EP3447186A1 - Device with single user actuator for the selection of operating modes - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) adapted to take different angular orientations during use. The device (100) comprises a sensor (101) connected to a control unit (102) for determining an angular orientation of the device (100) during use, a user actuator (103) for generating a trigger signal to said control unit (102) for each actuation of the user actuator (103), and an interface (104) for displaying at least one operating mode of said device (100). The control unit (102) is adapted to: - detect, based on the determined angular orientation, that the device (100) is in a predetermined angular orientation, - trigger the successive display on said interface (104) of a different operating mode taken among said at least one operating mode, for each successive trigger signal generated when the device (100) is in said predetermined angular orientation, and - apply to said device (100), the latest operating mode displayed on said interface (104). This solution allows activating a plurality of different operating modes using only one user actuator.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The invention relates to the field of domestic appliances, and more specifically garment care devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Steam iron is an example of domestic appliance. In steam irons, buttons are commonly used to activate various modes and/or to change settings. For example, there are buttons used as a mode selector button that changes either the steam rate or temperature, or a steam actuator button that controls the output of steam. Others include shot of steam button, rinsing buttons. There is an increasing demand to have a higher number of modes and settings to choose from by the user, in order to improve ironing experience and performance. However, this demand often results in the situation that the corresponding steam irons are equipped with a high number of buttons and knobs.
• Implementing a higher number of buttons and knobs is difficult in view of the limited space and form factor on most of household devices. Moreover, if the buttons and knobs are of reduced size, this creates inconvenience for user when manipulating the device for mode selection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• It is an object of the invention to propose an improved device that avoids or mitigates above-mentioned problems.
• The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.
• To this end, the device according to the invention comprises is adapted to take different angular orientations during use. The device comprises:
• a sensor connected to a control unit for determining an angular orientation (A) of the device (100) during use,
• a user actuator for generating a trigger signal to the control unit for each actuation of the user actuator,
• an interface for displaying at least one operating mode of the device,
The control unit is adapted to:
• detect, based on the determined angular orientation, that the device is in a predetermined angular orientation,
• trigger the successive display on the interface of a different operating mode taken among the at least one operating mode, for each successive trigger signal generated when the device is in the predetermined angular orientation, and
• apply to the device, the latest operating mode displayed on the interface.
• With this solution, it becomes possible to activate a plurality of different operating modes using only one user actuator. As a result, the implementation becomes much easier. Moreover, this contributes to a cost-effective solution.
• The invention also relates to a method of selecting an operating mode in a device as described above.
• Detailed explanations and other aspects of the invention will be given below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Particular aspects of the invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which identical parts or sub-steps are designated in the same manner:
• Fig. 1 depicts a device according to the invention,
• Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B illustrate a device according to the invention in an initial angular orientation and a final angular orientation, respectively,
• Fig. 3 depicts an interface in a device according to the invention,
• Fig. 4 depicts a flow chart of a method according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
• Fig. 1 depicts adevice 100 according to the invention.
• Thedevice 100 is adapted to take different angular orientations during use. Those different angular orientations are for example the consequence of the device being manipulated by user.
• Thedevice 100 comprises asensor 101 connected to acontrol unit 102 for determining an angular orientation (A) of thedevice 100 during use.
• Thedevice 100 also comprises auser actuator 103 for generating a trigger signal to thecontrol unit 102 for each actuation of theuser actuator 103.
• Thedevice 100 also comprises aninterface 104 for displaying at least one operating mode of thedevice 100.
• Thecontrol unit 102 is also adapted to :
• detect, based on the determined angular orientation (A), that thedevice 100 is in a predetermined angular orientation (A1).
• trigger the successive display on theinterface 104 of a different operating mode taken among the at least one operating mode, for each successive trigger signal generated when thedevice 100 is in the predetermined angular orientation (A1).
• apply to thedevice 100, the latest operating mode displayed on theinterface 104.
• Preferably, thecontrol unit 102 is adapted to apply to thedevice 100, the latest operating mode displayed on theinterface 104, when thedevice 100 returns to an initial angular orientation A0 different than the predetermined angular orientation A1.
• Alternatively, thecontrol unit 102 is adapted to apply to thedevice 100, the latest operating mode displayed on theinterface 104, when thedevice 100 is in the predetermined angular orientation A1. For example:
• solution 1: thecontrol unit 102 is adapted to immediately apply to thedevice 100 the operating mode displayed on theinterface 104. Or,
• solution 2: thecontrol unit 102 is adapted to detect that theuser actuator 103 has not been actuated during more than a predetermined time duration since the last actuation. In that case, the latest operating mode displayed on theinterface 104 will be applied to thedevice 100 after this predetermined time duration has elapsed. For example, the predetermined time duration is 1 second.
• The fact that the device can take different angular orientations during use reflects the fact that given the portable nature of the device, user can move manually the device in all kinds of direction (left, right, top, down, or a combination thereof).
• Thesensor 101 is preferably taken among the set defined by accelerometer, gyroscope, ball sensor, or any sensor that could give orientation information. Preferably, thesensor 101 is arranged in thehandle 109.
• If thesensor 101 corresponds to an accelerometer, it is preferably of the type Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). For example, a three-axis accelerometer can be used to generate three acceleration signals along three main axis X, Y, Z of an orthonormal reference, with Z corresponding to a vertical direction, and X-Y forming an horizontal plan. This accelerometer, even when the device is not dynamically moving, is able to measure a change of static acceleration along anyone of axis X, Y, Z, between a first static position of the device and a second static position of the device. For example, when the accelerometer is in a first position in which axis X, Y are in an horizontal plan, the acceleration value along axis Z equals 1 g = 9.81 m/s² (i.e. Earth gravity) and 0 along axis X, Y. If the accelerometer is moved to a second position, for example by tilting the device in a plane parallel to plane formed by axis X-Z, the acceleration value along axis X, Y and Z will vary in dependence of the sine and/or cosine of the tilt angle (A). Depending on the variations of the acceleration value along axis X, Y and Z, the corresponding angular orientation (A) of the device can be derived. For example, a pre-filled-in look-up table(s) linking value of acceleration to a corresponding angle value can be used. The pre-filled values can be obtained by measurement, or via using formula given in the sensor datasheet for calculating tilt angles from acceleration value.
• The variations of the acceleration value along only one axis can be used, for example axis Z.
  To this end, for example, the following look-up 1 table can be used:Look-up table 1

  Angular orientation (A)	Acceleration value on Z axis (milli g)
  0	1031
  5	1026
  10	1014
  15	996
  20	972
  25	938
  30	897
  35	853
  40	803
  45	727
  50	659
  55	587
  60	515
  65	438
  70	358
  75	267
  80	181
  85	95
  90	-2

• The unit for the acceleration value is in milli g (or abbreviated as "mg"), with 1 g = 9.81 m/s².
• With the above look-up table 1, let assume that the lower threshold of the predetermined angular orientation A1 is set to 35 degrees. In that case, if the value of the acceleration measured is below 853 milli g, it can be considered that the device is in the predetermined angular orientation.
  Similarly, the variations of the acceleration value along axis X and/or Y can be used, with the following look-up table 2:Look-up table 2

  Angular orientation (A)	Acceleration value on X or Y axis (milli g)
  0	-3
  5	98
  10	191
  15	275
  20	357
  25	441
  30	515
  35	584
  40	653
  45	744
  50	802
  55	856
  60	905
  65	948
  70	980
  75	1010
  80	1027
  85	1036
  90	1041

• Using acceleration value along axis X and/or Y is advantageous in case the lower threshold of the predetermined angular orientation A1 is below 30 degrees, for example 10 degrees. Indeed, since the change of the acceleration value varies with the sine of the orientation angle A, the change of acceleration angle is more important for small angles, contrary to using acceleration value along the Z axis which varies with the cosine of the orientation angle. The accuracy of determining the angular orientation (A) is thus improved.
• The accelerometer preferably incorporates a processing module to directly derive the angular orientation (A) of the device. Alternatively, if the accelerometer is not equipped with this processing module, the necessary processing can be performed by thecontrol unit 102.
• If thesensor 101 corresponds to a gyroscope, the orientations along axis X, Y, Z are directly measured by the sensor. Knowing the orientations in a three-dimensional reference allows deriving the corresponding angular orientation (A) of thedevice 100.
• If thesensor 101 corresponds to a ball sensor, only a binary information on the angular orientation of the device can be determined. For example, it can only be determined that the angular orientation of the device is above a certain threshold angle. The threshold angle reflects the angle the ball inside the sensor is able to move from an initial position to a final position inside the sensor.
• Preferably, the predetermined angular orientation (A1) is an angle of at least 10 degrees between a horizontal surface (X-Y) and a reference planar surface (S) of thedevice 100. For example, the predetermined angular orientation (A1) has an angle value of 15 degrees.
• Preferably, the reference planar surface (S) corresponds to a planar treatment surface of the device. If the device is a steam iron, the reference planar surface (S) is a soleplate used for ironing garments.
• Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B illustrate a device according to the invention in an initial angular orientation A0 and a final angular orientation, respectively.
• InFig. 2A, the reference planar surface (S) of thedevice 100 is parallel to horizontal surface (X-Y). So in the present example, the initial angular orientation A0 has a value of 0 degree. If the device is a steam iron, this situation may correspond to having the device being used onto a horizontal ironing board.
• InFig. 2B, the angular orientation (A) of the device has been modified by user, for example by tilting the tip of the device, such that the reference planar surface (S) and the horizontal surface (X-Y) form an angle A=A1, for example of at least 10 degrees.
• The user actuator may for example correspond to a push button, a rotating button, a tactile touch button.
• Preferably, theuser actuator 103 is arranged on the top surface of thehandle 109 of the device, next to the interface/display 104, as depicted inFig. 1. However, theuser actuator 103 can also be arranged at different locations on the device, such as inside the hollow part of thehandle 109.
• The user actuator generates a trigger signal for each actuation of the user actuator. However, the term actuation is not limited to a single action by the user. Indeed, an actuation may also correspond to a more complex action, such as a double click on the user actuator that will generate only one trigger signal.
• Theinterface 104 may for example correspond to:
• names of the at least one operating mode which are successively back-illuminated (for example using light emitting diodes)
• a LCD screen on which the names of the at least one operating mode are successively displayed,
• individual lights (for example light emitting diodes) arranged adjacent to each name of the at least one operating mode being marked on the device, the individual lights being successively illuminated.
• Let consider an example in which the at least one operating mode comprises only one operating mode. In this case, when thedevice 100 is in the predetermined angular orientation A1, actuating theuser actuator 103 will result in the display of this operating mode in theinterface 104. Actuating the user actuator 103 a second time will result in stopping the display of this operating mode in theinterface 104. For example, if the device is a steam iron, the only one operating mode to choose from in the interface may correspond to applying a non-steaming mode (i.e. dry mode) to the steam iron when thedevice 100 returns to an initial angular orientation (A0) different than the predetermined angular orientation (A1).
• Fig. 3 depicts an interface in a device according to the invention,
• Let consider an example in which the at least one operating mode comprises:
• a first operating mode M1,
• a second operating mode M2,
• a third operating mode M3,
• a fourth operating mode M4.
• When thedevice 100 is in the initial angular orientation (A0) different than the predetermined angular orientation (A1), let assume for example that the second operating mode M2 was already applied to thedevice 100.
• In this case, when thedevice 100 gets in the predetermined angular orientation A1:
• the second operating mode M2 is by-default displayed in theinterface 104, and other operating modes not displayed (alternatively displayed with lower light intensity), as illustrated inFig. 3 (a),
• actuating a first time theuser actuator 103 will result in the display of the third operating mode M3 in theinterface 104, and other operating modes not displayed (alternatively displayed with lower light intensity), as illustrated inFig. 3 (b),
• actuating a second time theuser actuator 103 will result in the display of the fourth operating mode M4 in theinterface 104, and other operating modes not displayed (alternatively displayed with lower light intensity), as illustrated inFig. 3 (c),
• actuating a third time theuser actuator 103 will result in the display of the first operating mode M1 in theinterface 104, and other operating modes not displayed (alternatively displayed with lower light intensity), as illustrated inFig. 3 (d),
• actuating a fourth time theuser actuator 103 will result in the display of the second operating mode M2 in theinterface 104, as illustrated inFig. 3 (a).
• If theuser actuator 103 is continued to be actuated, this above process of successively displaying the various operating modes repeats recursively.
• Alternatively to the above process, when thedevice 100 gets in the predetermined angular orientation A1, there are no by-default operating modes displayed in theinterface 104, and actuating a first time theuser actuator 103 will result in the display of the first operating mode M1 in theinterface 104, and other operating modes not displayed (alternatively displayed with lower light intensity).
• For example, if theuser actuator 103 is actuated such that the latest operating mode displayed on theinterface 104 is the fourth operating mode M4, then when the device leaves the predetermined angular orientation (A1), the fourth operating mode M4 is applied to the device without any user action.
• Preferably, the device is a garment care device, and the at least one operating mode comprises a dry mode (i.e. non-steaming mode). In this operating mode, the device does not generate steam.
• Preferably, the device is a garment care device, and the at least one operating mode comprises a steaming mode (i.e. non-steaming mode). In this operating mode, the device is able to generate steam.
• Preferably, the steaming mode comprises a first steaming mode with low steam generation and a second steaming mode with high steam generation.
• Preferably, the steaming mode comprises a third steaming mode characterized by generating steam if thedevice 100 is moving when thedevice 100 is in the initial angular orientation (A0) different than the predetermined angular orientation (A1), and not generating steam if thedevice 100 is not moving when thedevice 100 is in the initial angular orientation (A0) different than the predetermined angular orientation (A1).
• For example, the movement information is measured by thecontrol unit 102 connected to thesensor 101.
• Preferably, the steaming mode comprises a fourth steaming mode characterized by generating pulsed steam.
• Preferably, thecontrol unit 102 is further adapted to modify, when thedevice 100 is in the initial angular orientation (A0), some characteristics of the latest operating mode displayed on the interface 104), based on a trigger signal generated when thedevice 100 is in the initial angular orientation (A0).
• For example:
• If the latest operating mode applied to the device is dry mode, then actuating the user actuator may generate a burst of steam,
• If the latest operating mode applied to the device is steaming mode with low steam generation, then actuating the user actuator may generate an increased flow of steam,
• If the latest operating mode applied to the device is steaming mode with high steam generation, then actuating the user actuator may generate an even increased flow of steam,
• If the latest operating mode applied to the device is steaming mode with high steam generation, then actuating the user actuator may generate a decreased flow of steam,
• If the latest operating mode applied to the device is steaming mode if movement of the device is detected, then actuating the user actuator may generate steam even if the device does not have any movement.
• It is noted that according to the invention, the predetermined angular orientation (A1) may comprise a plurality of predetermined angular ranges, each angular range being associated to a different set of operating modes. In each of those angular ranges, the selection of operating mode is done similarly as explained above.
• For example, the predetermined angular orientation (A1) comprises:
• a first range of angles (for example between 10-45 degrees compared to a horizontal plan) which is used to select among a first set of operating modes (for example the four operating modes M1-M2-M3-M4 described above), and
• a second range of angles (for example between 45-90 degrees compared to a horizontal plan) which is used to select among a second set of operating modes (for example a first vertical steaming mode M5 and a second vertical steaming mode M6).
• For example, for the operating modes M1-M2-M3-M4, thecontrol unit 102 is adapted to apply to thedevice 100, the latest operating mode displayed on theinterface 104, when thedevice 100 returns to an initial angular orientation A0 different than the predetermined angular orientation A1.
• For example, for the operating modes M5-M6, thecontrol unit 102 is adapted to apply to thedevice 100, the least operating mode displayed on theinterface 104, when thedevice 100 is in the predetermined angular orientation A1.
• Preferably, the device is a garment care device corresponding to any one of the following types:
• dry iron: this type of device comprises a soleplate forming a reference planar surface similar to the reference planar surface (S) as depicted inFig. 1.
• steam iron: this type of device corresponds to the embodiment depicted inFig. 1.
• pressurized steam generator: this type of device comprises a base connected to an iron via a hose cord, either the hose carrying water, either the hose cord carrying steam. The iron has a structure similar as the embodiment depicted inFig. 1.
• handheld garment steamer: this type of device comprises a planar front plate from which steam exits. The planar front plate forms a reference planar surface similar to the reference planar surface (S) as depicted inFig. 1. However, considering that during use the by-default orientation of the planar front plate is vertical, the angular orientation A corresponds to the angle between a vertical plane (X-Z or Y-Z) and the reference planar surface.
• stand garment steamer: this type of device comprises a base connected to a portable steamer. The steamer head comprises a planar front plate from which steam exits. The planar front plate forms a reference planar surface similar to the reference planar surface (S) as depicted inFig. 1. However, considering that during use the by-default orientation of the planar front plate is vertical, the angular orientation A corresponds to the angle between a vertical plane (X-Z or Y-Z) and the reference planar surface.
• stain remover device: this type of device comprises a planar front end for treating stain. The planar front end can be considered as a reference planar surface (S) similarly as depicted inFig. 1. The angular orientation A corresponds to the angle between horizontal plane X-Y and the reference planar surface. The at least one operating mode may for example correspond to stain treatment with chemical agent, rinsing the stain area with water, drying the stain area.
• For example, to generate steam, the garment care device depicted inFig. 1 comprises awater tank 105, asteam chamber 106 receiving water from thereservoir 105. The steam generated in thesteam chamber 106 exits via steam vents 107 in the soleplate S. In order to control the amount of steam generated, awater pump 108 is arranged between thewater tank 105 and thesteam chamber 106. The opening/closing of thewater pump 108 is controlled by thecontrol unit 102.
• Fig. 4 depicts a flow chart of a method according to the invention of selecting an operating mode of a device taken among at least one operating mode, the device being adapted to take different angular orientations during use.
• The method comprises the steps of:
• determining (401) an angular orientation (A) of the device (100) during use,
• detecting (402), based on the determined angular orientation (A), that the device (100) is in a predetermined angular orientation (A1),
• generating (403) at least one trigger signal, when the device (100) is in the predetermined angular orientation (A1),
• triggering (404) the successive display, on an interface of the device, of a different operating mode taken among the at least one operating mode, for each successive trigger signal generated when the device (100) is in the predetermined angular orientation (A1), and
• applying (405) to the device (100), the latest operating mode displayed on the interface (104).
• The above embodiments as described are only illustrative, and not intended to limit the technique approaches of the present invention. Although the present invention is described in details referring to the preferable embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the technique approaches of the present invention can be modified or equally displaced without departing from the protective scope of the claims of the present invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.
• Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (16)

1. A device (100) adapted to take different angular orientations during use, the device (100) comprising:

   - a sensor (101) connected to a control unit (102) for determining an angular orientation (A) of the device (100) during use,

   - a user actuator (103) for generating a trigger signal to said control unit (102) for each actuation of the user actuator (103),

   - an interface (104) for displaying at least one operating mode of said device (100),

   wherein the control unit (102) is adapted to:

   - detect, based on the determined angular orientation (A), that the device (100) is in a predetermined angular orientation (A1),

   - trigger the successive display on said interface (104) of a different operating mode taken among said at least one operating mode, for each successive trigger signal generated when the device (100) is in said predetermined angular orientation (A1), and

   - apply to said device (100), the latest operating mode displayed on said interface (104).
2. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said predetermined angular orientation (A1) is an angle of at least 10 degrees between an horizontal surface (X-Y) and a reference planar surface (S) of the device (100).
3. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said predetermined angular orientation (A1) comprises a plurality of predetermined angular ranges, each angular range being associated to a different set of operating modes.
4. Device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a planar treatment surface, wherein said planar treatment surface defines said reference planar surface (S).
5. Device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (102) is further adapted to apply to said device (100), the latest operating mode displayed on said interface (104), when the device (100) returns to an initial angular orientation (A0) different than said predetermined angular orientation (A1).
6. Device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (102) is further adapted to apply to said device (100), the latest operating mode displayed on said interface (104), when the device (100) is in said predetermined angular orientation (A1).
7. Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (102) is further adapted to modify, when the device (100) is in said initial angular orientation (A0), some characteristics of said latest operating mode, based on said trigger signal generated when the device (100) is in said initial angular orientation (A0).
8. Device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 7, corresponding to a garment care device, wherein said at least one operating mode comprises a dry mode.
9. Device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 7, corresponding to a garment care device, wherein said at least one operating mode comprises a steaming mode.
10. Device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said steaming mode comprises a first steaming mode with low steam generation and a second steaming mode with high steam generation.
11. Device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein said steaming mode comprises a third steaming modecharacterized by generating steam if the device (100) is moving when the device (100) is in the initial angular orientation (A0) different than the predetermined angular orientation (A1), and not generating steam if the device (100) is not moving when the device (100) is in the initial angular orientation (A0) different than the predetermined angular orientation (A1).
12. Device as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein said steaming mode comprises a fourth steaming modecharacterized by generating pulsed steam.
13. Device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 12, wherein said sensor (101) is taken among the set defined by accelerometer, gyroscope, ball sensor.
14. Device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said sensor (101) is an accelerometer generating acceleration values along at least one axis (X, Y, Z), the control unit (102) being adapted to derive said angular orientation (A) from acceleration values along said at least one axis (X, Y, Z).
15. Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, corresponding to any of the types defined by dry iron, steam iron, pressurized steam generator, handheld garment steamer, stand garment steamer, stain remover.
16. Method of selecting an operating mode of a device taken among at least one operating mode, the device being adapted to take different angular orientations during use, the method comprising the steps of:

    - determining (401) an angular orientation (A) of the device (100) during use,

    - detecting (402), based on the determined angular orientation (A), that the device (100) is in a predetermined angular orientation (A1),

    - generating (403) at least one trigger signal, when the device (100) is in said predetermined angular orientation (A1),

    - triggering (404) the successive display, on an interface of the device, of a different operating mode taken among said at least one operating mode, for each successive trigger signal generated when the device (100) is in said predetermined angular orientation (A1), and

    - applying (405) to said device (100), the latest operating mode displayed on said interface (104).

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