Patent Abstract:
A system for operating and programming a laundry appliance includes a menu system giving a user extreme flexibility in operating the appliance. Through a series of menu screens, the user is presented with a variety of available options. Additionally, the laundry appliance of the invention gives the user access to databases, preferably already programmed into memory of the appliance, such as general tips for laundering and simple troubleshooting. Finally, the user has the ability to program the menu system.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention pertains to the art of laundry appliances, and more particularly, to a menu driven electronic interface system used in controlling the operation of a laundry appliance.  
           [0003]    2. Discussion of the Prior Art  
           [0004]    Automatic commercial washing machines have traditionally been operated from stored programs or manually actuated buttons. There is known in the art of washing machines a large number of electronic control systems for washing machines which arrive from the factory with a variety of settings. These settings often include wash temperatures and time settings for the various operations performed by the washing machine. Commonly present in modem washing machines are settings which optimally clean different fabrics. Depending upon the type of fabric chosen, the settings direct the various operations of the washing machine. It is also known in the art to provide on-premise laundry systems with pre-programmed operational cycles. Frequently, these pre-programmed operational cycles are organized into a slate which gives a user a number of different cycles from which to choose.  
           [0005]    Because the cycles are pre-programmed at the factory, each machine is particularly designed for a specific environment. Typically, a machine is pre-programmed with cycles relating to types of fabric usually found in that environment. For example, a machine may be programmed with a slate directed to the fabrics found in a home, hotel, hospital, restaurant, or health club. Because the types of soiled fabrics differ in each environment, the slate is specifically tailored to the types of fabric used, as well as typical stains found on the fabrics, in that environment. For example, if a machine is to be used in a hospital, the cycles from which the user may choose are pre-programmed to optimally clean the fabrics typically found in a hospital setting. If the machine was to be used in a health club, the cycles would differ because the typical fabrics and stains encountered in a health club vary from that of a hospital. Therefore, depending upon the expected location and environment of the machine, the various cycles available are preset at the factory or by the installer.  
           [0006]    In a domestic washing machine, the cycles are often designed to clean the fabrics and stains usually encountered in the home. Most commonly, one cycle is provided for whites, another for colors, and a third for delicates. In any event, the manufacturer provides the machine with the various cycles pre-programmed. In general, the various cycles can be accessed by a consumer of the washing machine through a series of buttons and/or a rotating dial. When a specific cycle is desired, a user only needs to press an appropriate button, perhaps in combination with setting the dial, on the face of the washing machine to begin the operation. This design, while simple to manufacture and operate, limits the versatility of the overall system to most effectively clean a wide range of fabrics.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,704 to Elzind teaches incorporating a microprocessor based control system into a washing machine in order to allow the changing of pre-programmed cycles after installation. The system proposes to replace the pre-existing manual operation push buttons with a module connected to an automatic controller. The controller includes a control circuit which uses a series of manual push buttons. Through the manual push buttons, the user is able to select between various wash programs. The controller also includes a removable and replaceable solid-state memory card which stores multiple wash programs. These memory cards, once inserted into a memory card driver present on the machine, provide multiple wash programs to the machine, allowing the archiving and up-loading of various wash programs. Although the system allows the alteration of various wash cycles programmed in a washing machine, the selection of wash cycles is limited to those present on the memory cards. Additionally, such a system requires external peripherals to add more settings. Therefore, users are limited to the current slate programmed into the machine. In addition, although it may be possible to load other cycles into the machine, it is difficult to change each of the cycles for optimal use in another environment. Additionally, a new slate of cycles cannot easily be loaded into the machine. Furthermore, with conventional washing machines, changing the individual parameters, other than a single wash cycle, is difficult at best.  
           [0008]    Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a domestic washing machine which is manufactured with a variety of washing operations and is capable of taking on supplementary cycle operations at the direction of the user. There also exists a need for a more user friendly system for controlling the operation of a washing appliance, rather than a conventional mechanical button operation. More specifically, there exists a need for an electronic control system which functions to prompt a user, as needed, to input certain washing information in a convenient and concise manner, and then automatically controls the washing appliance to perform the desired operation. Furthermore, there is a need for an electronic washing appliance control system which can itself be programmed to perform various operations in a desired manner, such as following a personal washing schedule stored in the system by the user. Corresponding needs exist in other known laundry appliances as well.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The present invention pertains to a system for programming and operating a laundry appliance, based on selections made by a user. In the most preferred embodiment wherein the invention is employed in a washing appliance, a menu driven display, such as a touch screen, is used to prompt a user for programming inputs, as simple as the type of fabric to be cleaned to the degree or level of soiling, or as complex as the desired water extraction speed and temperature. In addition to prompting the user for necessary programming information, the washing appliance can pause the programming sequence to automatically perform rinse, extract, or dispensing sequences as needed, preferably while displaying a control screen to the user concerning the function being performed.  
           [0010]    Additionally, the user is provided with a plurality of menu screens with which to operate and control the washing machine of the invention. Specifically, the washing machine includes a touch screen which allows the user to start the operation of the machine simply by pressing the correct area of the touch screen. The touch screen also gives the user access to a variety of databases, including washing instructions and tips, as well as help information for operating and programming the washing machine.  
           [0011]    Additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts in the several views. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a domestic washing machine incorporating the menu driven control system of the invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the display, including an initial operating screen as presented to a user;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic representation of the first operating screen;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic representation of operating screens seen by the user during general operation;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of operating screens encountered by the user during a help sequence;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of operating screens seen by the user during a service sequence;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of operating screens seen by the user during a diagnostic sequence;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of operating screens seen by the user during a cycle programming sequence;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8A is a diagrammatic representation of a second embodiment of an initial operating screen set as presented to the user;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8B is a diagrammatic representation of operating screens seen by the user during a general sequence; and  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 8C is a diagrammatic representation of operating screens seen by the user during a cycle programming sequence. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0023]    With initial reference to FIG. 1, an appliance  1  is schematically shown in the form of a washing machine. Appliance  1  includes a cabinet  2  provided with a door  3  in a front face  4 . Door  3  is designed to be pivoted to expose an integral washing tub (not shown). A display  10  is provided through which a user controls and programs washing appliance  1 . As will become more fully evident below, the particular construction of washing appliance  1  can significantly vary in accordance with the present invention. Display  10  includes a plurality of selectable control areas or zones  15  (see FIG. 2), which can be accessed by a user to both program and operate washing machine  1 .  
         [0024]    In the most preferred form of the invention, display  10  takes the form of an LCD display, such as a 128×96 dot matrix, touch screen display, which enables a user to readily review displayed data, preferably in alpha or word text format, and select from that data to establish and begin a desired washing operation. Display  10 , although shown with the various selectable areas  15  near or close to the comer and side portions of display  10 , could have the selectable areas  15  at any location on the display. The manner in which washing appliance  1  operates in accordance with the most preferred embodiment will be described in detail below, particularly with reference to the diagrams of FIGS.  3 - 7 . However, at this point it, should be realized that, in addition to the control options presented in these figures, appliance  1  may also include various buttons, such as “POWER”, used to selectively turn on or off washing appliance  1 , and “BACK/CLEAR”, used to erase an inadvertently inputted control parameter through display  10 . Additionally, display  10  may include a FAVORITES button which gives the user quick access to the most often used cycles and functions.  
         [0025]    Reference will now be made to FIG. 3 in describing various, preferred programming sequences in accordance with the invention. Upon activating washing machine  1 , a user is presented with screen  100 . As shown, screen  100  preferably presents various operating options for washing appliance  1 . With screen  100  displayed, the user can select a desired operating command, preferably by simply touching a portion of display  10  in which a key word is indicated. As shown, the user can select “Hints &amp; Tips”, “Select Cycle”, “Help”, or “Quit” options. Further details of the operation of washing appliance  1  upon selecting each of the options will be presented more fully below.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3A particularly illustrates a preferred sequence when the user programs washing appliance  1  under the “Hints &amp; Tips” option. Specifically, the “Hints &amp; Tips” option is used to access washing assistance databases preferably stored in memory of washing appliance  1 , and changes display  10  to a different screen configuration, screen  110 . Alternatively, the databases may be stored in external accessible memory. As shown in FIG. 3 a , the user can select from “Laundry Advice” or “Stain Removal”, as well as “Return to Main Menu”.  
         [0027]    Selecting the “Laundry Advice” option from screen  110  accesses screen  120 , as shown in FIG. 3B. The “Laundry Advice” option causes washing appliance  1  to access a stored database containing a variety of suggestions for washing, and to display one of the suggestions contained therein. Because washing appliance  1  preferably, randomly displays a suggestion from the database, repeatedly selecting the “Laundry Advice” option will successively display additional suggestions.  
         [0028]    Also shown in FIG. 3B is screen  130  which is entered by selecting the “Stain Removal” option from screen  110 . Screen  130  presents the user with common types of stains, or an alphabet listing used to input spelling information on a common stain, and, by selecting the specific stain type, suggestions for best cleaning of that type of stain. As shown, screen  130  includes exemplary options for “Oil &amp; Grease” and “Protein”. Screen  140  results from selecting the “Oil &amp; Grease” option. Although screen  130  is shown as including only two specific stain types, screen  130  may include a variety of additional stain types, such as “Grass”. Additionally, screen  130  may present the user with an algorithm with which to determine the type of stain. Furthermore, although screen  140  is shown as presenting particular advice on cleaning an oil and grease stain, it must be remembered that screen  140  is only exemplary and that washing appliance  1  can change screen  140 , depending upon the desired instructions and type of stain chosen in screen  130 .  
         [0029]    Washing appliance  1  is provided with a help sequence, shown in detail in FIG. 4, which is activated by selecting the “Help” option from screen  100 . The help sequence is initially displayed to the user in screen  150 . Selecting a “How to . . . ” option from screen  150  causes washing appliance  1  to display screen  160 , which presents the user with a variety of general washing procedures and suggestions for each. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide a plurality of additional screens which can be accessed by selecting one of the washing procedures for additional help and suggestions.  
         [0030]    Screen  150  also provides the user with a “Before Calling for Service . . . ” option which presents a series of commands to the user to perform before calling a service technician, and causes display  10  to show screen  170 . These commands are designed to alleviate the necessity of calling the service technician prior to considering basic potential problem areas, such as checking the various supply and waste hoses. The specific text displayed in screen  170  is only to be considered exemplary, and may alternatively show other suggestions, as well as provide additional screens which assist the user with an algorithm to determine the problem.  
         [0031]    A “Service Menu” option is also provided from screen  150  as shown in detail in FIG. 5. Selecting this option changes display  10  to screen  200  and gives the user a variety of additional options for servicing washing appliance  1 . A “Demonstration Mode” option is available, through which the tumble action, or other washing operations, are exhibited (screen  210 ). Additionally, a “Help Mode” option is provided, wherein “Help Codes”, “Extended Fill Option”, “Software Revision”, “Spinner RPM”, as well as other types of service help information are displayed (screen  220 ).  
         [0032]    Selecting a “Machine Status” option shows the current condition of washing appliance  1 . Screen  230  shows the number of cycle counts as one potential condition which may be displayed.  
         [0033]    Selecting a “Set Up” option from the service menu screen  200  gives the user the ability to set up the washing operation of washing appliance  1 . Specifically, screen  240  (see FIG. 4) presents the user with a “Cycle Set Up” option, a “Counter Set Up” option, and a “Language Set Up” option” as a sample of the type of options given in the setup mode. The “Cycle Set Up” option is used to redefine one or more steps of an individual cycle, such as demonstrated in co-assigned U.S. patent application entitled, “Programmable Laundry Appliance”, filed on even date herewith, and incorporated herein by reference. The “Counter Set Up” option is used to display and reset a running counter which calculates the number of times each cycle has been actuated and, optionally, the number of times each of the menu systems has been accessed, as well as error code counts. The “Language Set Up” option can be used to change the language which is displayed by washing appliance  1 . That is, because washing appliance  1  has access to an internal or an external database, it is possible to have a non-English language displayed.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 6 diagrams the screens of a diagnostics mode of the washing appliance  1 , which is accessed via a “Diagnostics” option from screen  200 . An initial screen  250  of the diagnostics mode presents the user with a “Field Test Cycle” option which runs washing appliance  1  through a specially designed diagnostic cycle to test the operation of washing appliance  1 . Screen  260  shows a preferred screen displayed during the “Field Test Cycle” option to convey the current status and progression of the test cycle. A similar “Factory Test Cycle” option is provided, which runs washing appliance  1  through a different specially designed diagnostic cycle to test the operation of washing appliance  1 . Screen  270  shows a preferred screen displayed during the “Factory Test Cycle” option to indicate the current status and progression of the test cycle. Screen  280  shows codes, explanations and troubleshooting guides resulting from the selection of the “Diganostics Codes” option from screen  250 .  
         [0035]    Choosing a “Select Cycle” option from screen  100  presents the user with a set of cycles and operations from which to choose, as best shown in FIG. 7. First, the user chooses the type of fabric to be cleaned in screen  300 . Next, via screen  310 , the user chooses the type of cycles to be followed. Specifically, screen  310  shows a “Normal Cycle”, a “Wash/Rinse”, and a “No Delay” cycle, but optionally may contain various types of automatic cycle used in domestic or commercial washing machines. The parameters, such as wash temperature, spin speed, and additive used, are determined by the selection of fabric type and wash type. Sample types of cycles are demonstrated in the above-identified co-pending application entitled, “Programmable Laundry Appliance”.  
         [0036]    Selecting “More Options . . . ” presents the user with screen  320 . Screen  320  essentially includes a plurality of washing options  324  and associated check-boxes  326 . For example, screen  320  is shown with options for “Max Extract”, “Stain Cycle”, “Extra Rinse” and “Signal”, which each relate to different aspects of the washing cycle. When a specific washing option is selected, the user only needs to touch the desired washing option  324  or its check-box  326 . Once selected, check-box  326  is filled on display  10 , with a check symbol or by otherwise filling in check-box  326 . Because only the contents of check-box  326  changes when washing option  324  is selected, the user is given the ability to choose one or more washing options  324  without substantial change in display  10 , until “Start Cycle” is selected.  
         [0037]    At this point, it should be realized that the options presented in screen  320  are only a sample of the potential options which may be presented to the user. The “Max Extract” option, when selected, causes washing appliance  1  to spin a washing tub (not shown) at an elevated RPM and for an extended time during the final extract step of the washing cycle. The “Stain Cycle” is a specially designed additional set of steps added to the cycle which increases the stain removal capabilities of washing appliance  1 . Washing appliance  1  may additionally include a series of screens through which the user can define the type of stain to better assist washing appliance  1  in removing the stain. The “Signal” option, when selected, turns on an audible signal to alert the user of the completion of a selected cycle. It is also contemplated that the signal can be delivered via other means, i.e. telephone call, facsimile, or electronic mail, if washing appliance  1  is so equipped. However, it must be remembered that these options are only a representative sample of the types of options which are available through screen  320 . It is also contemplated that screen  320  can be replaced with a plurality of screens, or even a scrolling screen, giving more space for presentation and selection of the available options. Screen  320 , as well as screen  310 , also preferably includes a “Start Cycle” option through which washing appliance  1  begins the washing cycle. Screen  330  is then shown to display information such as fabric type, time remaining and door lock status as the cycle progresses.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIGS. 8A, 8B and  8 C demonstrate a menu control system in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. Preferably, the menu control system of this embodiment is somewhat simpler than the system of the first embodiment. Initially, as shown in FIG. 8A, the user is presented with screen  500 . Screen  500  has been designed with custom information, such as a family name, but may alternatively include any customized alphanumeric information. Touching any specified area of screen  500  moves to screen  510 , which is similar to screen  100  of the first embodiment. As shown, screen  510  preferably presents various operating options for washing appliance  1 . With screen  510  displayed, the user can select a desired operating command, preferably by simply touching a portion of display  10  in which a key word is indicated. As shown, the user can select “Hints &amp; Tips”, “Select Cycle”, “Help”, or “Quit” options.  
         [0039]    The “Select Cycle” option changes display  10  to screen  520 . First, the user chooses the type of fabric to be cleaned. Next, via screen  530 , the user chooses the type of cycle to be used. Specifically, screen  530  shows a “Normal Cycle”, a “Wash/Rinse”, and a “No Delay” cycle, but optionally may contain any type of automatic cycle used in a domestic or commercial washing machine. The parameters, such as wash temperature, spin speed, and additive used, are determined by the selection of fabric type and wash type. Sample types of cycles are also demonstrated in the co-pending application entitled, “Programmable Laundry Appliance”, as referenced above.  
         [0040]    Selecting “More Options . . . ” presents the user with screen  540 . Screen  540  essentially includes a plurality of washing options  542  and associated check-boxes  546 . For example, screen  540  is shown with options for “Max Extract”, “Stain Cycle”, “Extra Rinse” and “Signal”, each of which relates to different aspects of the washing cycle. When a specific washing option is selected, the user only needs to touch the desired washing option  542  or its associated check-box  546 . Once selected, check-box  546  is filled on display  10 , with a check symbol or by otherwise filling in check-box  546 . Because only the contents of check-box  546  changes when washing option  542  is selected, the user is given the ability to choose one or more washing options  542  without substantial change in display  10  in a manner similar to screen  320 . Screen  540 , as well as screen  530 , includes a “Start Cycle” option to cause washing appliance  1  to begin the washing cycle. Screen  550  is then shown, and displays information such as fabric type, time remaining and door lock status.  
         [0041]    From screen  530 , the “Wash/Rinse” option activates screen  570 . Screen  570  gives the user the ability to choose the temperature of each of the wash step and the rinse step. Simply selecting a combination, either “COLD/COLD”, “WARM/COLD”, “WARM/WARM” or “HOT/COLD” returns display  10  to screen  530 .  
         [0042]    Also from screen  530 , the “No Delay” option activates screen  580 . Screen  580  gives the user the ability to choose each of the options and cycles to be used, but delay the start of washing appliance  1 . Options for “No Delay”, “2 Hour Delay”, “4 Hour Delay” and “8 Hour Delay” are shown, but a wide range of delay times may be provided. Simply selecting a delay time returns display  10  to screen  530 .  
         [0043]    The operation of the “Hints &amp; Tips” and “Help” options are identical as the operation in the first embodiment, such that these features will not be discussed further here. Based on the above, it should be apparent that the menu driven control system of the invention provides an enhanced system for programming, as well as increasing the versatility, of a washing machine. However, although described with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be readily understood that various changes and/or modifications could be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. For instance, although the figures depict specific progressions of screens, it is within the scope of this invention to shuffle and reorganize the screens, with one or more of the screens and options being replaced or even eliminated. In addition, the invention can also be applied to other laundry appliances such as a dryer. In any event, the invention is only intended to be limited by the scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3