Claims:1. A method for operating a connected appliance using a remote device, comprising:
identifying one or more communications links available between the appliance and the remote device;
determining a network connectivity state associated with each of the identified communications links, wherein the network connectivity state corresponds to one of a first network connectivity state, a second network connectivity state, a third network connectivity state, or an unidentified network connectivity state;
selecting a communication link from the identified communications links based on one or more designated rules that define one or more selection criteria, the selection criteria comprising one or more of the identified network connectivity state associated with each of the identified communications links, pre-programmed instructions, and a user input;
receiving one or more operational settings from the remote device to the appliance for controlling operation of the appliance, for requesting desired status information to be acquired by the appliance, or a combination thereof; and
transmitting a selected subset of the status information to the remote device in a selected format over the selected communications link at a desired frequency, wherein one or more of the subset of the status information, the corresponding format, and the desired frequency are selected based on the designated rules.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein determining the network connectivity state associated with each of the identified communications links comprises measuring one or more network characteristics corresponding to each of the identified communications links, wherein the network characteristics comprise one or more of a bandwidth, a throughput value, and a data transmission speed.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein receiving the operational settings comprises receiving a selection of one or more of a plurality of operating modes of the appliance, an operational state of a sensor associated with the appliance, a desired temperature range, a desired moisture level, a desired light, a duration of operation of the appliance in a particular operating mode, a frequency of acquiring the status information, and a desired acquisition format of the status information.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving the operational settings comprises receiving a selection of one or more operational settings corresponding to an optical sensor associated with the appliance, the operational settings comprising selection of a video acquisition mode, an image acquisition mode, a duration of a video to be acquired, a number of images to be acquired, a desired magnification, a desired resolution, a desired acquisition angle, a desired video sharing frequency, and a desired image sharing frequency.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein requesting the status information comprises requesting one or more of a video feed, one or more images, a timer information, a temperature, light, and moisture level associated with a shared chamber of the appliance, a desired frequency of sharing the status information, and a desired format for sharing the status information.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein transmitting the selected subset of the status information in a selected format over the selected communications link comprises:
transmitting one or more of a video feed, an image, a determined timer information, a determined temperature, determined light, and determined moisture level associated with a shared chamber of the appliance to the remote device over the selected communications link when the network connectivity state associated with the selected communications link corresponds to the first network connectivity state;
transmitting one or more of the image, the determined timer information, the determined temperature, the determined light and the determined moisture level to the remote device at one or more predetermined time intervals over the selected communications link when the network connectivity state associated with the selected communications link corresponds to the second network connectivity state;
transmitting one or more of the determined timer information, the determined temperature, the determined light and the determined moisture level to the remote device at one or more predetermined time intervals over the selected communications link when the network connectivity state associated with the selected communications link corresponds to the third network connectivity state; and
wherein a throughput value defined by the designated rules for the first network connectivity state is greater than a throughput value defined for the second network connectivity state, and a throughput value defined for the second network connectivity state is greater than a throughput value defined for the third network connectivity state

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising iteratively transmitting the status information to the remote device, when a network connectivity state of the available communications links is unknown, through one or more available communication links until an acknowledgement from the remote device confirming receipt of the status information is received by the appliance within a predefined time period.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising operating the appliance based on one or more of the designated rules and user input received from the remote device when the acknowledgement from the remote device confirming receipt of the status information is not received by the appliance within the predefined time period.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein transmitting the selected subset of the status information comprises communicating a determined timer information, a determined temperature, determined light, and determined moisture level associated with the appliance to the remote device at a user-selected time interval over a user-selected communications link from the available communications links.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising operating an optical sensor associated with the appliance to selectively acquire one or more of a video feed and an image having a desired quality based on an identified network connectivity state of the selected communications link.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the remote device uses one or more of a remote mobile, desktop, and web application to remotely communicate with the appliance, and wherein the remote application comprises a user interface that provides selectable options for performing the following:
registering the remote device with the appliance via use of a passcode, password, biometric information, location data, a trusted certification authority, physical connection, proximity sensor, near-field communications, Bluetooth-based pairing, or combinations thereof;
reconfiguring one or more of the designated rules;
transmitting one or more of an audible alert and a textual message alert to one or more other remote devices registered with the appliance to communicate the status information, request for instructions, transferring control of the appliance, or combinations thereof; and
automatically converting user selections into a format suitable for transmission to the appliance over the selected communications link.

12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the remote application converts the subset of status information received at the remote device into a desired visual format.

13. A connected appliance configured to be operated using a remote device, comprising:
one or more functional units configured to perform one or more designated operations in one or more operating modes;
a communications unit configured to:
identify one or more communications links available between the appliance and the remote device;
determine a network connectivity state associated with each of the identified communications links, wherein the network connectivity state corresponds to one of a first network connectivity state, a second network connectivity state, a third network connectivity state, or an unidentified network connectivity state;
a processing subsystem operatively coupled to one or more of the functional units and the communications unit, wherein the processing subsystem is configured to:
select a communication link from the identified communications links based on one or more designated rules that define one or more selection criteria, the selection criteria comprising one or more of the identified network connectivity state associated with each of the identified communications links, pre-programmed instructions, and a user input;
receive one or more operational settings from the remote device for controlling operation of the appliance, for requesting desired status information to be acquired by the appliance, or a combination thereof; and
select a subset of the status information and a corresponding format for transmission to the remote device over the selected communications link at a desired frequency by the communications unit, wherein one or more of the subset of the status information, the corresponding format, and the desired frequency are selected based on the designated rules.

14. The appliance as claimed in claim 13, wherein the appliance corresponds to a combined refrigeration-oven, a cooking appliance, a home appliance, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a heater, a washer, a thermostat, a surveillance camera, or an industrial appliance.

15. The appliance as claimed in claim 13, wherein the communications unit further comprises a network monitor that is configured to identify the available communications links and a corresponding network connectivity state by measuring one or more network characteristics corresponding to each of the identified communications links, wherein the network characteristics comprise one or more of a bandwidth, a throughput value, and a data transmission speed.

16. The appliance as claimed in claim 13, wherein the appliance further comprises one or more of
an optical sensor that is configured to acquire one or more of a video and an image corresponding to the designated operations of the functional units;
one or more sensors that are configured to measure one or more of a determined timer information, a determined temperature, determined light, and a determined moisture level corresponding to one or more of the functional units; and
a timing circuitry that is configured to measure a duration of the designated operations in the one or more operating modes.

17. The appliance as claimed in claim 16, wherein the processing unit configures the communications unit based on the designated rules to:
transmit one or more of a video feed, an image, a determined timer information, a determined temperature, determined light, determined moisture level, corresponding to one or more of the functional units to the remote device over the selected communications link when the network connectivity state associated with the selected communications link corresponds to the first network connectivity state;
transmit one or more of the image, the determined timer information, the determined temperature, the determined light and the determined moisture level to the remote device at one or more predetermined time intervals over the selected communications link when the network connectivity state associated with the selected communications link corresponds to the second network connectivity state;
transmit one or more of the determined timer information, the determined temperature, the determined light and the determined moisture level to the remote device at one or more predetermined time intervals over the selected communications link when the network connectivity state associated with the selected communications link corresponds to the third network connectivity state, and
wherein the designated rules define at least one range of values of one or more network characteristics for each of the first, second, and third network connectivity states, such that the defined range of values for the first network connectivity state is higher than the defined range of values for second network connectivity state, and the defined range of values for the second network connectivity state is higher than the defined range of values for the third network connectivity state.

18. The appliance as claimed in claim 16, wherein the processing unit configures the communications unit based on the designated rules to iteratively transmit the status information to the remote device, when a network connectivity state of all available communications links is unidentified, through one or more of the available communication links until an acknowledgement from the remote device confirming receipt of the status information is received by the appliance within a predefined time period.

19. The appliance as claimed in claim 16, wherein the communications unit is configured to communicate one or more of the video feed, the image, the determined timer information, the determined temperature, the determined light, and the determined moisture level, corresponding to one or more of the functional units to the remote device at a user-selected time interval over a user-selected communication link selected from the available communications links.

20. The appliance as claimed in claim 16, wherein the processing subsystem is configured to process one or more of the video and the image corresponding to one or more of the functional units of the appliance to identify and communicate a change in one or more of a color, size, shape, and density of an item being processed by the appliance to the remote device in a textual format.

21. The appliance as claimed in claim 13, wherein the processing subsystem is configured to select the subset of the status information and the corresponding format for transmission based on one or more of the network connectivity state of the selected communications link, the designated rules, user input, or combinations thereof. , Description:METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTERACTIVE CONTROL OF A CONNECTED APPLIANCE

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present description relates generally to a connected appliance, and more particularly, to a method and a system for interactive operation of the appliance using a remote device over a plurality of communications networks.
[0002] The Internet of things (IoT) is progressively changing simple everyday homes into smart homes. Particularly, connected appliances are simplifying daily lives by providing seamless control over various household appliances such as security systems, energy meters, wearable devices, healthcare monitors, and in-car gadgets. With increasing interest in the culinary arts and awareness towards healthy living, kitchens in particular, have become a hotbed of IoT-based innovation. Accordingly, many kitchen appliances have been upgraded with a combination of smart apps, cloud computing, and a variety of sensors to provide a convenient, yet intelligent cooking experience that does not require a home cook to be physically present in the kitchen.
[0003] Certain crockpots and microwaves, for example, are connected to the Internet to allow a user to remotely cook a meal. Generally, the user may remotely control activation and/or deactivation of these devices via a remote access application installed on a smartphone. The user may prepare and add desired ingredients into a container and place the container in the microwave ahead of time. Further, the user may remotely activate the microwave via the smartphone application to initiate cooking at a subsequent time, for example, when traveling back home from work.
[0004] Certain connected appliances have also attempted to combine more than one device, for example, the microwave with a refrigerator to provide a suitable storage environment for cooking ingredients to prevent loss of freshness and/or other food safety concerns. For example, US patents 6,497,276 and 6,121,593 describe a combined refrigerator-oven apparatus connected to the internet for remote operation. The refrigerator preserves the added ingredients and keeps them fresh until cooking of the ingredients by the microwave oven is initiated. Particularly, the refrigerator and the microwave oven appear to be remotely activated over a communications network for selectively placing the refrigerator-oven apparatus in a food storage or a cooking mode. Such devices aim to provide significant time savings, and benefits of a nutritious home-cooked meal rather than having to resort to unhealthy fast food that contributes to diet-related disorders, such as, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
[0005] However, adoption and practical implementation of such IoT-enabled appliances is limited due to unreliable network connectivity in different geographical regions. Generally, sparsely populated regions, rural areas, non-line of sight regions in urban environments, and/or in-building spaces typically have limited, or no network connectivity. Accordingly, a remote cooking process may fail when internet connectivity is lost between the smartphone application and a connected appliance. For example, if internet connectivity is lost while the appliance is instructed to cook a meal, there is no way to alter an ongoing cooking process. Additionally, there is no way to continually judge quality of a meal being prepared. Loss of internet connectivity, thus, may lead to excessive heating of the meal, which in turn, may impair meal quality, damage hardware components, or even cause a fire hazard in the house. Such issues may be further exacerbated by primitive processing hardware of the IoT-enables appliances that is prone to unauthorized and malicious use. Practical implementation of conventional IoT-based devices in many geographical regions, thus, provides only limited value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0006] According to an exemplary aspect of the present specification, a method for operating an appliance using a remote device is presented. The method includes identifying one or more communications links available between the appliance and the remote device. The method further includes determining a network connectivity state associated with each of the identified communications links, wherein the network connectivity state corresponds to one of a first network connectivity state, a second network connectivity state, a third network connectivity state, or an unidentified network connectivity state. Additionally, the method includes selecting a communication link from the identified communications links based on one or more designated rules that define one or more selection criteria, the selection criteria comprising one or more of the identified network connectivity state associated with each of the identified communications links, pre-programmed instructions, and a user input. Moreover, the method includes receiving one or more operational settings from the remote device to the appliance for controlling operation of the appliance, and/or for requesting desired status information to be acquired by the appliance. Furthermore, the method includes transmitting a selected subset of the status information in a selected format over the selected communications link at a desired frequency, wherein one or more of the subset of the status information, the corresponding format, and the desired frequency are selected based on the designated rules.
[0007] According to another exemplary aspect of the present specification, a connected appliance configured to be operated using a remote device is presented. The appliance includes one or more functional units configured to perform one or more designated operations in one or more operating modes. The appliance further includes a communications unit configured to identify one or more communications links available between the appliance and the remote device and determine a corresponding network connectivity state, where the network connectivity state corresponds to one of a first, second, third network, or an unidentified network connectivity state. The appliance also includes a processing subsystem operatively coupled to one or more of the functional units and the communications unit. The processing subsystem is configured to select a communication link from the identified communications links based on one or more designated rules that define one or more selection criteria, the selection criteria including one or more of the identified network connectivity state associated with each of the identified communications links, pre-programmed instructions, and a user input. The processing unit is further configured to receive one or more operational settings from the remote device for controlling operation of the appliance, for requesting desired status information to be acquired by the appliance, or a combination thereof. The processing unit is also configured to select a subset of the status information and a corresponding format for transmission to the remote device over the selected communications link at a desired frequency by the communications unit, where the subset of the status information, the corresponding format, and/or the desired frequency are selected based on the designated rules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an appliance configured to communicate with a remote device through a plurality of communication links, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of the appliance of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for operating the appliance of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and
[0012] FIGs. 4-9 are graphical representations of an exemplary user interfaces (UIs) of a remote access application that is executed at the remote device for operating an appliance such as the appliance depicted in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following description presents an exemplary method and system for interactive operation of an appliance using a remote device. Particularly, embodiments described herein provide a novel protocol that intelligently switches between available communications links to ensure that communications between the appliance and remote device continue irrespective of changing network conditions. More specifically, the protocol intuitively and automatically selects an appropriate communication link suitable for communicating selected information based on changing user preference, network characteristics, and/or operating conditions. An exemplary environment that is suitable for practicing various implementations of the present method and system is discussed in detail with reference to FIGs. 1-2.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view 100 of an appliance 102 configured to communicate with a remote device 104 using a selected communication means. In one embodiment, the appliance 102 includes at least one functional unit 106 configured to perform a designated function. For example, the functional unit 106 may include a refrigeration unit, a heating appliance, a washing appliance, an industrial manufacturing unit, and/or any other functional system. Although FIG. 1 depicts only a single functional unit 102, in alternative embodiments, the appliance 102 may include more than one functional unit 102 that may be remotely controlled using the remote device 104. To that end, the remote device 104, for example, includes a cellular phone, a laptop, a tablet computing device, or a desktop computer.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the appliance 102 communicates with the remote device 104 using a communications unit 108. Particularly, the communications unit 108 may be configured to enable only secure and authorized communications between the appliance 102 and the remote device 104. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the appliance 102 is securely paired with the remote device 104 via a registration process. In certain embodiments, the appliance 102 and/or the remote device 104 may include a stored remote access application that provides options for initiating the registration process and/or in further configuration, control, and/or communications between the appliance 102 and the remote device 104.
[0016] Generally, the registration process may entail identification and authorization of the remote device 104. The identification and authorization, for example, may include searching for and/or discovering the appliance 102, or alternatively the remote device 104, connected to one or more available communications links. Additionally, the appliance 102 and the remote device 104 may be registered via use of passcodes, passwords, biometrics, location data, trusted certification authorities, physical connection, proximity sensors, near-field communications (NFC), Bluetooth-based pairing, and/or any other suitable registration process.
[0017] In certain embodiments, subsequent to the registration, the communications unit 108 is configured to select one or more of the available communications links that are suitable for communicating desired information to the remote device 104. In one embodiment, the available communications links, for example, include a Wi-Fi network connection 110, an Ethernet connection 112, and a cellular data network connection 114. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the communications unit 108 uses a communications link selected from the available Wi-Fi network connection 110, the Ethernet connection 112, and the cellular data network connection 114 for ensuring continuing exchange of data between the appliance 102 and the remote device 104.
[0018] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the appliance 102 includes a processing unit 116 operatively coupled to the communications unit 108 and configured to identify communications links that are currently available to the appliance 102. The processing unit 116 is further configured to identify a network connectivity state associated with each of identified communications links. As used herein, the term “network connectivity state” refers to a classification of a range or values of one or more network characteristics, for example, a bandwidth, a throughput value, and/or a data transmission speed, measured at the appliance 102 and/or at the remote device 104, based on one or more designated rules.
[0019] For example, a rule may define at least one range of values corresponding to one or more network characteristics such as throughput, bandwidth, and transmission speed, for each of the first, second, and third network connectivity states. Particularly, the rule may define the range of values such that the defined range of values for the first network connectivity state is higher than the defined range of values for second network connectivity state. Additionally, the rule may also specify that the defined range of values for the second network connectivity state is higher than the defined range of values for the third network connectivity state.
[0020] In certain embodiments, the processing unit 116 is configured to select an optimal communication link from the identified communications links based on identified network connectivity states of available communications links, nature of data to be communicated, and/or user input. In an exemplary scenario, the network connectivity state of the Wi-Fi network connection 110 may be determined to support larger throughput and/or data transmission speed than the Ethernet connection 112, or the cellular data network connection 114. In such a scenario, the processing unit 116 may select the Wi-Fi network connection 110 to communicate, for example, real-time video to the remote device 104.
[0021] In an alternative scenario, the identified network connectivity states of the Wi-Fi network connection 110 and the Ethernet connection 112 may indicate absence of data transmission capability, whereas the cellular data network connection 114 indicates availability of only General Packet radio Service (GPRS). In such a scenario, the processing unit 116 may configure the communications unit 108 to use the cellular data network connection 114 to communicate with the remote device 104 via instant messaging, short message service (SMS) or multimedia message service (MMS). The processing unit 116, thus, intelligently selects a communications means to ensure continuing exchange of information between the appliance 102 and the remote device 104 even in the absence of internet connectivity. Additionally, the processing unit 116 may also select sensor information that may be more suitable for transmission as text using the cellular data network connection 114 having GPRS connectivity.
[0022] An exemplary embodiment of the intelligent and interactive communication of the appliance 102 with the remote device 104 is discussed in detail with reference to FIG. 2. For clarity, the appliance 102 is described with reference to a refrigerator oven device. However, embodiments of the present systems and methods may be used in various other appliances, including but not limited to, a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a griller, a toaster, an air conditioner, a heater, a washer, a thermostat, a surveillance camera, and/or any other industrial appliance.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagrammatic view 200 of a refrigerator oven (RO) device 202 similar to the appliance 102 of FIG. 1. The RO device 202 is configured to communicate with the remote device 104 of FIG. 1 associated with a user 204 using one or more communications links 206. To that end, in one embodiment, the remote device 104 is securely paired with the RO device 202 via a registration process, as previously described with reference to FIG. 1. The registration process enables the user 204 to initiate secure and authorized communications between the RO device 202 and the remote device 104.
[0024] Particularly, in certain embodiments, the user 204 interactively communicates activation and control signals to the RO device 202 via the remote device 104 to process food items so that the user 204 may have a prepared meal when he/she reaches home. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the RO device 202 includes a shared chamber 208 for placing a food item. The shared chamber 208 further includes a refrigerator unit 210 and a microwave oven unit 212 that are selectively used in different operating modes of the RO device 202 to prepare the food. In a first operating mode, the user 204 activates the refrigerator unit 210 via the remote device 104 to cool a food item, such as a beverage can, placed within the shared chamber 208. To that end, the refrigerator unit 210, for example, may include a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator (not shown) that are disposed in operative association with each other to cool the food item disposed in the shared chamber 208. In a second operating mode, the user 204 remotely activates the microwave oven unit 212 to heat and/or cook the food item placed within the shared chamber 208. The microwave oven unit 212, for example, may include a magnetron (not shown) that emits electromagnetic radiation for heating food items placed inside the shared chamber 208. The RO device 202, thus, selectively operates in different modes based on user input received from the remote device 104.
[0025] Although, in the embodiment described herein, the RO device 202 is configured to operate in two different operating modes, in an alternative embodiment, the RO device 202 may operate in less than, or more than two different modes. Typically, the numbers of modes in which the RO device 202 or the appliance 102 of FIG. 1 operates may vary based on a type and functionality of the appliance 102. For example, the appliance 102 corresponding to a combined washer and dryer may operate in at least two different operating modes. In another example, however, the appliance 102 corresponding to a combined oven, toaster, and griller may operate in at least three different operating modes to perform various functions.
[0026] With returning reference to FIG. 2, in addition to switching between different operating modes, the RO device 202 is also configured to communicate information indicative of progress of the food preparation to the remote device 104. In certain embodiments, the progress of the food preparation, for example, may be communicated by means of indicators such as prevailing temperature, moisture, time period of operation, and/or visual indications representative of an ongoing transformation of the food item. To that end, in one embodiment, the RO device 202 includes a temperature control unit 214, a timer 216, an optical sensor 218, and/or one or more other sensors 220 that measure parameters indicative of a current stage of the food preparation process and/or facilitate other functionality.
[0027] In one embodiment, the temperature control unit 214 may be remotely configured to adjust a temperature of the refrigerator unit 210 and the microwave oven unit 212 based on user input received from the remote device 104. Further, the timer 216 may be remotely configured to allow the user 204 to set a time period for which the RO device 202 is to be operated in selected operating conditions. For example, the timer 216 enables the user to set a start time, an end time, or a time period associated with heating or cooling of the food within the shared chamber 208. In another example, the timer 216 enables the user to set a time period after which the RO device 202 turns off or on automatically, thus providing efficient control of the RO device 202.
[0028] Further, the optical sensor 218 provides visual indications corresponding to the progress of the food preparation process. In one embodiment, the optical sensor 218 may also be remotely configured to acquire an image and/or a video of a food item placed inside the shared chamber 208. For example, the optical sensor 218 may be remotely configured to turn on or off based on an input from the remote device 104. Similarly, other operating parameters of the optical sensor 218 may be configured and controlled based on user input received from the remote device 104. The operating parameters, for example, include selection of an operational mode of the optical sensor 218 including a video mode and/or an image mode, an angle, frequency and/or duration of an image and/or video acquisition. The operating parameters, for example, may also include a desired magnification and/or resolution of resulting images and/or video, and/or a frequency of communicating the acquired information to the remote device 104.
[0029] In one embodiment, the user 204 may remotely configure and control one or more operating parameters of the optical sensor 218 based on designated rules that include one or more pre-programmed instructions. For example, if a network connectivity state between the RO device 202 and the remote device 104 corresponds to a first or a high-strength network connectivity state, the optical sensor 218 is configured to continually acquire and transmit a real-time video corresponding to an ongoing food preparation to the remote device 104. In another example, a rule defines that if a second or a medium-strength network connectivity state is detected between the RO device 202 and the remote device 104, the optical sensor 218 is configured to acquire and transmit an image associated with the food preparation process to the remote device 104 only at selected time intervals. In yet another example, a rule defines that when the available communications link between the RO device 202 and the remote device 104 corresponds to a third or a low-strength network connectivity state, the optical sensor 218 is turned off.
[0030] In one embodiment, the optical sensor 218 is a camera capable of capturing multimedia content associated with the food preparation process from various angles at a desired resolution. To that end, the optical sensor 218 may be positioned within the RO device 202, for example, within the shared chamber 208, while being suitably covered with a heat and cold-resistant membrane. Alternatively, the optical sensor 218 may be located outside the RO device 202, for example mounted on a door of the RO device 202. Although, the embodiments presented herein describe the optical sensor 218, in alternative embodiments, other suitable data acquisition systems (DAS) may be employed. These DAS may include an infrared (IR) camera, depth-sensing devices, and/or other devices capable of determining and/or communicating a change in external or internal characteristics of the item in the shared chamber 208.
[0031] In certain embodiments, the RO device 202 includes one or more other sensors 220 for acquiring information indicative of the progress of the food preparation process and/or for facilitating other functionalities. By way of example, the sensors 220 may include a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a moisture sensor, a proximity sensor, and/or a near field communication (NFC) tag or sensor. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor is configured to measure temperature inside the shared chamber 208. Further, the light sensor is configured to measure a light intensity, whereas the moisture sensor is configured to measure a moisture level inside the shared chamber 208. In certain embodiments, the proximity sensor and/or the NFC sensors may be used to pair the RO device 202 with the remote device 104 for secure, authenticated, and/or authorized communications.
[0032] In certain embodiments, the sensors 220 along with other components of the RO device 202 may be may be powered via mains and/or a portable power supply 222. Further, the sensors 220 may be operatively coupled to a communications unit 224 and a processing subsystem 226 that allow for selectively communicating the measured sensor information to the remote device 104 based on an identified network connectivity state between the RO device 202 and the remote device 104.
[0033] In one embodiment, the communications unit 224 includes a network monitor 228 configured to determine one or more network characteristics that identify a prevailing network connectivity state of the RO device 202. Further, the communications unit 224 includes a transmitter 230 and a receiver 232 configured to transmit the measured sensor information, and receive user input from the remote device 104, respectively. In certain embodiments, the communications unit 224 also includes a subscriber identification module (SIM) to store a unique identified associated with the RO device 202 that may be used for authentication when communicating information to the remote device 104.
[0034] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the communications unit 224 selectively transmits the sensor information to the remote device 104 under control of the processing subsystem 226. Accordingly, the processing subsystem 226, for example, includes one or more general-purpose processors, specialized processors, graphical processing units, microprocessors, programming logic arrays, field programming gate arrays, and/or other suitable computing devices.
[0035] In one embodiment, the processing subsystem 226 uses the network characteristics determined by the network monitor 228 to identify network connectivity states of different communications links 206 available at the RO device 202. Further, the processing subsystem 226 selects a candidate from the available communications links 206 that is suitable for communicating sensor information requested by the user and/or defined in designated rules to the remote device 104. The designated rules, along with the sensor measurements, may be stored in a memory device 234 in the RO device 202. To that end, the memory device 234, for example, includes Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, solid-state drives, and any other known physical storage media.
[0036] In one embodiment, the processing subsystem 226 selects the communications links 206 for use by the communications unit 224 based on user input and/or the designated rules stored in the memory device 234. The communications links 206, for example, may include a Wi-Fi network connection, an Ethernet connection, a short-range communications link, a power-line communications link, and/or a mobile data network connection. In one embodiment, the Wi-Fi network connection is configured to transmit data from the RO device 202 and receive data from the remote device 104 using a wireless local area network (WLAN). Further, the Ethernet network connection is configured to transmit data from the RO device 202 and receive data from the remote device 104 using a local area network (LAN). Similarly, the short-range communications links may be configured to use a ZigBee or a low-energy Bluetooth network, and the power-line communications link may be configured to use a power-line network for sharing data with the remote device 104. Furthermore, the mobile data network connection may be configured to use one or more of GPRS, EDGE, 2G, 3G, and 4G communications standards for sharing data with the remote device 104. In one embodiment, for example, the processing subsystem 226 selects the mobile data connection for communicating sensor information measured at the RO device 202 to the remote device 104 using short message service (SMS) and multimedia message service (MMS) in a defined format.
[0037] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, criteria for selection of a suitable communications network, a suitable subset of information to be transmitted to the user 204, and/or the defined format for sending the information may be defined in the designated rules. Specifically, the rules may define the network characteristics indicative of a high-strength, medium-strength, low-strength, and/or unidentified strength network connectivity state of the RO device 202 and the remote device 104.
[0038] For example, in one embodiment, the rules may define that a communications link is determined to have a high-strength network connectivity state if the link is capable of transmitting real-time video at a frame rate of about 20-30 frames per seconds (fps) at a desired resolution. Alternatively, the rules may define that a communications link is determined to have a high-strength network connectivity state if the link has a bandwidth of about 3 Megabits per second (Mbps) and/or a throughput of more than 800 kilobits per second (Kbps). Further, the rules may define that a communications link is determined to have a medium-strength network connectivity state if the link is capable of transmitting a video at a frame rate of about 5 fps, or a 500 kilobyte (KB) image in about 1 second. Similarly, in one embodiment, the communications link is determined to have the low-strength network connectivity state if the link, for example, has a bandwidth of less than about 28 Kbps per second (Kbps).
[0039] Thus, network characteristics measured for each of the communications links 206 available at the RO device 202 aids in identifying a corresponding network connectivity state. In one embodiment, the rules may define that the processing subsystem 226 select a communications link having the highest relative network connectivity strength amongst the available communications links 206. In an alternative embodiment, however, the rules may define that the processing subsystem 226 select the communications link that limits data usage and/or is specifically requested by the user 204 irrespective of the relative network connectivity strength.
[0040] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the rules may also define criteria for selecting subsets and/or types of information to be transmitted based on the detected network connectivity state and the selected communications link. For example, when the selected communications link exhibits network characteristics indicative of the high-strength network connectivity state, the communications unit 224 is configured to transmit real-time videos, images, and/or sensor information at a specific resolution and a bit rate to the remote device 104. When the selected communications link exhibits medium-strength network connectivity state, the communications unit 224 is configured to transmit one or more images and/or sensor information at a specific resolution and a bit rate to the remote device 104 at specified time intervals. When the selected communications link exhibits the low-strength network connectivity state, the communications unit 224 is configured to transmit only minimal textual information to the remote device 104 through SMS or via instant messaging.
[0041] In one embodiment, for example, a Wi-Fi network connection available at the RO device 202 may exhibit a high-strength network connectivity state. Accordingly, the RO device 202 may use the Wi-Fi network to communicate a real-time video, one or more images, and/or sensor information corresponding to the food preparation process to the remote device 104 based on the designated rules. Alternatively, if the Wi-Fi network connection only exhibits a medium-strength network connectivity state, the RO device 202 communicates data including one or more images and/or sensor information to the remote device 104 at specified intervals. However, if the available communications links 206, such as a GPRS-enabled mobile data connection, corresponds to a low-strength network connectivity state, the RO device 202 uses the mobile data connection for communicating sensor information to the remote device 104 through an SMS.
[0042] Similarly, in other embodiments, the RO device 202 may be connected to other available communications means such as the Ethernet, powerline network, and/or short-range networks. In such embodiments, the RO device 202 may be configured to communicate with the remote device 104 based on rules defined for corresponding network connectivity states of the available communications links 206 and selection of subset of information suitable for transmission over the selected communications links 206. In certain embodiments, the designated rules may be manually re-configured and/or edited using the RO device 202, the remote device 104, and/or an independent system hosting the rules to customize functioning of the RO device 202 and/or the remote device 104. Additionally, the rules may be re-configured to customize sharing of information between the RO device 202 and the remote device 104.
[0043] In one embodiment, the RO device 202 uses the transmitter 230 to transmit the selected subset of information to the remote device 104 based on received user input and/or the preprogrammed rules. Particularly, the transmitter 230 transmits data from the RO device 202 to the remote device 104 through the selected communications link in real-time (for example, within 1-10 seconds) or at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 5 minutes). Examples of such data include, but are not limited to, multimedia content including videos and images of the food preparation process, sensor information, responses to queries from the remote device 104, and/or acknowledgments of receipt of data from the remote device 104. In one embodiment, the receiver 232 receives the information communicated by the user 204 via the remote device 104. Examples of the received data include, but are not limited to, operational settings of the RO device 202, a stored recipe to be used, the desired communication link to be used by the RO device 202 for sharing data, each of the communications links 206 available at the remote device 104, and/or corresponding network connectivity states. The received data may also include, for example, queries from the remote device 104 related to the communications links 206 available at the RO device 202, corresponding network connectivity states, and/or any acknowledgments from the remote device 104.
[0044] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the user 204 employs the remote device 104 as a remote control for the RO device 202. To that end, in one embodiment, the remote device 104 includes a communication subsystem 238, further including a transmitter unit 240 and a receiver unit 242 configured to transmit user input and receive requested information as well as acknowledgments from the RO device 202. The communications subsystem 238 also includes a link monitor 244 configured to determine one or more network characteristics corresponding to communications links available at the remote device 104. The remote device 104 further includes a processing unit 246 configured to identify a prevailing network connectivity state of each available communications link based on corresponding network characteristics determined by the link monitor 244. The remote device 104 may also include a memory unit 248 configured to store the determined network characteristics and the designated rules for selecting the suitable communications link from the available communications links 206.
[0045] In certain embodiments, the remote device 104 communicates with the RO device 202 using a remote access application. The remote access application, for example, may correspond to a mobile application installed in the memory unit 248 in the remote device 104, and/or a web application accessible over one or more of the communications links 206. In one embodiment, the remote access application provides the user 204 with at least one user interface (UI) 250 for configuring communications between the RO device 202 and the remote device 104, and for controlling operation of the RO device 202 in different operating modes. To that end, the UI 250, for example, may include one or more buttons, audio receivers, gesture input devices, and/or graphical user interfaces presented on a display 252 associated with the remote device 104. For clarity, the UI 250 will be described with reference to a graphical user interface (GUI) available on the display 252 of the remote device 104. Certain exemplary user interfaces that may be used by the user 204 to configure the functioning of the RO device 202 are depicted and described in detail with respect to FIGs. 4-9.
[0046] In one embodiment, the UI 250 allows the user 204 to input selected ranges of one or more operational settings for the RO device 202 and request for receiving selected status information from the RO device 202 at desired frequency. The operational settings, for example, include one or more operating modes of the RO device 202, a selected temperature range, a selected moisture range, a light intensity, and a selected duration of operation of the RO device 202. The operational settings, for example, may also include one or more settings corresponding to the optical sensor 218, and a frequency of acquiring and communicating status information to the remote device 104. In certain embodiments, the UI 250 allows the user 204 to select certain stored recipes that may be used for preparing certain selectable or predefined quantities of food. Selection of the stored recipes may automatically set various operational settings such as selection of the functional unit, temperature, and time for heating and/or freezing the food item.
[0047] Further, in certain embodiments, the status information to be communicated to the remote device 104, for example, includes one or more videos, images, and sensor information determined at the RO device 202 that provide an indication of a progress of the food preparation process to the user 204. In one embodiment, the RO device 202 communicates the status information to the user 204 using instant messaging and/or a mobile chat application (e.g., chat applications like WhatsApp®, WeChat, Skype®, Viber®, etc.) available over the internet.
[0048] In another embodiment, the UI 250 provides an option to allow for interactions between the remote device 104 and the RO device 202 through SMS when at least one of the RO device 202 and the remote device 104 is not connected to the internet. The remote device 104 interacts with the RO device 202 to define operational settings of the RO device 202 through SMS using predefined codes. For example, if the user 204 intends to operate the RO device 202 in a microwave oven mode, the user 204 may select or enter a predefined function code (e.g., Mode: O) and send it to a designated number or address with a unique identifier (ID) associated with the RO device 202. The RO device 202, upon receiving the predefined function code, is then set to the microwave oven mode.
[0049] In a further example, if the user 204 intends to operate the RO device 202 in a microwave oven mode at a temperature of 200°C for 5 minutes, the user 204 may enter an predefined function code in a predefined format (e.g., “Mode: O, Temp: 200, Time: 5”). The function code may then be sent to the designated number/address with the unique ID associated with the RO device 202. In a further example, if the user 204 is unable to continually monitor the progress of the food preparation process, the user 204 may select a stored recipe that automatically selects and/or selectively sets the operational settings required for preparing the food item using a predefined code (e.g., “Rec:15, 500 g”). Similarly, when either of the RO device 202 and the remote device 104 is not connected to the communications links 206 having high-strength connectivity state, the RO device 202 may be configured to communicate the status information to the remote device 104 through an SMS using predefined codes. For example, the RO device 202 may communicate its current operating temperature to the remote device 104 via SMS using a predefined code (e.g., “Temp: 55°C”).
[0050] In certain embodiments, the UI 250 provides the user 204 with selectable options that are automatically converted into a corresponding predefined code suitable for transmission to the RO device 202 as an SMS. Additionally, the status information received from the RO device 202 as SMS may be locally converted by the processing unit 246 into a more user-friendly textual format. The intuitive design of the UI 250, thus, transforms the remote device 104 into a remote control device that allows for efficient control and configuration of the RO device 202 via secure and authorized communications over the intelligently selected communications links 206. An exemplary method for interactive operation of the RO device 202 using the remote device 104 is described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 3.
[0051] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram 300 illustrating an exemplary method for operating the RO device 202 of FIG. 2 and/or the appliance 102 of FIG. 1 using the remote device 104. Embodiments of the exemplary method may be described in a general context of computer executable instructions on a computing system or a processor. Generally, computer executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.
[0052] Embodiments of the exemplary method may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where optimization functions are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a wired and/or wireless communication network. In the distributed computing environment, the computer executable instructions may be located in both local and remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices.
[0053] Further, in FIG. 3, the exemplary method is illustrated as a collection of blocks in a logical flow chart, which represents operations that may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. The various operations are depicted in the blocks to illustrate the functions that are performed in the exemplary method. In the context of software, the blocks represent computer instructions that, when executed by one or more processing subsystems, perform the recited operations.
[0054] The order in which the exemplary method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described blocks may be combined in any order to implement the exemplary method disclosed herein, or an equivalent alternative method. Additionally, certain blocks may be deleted from the exemplary method or augmented by additional blocks with added functionality without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0055] For clarity, the present embodiments describe the exemplary method with reference to communications between an appliance such as the RO device 202 of FIG. 2 and the remote device 104. However, certain other embodiments of the present method may be similarly used for remotely controlling any other appliance despite erratic availability of communications links having high-strength network connectivity between the appliance and the remote device 104.
[0056] Particularly, the present method describes a novel protocol that intelligently switches between available communications links to ensure that communications between the appliance 102 and remote device 104 continue irrespective of changing network conditions. Additionally, the method provides steps for secure and authorized communications between the appliance 102 and the remote device 104 to prevent unintended and/or malicious operation of the appliance 102.
[0057] Accordingly, at step 302, the appliance 102 is registered with the remote device 104. As previously noted, in certain embodiments, the appliance 102, and/or the remote device 104 may include a stored remote access application that provides options for initiating the registration process between the appliance 102 and the remote device 104. Generally, the registration process may entail identification and authorization of the remote device 104. The identification and authorization, for example, may include searching for and/or discovering the appliance 102, or alternatively the remote device 104, connected to one or more of the available communications links. Additionally, the appliance 102 and the remote device 104 may be registered via use of passcodes, passwords, biometrics, location data, trusted certification authorities, physical connection, proximity sensors, near-field communications (NFC), Bluetooth-based pairing, and/or any other suitable registration process.
[0058] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the registration ensures that only the authorized remote device 104 is allowed to remotely control operation of the appliance 102. In certain embodiments, the same remote device 104 may control operation of more than one appliance 102. Further, more than one remote device 104 may be registered with the same appliance 102, for example, to allow additional family members to remotely control operation of the appliance 102. In such embodiments, the remote access application resident on the remote device 104 may optionally store certain details of other remote devices registered with the appliance 102. The stored information may be used to send notifications to other registered devices about initiating or requesting for control of the appliance 102. In an alternative scenario, the stored information allows the remote device 104 to verify that notifications regarding initiation and request for control of the appliance 102 are received from a registered remote device to allow for switching of control between the remote device 104 and the requesting remote device. In certain embodiments, efficient and non-conflicting control of the appliance 102 by more than one remote device 104 is governed by a set of designated rules. These rules may be stored in the appliance 102, the remote device 104, and/or an independent system hosting the designated rules and connected to the appliance 102 and the remote device 104.
[0059] At step 304, the designated rules for communications between the appliance 102 and the remote device 104 may be reconfigured and/or newly defined. In certain embodiments, the designated rules may be manually re-configured and/or edited by the user 204 (see FIG. 2) using a remote access application stored on the appliance 102, the remote device 104, and/or an independent system hosting the rules. Specifically, the user 204 may add, delete, and/or reconfigure the rules to customize functioning of the appliance 102 and the one or more registered remote devices. It may be noted that steps 302 and 304 relating to the registration and reconfiguration of the rules may be performed only once, or occasionally, when a new remote device needs to be registered, and/or the operation of one or more of the appliance 102 and the remote device 104 needs to be modified. The registration and rule reconfiguration steps, thus, may be performed to allow only authorized users to access and remotely control the appliance 102 over communications links with variable network characteristics. Subsequent to the registration, the user 204 may employ the remote device 104, for example, to remotely cook a meal while the user 204 is on the way back home from a remote location.
[0060] Specifically, at step 306, the user 204 initiates a remote connection to the appliance 102 using the remote device 104. In one embodiment, the user 204 initiates the connection by selecting a remote access application stored on the remote device 104. The remote access application may further allow the user 204 to select the appliance 102 from a list of devices that were previously registered with the remote device 104 to initiate the connection.
[0061] At step 308, the remote device 104 may verify if the connection was successful. In certain embodiments, the remote device 104 verifies the connection as successful upon receiving an acknowledgement from the appliance 102 in response to the connection request. If the remote device 104 fails to receive the acknowledgement from the appliance 102 within a specified time, for example 30 seconds, the remote device 104 attempts to reinitiate the remote connection at step 306. However, if the remote device 104 receives the acknowledgment within the specified time, the control moves to step 310.
[0062] At step 310, one or more communications links that are available for communicating data between the appliance 102 and the remote device 104 are identified. In one embodiment, the network monitor 228 and the link monitor 244 (see FIG. 2) may identify the communications links available to the appliance 102 and the remote device 104, respectively by executing relevant network tests.
[0063] At step 312, a network connectivity state associated with each of the identified communications links is determined. As previously noted, the network connectivity state may be determined based on one or more network characteristics, for example, a bandwidth, a throughput value, and/or a data transmission speed, measured at the appliance 102 and/or at the remote device 104. In one embodiment, the network monitor 228 and the link monitor 244 independently identify the network characteristics corresponding to each communications link available at the appliance 102 and the remote device 104, respectively, by executing relevant network tests. Subsequently, the network monitor 228 and the link monitor 244 may share the information with each other. Alternatively, the network monitor 228 and the link monitor 244 may collaboratively identify the network characteristics corresponding to each communications link available at the appliance 102 and the remote device.
[0064] In one embodiment, the network connectivity state of an available communications link may correspond to a high-strength, medium-strength, low-strength, or an unidentified network connectivity state. Generally, the designated rules may define one or more ranges for different network characteristics for each network connectivity state. In certain embodiments, the rules may define more than one indicative range for each network characteristic for transmitting textual, video, and/or image data for different resolutions, compression algorithms, frames per seconds, and/or hardware used. Accordingly, the network connectivity state of each available communications link may be identified by comparing measured values of the different network characteristics of each available link with the ranges defined by the designated rules for specified hardware and output requirements. For example, the designated rules may specify that a communications link having a throughput of above 1.5 Mbps has a high-strength network connectivity state. Another communications link having a throughput of about 0.5-1 Mbps may be determined to have a medium-strength network connectivity state. Similarly, a communications link having a throughput of less than 256 Kbps may be determined to have a low-strength network connectivity state.
[0065] Subsequently, at step 314, a communication link is selected from the identified communications links based on the identified network connectivity state, data usage, and/or user input. In one embodiment, the rules may define that the processing subsystem 226 select a communications link having the highest relative network connectivity strength amongst the available communications links 206. Accordingly, in one example, a Wi-Fi or an Ethernet link may be selected. In an alternative embodiment, however, the rules may define that the processing subsystem 226 select the communications link that limits data usage and/or is specifically requested by the user 204 irrespective of the relative network connectivity strength. In such an embodiment, a cellular communications link may be selected for transmission of information between the appliance 102 and the remote device 104. Alternatively, if available, the high-strength Ethernet link may be selected to transmit limited information using a suitable format such as SMS to optimize the network data usage.
[0066] Further, at step 316, operational settings input by the user 204 using the remote device 104 may be received at the appliance 102 to control operation of the appliance 102 and/or to request desired status information. The operational settings, for example, include one or more operating modes of the appliance 102, a selected temperature range, a selected moisture range, a light intensity, and a selected duration of operation of the appliance 102. The operational settings, for example, may also include a selected duration, angle, and/or resolution of a still or a video camera, selection of one or more preset modes, and/or selection of stored recipes.
[0067] In one embodiment, the remote access application stored on the remote device 104 allows the user 204 to enter or select one or more of the operational settings from available menus. In another embodiment, the user 204 may transmit the operational settings by sending a predefined function code in a specified format (e.g., “Mode: O, Temp: 200, Time: 5”) via an SMS or an instant message to a designated number or address associated with the appliance 102. Additionally, the user 204 may also request for status information via the predefined function code. For example, the user may transmit the function code “Mode: O, Temp: 180, Time: 25, STATUS: {Temp <5 min>, COL <5 min>” to operate the appliance 102 at desired settings, while also requesting for status information every five minutes. In another example, the user 204 may request for a best effort status report by transmitting the function code “STATUS: BEST EFFORT.” Alternatively, the user 204 may use the remote access application that may be configured to automatically convert the user-selected options into predefined function codes for transmission over communications links having low-strength network connectivity state.
[0068] At step 318, the appliance 102 is operated based on the operational settings received from the remote device 104. For example, upon receiving the operational settings via function code “Mode: O, Temp: 200, Time: 5,” the appliance 102 may be operated in a corresponding mode “O” at a temperature of 200 degree Celsius for five minutes.
[0069] Further, at step 320, status information requested by the remote device 104 is acquired at the appliance 102. For example, if the requested status information corresponds to “STATUS: {Temp <5 min>, COL <5 min>,” the appliance 102 may be configured to measure a temperature and a color of a food item being prepared every five minutes. Alternatively, the appliance 102 may be configured to continually measure the temperature and the color of a food item, but may communicate the status information to the remote device 104 only every five minutes.
[0070] Particularly, at step 322, a subset of the status information and a corresponding format suitable for transmission to the remote device 104 over the selected communications link may be selected based on the designated rules. Specifically, the rules may define criteria for selecting subsets of information to be transmitted and/or corresponding formats based on the detected network connectivity state and the selected communications link. For example, in a scenario when the user 204 requests for a best effort status report, if the selected communications link exhibits network characteristics indicative of the high-strength network connectivity state, real-time videos, images, and/or sensor information at a specific resolution and a bit rate may be selected for transmission to the remote device 104. However, if the selected communications link exhibits medium-strength network connectivity state, one or more images and/or sensor information at a specific resolution and a bit rate are selected for transmission to the remote device 104 at specified time intervals. Alternatively, when the selected communications link exhibits the low-strength network connectivity state, only minimal textual information may be selected for transmission as status information to the remote device 104 via SMS or instant messages. Certain examples of the designated rules are listed in Table 1.

Appliance Connectivity State Remote Device Connectivity State Designated Rules
HIGH HIGH Send video and/or sensor information in real-time or at a specified time interval
HIGH MEDIUM Send a video at a lower frame rate, an image, and/or sensor information at a specified time interval
HIGH LOW Send sensor information at a specified time interval
MEDIUM HIGH Send a video at a lower frame rate, an image, and/or sensor information at a specified time interval
MEDIUM MEDIUM Send a video at a lower frame rate, an image, and/or sensor information at a specified time interval
MEDIUM LOW Send sensor information at a specified time interval
LOW HIGH Send sensor information at a specified time interval
LOW MEDIUM Send sensor information at a specified time interval
LOW LOW Send sensor information at a specified time interval

Table 1

[0071] In certain embodiments, the designated rules may be overridden and the subset of the status information and/or corresponding format may be selected based on user request. Alternatively, the subset of the status information may be selected to achieve one or more goals defined by the rules. For example, in one embodiment, a user may specify usage of a Bluetooth communications link even when a high-strength Wi-Fi communications link is available. Accordingly, status information and a corresponding format suitable for transmission over the Bluetooth link are selected.
[0072] In certain other embodiments, the rules may define conservation of network resources or minimal latency as a goal. In such embodiments, the status information including the real-time videos, high resolution images, and/or other sensor information may be processed, for example, via use of compression algorithms and/or adaptive streaming to optimize use of available network resources. Alternatively, a format suited to rapid data transfer such as an SMS or an instant message may be selected and the subset of status information suitable for transmission over an SMS may be selected to conserve network resources and/or minimize latency irrespective of the network connectivity state of the selected communications link.
[0073] Subsequently, at step 324, the selected subset of the status information is communicated to the remote device 104 in the selected format over the selected communications link at a desired frequency defined in the rules. Although, the rules may define selection of the subset of information for transmission based on the identified network connectivity state, the appliance 102 may be configured to store comprehensive status information locally or in a designated storage location. The stored information may be transmitted to the remote device 104 at a later time when the remote device 104 has a high-strength network connectivity state and/or may be accessed by the user 204 from the designated storage location using any device.
[0074] Generally, the appliance 102 may be configured to operate in a default mode, in which the appliance 102 transmits the status information based on the designated rules and/or user input received from the remote device 104. Particularly, in one embodiment, the appliance 102 is configured to iteratively transmit the status information to the remote device 104 through the selected communications link unless and until an acknowledgment is received from the remote device 104 within a predefined time period.
[0075] In one embodiment, for example, the appliance 102 transmits the status information including a video, image, and/or sensor information to the remote device 104 via a communications link having high-strength network connectivity state. The sensor information, for example, may include a measured temperature, moisture level and a light intensity in the shared chamber 208, a remaining time of operation, and/or a lapsed time information. The appliance 102 then awaits an acknowledgement from the remote device 104.
[0076] Particularly, at step 326, it may be verified if the acknowledgement has been received by the appliance 102 within the predefined time period. If the appliance 102 receives the acknowledgement from the remote device 104 within the predefined time period, at step 328, the appliance 102 continues to operate based on the designated rules and/or the received user input.
[0077] However, if the appliance 102 fails to receive the acknowledgment within the predefined time period, the appliance 102 retries to iteratively transmit the status information via the same or any other communications link having high-strength network connectivity state. Alternatively, at step 330, the appliance 102 may iteratively attempt to transmit a smaller subset of the status information such as certain sensor or timer information to the remote device 104 over available communications links having a medium strength, and then a low-strength network connectivity state. In certain embodiments, the appliance 102 may also attempt to send a minimal set of status information to the remote device 104 via SMS, thus ensuring communications between the appliance 102 and the remote device 104 even in absence of a desirable network connection.
[0078] Further, at step 332, the appliance verifies if an acknowledgment for receipt of the smaller subset of status information is received from the remote device 104. If the appliance 102 receives the acknowledgement, control moves to step 328 where the appliance 102 continues to operate based on received user input and/or designated rules. In a scenario, where the appliance 102 fails to receive any acknowledgment from the remote device 104 even for the limited subset of status information, control moves to step 334. Particularly, at step 334, the appliance 102 terminates operation as per last received instruction, for example, upon expiry of a time frame specified in the last received instruction. Alternatively, if no acknowledgement is received, the appliance 102 may optionally output an audible alert or a textual message alert that may be transmitted to other registered users to allow them to take over further control of the appliance 102.
[0079] The present method, thus, allows for continued communications between the appliance 102 and the remote device 104 through an intuitive protocol that intelligently selects an appropriate communication link, subset of information, and/or format to address changing user preference, network characteristics, and/or desired operating conditions. The present method also provides the user 204 with complete control over the appliance, corresponding functioning, and/or the designated rules through the remote access application. Certain exemplary interfaces for the remote access application that allow the user 204 to efficiently interact with the appliance 102 are depicted and described with reference to FIGs. 4-9.
[0080] Particularly, FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of an exemplary user interface (UI) 400 of a web application or a mobile application that is executed at the remote device 104 for operating an appliance such as the RO device 202 of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the UI 400 includes one or more menu items that allow a user to discover and pair with connected appliances, and/or connect to previously registered appliances. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the UI 400 includes a button 402 to find appliances that may be remotely configured by the user 204 (see FIG. 2). In certain embodiments, the “FIND APPLIANCE” button 402 may initiate a discovery protocol that identifies other devices that are connected to one or more of the communications networks that are connected to the remote device 104. Further, a “REGISTER DEVICE” button 404 may allow the user 204 to select and register or pair the remote device 104 with an appliance connected over the same communications network. As previously noted, the selected appliance may be paired with the remote device 104 via use of passcodes, passwords, biometrics, location data, trusted certification authorities, physical connection, proximity sensors, near-field communications (NFC), Bluetooth-based pairing, and/or any other suitable registration process. In certain embodiments, the UI 700 includes a dropdown menu 406 that lists all appliances registered with the remote device 104. The user 204 may simply select and connect to a desired device, for example the RO device 202, via a CONNECT button 408. Once connected, the UI 400 allows the user 204 to remotely control various operations of the RO device 202.
[0081] Further, FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary UI 500 that allows the user 204 of FIG. 2 to select one or more operational settings for remotely controlling the RO device 202 of FIG. 2. Specifically, the UI 500 allows the user 204 to select or input operational settings corresponding to different functional units in the RO device 202. For example, the UI 500 allows the user 204 to configure one or more operational settings corresponding to a refrigeration unit, a microwave unit, and/or an optical sensor using buttons 502, 504, and 506, respectively. Configuration of the operational settings corresponding to the refrigeration unit, the microwave unit, and the optical sensor is described in detail with reference to FIGs. 6-8.
[0082] The UI 500 also includes a menu option 508 that automatically populates the communications links available between the remote device 104 and/or the RO device 202 to allow the user 204 to manually select a desired communications link for sharing information with the RO device 202, for example based on speed or data usage. In certain embodiments, however, the communications link may be automatically selected based on the designated rules. Furthermore, the UI 500 includes another dropdown menu 510 to allow the user to select a desired preset mode. In one embodiment, the preset mode corresponds to pre-programmed instructions, for example, for switching to a desired functional unit, and/or setting a temperature, time, and/or moisture level. The preset mode may also allow the user 204 to select a stored recipe leading to automatic setting and/or execution of corresponding operational settings in a desired sequence. In certain embodiments, the menu 510 further allows the user 204 to define certain parameters such as a weight of the food item to allow for automatic adjustment of the stored operational settings and or recipe instructions for the specified weight.
[0083] Additionally, the UI 500 includes another dropdown menu 512 configured to allow the user 204 to edit one or more designated rules. Specifically, the menu 512 allows the user 204 to add, delete, and/or reconfigure the rules to customize functioning of the RO device 202 and the one or more registered remote devices. Further, the UI 500 allows the user 204 to generate an alert or contact another registered user via buttons 514 and 516, respectively. In one embodiment, the user 204 selects the GENERATE ALERT button 514 to output an audible alert transmitted to people in the vicinity of the RO device 202 to indicate a termination of the food preparation and/or an error message. Alternatively, the user 204 may employ the CONTACT REG USER button 516 to send a textual message alert to other registered users to share progress of the food preparation, request for instructions, and/or allow them to take over further control of the appliance 102.
[0084] Once, all settings are selected, the user 204 may select a SEND SETTINGS button 518 to transmit the user-defined operational settings to the RO device 202. Additionally, the user 204 may request for status information from the RO device 202 by selecting the REQUEST STATUS button 520. Further, the user 204 may return to the main menu by selecting the MAIN MENU button 522.
[0085] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary UI 600 that allows the user 204 to select one or more operational settings for operating the RO device 202 in a refrigeration mode. Particularly, the UI 600 provides the user 204 with various options to configure one or more sensors associated with the RO device 202. For example, the UI 600 may allow the user 204 to set temperature, set time, set moisture level, and/or select light mode. Alternatively, the UI 600 provides a dropdown menu 602 that allows the user 204 to select a preset mode of refrigeration. For example, if the user 204 wishes to chill a beverage container for subsequent consumption, the user 204 may select the BEVERAGE option. Alternatively, if the user 204 wishes to store dairy products safely, the user 204 may select the CHILLER option from the menu 602. The UI 600 also includes additional buttons to submit the selected operational settings, clear selections, navigate to previous menu, and/or to navigate to the main menu.
[0086] Similarly, FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary UI 700 that allows the user 204 to select one or more operational settings for operating the RO device 202 in a microwave mode. Particularly, the UI 700 provides the user 204 with various options to set temperature, set time, set moisture level, and/or select light mode. Alternatively, the UI 700 provides a dropdown menu 702 that allows the user 204 to select a preset mode of cooking. For example, if the user 204 wishes to defrost frozen peas, the user 204 may select the DEFROST VEG option. Alternatively, if the user 204 wishes to prepare dough for bread, the user 204 may select the FERMENTATION option from the menu 702 that automatically sets the temperature, moisture, and light settings to provide an optimal environment for the dough to rise. The UI 700 also includes additional buttons to submit the selected operational settings, clear selections, navigate to previous menu, and/or to navigate to the main menu.
[0087] Further, FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary UI 800 that allows the user 204 to select one or more operational settings of the optical sensor 218 (see FIG. 2) for acquiring one or more images and/or video corresponding to the food preparation process. Particularly, the UI 800 provides the user 204 with various options to set angle, set magnification, resolution, time, and/or duration of acquisition of images and/or video. Additionally, the UI 800 provides a dropdown menu 802 that allows the user 204 to select a desired mode of acquisition of status information. For example, if the user 204 wishes to receive real-time video of the food preparation process, the user 204 may select the 30 FPS Video option. Alternatively, if the user 204 wishes to receive a high resolution image of the food item every 5 minutes, the user 204 may select the 4 MP IMAGE option from the menu 802. Similar to the UIs 600 and 700 of FIGs. 6-7, the UI 800 also includes additional buttons to submit the selected operational settings, clear selections, navigate to previous menu, and/or to navigate to the main menu.
[0088] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the user 204 may request for desired status information to accurately identify a stage of the food preparation and provide further instructions. FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary UI 900 that allows the user 204 to request for desired status information corresponding to the food preparation process from the RO device 202. Particularly, the UI 900 includes a dropdown menu 902 that allows the user 204 to request for one or more types of status indicators. The status indicators, for example, may include a video, an image, a temperature sensor measurement, a moisture sensor measurement, and/or a contour image. In one embodiment, the contour image corresponds to an outline image that provides contour information such change in as size and height of the food item to indicate progress of the food preparation process. In certain embodiments, the processing subsystem 226 (see FIG. 2) processes a contour image and/or any other acquired image to identify and communicate relevant indicators such as color, size, shape, and/or density of the food item to the remote device in a textual format, for example via SMS. Communicating the processed information to the remote device 104 via SMS provides the user 204 with richer information regarding a state of the food item without incurring excessive data usage or transmission delay, thereby allowing for more efficient user control over the food preparation process.
[0089] In certain embodiments, the UI 900 also allows the user 204 to define a frequency of sharing, number of instances, desired resolution, and/or a desired format of the selected status indicator from the RO device 202 to the remote device 104. In certain embodiments, the UI 900 warns the user 204 against requesting unsuitable status indicators and/or corresponding numbers and formats in view of the network connectivity states of the available communications links. Additionally, the UI 900 includes additional buttons to submit the selected operational settings, clear selections, navigate to previous menu, and/or to navigate to the main menu. Although, FIGs. 4-9 depict certain UI layouts, the remote access application may include a greater or lesser number of UIs with additional or different UI elements for providing customized and efficient control over the appliance 102.
[0090] Embodiments of the present system and method, thus, allow for continued communications between the appliance and the remote device through an intuitive protocol that intelligently selects an appropriate communication link, subset of information, and/or format to address changing user preference, network characteristics, and/or desired operating conditions. Particularly, the present method provides steps for secure and authorized communications between the appliance and the remote device to prevent unintended and/or malicious operation of the appliance. The present method also provides the user with complete control over the appliance, corresponding functioning, and/or the designated rules through the remote access application, thereby providing an optimal IoT experience.
[0091] It may be noted that the foregoing examples, demonstrations, and process steps performed by certain components of the present systems, such as the processing unit 116, the processing subsystem 226, and/or the processing unit 246, may be implemented by suitable code on a processor-based system, such as a general-purpose or a special-purpose computer. It may also be noted that different implementations of the present specification may perform some or all of the steps described herein in different orders or substantially concurrently.
[0092] Additionally, various functions and/or method steps described in may be implemented in a variety of programming languages, including but not limited to Ruby, Hypertext Pre-processor (PHP), Perl, Delphi, Python, C, C++, or Java. Such code may be stored or adapted for storage on one or more tangible, machine-readable media, such as on data repository chips, local or remote hard disks, optical disks (that is, CDs or DVDs), solid-state drives, or other media, which may be accessed by the processor-based system to execute the stored code.
[0093] Although specific features of various embodiments of the present systems and methods may be shown in and/or described with respect to some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. It is to be understood that the described features, structures, and/or characteristics may be combined and/or used interchangeably in any suitable manner in the various embodiments, for example, to construct additional assemblies and techniques for use in wireless communications.
[0094] While only certain features of the present systems and methods have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the claimed invention.