US20010043686A1 - Method and apparatus for setting programmable features of an appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The appliance owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the appliance either directly from the server or the appliance owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0001]
• This invention relates generally to the field of setting programmable features of an appliance. More particularly, the invention provides a method and apparatus for conveniently setting various programmable features of an appliance using a graphical user interface accessed with a computer via a global computer network.[0002]
• 2. Prior Art[0003]
• The advent of microprocessors and other miniaturized electronics has facilitated the implementation of increasingly complex functions in home and office appliances. Typically, a relatively complex operator interface is required in order to invoke the various functions that are available. For example, home electronic devices such as televisions, VCRs, stereo receivers and the like are typically provided with sophisticated remote control devices. Such remote control devices have a large number of individual buttons that are used to directly control features of an appliance and/or that are used to navigate through on-screen menus. Due to the sophistication and complexity of the controls, owner's manuals for appliances are becoming increasingly voluminous and difficult to comprehend.[0004]
• Due to the growing complexity of modern appliances, many of the available features are never utilized by consumers, even as competition in the marketplace drives the proliferation of such features. A number of solutions have been proposed for making appliances easier to control and generally more “user friendly”. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,123 issued to Chan, et al. discloses a method for downloading set-up data via a telephone to an appliance controller. A user first initiates a telephone call to a remote site having a computer. The user communicates certain background information to the remote site, and set-up data is then downloaded via the telephone connection. The earpiece of the telephone is held in proximity to a microphone built into the appliance controller in order to receive the downloaded data. Upon receipt of the data, the controller is configured to operate the appliance.[0005]
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,711 issued to Yuen discloses an apparatus and methods for providing initializing settings to an appliance. When a user wishes to initialize the settings of an appliance, the user initiates a telephone connection with a remote site. The remote site then downloads a sequence of commands for initializing the settings in the appliance over the telephone connection. A remote control device for the appliance receives the sequence of commands and stores them in an internal memory. The remote control device is then aimed at the appliance and the user enters a command to transfer the stored sequence of commands to the appliance, thereby initializing the settings.[0006]
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,756 issued to Levine discloses a method of initializing a programmable control device, such as a remote controller for a video cassette recorder. The device is programmed by connecting it to a telephone system, dialing a remote initializing center preferably employing a computer, and providing the computer with information as to the environment of the control device by using touch tone keys to respond to audio inquiries transmitted by the computer. The computer then transmits the initializing program for loading into the memory of the control device.[0007]
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,063 issued to Barry, et al. discloses a method and apparatus for remote control of electronic devices from a computer. A transducer, such as an infrared transmitter, is coupled to a computer and aimed at an electronic device to be controlled. An application program running on the computer generates appropriate signals for control of the electronic device.[0008]
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,086 issued to Ivie, et al. discloses a method and apparatus for communicating commands to electrical appliances from remote locations. Various appliances within a structure, such as a house, are coupled to a signal-conducting bus, such as the AC power wiring bus of the structure. Appliance commands are issued over the bus from a central transmitter. Appliances may be directly coupled to the bus or may receive commands via an infrared signal from an infrared transmitting device coupled to the bus. A handheld control device may be supplied for controlling the various appliances, in which case, receivers for the handheld control device are coupled to the bus in various parts of the structure.[0009]
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,294 issued to Chambers discloses a programmable universal remote controller. A programming device is coupled to a computer and receives signals from conventional remote controllers. The programming device correlates the received signals with a database of stored signals used by various appliance manufacturers. The programming device then sends a complete set of appropriate control signals to the programmable universal controller.[0010]
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,077 issued to Darbee discloses a universal remote controller that may be programmed from a remote location. The remote controller receives programming data via a video or telephonic data transmission system.[0011]
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,571 issued to Jacobs, et al. discloses a system for transferring data from a video display monitor of a personal computer to a portable information device such as an appointment scheduling device. The video display is modulated to transmit data to an opto-electronic receiver in the portable information device.[0012]
• Microsoft Corporation has introduced a cordless phone having programmable functions controlled by a personal computer. The base station of the phone is coupled to the serial port of a computer and application software is installed on the computer to control operation of the phone.[0013]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides methods and apparatus for setting preferences and other parameters of an appliance. In preferred embodiments of the invention, a user initiates a connection to an interactive site on a global computer network. The site hosts a graphical user interface with which preferences and other parameters of an appliance may be set by the user. In some embodiments, set-up data for the appliance is downloaded from the user's computer or the interactive site directly to the appliance. In other embodiments, set-up data for the appliance is downloaded from the user's computer or the interactive site to a transfer device where it is temporarily stored. The transfer device, which is easily portable, is taken by the user to the appliance, and the set-up data is downloaded from the transfer device to the appliance. Since the appliance itself does not require a user interface for set-up procedures and programming, the appliance can be smaller, cheaper and lighter without sacrificing any functionality. In addition, the need for a printed user's manual is largely obviated since all of the information normally contained in such a manual can be obtained from the interactive site.[0014]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a first embodiment of the invention wherein an appliance receives data directly from a local computer.[0015]
• FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a second embodiment of the invention wherein an appliance receives data from a local computer via a transfer device.[0016]
• FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a transfer device as shown in FIG. 2.[0017]
• FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical user interface suitable for setting programmable features of a thermostat.[0018]
• FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a third embodiment of the invention wherein an appliance receives data directly from an interactive site server.[0019]
• FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the invention wherein an appliance receives data from an interactive site server via a transfer device.[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.[0021]
• The present invention finds application with a wide variety of home and office appliances. Some categories of appliances in which the invention may be utilized include telephones, televisions, video recorders, audio and video entertainment system components, refrigerators, conventional ovens, microwave ovens, dishwashers, irrigation systems, global positioning satellite (GPS) receivers, automobile heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, automobile sound systems, home security systems, home HVAC systems, home master control systems, facsimile machines, copiers, postage meters, etc. “Programmable features” refer to any appliance features that may be altered. These include, for example, initialization or set-up parameters, stored data (e.g., telephone speed dial numbers or GPS receiver database) and internal software. Specific examples are given below to illustrate operation of the invention. However, it will be understood that the invention has general applicability to appliances of all types and to all types of programmable features within such appliances.[0022]
• A first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. An[0023]appliance10 receives set-up data from alocal computer12. In a typical application,local computer12 is a general purpose personal computer of the type now widely found in homes and offices. Details ofcomputer12 are not particularly relevant to the invention and are not shown. Typically,computer12 will comprise, at a minimum, a processing unit, a keyboard and a display. Additional input devices, such as a mouse or other pointing device, and output devices, such as a printer, may also be included as part ofcomputer12.
• [0024]Local computer12 is coupled to a remoteinteractive site server14 by a telecommunications link. In a typical embodiment of the invention,interactive site server14 would be accessible via the World Wide Web. Other appropriate means for connectingcomputer12 toserver14 could also be employed.Server14 contains programming for interactively setting the programmable features ofappliance10. Preferably,server14 presents to the owner ofappliance10, viacomputer12, a graphical user interface that is tailored toappliance10 and the programmable features thereof. Such interface can be thought of as a “virtual appliance”. This can be better understood from the discussion of FIG. 4, below.
• In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,[0025]appliance10 is directly coupled tolocal computer12. The connection betweenappliance10 andcomputer12 may be one-way from the computer or two-way. One-way communication may be accomplished optically by modulating the display ofcomputer12 as is known in the art. Other communication techniques can be employed using audio, magnetic, inductive, infrared, or radio frequency coupling. Two-way communications are most conveniently established by connection to a serial port ofcomputer12. Naturally, this type of connection is not convenient for some appliances, but is particularly well-suited to portable appliances that may require a large amount of data. For example, loading data into a pocket organizer or similar type of personal digital assistant can be most conveniently accomplished with a serial port connection in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1.
• In order to provide the appropriate interface for programming the features of[0026]appliance10,server14 preferably receives data from the appliance manufacturer. Such data may be received periodically as new model appliances are released by the manufacturer or may be obtained byserver14 in real time with a dial-up connection to the manufacturer. The latter approach offers the advantage of insuring that the most recent product information is available toserver14. One method of insuring that the appropriate information forappliance10 is obtained byserver14 is to prompt the appliance owner to input the serial number of the appliance atcomputer12. This need only be performed once, since the serial number can thereafter be stored incomputer12 and/orserver14 for use in subsequent programming of the same appliance.
• An optional aspect of the invention is the ability of[0027]server14 to provide valuable feedback to the appliance manufacturer. During appliance set-up operations,server14 collects information concerning consumer's use of product features that can be useful in product marketing and new product design. The link betweenserver14 and the appliance manufacturer also facilitates new marketing opportunities. The manufacturer can readily target advertising to identified purchasers of its products. Also, the manufacturer can offer accessories and related products forappliance10. Such offers may be integrated with the set-up interface or may be directed to the appliance owner separately by email or conventional mail. It should be appreciated that the invention can facilitate warranty registration. Since the appliance owner is already communicating withserver14 to set programmable features of the appliance, it is a simple matter to collect the additional information necessary to complete warranty registration and, if desired, to provide additional demographic data to the manufacturer.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 1, except that programming data is provided to[0028]appliance10 by atransfer device16. This transfer device receives the programming data fromlocal computer12 by a wired connection tocomputer12 or, preferably, by an opto-electronic or other wireless data link.
• FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a[0029]suitable transfer device16. At the heart ofdevice16 is acontrol electronics module102. Data modulated on the display screen ofcomputer12 is sensed byoptical detector104 upon activation of receiveswitch106. The data is demodulated byelectronics102 and is stored inmemory108. Upon confirmation of error-free transfer and storage of the data, a suitable indication is provided to the user by means ofindicator110, which may be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). With the data loaded inmemory108,transfer device16 may be carried toappliance10, which preferably includes an infrared receiver coupled to its internal control electronics.Transfer device16 is held in proximity to the infrared receiver ofappliance10. Upon actuation of transmitswitch112, the data stored inmemory108 is appropriately modulated byelectronics102 and applied toinfrared transmitter114.Indicator110 may confirm to the user that the data has been transmitted. Alternatively, or in addition, an indicator may be provided onappliance10 to signal receipt of the data.Power source116, preferably in the form of common alkaline battery cells, provides electrical power to the components ofdevice16.
• [0030]Transfer device16 may be configured in various forms. Preferably,device16 is easily portable.Device16 may be in the form of a pen or wand withoptical detector104 andinfrared transmitter114 at one end.Transfer device16 may also be integrated with a conventional remote controller for those types of appliances that are commonly controlled remotely. In another variation,transfer device16 may be a removable module ofappliance10. In such case, communication between the transfer device and the appliance may be accomplished with a direct electrical connection through a suitable arrangement of electrical contacts.Transfer device16 may, in fact, comprise the “brains” ofappliance10 in the form of a microprocessor or equivalent device. Aside from the ease of programming features and functions of the appliance, such an arrangement offers the added benefit of facilitating service or replacement of the appliance's electronic components in the event of malfunction.
• The embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is particularly well-suited to appliances that are relatively fixed in position and that require only limited amounts of data. Examples of such appliances abound in the home and office. One such example is a thermostat for a home HVAC system. FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical user interface for a thermostat as presented on a display of[0031]computer12. Such interface is shown merely for purposes of illustration, it being understood that the particular features of the interface are largely a matter of design choice.
• Along the top of the display shown in FIG. 4 is a[0032]day strip122. The user may select any one of the days with a cursor to program the thermostat settings for that day. Below the day strip is atemperature selector124. Pointing at the up or down arrow with a mouse or other cursor positioning device, the user selects the desired temperature. To the right oftemperature selector124 there are a pair oftime windows126 and128. Using the appropriate up and down arrows, the user selects the starting and ending times for which the temperature selection applies. When the desired settings have been made, the user selectsENTER button130 to store the selections and then proceeds to make the next set of selections. For convenience, the ending time last entered may be automatically inserted into the starting time window. Agraphical display132 of the selected temperature profile may be provided for the user's convenience.
• When all settings have been completed, the data is loaded into[0033]transfer device16, which is then taken to the physical location of the thermostat for transfer of the data. Since all of the settings have been entered intocomputer12, they may conveniently saved locally and/or byserver14 for subsequent use in revising these settings or for reloading the settings in the event of a power failure. A printed record of the settings may also be made fromcomputer12. For some appliances, a print-out following a set-up procedure may be used as a template for the appliance to indicate selected options and programmed features. For example, certain appliances may have unlabeled function buttons for which a template may be made once selected functions have been assigned to the buttons during a set-up procedure.
• It will be appreciated that a thermostat physically incorporating the interface shown in FIG. 4 would be quite large and costly in comparison to conventional thermostats. This is due primarily to the relative complexity of the interface, since the actual componentry to provide such flexibility of thermostat settings is actually quite small and inexpensive. Through use of the present invention, virtually unlimited flexibility in thermostat programming may be accomplished with a thermostat that is no larger and no more costly than a conventional thermostat. Indeed, a thermostat as just described could easily be made the size of a postage stamp.[0034]
• FIG. 5 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the invention. In this case, data for[0035]appliance10 is received directly fromserver14 rather thanlocal computer12. From the appliance owner's perspective, the appliance programming interface is otherwise identical to the previously described embodiments. Communication betweenserver14 andappliance10 may be telephonic.Appliance10 may incorporate a conventional modem, in which case communications may be two-way, or may simply have a data demodulator for one-way communications. Coupling ofappliance10 to the telecommunications network may be by a conventional RJ-11 connection. Alternatively,appliance10 may incorporate a cordless telephone module for communicating with a separate base station. Communications betweenserver14 andappliance10 could also be implemented with radio signals. For example,appliance10 could incorporate a conventional paging receiver.
• A particular example of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 is a programmable telephone. Speed dial numbers and other programmable features of a telephone may be conveniently set using a graphical user interface hosted by[0036]server14. Once the features have been programmed by the user,server14 simply places a call to the telephone. Appropriate data demodulation circuitry is incorporated in the telephone in order to download the data fromserver14.
• FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention generally similar to that of FIG. 5, but incorporating a transfer device as in the embodiment of FIG. 2. Here, however,[0037]transfer device16′ receives data directly fromserver14. As with the previously described embodiment, communication betweenserver14 andtransfer device16′ may be telephonic or by radio. One example of atransfer device16′ is embodied as a removable module or “card” of a telephone. Data for anappliance10 is downloaded fromserver14 to the telephone where it is demodulated and stored in the card. The card may then be taken toappliance10 to transfer the data to the appliance with an infrared or other data link.
• Another embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 6 is a “universal” remote controller that may be coupled to a telecommunications network by means of an RJ-11 jack or equivalent in the manner disclosed by Darbee in U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,077. The remote controller could thus function as a data transfer device in addition to its more conventional remote control functions.[0038]
• It will be recognized that the above described invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.[0039]

Claims (27)

What is claimed is:

1. A method for setting programmable features of an appliance comprising the steps of:

providing an interactive site on a global computer network;

providing a transfer device having an input port and an output port;

establishing a connection with the interactive site;

interactively setting programmable features of a virtual appliance at the interactive site;

downloading set-up data from the interactive site to the input port of the transfer device;

downloading the set-up data from the output port of the transfer device to a real appliance corresponding to the virtual appliance.

2. The method of

claim 1

wherein the input port of the transfer device comprises an optical sensor.

3. The method of

claim 2

wherein the step of downloading set-up data from the interactive site to the input port of the transfer device comprises modulating a portion of a computer display and sensing such modulation with the optical sensor.

4. The method of

claim 1

wherein the input port of the transfer device comprises a telephonic connection.

5. The method of

claim 4

wherein the step of downloading set-up data from the interactive site to the input port of the transfer device comprises establishing a telephonic connection between the interactive site and the transfer device and sending data telephonically.

6. The method of

claim 1

wherein the step of downloading set-up data from the interactive site to the input port of the transfer device comprises downloading the set-up data to a computer coupled to the input port of the transfer device.

7. The method of

claim 6

wherein the input port of the transfer device comprises a serial port.

8. The method of

claim 1

wherein the output port of the transfer device comprises an infra-red transmitter.

9. The method of

claim 1

further comprising the step of creating a record of the set-up data.

10. The method of

claim 1

further comprising the step, prior to the step of setting programmable features, of entering a serial number of the real appliance.

11. The method of

claim 1

further comprising the steps of extracting information from the set-up data and sending said information to a manufacturer of the real appliance.

12. A method for setting programmable features of an appliance comprising the steps of:

providing an interactive site on a global computer network;

providing a transfer device having an input port for a telephonic connection, a data decoder for decoding data transmitted telephonically and an output port;

establishing a connection with the interactive site;

interactively setting programmable features of a virtual appliance at the interactive site;

establishing a telephonic connection between the interactive site and the transfer device;

telephonically downloading set-up data from the interactive site to the input port of the transfer device;

downloading the set-up data from the output port of the transfer device to a real appliance corresponding to the virtual appliance.

13. The method of

claim 12

wherein the transfer device comprises a telephone handset.

14. The method of

claim 12

wherein the transfer device is detachably coupled to a telephone.

15. The method of

claim 12

wherein the output port of the transfer device comprises an infra-red transmitter.

16. A method for setting programmable features of an appliance comprising the steps of:

providing an interactive site on a global computer network;

establishing a connection with the interactive site;

interactively setting programmable features of a virtual appliance at the interactive site;

establishing a communication link between the interactive site and a real appliance corresponding to the virtual appliance;

downloading set-up data from the interactive site to the real appliance.

17. The method of

claim 16

wherein the communication link is telephonic.

18. The method of

claim 16

wherein the communication link comprises a radio frequency link.

19. The method of

claim 18

wherein the appliance comprises a paging receiver.

20. A method for setting programmable features of a telephone comprising the steps of:

providing an interactive site on a global computer network;

providing a telephone having a data decoder for decoding data transmitted telephonically;

establishing a connection with the interactive site;

interactively setting programmable features of a virtual telephone at the interactive site;

the interactive site establishing a telephonic connection with a real telephone corresponding to the virtual telephone;

telephonically downloading set-up data from the interactive site to the real telephone.

21. An interface device for communicating data to an appliance comprising:

means for coupling the interface device to a global computer network to receive modulated data;

a data demodulator;

a data memory coupled to the data demodulator;

a data output port coupled to the data memory;

control means for initiating transfer of data from the data memory to an appliance via the output port.

22. The apparatus of

claim 21

wherein the means for coupling the interface device to the global computer network comprises a local computer.

23. The apparatus of

claim 22

wherein the means for coupling further comprises means for modulating a display screen of the local computer.

24. The apparatus of

claim 21

wherein the means for coupling the interface device to the global computer network comprises a telephonic connection.

25. The apparatus of

claim 21

wherein the data output port comprises an infra-red transmitter.

26. The apparatus of

claim 21

wherein the interface device is a removable module of the appliance.

27. The apparatus of

claim 26

wherein the interface device comprises electronics for controlling the appliance during operation thereof.

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