Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a microphone for monitoring sound generated during operation of the washing machine appliance and a controller is operably coupled to the microphone. The controller is configured for obtaining a sound signal generated during operation of the washing machine appliance and converting the sound signal into a spectrogram that represents a sound frequency and a sound amplitude over time. An artificial intelligence image recognition process is used to analyze the spectrogram to identify one or more sound signatures that are associated with particular operating conditions, and operation of the washing machine appliance is adjusted based at least in part on the identification of the sound signature.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a wash tub defining a wash chamber, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and a camera mounted within the cabinet in view of the wash chamber. A controller is operably coupled to the camera for obtaining images of the load of clothes in the wash chamber and analyzing the images using a neural network image recognition process (such as a Mask R-CNN process) to determine a load characteristic of the load of clothes. The load characteristic can then be used to adjust at least one operating parameter of the washing machine appliance based on the load characteristic, e.g., for improved or optimized wash performance.

Abstract: Ice maker assemblies for freezers, as well as refrigerator appliance which include ice maker assemblies, are provided. A freezer includes a power source. An ice maker assembly includes a mold tray including a plurality of mold pockets, and a motor, the motor electrically connectable to the power source. The ice maker assembly further includes a housing generally surrounding the motor, and a light coupled to the housing, the light electrically connectable to the power source.

Abstract: A method for scheduling an appliance operation is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals. Each signal has an on-peak signal. Based upon the plurality of signals, a predicted on-peak time value is determined. The predicted on-peak time value can be used to determine when to execute an appliance operation in order to avoid operating the appliance during an on-peak time period.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an icemaker assembly to prevent premature ice harvests is provided. In particular implementations, normal icemaker operations, including ice cube harvesting, can be suspended when an ice cube level in an ice cube storage bin is detected to exceed a predetermined threshold or when a command is received to prevent harvesting. When a command to prevent harvesting is received, communication from an ice cube storage bin sensor can be disconnected, for instance, after a current harvesting cycle is complete. The communication from the ice cube storage bin sensor can be reconnected following a time interval or after receiving a command to re-start the normal operations.

Abstract: A method for scheduling an appliance operation is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals. Each signal has an on-peak signal. Based upon the plurality of signals, a predicted on-peak time value is determined. The predicted on-peak time value can be used to determine when to execute an appliance operation in order to avoid operating the appliance during an on-peak time period.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an icemaker assembly to prevent premature ice harvests is provided. In particular implementations, normal icemaker operations, including ice cube harvesting, can be suspended when an ice cube level in an ice cube storage bin is detected to exceed a predetermined threshold or when a command is received to prevent harvesting. When a command to prevent harvesting is received, communication from an ice cube storage bin sensor can be disconnected, for instance, after a current harvesting cycle is complete. The communication from the ice cube storage bin sensor can be reconnected following a time interval or after receiving a command to re-start the normal operations.