CONTROL OF APPLIANCES, KITCHEN AND HOME

• US 20100182136A1
• Filed: 03/29/2010
• Published: 07/22/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Timothy Pryor
• Original Assignee: Timothy Pryor
• Inventors: Pryor, Timothy
• Application Number:
  US12/748,657
• Publication Number:
  US 20100182136A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/425.500
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/0063 using remote monitoring or controlling of the dishwasher operation, e.g. networking systems
• CPC Class Codes: F24C 15/2021 Arrangement or mounting of control or safety systems
• CPC Class Codes: F24C 7/082 on ranges, e.g. control panels, illumination
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/292 Light , e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0423 Input/output
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23031 Simulate control panel to give remote instructions
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2643 Oven, cooking
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31048 Project on workpiece, image of finished workpiece, info or a spot
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/017 Gesture based interaction, e.g. based on a set of recognized hand gestures interaction based on gestures traced on a digitiser G06F3/04883
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0425 using a single imaging device like a video camera for tracking the absolute position of a single or a plurality of objects with respect to an imaged reference surface, e.g. video camera imaging a display or a projection screen, a table or a wall surface, on which a computer generated image is displayed or projected tracking a projected light spot to determine a position on a display surface G06F3/0386
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2213/04 Heating plates with overheat protection means
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 6/6435 Aspects relating to the user interface of the microwave heating apparatus

Abstract

The disclosed invention is generally in the field of control of appliances in the home, and in their networking and connectivity also with audio systems and internet sources and the integration of these elements in a connected manner. Preferred apparatus generally employs a video projection system and one or more TV cameras. Embodiments of the invention may be used to enhance the social interaction and enjoyment of persons in the kitchen and reduce the work of food preparation. The invention may be used in many rooms of the house, and contribute to the well being of seniors and others living therein.

Claims

1. A method for providing interactive kitchen activity comprising the steps of:

providing a projection screen surface;

using a computer controlled video image projector, projecting information on said surface;

providing a camera or other electro-optical sensor for observing at least one person working in said kitchen;

determining using said computer information relating to said person, and;

using said information, projecting images of interest to said person.

2. A food preparation method comprising the steps of:

providing a computer;

providing a image display device controlled by said computer, and;

displaying, using said display device, food related information on a work surface on which food is cut, formed or otherwise worked.

3. Material measurement method comprising the steps of

providing a computer

providing a video camera interfaced to said computer and positioned to view material flowing into a container

determining at least one dimension of said material while flowing,

integrating the dimensions of said material over a time interval of flow, and

using said integration, determining the amount of material deposited in said container

4. A vehicle control panel comprising:

a member having a curvilinear surface on which images are displayed on at least a portion thereof;

a plurality of physical control devices operable by a user of said vehicle control panel, said devices provided on said surface; and

a computer to determine the position or state of said physical control devices and to control the display of said images.