. If water can be
detected in the container, method (400) can include dispensing
water until the water level reaches the threshold distance (408).
For instance, the threshold distance can be a distance as described
above with regard to method (300).
[0051] If a level of water is not detected within the container,
method (400) can include dispensing water for an initial time
period (410). The initial time period can correspond to a period of
time wherein water cannot be detected in the container. In example
embodiments, the initial time period can be determined at least in
part from a determined height and width of the container. As
another example, the initial time period can be the period of time
until water can be detected in the container. For instance, the
initial time period can end when water is detected. As yet another
example, the initial time period can be a predetermined time
period.
[0052] Once the initial time period ends, method (400) can proceed
to (408). In alternative embodiments, if the water level reaches
the threshold distance before the initial time period ends, the
dispenser can be configured to cease dispensing water.
[0053] As indicated above, although the present disclosure
generally contemplates a dispenser configured to dispense water or
ice, the dispenser can be further configured to dispense various
other suitable forms of liquid and/or ice. Such other forms of
liquid and/or ice can be dispensed according to example embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0054] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
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