CONTROL OF APPLIANCES, KITCHEN AND HOME

• US 20100231506A1
• Filed: 05/19/2009
• Published: 09/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Pryor, Timothy
• Application Number:
  US12/468,401
• Publication Number:
  US 20100231506A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• 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. Control system for at least one home apparatus comprising;

a video image projector;

a member having a surface on which an image is projected; and

computer means for sensing a control signal relating to said projected image on said surface

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus is a household appliance.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein work is performed on said member surface.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including a TV Camera for generating said control signal.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including a physical control member attached to said surface.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including means to change the function of said control system from one apparatus to another.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said control signal is generated by touching said surface.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said member can be removed for cleaning.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said displayed image relates to the control panels of a plurality of apparatus having different control layouts.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said projected image relates to the display of a device connected to said computer.

4. Apparatus according to claim I wherein at least a portion of said surface is curvilinear.

12-14. -14. (canceled)

15. A control panel comprising

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

a plurality of control devices operable by a user of said control panel, said devices provided on said surface

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

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 further incorporating means to sense finger touch location.

17. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein at least one of said control devices is a knob.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said image displayed indicates the circumferential position of said knob.

19. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein control device is a switch.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said switch operates without contacting a users finger.

21. Apparatus according to claim 15 including programmable tactile feedback means.

22. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein displayed labels relating to at least one of said control devices are changed in order to change from controlling one apparatus to another.