User-interface system for a laundry appliance
AssigneeWhirlpool Corporation
InventorsWilliam Gregory, Alexander Halbleib, Barry Steven Hazell, Christopher A. Jones, James Mann, Dennis Scott Prows
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A door is coupled to the cabinet. The door is operable between a closed position and an opened position. A microphone assembly is coupled to the door. The microphone assembly is configured to receive a voice command. A microcontroller is coupled to the door. The microcontroller is operably coupled to the microphone assembly and the microcontroller. A proximity sensor is coupled to the microphone assembly. The proximity sensor defines a sensor field that extends outward from the door.
Claims20
A laundry appliance, comprising:
- a cabinet;
- a door coupled to the cabinet, wherein the door is operable between a closed position and an opened position;
- a microphone assembly coupled to the door, wherein the microphone assembly is configured to receive a voice command, the microphone assembly including a printed circuit board assembly having a plurality of microphones disposed thereon, a locating gasket, and an acoustic layer, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is disposed between the locating gasket and the acoustic layer;
- a microcontroller coupled to the door, wherein the microcontroller is operably coupled to the microphone assembly;
- and
- a proximity sensor coupled to the microphone assembly and the microcontroller, wherein the proximity sensor defines a sensor field extending outward from the door.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.