DE102017209123A1 - A method of operating a household appliance, in which a color-coded virtual three-dimensional information is generated, and household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a domestic appliance (1), in which light beams are emitted with an image projector (8) of the household appliance (1) such that a recognizable, virtual three-dimensional information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) in the environment of the household appliance (1) is generated, with which an operating state information of the household appliance (1) is shown, wherein the virtual three-dimensional information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) depending on a first operating state information to be displayed in a first color and / or first size and / or the first type of information is displayed and the virtual three-dimensional information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) displayed in a first different second color and / or different second size and / or different second type of information depending on an at least second operating state information to be displayed becomes. The invention also relates to a household appliance (1).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a household appliance, in which emitted with an image projector of the household appliance light rays such that a recognizable, virtual three-dimensional information is generated in the environment of the household appliance, with which an operating state information of the household appliance is displayed. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a household appliance with an image projector.

From the EP 1 352 301 B1 a method for controlling also a household appliance is known. There, controls are created as virtual three-dimensional optical information in the room. The household appliance here has an imaging system and a 3D camera. The projecting of the virtual control element is holographic in space.

In addition, from the DE 10 2012 106 181 A1 a household appliance is known in which with a 3D projector or a holographic projector, a three-dimensional projection of information in a cloud of vapor is performed.

In the known embodiments, virtual, three-dimensional information is generated in the room in this respect that can be perceived, but the related rapid and intuitive and therefore secure perceptibility of this projected information is limited. This can also lead to safety-critical situations if the user does not or incorrectly perceives this projected information.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a household appliance, in which the projection of such a virtual three-dimensional information for a user is intuitively understandable.

This object is achieved by a method and a household appliance according to the independent claims.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a domestic appliance, in which light beams are emitted with an image projector of the household appliance in such a way that a recognizable, virtual three-dimensional information is generated in the surroundings of the domestic appliance. With this information, an operating state information of the household appliance is displayed. The virtual three-dimensional information is displayed in a first color depending on a first operation state information to be displayed therewith, and the virtual three-dimensional information is displayed in a second color different from the first color depending on an at least second operation state information to be displayed therewith. By such a color coding of the different three-dimensional information to be displayed, the intuitive perceptibility and the thus conveyed understanding for a user are significantly improved. The security of recognizability and the associated transmission of information to a user is significantly improved, so that both the understanding and the actions to be derived therefrom for a user are improved. In particular, thus, the non-perception or misreading of such projected information can be avoided by a user, thereby increasing the safety of the operation of the household appliance.

Additionally or instead, the virtual three-dimensional information is displayed in a first size depending on a first operation state information to be displayed therewith, and the virtual three-dimensional information is displayed in a second size different from the first size depending on at least second operation state information to be displayed therewith. In addition or instead, the virtual three-dimensional information is displayed in a first geometrical information type or a first symbol depending on a first operational state information to be displayed therewith, and the virtual three-dimensional information becomes second different from the first geometric information type depending on an at least second operating state information to be displayed therewith geometric information type or symbol. In particular, different geometrical shapes, in particular different shaped bodies, are understood to be geometrical information types, which may be the same or different in size, in particular. A first type of information may thus be, for example, a ball, a cuboid, a cube, an egg, a fruit, a food, etc. Thus, concrete mathematical shaped bodies are also included, as well as real objects representing object body or free-form body. A second type of information can be, for example, a ball, a cuboid, a cube, an egg, a fruit, a food, etc. Thus, concrete mathematical shaped bodies are also included, as well as real objects representing object body or free-form body.

Thus, it is possible that the three-dimensional, virtual information is displayed in different operating states with different color and / or different size or dimension and / or different information type or symbol.

It is thus possible to display, as a first operation state information, a virtual three-dimensional information in a first color, and as a second operation state information, display the virtual three-dimensional information in a second color. In both operating states, the size and / or the information type of the virtual, three-dimensional information type can be the same. The size and / or the information type can also be changed in addition. Also, it is possible that, as a first operation state information, a virtual three-dimensional information is displayed in a first size, and as a second operation state information, the virtual three-dimensional information is displayed in a second size. In both operating states, the color and / or the information type of the virtual, three-dimensional information type can be the same. The color and / or the information type can also be changed in addition. Also, it is possible that, as a first operation state information, a virtual three-dimensional information is displayed in a first type of information, and as a second operation state information, the virtual three-dimensional information is displayed in a second type of information. In both operating states, the color and / or the size of the virtual, three-dimensional information type can be the same. The color and / or the size can also be changed in addition.

Preferably, as the operating state information, a symbol is displayed as virtual three-dimensional information. This symbol may be a graphic or an icon or the like. Especially in these embodiments can be achieved by a color change, if different operating state information to be transmitted, particularly advantageous the perceptibility and thus to be conveyed understanding. By coloring already individual signal effects can be passed on to a user visually, so that the attention of the user is improved.

Preferably, it may be provided that a functional unit, in particular an operating element of the household appliance, is displayed as a symbol. This enables a particularly intuitive and easily understandable transmission of information. Because only by this then already speaking for himself symbol, the user can also easily recognize for which unit an operating state information is displayed virtually. The immediate and secure attribution of understanding for a user is thereby increased and possibly resulting actions for a user are relatively clear to recognize and then implement immediately in the right place.

It is preferably provided that a parameter value of an operating state of the household appliance designed as a cooking appliance is displayed as operating state information as virtual three-dimensional information. For example, as a parameter value, a value of a temperature and / or a value of a time duration and / or a value of a time point can be displayed. As a parameter value, a cooking stage of a household appliance designed as a cooking appliance and / or a functional unit of a household appliance designed as a cooking appliance can also be projected or displayed as virtual three-dimensional information. These are merely exemplary values for parameters that may otherwise be extended. However, they represent essential and for the user most informative and most important parameter values for operating states of household appliances.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that a change in an operating state of the household appliance is performed by a gesture of a user, and upon detection of the gesture and a concomitant change in the operating state information, a corresponding change in the color of information shown as virtual three-dimensional information is automatically performed. As a result, the setting of operating states of the domestic appliance is also made possible in a very simple and non-contact manner, and it is immediately reacted to such a specific operating state change by a color change of the virtual three-dimensional information. Just the gesture control allows a user then very easy to make changes without having to touch a control or the like. Especially in cooking appliances in which it can then happen that in a preparation process, the user has wet the fingers or otherwise dirty, then a setting of the household appliance can be made without then moisten the control by attacking accordingly or pollute.

It is preferably provided that a switched-on state of the household appliance is displayed as the first operating state information and a switched-off operating state of the household appliance is displayed as virtual three-dimensional information as the second operating state information. These are very specific operating states of the household appliance, which are thus also color-coded projected as virtual three-dimensional information and communicated to a user.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the image projector has a plurality of phase patterns, wherein, depending on the virtual three-dimensional information to be displayed at least one, this information display resulting phase pattern is backlit with a light source of the image projector. For example, this embodiment may be provided in a holographic image projector. By means of such phase patterns, even very complex information or also filigree information can be generated sharply and thus easily perceptible.

It can be provided that the image projector is formed with specific masks, in particular switchable elements, such as liquid crystal elements (LCD elements) for generating the phase patterns, and / or the image projector with specific phase shift elements (LCOS elements (Liquid Crystal on Silicon Elements)). is formed for generating the phase pattern.

A targeted control of individual holograms is preferably carried out via an electronically switchable element, with which said masks are displayed dynamically changeable for lighting. The brightness of the individual holograms is thus preferably determined by the number of different masks - the more different masks, the more light is blocked per mask - and determined by the strength of the light source. As an alternative to the approach using analog holograms and playing back via masks, the phase pattern of the individual holograms can also be realized by a phase shift element which is also already mentioned. In this case, the separation of the individual holograms can be realized by switching different phase patterns on the phase shift element. This has the advantage that the brightness of the individual holograms is higher than in the version with masks.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a household appliance with an image projector. The household appliance is designed in particular for performing a method according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof.

With information "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction" etc. are the intended use and proper arrangement of the operating device or of the cooking appliance and at a given then in front of the operating device or the cooking appliance and in the direction of the operating device or the cooking appliance views given observer positions and orientations.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the frame to leave the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which emerge and can be produced by separated combinations of features from the embodiments explained. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed, which thus do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.

• 1 eine perspektivische schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Haushaltsgeräts gemäß dem Aspekt der Erfindung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Bildprojektors des Haushaltsgeräts gemäß 1 mit einer Darstellung einer virtuellen dreidimensionalen Information in einer ersten Farbe;
• 3 die Darstellung gemäß 2 mit einer Darstellung der virtuellen dreidimensionalen Information in einer zu 2 unterschiedlichen Farbe;
• 4 eine vereinfachte Darstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels des Bildprojektors des Haushaltsgeräts mit einer virtuellen dreidimensionalen Information in mehreren Farben; und
• 5 eine Darstellung von 4, in der die drei Einzelhologramme gezeigt sind, mit welchen in 4 die dortige virtuelle dreidimensionale Information erzeugt wird.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

• 1 a perspective schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the aspect of the invention;
• 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an image projector of the household appliance according to 1 with a representation of a virtual three-dimensional information in a first color;
• 3 the representation according to 2 with a representation of the virtual three-dimensional information in one too 2 different color;
• 4 a simplified illustration of another embodiment of the image projector of the household appliance with a virtual three-dimensional information in multiple colors; and
• 5 a representation of 4 in which the three individual holograms are shown, with which in 4 the virtual three-dimensional information is generated there.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In 1 is shown in a schematic representation of a household appliance, which is designed here for preparing food. The household appliance is here a cooking appliance, in particular a hob 1 , The stove top 1 has a hob plate 2 on. On the hob plate 2 are to be understood in position, shape and number merely by way of example, cooking zones 3 . 4 . 5 and 6 educated. The stove top 1 also has an operating device 7 on. The operating device 7 has an image projector 8th on. With this picture projector 8th in particular by a control unit 9 of the household appliance 1 can be controlled, virtual three-dimensional Information in the room are generated and thus projected into the room accordingly. It is here in 1 schematically indicated that such a virtual three-dimensional information 10 in the area above the hob plate 2 is generated. This can be the image projector 8th Send out light beams such that this recognizable, virtual three-dimensional information 10 occurs, for example, at the location shown and is correspondingly perceptible. With this virtual three-dimensional information 10 in particular, an operating state information of the hob 1 shown. The virtual three-dimensional information 10 is displayed in a first color depending on a first operating state information to be displayed therewith, and is displayed in a first different second color depending on an at least second operating state information to be displayed therewith. It is thus achieved that this virtual three-dimensional information 10 projected in a multi-informative way. This means that, in addition to its basic information, which it wants to communicate, for example, a numerical value or a letter or a symbol which already conveys some basic information about the operating state, it is also displayed in a color-specific manner. This color coding or color information can thus be changed and conveys alone or in addition individual information about the operating state to a user. In addition or instead of this, the size and / or the information type of the virtual, three-dimensional information can also be used 10 be changed in the different, informative to be displayed operating states.

For example, as the operating state information, a symbol may be a virtual three-dimensional information 10 are displayed. The symbol may, for example, a functional unit of the household appliance and thus of the hob 1 be. In particular, this functional unit may be, for example, an operating element which is displayed as a cylindrical disk or in a disk-like manner. Additionally or instead, the information may be 10 have or indicate a parameter value. The parameter value may be, for example, a value of a temperature and / or a time duration and / or a time and / or a cooking level of a cooking zone 3 to 6 be.

In particular, it is also provided that the hob 1 a gesture recognition unit 11 having. This also makes it possible for the hob 1 can be adjusted by non-contact gestures of a user. The gesture recognition unit 11 may include one or more gesture recognition sensors.

In particular, it is also possible that a dynamic change of an operating state of the hob 1 and a concomitant change in the operating state information of a corresponding dynamic and preferably instantaneous change of a corresponding color of the virtual three-dimensional information representing the operating state 10 automatically performed.

In addition or instead, as the operating state information, a switched-on state of the cooktop can be used 1 as virtual three-dimensional information 10 are displayed and as a second operating state information a switched-off operating state of the hob 1 as virtual three-dimensional information 10 are displayed.

In 2 is a schematic representation of the image projector 8th shown with subcomponents. the image projector 8th has at least one light source 12 on. In addition, the image projector points 8th here at least a first specific mask 13 on, by this at least one light source 12 can be illuminated. This specific mask 13 is designed such that as a virtual three-dimensional information 10 a symbol is projected, which is to be a disc-shaped operating element here. In addition, through this specific mask 13 ensures that this symbol is displayed in an individual color.

In 3 is the embodiment according to 2 shown, here is another specific mask 14 of the image projector 8th is shown. With this it is then possible that the virtual three-dimensional information 10 geometrically the same as in 2 is displayed, but with one to be displayed in 2 different color.

By this configuration, a segmented volumetric hologram can be generated. In the illustrations in 2 and 3 are the different phase patterns of these specific masks 13 and 14 shown, which are consequently different, in order to enable in this regard, at least the different colors of the projected geometric element. In the versions in 2 and 3 can be provided that the masks 13 and 14 are formed by switchable elements, for example by LCD elements.

In addition, it can be provided that just in advantageous connection with the gesture control of the hob 1 this projected control as it is in 2 and 3 is hinted, can also be operated by a corresponding gesture. Thus, in the context by a corresponding gesture then, for example, a rotational movement and / or tilting movement of this projected operating element performed which then also a corresponding setting of a parameter value, which can be set with this virtual control element, can be changed.

This can, for example, then additionally or instead by a virtual three-dimensional information 10 as they are in 4 is shown projecting. This information 10 in 4 is shown here by way of example as a geometric element in the form of a column. Here is a segmented volumetric hologram.

As in 4 can be seen by way of example, this virtual three-dimensional information 10 exemplary three segments 10a . 10b and 10c on. These are each presented in an advantageous manner individually colored, so that each of these three segments 10a . 10b and 10c has its own individual color scheme.

This is in 5 in a simplified representation, the embodiment of in 4 simplified overall mask 15 shown. As can be seen here, is in 5 in the left illustration a sub-mask 15a , which generates a sub-hologram, formed with this sub-mask 15a the segment 10c is virtually generated. Next to it and thus in the middle in the representation in 5 is another sub-mask 15b shown with the other segment 10b can be generated. Right side in 5 is a third sub-mask 15c shown with the upper segment 10c can be generated. By overlaying these submasks 15a to 15c is then the column geometry of the stacked segments 10a to 10c reachable. Preferably, here is the light source 12 a laser module. This laser module preferably has the possibility to generate those colors, in which then the respective information 10 individually color coded can be displayed. The segments 10a . 10b . 10c can be displayed simultaneously and with different colors.

In addition to the geometrically individually represented temperature display according to 4 and 5 in the form of virtual three-dimensional information 10 In addition or instead of, for example, a time display can be done. For example, a stopwatch or the like can then be displayed in a virtually projected manner.

It can also be provided that in a first operating state as operating state information as virtual three-dimensional information, for example, only the segment 10a is displayed and in a second operating state as operating state information as virtual three-dimensional information, for example, only the segment 10b is displayed or, for example, the segments 10a and 10b are displayed. These can then be displayed in the same color as the segment 10a in the first operating state. The segments are only symbolic in their form and orientation in this respect. It is also possible that the segments have different sizes in the different operating states. In the different operating states, the segments formed here as cuboids 10a to 10c also other types of information, in particular other forms have.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Hob / household appliance

2

Hotplate

3

cooking zone

4

cooking zone

5

cooking zone

6

cooking zone

7

operating device

8th

image viewer

9

control unit

10

three-dimensional virtual information

10a

segment

10b

segment

10c

segment

11

Gesture recognition unit

12

light source

13

mask

14

mask

15

total mask

15a

undermask

15b

undermask

15c

undermask

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1352301 B1 [0002]
• DE 102012106181 A1 [0003]

Claims (11)

Method for operating a domestic appliance (1), in which light beams are emitted with an image projector (8) of the household appliance (1) in such a way that recognizable virtual three-dimensional information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) in the vicinity of the domestic appliance (1 ) is displayed, with which an operating state information of the household appliance (1) is shown, characterized in that the virtual three-dimensional information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) is displayed in a first color depending on a first operating state information to be displayed therewith and the virtual three-dimensional Information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) is displayed as a function of an at least second operating state information to be displayed in a first different second color. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a symbol is displayed as virtual three-dimensional information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) as operating state information. Method according to Claim 2 , characterized in that a functional unit, in particular an operating element, of the household appliance (1) is displayed as a symbol. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a parameter value of an operating state of the household appliance (1) designed as a cooking appliance is displayed as operating state information as virtual three-dimensional information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c). Method according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the parameter value is a value of a temperature and / or a time duration and / or a time and / or a cooking stage of a household appliance (1) designed as a cooking appliance and / or a functional unit of a household appliance designed as a cooking appliance ( 1) is displayed as virtual three-dimensional information. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a change of an operating state of the household appliance (1) is performed by a gesture of a user, and upon detection of the gesture and a concomitant change of the operating state information, a corresponding change in the color of the operating state information characterizing virtual three-dimensional information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) is automatically performed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a switched-on state of the household appliance (1) is displayed as the first operating state information, and a switched-off operating state of the household appliance (1) is displayed as virtual three-dimensional information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) as second operating state information becomes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image projector (8) has a plurality of phase patterns, wherein, depending on the information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) to be displayed virtually three-dimensionally, at least one phase pattern resulting from this information display is combined with a light source (12). the image projector (8) is backlit. Method according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the image projector (12) is formed with specific masks (13, 14, 15, 15a, 15b, 15c), in particular switchable elements, for generating the phase patterns and / or the image projector (12) with specific phase shift elements for generating the phase pattern is formed. Method for operating a domestic appliance (1), in which light beams are emitted with an image projector (8) of the household appliance (1) in such a way that recognizable virtual three-dimensional information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) in the vicinity of the domestic appliance (1 ), with which an operating state information of the household appliance (1) is represented, characterized in that the virtual three-dimensional information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) is displayed in a first size and / or first type of information depending on a first operating state information to be displayed therewith and the virtual three-dimensional information (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) is displayed in an at least second operating state information to be displayed therewith in a first different second size and / or different second type of information. Domestic appliance (1) with an image projector (8), which is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

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