DE102005045874A1 - Electric appliance e.g. stove top, operating method, involves declaring loudspeaker and light emitting diodes as incorrect and/or outputting as feedback, and displaying one of inputs as user guide by operating device via diodes - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves providing an electric appliance with a loudspeaker (32) and LEDs (34a-34e, 36a-36d, 36`a-36`d) for sensor units (16b-16e, 18a-18d), and an operating device (10) that is connected with the loudspeaker and LEDs. Inputs at the sensor units are incorrect and/or not implementable in respective actual operating condition in a learning-operating mode of the device. The inputs are recognized by the operating device. The loudspeaker and the LEDs are declared as incorrect and/or are outputted as feedback. The operating device displays one of the inputs as user guide by the LEDs. An independent claim is also included for an electric device for implementing a method of operating an electric appliance.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for operating an electrical appliance and a corresponding electrical appliance, in which this method with a control or the like. implemented is.

It is for example from the DE 103 29 613 A1 It is known to design a user guide in such a way that an operator receives acoustic information during the operation selection and during the operation. For example, an incorrect operation may be signaled by a corresponding striking tone to alert an operator to the erroneous operation. This informs an operator though about a faulty operation. However, it does not help in any way during the operating procedure, as usually a large number of other currently possible operations remain and an operator may be more disoriented, associated with uncertainty. This leads to confusion and uncertainty, as well as user rejection, especially in the case of electrical appliances with complex operating menus.

Task and solution

Of the Invention is based on the object, an aforementioned method as well as to provide an initially mentioned electrical appliance with which problems The prior art can be avoided and in particular the operation of an electrical appliance with more diverse Menu easier.

Is solved this object by a method having the features of the claim 1 and an electrical appliance with the features of claim 11. Advantageous and preferred Embodiments of the invention are subject of the further claims and will be closer in the following explained. The wording of the claims is thereby by explicit reference to the content of the description. Some features that the procedure as well as the electrical appliance are described only once in the following. they seem however independent of it and generally both for the procedure as well the electrical appliance.

According to the invention, it is provided that the electrical appliance an output device for feedback has, in particular an optical or acoustic feedback. Furthermore, controls and an associated control are provided. In particular, in the operating mode by means of controls a User guidance realized be, as will be explained in more detail below. In a so-called Learning mode of operation of the controller become inputs to the controls by an operator who is in the current operating state are faulty or can not be performed by the controller recognized as such. Then this is done with a Signal output specified or a corresponding feedback output. This makes it clear to an operator that this Input incorrect or not possible or not feasible.

Subsequently shows the controller over the output device indicates at least one possible input, thereby the user guidance he follows. This display can be done in different ways, as more closely below explained becomes. Thus, an operator not only clarifies the error but it can feasible options are displayed. From these an operator can then easier choose, what should be done or what should have been done or as input should be entered. This can on the one hand the acceptance of a also complicated control on an electrical appliance, such as an electric cooking appliance, improved become. Furthermore, an operator can be found quickly in the Operation, so that operator error only rarely or not at all more happen.

In Development of the invention, it is possible that the controller based the operating state that prevailed before an erroneous input, performs a plausibility check to to consider, which possible Entries can follow. operations or specifications for Such a plausibility check can be made in be stored in a memory associated with the controller. such options a plausibility check generally known to the person skilled in the art. Certain possibilities or results the plausibility check, in particular Those with a high degree of plausibility can carry one Operator over the output device as possible Operation or as possible Next Operating step are displayed. So, a kind of instructed done Learning the operator. Particularly preferred may be provided that only the possibility with the greatest probability displayed according to the plausibility check becomes. For example, it may then be accepted by an operator become.

Advantageous can in the inventive method be provided that an operator such a proposal can refuse.

Then either all sons Proposals are displayed or the proposal with the next highest probability.

It can be provided that some or all controls display assigned. about the displays can be displayed to an operator, whether an operating element operated or operated can be. So an operator can specifically for the operation of a Control element will be prompted. Such an announcement can optically or acoustically, in particular a visual display relatively easy and generally understandable a control element can be assigned directly. Through an acoustic feedback Can be particularly good in a general way for a mistake be pointed out.

Of further it is possible that by a special type of display a particularly preferred operating option is displayed on a control. This can be, for example after a previously performed Plausibility check done. For optical displays, for example, can be indicated by a flashing be whether a control operated can be. By the blinking frequency or blinking brightness can be distinguished be how the control plausibility for a subsequent operation of the classifies corresponding control element. Thus, the operator sees the different proposals the controller for a following one Input step, so has all options in front of your own eyes, especially with a probability assessment by the plausibility check of the Control provided. At the same time, however, she still can free will to make the service that seems right to you, which in particular for the psychological acceptance of such a control device or an electrical appliance provided with it is important.

A another possibility A display is a voice output, through which a direct Announcement of a given possibility can be done.

Also Here, the type of display or voice output of a previously described Depend on plausibility check, similar to for the optical display explained. By now relatively far advanced realization of speech output in electrical appliances holds itself the one for it necessary effort within limits. At the same time a voice output because of the exact information possibility considered very comfortable.

When another possibility can be provided that an operator at their own request the Function of the output possible Can turn off inputs to an output device, in particular also the aforementioned ads. This can be done either permanently. Alternatively, it may be for the Duration of switching on the electrical appliance apply, because sometimes even At this time, an experienced operator works with the electrical appliance. In similar Art can be provided that a wrong operation or unfavorable operation Although signaled. An operator, however, can override this, so to speak, for example, by repeated operation.

alternative can be provided that the output of possible subsequent inputs automatically after a certain time turns off, so for example after a certain number of Operating hours. Usually can namely assumed after a certain number of operating hours be an operator familiar with the electrical appliance. From this stage, a previously meaningful user guidance may be considered as disturbing or annoying sensed, so that they turn off meaningful automatically.

A another possibility switching off the user guide or the output of possible entries may depend on whether after a certain period of operation or operating frequency no operator error more has been done. Monitored here so to speak, the controller itself, if the operator actually sufficient is practiced in scope with the operating device or the electrical device.

In Development of the invention can be provided that the signal output via the Output device does not have to be activated first, but itself self-activated. This can, for example, by the first connection or Activating the electrical appliance done, for example, after plugging in a power plug. In a memory of the controller should be stored, in particular in view of the above-described possibilities for switching off user guidance, How long in total the appliance is already in use. This can be prevented after an intermittent unplugging the user guidance again automatically without this being necessary or desired.

These and other features go out the claims also from the description and the drawings, wherein the individual features each for alone or in the form of subcombinations an embodiment of the Invention and other fields be realized and advantageous also for protectable versions can represent for the protection is claimed here. The subdivision of the application into individual Sections and intermediate headings restrict the not in its generality among these statements.

Summary the drawings

embodiments The invention are shown schematically in the drawings and will be closer in the following explained. In the drawings shows:

1 a plan view of a hob with an operating device and

2 an enlarged view of the operating device according to 1 with exemplary processes in case of correct and faulty or improvement in the operation of the hob.

detailed Description of the drawings

In 1 is a hob 11 shown, which in a known manner four hotplates 14 a-d has on a hob plate 13 and in the front area an operating device 10 , Here are all cooking rings 14 a-d designed as a so-called multi-circuit cooking zones with Grundheizzone and a Zusatzheizzone, which does not necessarily have to be general.

In the enlarged view of the operating device 10 to 2 Several sensor elements are recognizable as operating elements or touch switches and several displays. On the one hand, so-called general sensor elements 16 intended. These are an ON / OFF switch 16a and two sensor elements 16b and 16c for a timer function. Furthermore, it is a sensor element 16d for a boil and a sensor element 16e for connecting additional heating zones. About the sensor elements 16b and 16c is a general advertisement 17 arranged as a seven-segment display for the timer function.

On the other hand, four double pairs of sensor elements arranged side by side 18 intended for special individual cooking point-dependent functions. The leftmost pair of sensor elements 18a and 18'a is used for function selection or selection for the front left cooking area 14a and to adjust the power level. Will one of these sensor elements 18 actuated, the relevant hotplate is selected at the same time, advantageously after the first actuation of a sensor element without power level or start of operation. According to this pair of sensor elements 18a and 18'a are other pairs of sensor elements 18b and 18'b to 18d and 18'd provided for the operation of each by the cooking station-specific icon 24 behind marked cooking zones 14 , Behind the sensor elements 18a and 18'a to 18d and 18'd are the respective associated Kochstelle specific displays 19a to 19d as well as the multi-zone cooker-specific displays 21a to 21d , The sensor elements can be used in a simple way for the setting of each hotplate.

The operating device 10 has a controller 30 on, for example with microcontroller. The control 30 is provided at least for the operating device, under certain circumstances even for other functions of the hob 11 , A loudspeaker 32 is provided as an acoustic display element. At each sensor element 16 and 18 is, for example, always right top, an LED 34a to 34e or 36a and 36'a to 36d and 36'd intended. Instead of LEDs, it could also lamps or the like. be.

Of course, could be provided within the scope of the invention, more or less sensor elements or more or less hotplates 14 , Instead of touch switches with sensor elements other controls may be provided, in particular piezoelectric sensors or mechanical contact switch.

function

By the arrows with Roman Digits, as explained first below, the order of a exemplary correct operation described. Subsequently, will described an operation in which the controller errors or incorrect inputs indicating and possible indicates correct or suitable entries.

In step I, by actuating the sensor element 16a the stove top 11 via the operating device 10 switched on. It is now ready for operation in a ground state. Next, in a step II, the sensor element 18'a actuated. After the first press, the hotplate becomes 14a selected or selected for a subsequent power setting. By further pressing the sensor element 18'a the power is increased by the sensor element 18a reduced.

In a further or alternatively possible step III, by actuating the sensor element 16d be set a boil. With this, the below still to be selected hotplate 14 operate. Likewise, in a further or only alternatively possible possible step III 'via the sensor element 16e a Zusatzheizzone be set as a multi-circuit or a two-circuit operation, with which the selected hotplate 14 should be operated. The hotplates 14 In the basic state, they can either always be put into operation with additional heating zone or always without additional heating zone, so that they are either switched off or switched on depending on the desired case must become. In a possible subsequent step IV is repeated by pressing the sensor element 16b or 16c a timer function is activated and set.

This is the selected operating action of the cooking area 14a assigned to the left front and this starts according to the finished operation action. This may be due to the condition of the hob 14a in 1 are seen, which is indicated by the hatching that the hotplate 14a operated together with additional heating zone. About the ad 19a above the sensor element 18a is shown operating at power level "7." A change in power level during cooking operation 14a can be normal over the sensor elements 18a or 18'a respectively.

As an alternative to an increase in output at zero starting in steps, during the second actuation of the sensor element 18'a For the increase in performance, a jump is made directly to the highest power level. Upon actuation of the sensor element 18a for power reduction, a direct jump to a medium power level can be made.

In the case of a so-called incorrect operating method or one in which the controller 30 corrective action, the hob becomes 11 also switched on the step I. In a subsequent step II , for example, directly the sensor element 16e be actuated for the additional heating or in a subsequent step II ' a timer function can be selected. Since this is not provided or not possible in accordance with the above description for a correctly proceeding operating method, since no hotplate has yet been selected, there is an erroneous input. This can be displayed to an operator either by corresponding flashing of the LED 36b , by lighting up in a color indicating the error condition or additionally by a signal tone via the loudspeaker 32 , This beep at a faulty operation, for example, differ from a beep at a correct operation that he sounds deep and unpleasant, for example, also relatively long. With a correct operation it can be short and pleasant.

Since, as previously described, for a correct operating procedure, first a hotplate 14 via actuation of one of the hobs 14 directly assigned control element 18 If it had to be selected before the boost, booster heater or timer were to be set, an error would be triggered when operating in accordance with step II or step II ' . Contrary to a correct operating procedure, the controller does not know at which cooking point the selected, additional functions or inputs should be assigned or for the operation of which they should apply.

In addition to a flashing display of the erroneously operated control associated LED 34 in a way that indicates an error, one of the LEDs 36 flashing or any other characteristic indicator showing which controls 18 are assigned, which should have been operated. So here it may be that this LED 36 either in a color that differs from the error display color, so for example in green for the suggestion of a possible operation and red for the display of a faulty operation, light up. Alternatively, it can be regulated via luminosity and / or luminous frequency. In any case, a clear distinction should be made here so that an operator can quickly and instinctively recognize whether the illumination of an LED indicates a faulty operation or indicates a proposed possible operation or prompts. At the same time the erroneous operation by the step II ' or II is not evaluated or, since it is not provided anyway in the operating method, not to an operating function or a change in the state of the operating device 10 or the hob 11 ,

Now has an operator, guided by the corresponding display of the LED 36 , one of the sensor elements 18 for the selection of a cooking place 14 Once pressed, the next correct step would be to press again for the power setting of that hotplate. If, for example, the operating step described above is again carried out, for example, in a step II or II ' , then it is not yet provided in the operating method. Here, in turn, as previously described be written, the display of faulty operation and the display of a possible correct operation in each case by the LED 34 and 36 ,

Is by pressing again based on the instructions of the operating device 10 a cooking area 14 selected and set their power level at least so far that the operation can begin, the operator could run the operation. Alternatively, it can set one of the additional functions described above. This can be particularly well indicated as a possibility that the LED 34 For the additional functions that are still possible, dimly lit, so that it is instinctively clear that they can be operated, but not necessarily.

These Operating steps described by way of example can easily be recognized by the person skilled in the art in terms of other operating functions apply.

The learning mode of operation, which not only does not convert erroneous operations into an operating function, but also explicitly shows an operator as an error explicitly and also shows possible or meaningful displays, is of course especially useful at the beginning of an operation, as long as an operator is not yet in the Handling the hob 11 or any other device. If, on the other hand, this is the case after a certain time, then such activities could be the control device 10 even disturb. For this purpose, it may be provided that either after a certain operating time or a certain number of operations, the learning operating mode automatically from the controller 30 is switched off. Alternatively, this may be done directly by an operator, for example by performing a particular key combination on one of the sensor elements.

Claims (11)

Method for operating an electrical appliance ( 11 ), wherein in particular a user guidance in the operation by means of operating elements ( 16 . 18 ), wherein the electrical appliance has an output device ( 32 . 34 . 36 ) for a feedback, controls ( 16 . 18 ) and an associated controller ( 10 ), characterized in that in a learning mode of operation of the controller inputs ( II , II ' ) on the controls ( 16 . 18 ), which are erroneous or impracticable in the respective current operating state, are recognized as such by the controller and are provided with a signal output ( 32 . 34 . 36 ) are indicated as faulty or are output as feedback, whereby the controller ( 10 ) via the output device ( 34 . 36 ) indicates at least one possible input (II) as user guidance. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller ( 10 ) based on the prevailing before a faulty input ( II , II ' ) operating condition, a plausibility check for possible subsequent inputs to the controls ( 16 . 18 ), whereby operations for the plausibility check in one of the controllers ( 10 ) are stored, and certain possibilities of the plausibility check via the output device ( 34 . 36 ) are displayed as a possible operation. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that that only the possibility with the greatest probability displayed according to the plausibility check becomes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that some, in particular all, operating elements ( 16 . 18 ) Show ( 34 . 36 ), wherein by activation of a display associated with a control ( 34 . 36 ) an operator the possibility of operating this control is displayed or the operator is prompted to do so. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that that with several operating possibilities one particularly preferred operating option, especially after a carried out Plausibility check according to claim 3, by a different from the other displays display is shown. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a speech output ( 32 ) as an indication to the direct announcement of at least one possibility, in particular the most probable or most favorable after a plausibility check according to claim 3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output of possible subsequent inputs via the output device ( 32 . 34 . 36 ) can be switched off. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output of possible subsequent inputs via the output device ( 32 . 34 . 36 ) automatically shuts off after a certain time. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the output of possible subsequent inputs after a certain operating time or operating frequency without operator error off. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal output via the output device ( 32 . 34 . 36 ) as standard from the first connection or activation of the electrical appliance ( 11 ) takes place, in particular after insertion of the electrical appliance. Electrical appliance ( 11 ), characterized in that it is designed to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims and an output device ( 32 . 34 . 36 ) for a feedback, controls ( 16 . 18 ) and an associated controller ( 10 ) having.