Abstract: An appliance includes an external communication port, such as an RJ45 port, and a wireless communication module in wireless communication with a remote server through an external network. A controller is configured to receive, using the wireless communication module, a secure unlock command from a remote server, the secure unlock command being generated when a remote service device transmits appliance identification data to the remote server, and unlock the external communication port to permit the remote service device to access operating software through the external communication port.

Abstract: A home appliance includes a cabinet, a user interface provided on the cabinet, the user interface comprising one or more light emitting diodes and at least one input button, a wireless communication module configured to receive wireless transmissions, and a controller provided within the cabinet. The controller is configured for receiving a request for a system update via the wireless communication module, displaying a predetermined sequence on the user interface via the one or more light emitting diodes indicating that the request for the system update is available, receiving a confirmation via a user input to the user interface to initiate the system update, and instructing the wireless communication module to obtain the system update.

Abstract: A cooking appliance and a method for operating a cooking appliance are provided. The cooking appliance includes a heating element configured to provide heat to a cooking chamber. The cooking chamber is configured to receive foodstuffs for cooking. An imaging device is configured with a field of view including at least a portion of the cooking chamber. A controller is in operable communication with the imaging device. The controller is configured to acquire, via the imaging device, an image at a rate of capture, the image corresponding to foodstuffs at the cooking chamber; determine, from the image, a doneness prediction corresponding to foodstuffs at the cooking chamber; and adjust the rate of capture based on comparing a rate of change of the foodstuffs to a change threshold.

Abstract: An appliance includes an external communication port, such as an RJ45 port, and a wireless communication module in wireless communication with a remote server through an external network. A controller is configured to detect port activity at the external communication port, e.g., by detecting a plug-in or data transfer, transmit a notification of the port activity to the remote server using the wireless communication module, receive an activity assessment, e.g., such as an activity approval or disapproval, from the remote server, and adjust at least one operating parameter of the appliance in response to the activity assessment.

Abstract: A home appliance includes a cabinet, a user interface provided on the cabinet, the user interface comprising one or more light emitting diodes and at least one input button, a wireless communication module configured to receive wireless transmissions, and a controller provided within the cabinet. The controller is configured for receiving a request for a system update via the wireless communication module, displaying a predetermined sequence on the user interface via the one or more light emitting diodes indicating that the request for the system update is available, receiving a confirmation via a user input to the user interface to initiate the system update, and instructing the wireless communication module to obtain the system update.

Abstract: An appliance includes an external communication port, such as an RJ45 port, and a wireless communication module in wireless communication with a remote server through an external network. A controller is configured to receive, using the wireless communication module, a secure unlock command from a remote server, the secure unlock command being generated when a remote service device transmits appliance identification data to the remote server, and unlock the external communication port to permit the remote service device to access operating software through the external communication port.

Abstract: An appliance includes an external communication port, such as an RJ45 port, and a wireless communication module in wireless communication with a remote server through an external network. In addition, a controller includes a boot loader segment and is configured to receive a request to access the boot loader segment of the controller, transmit a notification of the request to the remote server using the wireless communication module, receive an access determination from the remote server, e.g., such as an access authorization or denial from an owner, and regulate access to the boot loader segment based at least in part on the access determination.

Abstract: A guided cooking method uses a plurality of cooking appliances and a remote user interface device. The remote user interface device receives an input indicating a food item and generates a list of recommendations, including at least one recommended cooking appliance and at least one recommended cycle, for preparing the indicated food item. The method also includes receiving a selection response corresponding to one entry from the list of recommendations via the remote user interface device. The method may then include transmitting a signal from the remote user interface device to the cooking appliance indicated by the selection response to activate the cooking appliance to perform the cycle indicated by the selection response, or providing step-by-step instructions, from the remote user interface device, for operating the cooking appliance indicated by the selection response to perform the cycle indicated by the selection response.

Abstract: An appliance includes an external communication port, such as an RJ45 port, and a wireless communication module in wireless communication with a remote server through an external network. A controller is configured to detect port activity at the external communication port, e.g., by detecting a plug-in or data transfer, transmit a notification of the port activity to the remote server using the wireless communication module, receive an activity assessment, e.g., such as an activity approval or disapproval, from the remote server, and adjust at least one operating parameter of the appliance in response to the activity assessment.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an appliance heating element power level includes adjusting a heating element to a first power level in response to actuation of a user input to a first level setting and adjusting the heating element from the first power level to a second power level in response to actuation of the user input to a second level setting. The second power level of the heating element is different than the first power level of the heating element, and the second level setting is next to the first level setting within a power level setting sequence. The method also includes adjusting the heating element from the second power level to a third power level in response to actuation of the user input back to the first level setting. The third power level of the heating element is between the first and second power levels of the heating element.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cabinet defining a cooking chamber, a door configured to open and close the cooking chamber, a heating element configured to provide heat to the cooking chamber, a camera directed at the cooking chamber, and a controller operably connected to the camera. The controller is configured to initiate a cooking operation including determining that the door is in a closed position, capturing a first image of the cooking chamber using the camera, determining an occupied state of the cooking chamber based on the first image, and initiating a timer sequence upon determining the occupied state of the cavity.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an appliance heating element power level includes adjusting a heating element to a first power level in response to actuation of a user input to a first level setting and adjusting the heating element from the first power level to a second power level in response to actuation of the user input to a second level setting. The second power level of the heating element is different than the first power level of the heating element, and the second level setting is next to the first level setting within a power level setting sequence. The method also includes adjusting the heating element from the second power level to a third power level in response to actuation of the user input back to the first level setting. The third power level of the heating element is between the first and second power levels of the heating element.

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides energy saving control for a water heater via an intelligent thermostat. This intelligent thermostat provides programmatic control over the HVAC system as is conventional, and provides coordinated control over the water heater temperature set point. This control over the water heater is accomplished via a communications network between the intelligent thermostat and the water heater. In one embodiment the communications are wireless, although wired and network bus communications may also be utilized. Enhanced and coordinated control is also provided so that different operational temperature cycles can be provided to coordinate with the intelligent thermostat's programmatic control of the HVAC system. Separate programmatic control of the water heater is also provided whereby different operational temperature modes may be commanded, e.g. Wake, Sleep, and Demand modes of operation.

Abstract: A visual display system for use with a digital thermostat is provided. The visual display system provides an adjustable display resolution for the temperature readout provided thereon. This adjustable display resolution may be changed as desired by a user via a resolution adjustment menu. The display resolution may be adjusted to display the temperature information in tenths of degrees, half degrees, whole degrees, etc. as desired by a user. Such a display system accommodates different display resolution requirements of different original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers who may desire different displayed resolutions without having to manufacture and stock different models.

Abstract: A thermostat that can display information in multiple different orientations is provided. The thermostat includes a housing, a display, and an input device. As the housing is mounted in a particular orientation, the thermostat changes the orientation of the information for properly displaying same to a user. This is accomplished by sensing the orientation of the housing in one embodiment, and through user selection of a desired orientation in another embodiment. A separate display and input device(s) are provided in one embodiment, and a combined touch screen display and input device is provided in another embodiment.

Abstract: Upon detection of a high carbon monoxide condition, an intelligent thermostat regulates operation of appliances that have sources of combustion which could be the source of or may exacerbate the high carbon monoxide condition. This hazardous condition is detected by a detector and communicated to the intelligent thermostat by wired or wireless communications. The intelligent thermostat then communicates with these appliances either via wired or wireless communications. The intelligent thermostat may also operate a ventilation system to flush the environment with fresh air to minimize or eliminate the hazardous condition. External and internal temperature sensors allow coordinated operation of the ventilating and heating systems to flush the environment with fresh air without causing a freezing condition to exist within the environment.

Abstract: An energy saving control for appliances via an intelligent thermostat is provided. This intelligent thermostat provides programmatic control over the HVAC system, and provides coordinated control over the appliances. This control over the appliances is accomplished via a communications network between the intelligent thermostat and the appliances. The appliances include occupancy sensors and transmit usage and occupancy information to the intelligent thermostat. The intelligent thermostat processes this information to determine the occupancy of the dwelling. The thermostat controls the HVAC system and the appliances according to the determined occupancy of the dwelling.

Abstract: A user adjustable visual display system and method for a digital thermostat having a backlit user display screen and system operation indicators is provided. The system allows a user to programmatically vary the illumination intensity of the backlit user display screen and the operational indicators. The variance provided includes disabling of the backlight and operational indicators. The system utilizes a variable pulse width modulated (PWM) intensity control for the backlight and indicators. Alternatively, an adjustable current drive illumination control is used to control the backlight and indicators. The selection of the desired intensity is provided via a display settings menu accessed via the user display screen.

Abstract: A visual display system and method for a digital thermostat having a user display screen to provide operational status information of the heating and/or cooling equipment controlled by the thermostat is provided. This visual display system utilizes animated icons to show operational status of the heating and/or cooling equipment. Static icons may also be used in one embodiment to indicate the current mode of the thermostat. Animated icons for the heating system, the cooling system, and fan operation are provided. The illusion of animation is provided by overwriting or replacing a displayed image with another image at a predetermined frequency. This predetermined frequency may be changed programmatically, and varied to provide different visual effects.

Abstract: An integrated lighting control and threat detection system is provided. Once one of the threat detectors determines that a hazardous condition exists, it transmits a threat message to the lighting control system. The lighting control system then operates to turn on illumination within the dwelling to aid in an occupant's safe exiting from the dwelling. The lighting control system operates to illuminate all lights within a dwelling upon detection of a hazardous condition. Alternatively, the lighting control system operates to illuminate preselected paths of lighting as programmed by a user. Still further, coordinated illuminated control may be provided based upon the location of the detected hazardous condition and the fixed and portable lights within a dwelling. Both fixed and adaptive illumination control are provided as is a fail safe illumination of all lights within a dwelling should each of the pre-selected exit paths contain a hazardous condition.