EP2742495B1 - Dishwasher and method for managing dishwashers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dishwasher and a method for authorizing rinses in dishwashers. In particular, the present invention relates to a dishwasher that is unlockable for a number of rinse cycles.

description

The lending of industrial goods is becoming increasingly important and often replaces the usual sale of the same, since the sale / purchase is often disadvantageous. For example, when selling, the contact between a buyer and a seller is often made only loosely or for a limited duration only. In addition, it is often not traceable for the manufacturer where or under what circumstances the goods sold are used or their whereabouts established (for example as a result of resale). Concomitant disadvantages, for example, the new technical innovations or developments are not timely or not at all on old machines can be implemented, which hampers further efficiency gains. In addition, it often causes problems in sales to perform recall actions, for example, to eliminate safety deficiencies of the machines sold. Finally, a functioning feedback of a buyer to a seller is often very limited, so that, for example, faulty or inadequate working system components are barely identifiable to improve these components in future models.

These disadvantages can be overcome by not selling the industrial goods but merely lending them for a rental fee. For example, billing may be time-based (i.e., a fee charged for a time unit used, such as a week, month, or year), or may be utility-based, for example, on the basis of a mileage mileage on vehicles.

KR 10-20060020529 discloses a washing machine where the user must enter a password to use the washing machine. Only if the password is entered correctly in the washing machine, the user of the washing machine can operate.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide dishwashers, in particular commercial dishwashers, which permit use-based billing, as well as to provide any necessary accessories and corresponding encryption methods for this purpose.

This object is achieved by a dishwasher according to claim 1 and a method for authorizing rinses in dishwashers according to claim 8.

A dishwasher according to the invention has a storage unit for storing an identification number and a key, which allow a unique identification of the dishwasher. In addition, the dishwasher has a data input unit which is designed to enter a rinsing cycle voucher number, wherein a number of rinsing cycles are derivable from the rinsing cycle voucher number. In addition, the dishwasher has an authorization unit which is designed to check whether the rinsing cycle number is valid for the dishwasher uniquely identified by the identification number and the key. Finally, the authorization unit is designed to enable the dishwasher for the number of rinsing cycles or, if the identification is negative, using a dishwasher cycle number using the rinsing cycle number to block. Alternatively, instead of purging cycles, time could be unlocked for which the dishwasher is lent (eg, 30 days).

The technical means, which are realized in the dishwasher according to the invention, solve the aforementioned technical problem by the dishwasher only for a number of rinsing cycles, which performs the customer with the dishwasher is functional (= allowed rinsing cycles) and otherwise blocked for use is. For example, with such dishwashers, which are preferably used commercially, dealers sell scavenging cycles to tenants of the dishwasher, the rinsing cycles are given, for example in the form of encrypted codes, said Spülzyklenbonnummern to the tenants of the dishwasher. With a specific Spülzyklenbonnummer can thus be unlocked, for example, a specific dishwasher for the number of purging cycles purchased by the tenant. The Spülzykylbernnummer can be any number and / or code that is digitally or analogously or encoded in any other way, which is limited only by the number of allowed rinse cycles can be deduced from it. It can be derived here that not only does the number of purging cycles be directly readable, but also that, for example, the rinsing cycle phrases encode the number of purging cycles in encrypted form. The rinsing cycle number can for example be generated independently over a network (such as the Internet), the network can be used at the same time for billing.

According to the invention, the rinsing cycle voucher number is encrypted and valid only for the dishwasher uniquely identified by the identification number and the key. In the case of an unencrypted transfer, abuse can not be ruled out, therefore abuse of an encrypted rinsing cycle bonus number can be restricted.

For example, in other embodiments, the key may include a secret key and a general key, wherein the general key for several dishwashers are valid and the secret key is dishwasher specific (ie only valid for a dishwasher). This makes it possible to use asymmetric coding methods that offer a high degree of security. For example, in further embodiments, secret and general keys of 32 bytes each (or 8 bits or 16 bits or 32 bits or 64 bits) are used. The keys used can also have a different bit length. Alternatively, other encryption methods can be used.

In further embodiments, the data input unit is configured to prompt for a particular purge cycle number (SBN) to be input, the data input unit using the SBN number in a sequential order. This makes it possible to re-provide past (past) SBNs to the user when needed (e.g., if the SBN has been lost).

For example, in further embodiments, the data input unit may be configured to read a plurality of purge cycle numbers at one time, and the authorization unit may be configured to sequentially utilize the plurality of purge cycle numbers to unlock or block the dishwashers. This makes it possible that with frequent use of the dishwasher (especially in commercial use) even larger amounts of rinse cycles can be unlocked at once and so the efficiency is increased (a permanent re-authorization is omitted).

In further embodiments, the data entry unit is configured to receive a deactivation code, and the authorization unit may optionally be configured to use the deactivation code to permanently unlock the dishwashers so that no additional purge cycle number is required for their operation. This makes it possible to operate a dishwasher as a conventional dishwasher, ie infinitely rinses are possible, ie their use is not limited. Thus, concepts can be implemented in which the dishwasher is designed for a limited time as a rental machine and after the rental period is fully usable.

In further embodiments, the data entry unit is optionally configured to receive a reset code, and the authorization unit may be optionally configured to use the reset code to eliminate previously entered purging cycle numbers. Thus, for example, the dishwashers can be put in a state as it was before the input of the previously entered Spülzyklenbonnummern or how the dishwasher was shipped from the factory. The reset code may be used, for example, when rinse cycle vouchers have been lost and the dishwasher is requesting rinse cycle vouchers that no longer exist. Or, for example, if the dishwasher is inadvertently permanently blocked, using such a reset code, the dishwasher can be returned to the normal state (which allows for release). For example, the elimination may include simply clearing the purging cycle number.

The data input unit may comprise, for example, a display (display unit), a keyboard, a scanning or reading unit (e.g., laser scanning), or even a network interface (e.g., the Internet) that allow the SBN to be entered. A GSM (mobile) modem may also be a data entry unit. The authorization unit may comprise, for example, a microprocessor having, for example, corresponding interfaces to the data input unit and to the memory unit.

Furthermore, a database for managing dishwashers is disclosed. The technical means of the database comprise a memory adapted to store pairs each comprising an identification number with associated key and uniquely identifying a dishwasher. Furthermore, the database comprises a registration unit for registering a dishwasher, wherein the registration unit is designed to store a further pair with a further identification number and associated further key. By adding (registering) a user, the additional dishwasher is used by the user registered. Finally, the database comprises as a technical means a device for generating Spülzyklenbonnummern, wherein the means for generating is adapted to generate a Spülzykylbonnummer for the further dishwasher using the further key such that from the Spülzyklenbonnummer a number of allowed purging cycles can be derived.

For example, a number may be derived if it can be obtained by decoding signals or information (or data) encoded in the purging cycle number. For this purpose, for example, using a software, a computer or microprocessor can be used.

The database is designed, for example, to store a display number and a machine number as the identification number, wherein the display number is uniquely associated with an input (data input unit) of the dishwasher and the machine number is uniquely assigned to the dishwasher, for example. For example, the display number may be uniquely and unalterably associated with a file entry unit. The display number is permanently stored in the data input unit. In this way, since the authorization unit downstream of the data input unit decodes the rinsing cycle numbers, it is ensured that the rinsing cycle numbers assigned to this unit can be decoded with only one specific data entry unit. The serial number, however, could be manipulated. Thus, a high degree of security (by using multiple numbers) is achieved with flexibility, since even when replacing the input or the part with the machine number still easy assignment is possible or can be corrected.

The means (database) for generating may optionally be adapted to generate a deactivation code for the further dishwasher, wherein For example, the deactivation code is configured to permanently enable the further dishwasher to perform purging cycles.

Embodiments of the invention further relate to a method for authorizing rinsing operations in a dishwasher. The inventive method comprises storing an identification number and a key that allow a unique identification of the dishwasher, which data are stored in the dishwasher. Furthermore, the method comprises inputting a rinsing cycle voucher number into the dishwasher, wherein a number of rinsing cycles permitted can be derived from the rinsing cycle voucher number. The method further comprises checking that the purging cycle number is valid for the dishwasher uniquely identified by the identification number and the key. Finally, the method includes disabling the dishwasher for the number of purging cycles permitted when the purging cycle number has been identified as valid, or optionally, disabling the dishwasher if the purging cycle number has been identified as invalid.

Further, a method of managing dishwashers is disclosed. This method comprises the steps of storing pairs each having an identification number with associated key and uniquely identifying a dishwasher. Furthermore, the method comprises registering a further dishwasher by storing a further pair with a further identification number and an associated further key. In addition, the additional dishwasher is registered for use by a particular user. Finally, the method comprises the step of generating a rinsing cycle voucher number for the further dishwasher using the further key, wherein the rinsing cycle voucher number is generated in such a way that a number of permitted rinsing cycles can be derived from the rinsing voucher number.

• Fig. 1 ein Blockdiagramm der Elemente der Spülmaschine nach einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• Fig. 2 die Datenbank zur Verwaltung von Spülmaschinen zeigt;
• Fig. 3a ein Verfahren zum Autorisieren von Spülvorgängen in einer Spülmaschinen nach Ausführungsbeispielen der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• Fig. 3b ein Verfahren zum Verwalten von Spülmaschinen zeigt;
• Fig. 4 eine beispielhafte Anzeigeeinheit einer Spülmaschine mit Tasten zur Eingabe der Spülzyklenbonnummer zeigt;
• Fig. 5 eine beispielhafte Zuordnung von Displaynummern und geheimen Schlüssel zeigt;
• Fig. 6 eine beispielhafte Zuordnung von Displaynummern und geheimen Schlüssel im Detail zeigt;
• Fig. 7 eine beispielhafte Registrierung der Spülmaschine als Verleihmaschine zeigt;
• Fig. 8 eine beispielhafte Berechnung einer Spülzyklenbonnummer zeigt; und
• Fig. 9 eine beispielhafte Deaktivierung der Verleihfunktion zeigt.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

• Fig. 1 a block diagram of the elements of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• Fig. 2 shows the database for the management of dishwashers;
• Fig. 3a a method for authorizing rinses in a dishwasher according to embodiments of the present invention;
• Fig. 3b shows a method for managing dishwashers;
• Fig. 4 shows an exemplary display unit of a dishwasher with keys for entering the Spülzyklenbonnummer;
• Fig. 5 shows an exemplary assignment of display numbers and secret keys;
• Fig. 6 shows an exemplary assignment of display numbers and secret key in detail;
• Fig. 7 shows an exemplary registration of the dishwasher as a lending machine;
• Fig. 8 shows an exemplary calculation of a purging cycle number; and
• Fig. 9 shows an exemplary deactivation of the rental function.

FIG. 1 shows a dishwasher 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dishwasher 100 includes a memory (storage unit 110) that stores an identification number ID and a key S, wherein the identification number ID and the key S are formed to allow unambiguous identification of the dishwasher 100. The memory 110 may include any electronic memory (magnetic memory, optical memory, flash memory, etc) and is optionally rewritable or not writable (ie, only read only memory).

Further, the dishwasher includes a data input unit 120 configured to receive a purging cycle number SBN (e.g., a keyboard). The rinse cycle number SBN is configured to encode information on a number of allowed rinse cycles, i. The number can be derived from the rinsing cycle number.

Finally, the dishwasher 100 includes an authorization unit 130 configured to check the purging cycle numbers SBN. This may be done by the authorization unit 130 querying the identification number ID and the key S from the memory 110 and determining whether the obtained SBN for the dishwasher 100, which is uniquely identified by the identification number ID and the key S, is valid. In addition, the authorization unit 130 is designed to enable the dishwasher 100 for the number of wash cycles coded in the wash cycle start number SBN or to block the dishwasher 100 if the identification is negative.

Optionally, the authorization unit 130 may be configured to unlock the machines only (with a positive authorization), or alternatively block the dishwasher only if the authorization has failed. In further embodiments, the authorization unit 130 may also be configured to both unlock the dishwasher 100 and block the dishwasher 100, thereby providing an increased level of security. To unlock the dishwasher 100 for one of the number of purging cycles, the authorization unit 130 may also be configured to write data, for example, to the memory 110, where from the data (eg, a certain number of bits, such as 4, 8 or 16 bits ), the number of allowed rinsing operations can be derived (or this reproduces) and these data are changed accordingly after each rinsing process, so that in the memory 110 each still available rinsing operations are available. Optionally, a separate read / write memory can also be used for this purpose is separated from the memory 110, for example to protect the sensitive data in the memory 110.

FIG. 2 shows a database 200 with a memory 210, a registration unit 220 and means for generating 230 rinsing cycle numbers SBN. The memory 210 is designed to store data pairs, the data pairs each comprising an identification number ID1, ID2,... And the associated key S1, S2,. In the Fig. 2 For example, only three pairs of data are shown and the list can be continued by adding more data pair. The memory 210 may in turn comprise any data memory (eg, magnetic memory, optical memory, flash memory, etc.).

The registration unit 220 is used to register dishwashers 100. The registration takes place in such a way that another pair consisting of a further identification number IDa and a corresponding additional key Sa is detected by the registration unit 220 for another dishwasher 100a, for example subsequently to the memory 210 forwarded and stored. Optionally, the registry 220 may include a network interface for remote access to the database 200. By way of example, it is thus possible to register further dishwashing machines 110a via the Internet. For example, all dishwashers are already recorded in the database during production with identification number and key. After all, the key is secret. During registration, the dishwasher (identification number and key) is then uniquely assigned to a landlord.

The generating device 230 is designed to generate, for example, a rinsing cycle number SBN for the further dishwasher 100a, which was previously detected by the registration unit 220 and whose further identification number IDa and further keys Sa were stored in the memory. In the Spülzykylbonnummer the number of allowed purging cycles for the other dishwasher 100a is coded. The so produced Rinse cycle bonus number SBN may then be provided for a query by a user. A prior registration of the dishwasher can also be done by the fact that the dishwashers are already stored in the memory 210 of the home (eg during production or by the manufacturer), so that a user does not explicitly need to register before he generates a Spülzyklenbone number. Thus, the user optionally only needs to contact the database 200 (eg, via the network) and query a new SBN for his (already registered) dishwasher 100, specifying, for example, for how many flush cycles the SBN should be valid.

FIGS. 3a . b show a method for authorizing rinses in dishwashers ( Fig. 3a ) according to an embodiment of the invention and a method for managing dishwashers ( Fig. 3b ).

The authorization procedure (see Fig. 3a In a second step 320, the dishwasher cycle number SBN is entered into the dishwasher, and in a third step 330, it is checked whether the rinsing cycle number for the service provided by the Identification number ID and the key S uniquely identified dishwasher 100 is valid. Finally, in a fourth step 340, an unlocking or blocking of the dishwasher 100 occurs, depending on whether the purging cycle number SBN has been identified as valid or has been identified as invalid.

FIG. 3b shows a method for managing dishwashers 100, which as a first step 350 has a storing pairs, each comprising an identification number ID and a corresponding key. Saving pairs may be done, for example, in a database 200 and the pairs uniquely identify the dishwasher 100. As a further step, the method includes registering 360 another dishwasher 100a by adding another pair containing another identification number IDa and another associated key Sa. includes, is stored. Further, the other Dishwashers 100a registered for use by a particular user. Finally, the method comprises a step 370 for generating rinsing cycle numbers SBN for the further dishwasher 100a using the further key Sa, wherein the rinsing cycle number SBN is generated such that a number of permitted rinsing cycles can be derived from the rinsing cycle number.

The described methods are used in particular for commercial dishwashers to authorize commercial dishwashers for a certain number of rinses and to manage commercial dishwashers in a database 200.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the data input unit 120 of the dishwasher 100, which may include, for example, a touch screen (eg UC-touch) or a conventional keyboard.

Thus, a user can manually enter the purging cycle number SBN into the dishwasher 100 using the data input unit 120. The Spülzyklenbonnummer contains, for example, in encrypted form, the number of rinsing cycles with which the dishwasher 100 is to be reloaded, with a SBN, for example, exactly one dishwasher 100 is reloaded with rinsing cycles once, so that for each additional recharge a new Spülzykylbennummer must be generated. These new rinsing cycle numbers can be generated, for example, via the network (eg an Internet portal). After the SBN is generated, it is used, for example, by using the data input unit 120 as shown in FIG FIG. 4 is entered into the dishwasher 100.

In an exemplary scenario, a landlord of dishwashers may access the exemplary Internet portal on which the rinse cycle numbers SBN are generated (database 200) and generate a rinse cycle voucher number for the dishwasher 100 for subsequent distribution to a tenant of the dishwasher 100. The rinsing cycle numbers For example, they can be forwarded electronically (eg by e-mail) or by telephone or via conventional mail.

For example, the SBNs may be consecutively numbered with an SBN number 410 and may consist of, for example, 12 hexadecimal numbers (or 8, 10, 14 digit decimal numbers) which may then be entered on the data entry unit 120 (such as on the lending machine touchscreen) become. For example, the data input unit 120 may be configured to provide a particular SBN no. 410 for authorization to query. In the example as it is in FIG. 4 is shown, the data input unit 120 requests the SBN no. "37" to enter, which is then confirmed via a confirmation button 420 and entered into the system. Following this, the authorization unit 130 may check the correctness of the entered SBN.

It is advantageously ensured that each (valid) rinsing cycle number can only be used once on a single dishwasher 100. In order to achieve this, for example, each display / operating unit (data input unit 120) is assigned a unique and unchangeable display number 510. The display number 510 is permanently stored, for example, in the display and operating unit 120 and is available to a service technician on the dishwasher 100. For example, each display number 510 may again include or be associated with an individual secret key 520 and a general key 530. The general key 530 is the same for all dishwashers 100, for example. For example, the keys may be firmly stored in the display unit 120 and e.g. not be available on the dishwasher 100.

By the unique assignment of the dishwasher 100 with a display number 510, it is possible, for example, to make recalls or maintenance efficient, because the manufacturer knows exactly which possibly defective dishwasher for which user.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary assignment of display numbers 510, secret key 520 and general key 530. In the example shown, the display number 510 comprises an eight-digit number, so that 8 x 4 bits = 32 bits can be coded. For example, secret key 520 and general key 530 may each comprise 32 bytes. The given numerical values are only to be understood as examples. For example, the display numbers 510 and both keys 520, 530 may also include 8 bits, 16 bits, 32 bits, 64 bits, or 128 bits or corresponding byte values (the bit lengths of the individual data may also be different).

The display numbers 510 and the associated keys (secret key 520 and general key 530) are generated, for example, by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 100 and transmitted to the producer who manufactures the display units (data input unit 120). The display producer stores, for example, the display number 510 and the associated keys 520, 530 in the display unit 120. The association between display number 510 and keys 520, 530 is also stored and managed, for example, in the database 200 of the manufacturer of the dishwasher 100.

After the display unit 120 has been installed in a dishwasher 100, for example, the display number 510 is read out at the test stand (optionally, it is only possible to read the display number 510) and stored together with a machine number 610 in the above-mentioned database 200. In this way, a clear association between the machine number 610, the display unit 120 and the stored therein display number 510 and the keys (secret key 520, 530 general key, etc.).

Fig. 6 shows further details of how this process can be performed by way of example. In the first step, the manufacturer of the dishwashers generates data sets consisting of display number 510, secret key 520 and general key 530. These are then transmitted in a second step to the producer of the display unit 120 who stores these data records in the display unit 120, so that a secret key 520 and a general key 530 are stored for each display number 510. Thus, it can be ensured that for each display unit 120 produced, a respective display number with associated keys 520, 530 is permanently stored in the respective display unit 120. Finally, after delivery of the display unit 120 to the manufacturer of the dishwasher 100, the display number 510, which is coupled to the keys 520 and 530, is connected to the respective machine number 610 of the dishwasher 100. This can be done as I said, for example, on the test bench of the manufacturer of the dishwasher 100. As a result, each dishwasher 100 thus has a machine number 610, which in turn is uniquely associated with a display number 510 and an exemplary secret key 520 and a general key 530, respectively.

The key numbers 520, 530 are, for example, 32-byte random number sequences, which are advantageously generated cryptographically secure. Therefore, the random function offered in many programming languages is advantageously not used, since the numbers thus generated only offer a low level of cryptographic security.

As already described, the purging cycle numbers SBN may be generated in a database 200 using, for example, a network such as the Internet. The following is intended to describe which technical functions the web pages / server advantageously provide for the generation of rinsing cycle numbers, so that the lending of the dishwashers runs safely.

First, there is a registration of the dishwasher 100, which is intended for lending (lending machine). In order to generate rinse cycle vouchers for the lending machine 100 in a network such as the Internet, the lender of the machine should register in a password protected and encrypted area of a central server (for example, the dishwasher manufacturer). In this password-protected area of the web server, for example, the lender receives access to a special landlord account (database 200) where the dishwasher 100 can be registered to make it a lending machine. Since the protected area where the registration of the rental machine is, for example, the manufacturer, it is ensured that a dishwasher 100 is assigned to exactly one landlord, so that another landlord can produce no SBN for these dishwashers. The landlord can optionally be the user of the dishwasher.

The protected area of the web server is thus the database 200, which can be reached, for example, via an Internet access. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of how the access can be made specifically via an Internet portal. To do so, the landlord of the dishwasher first logs in on the Internet portal 700 in a first step 710. Thereafter, in a second step, the registration of a new machine (dishwasher 100) is performed by entering the machine number 610 and the display number 510 of the new machine on the Internet portal 700. The unambiguous assignment of the machine number 610 and the display number 510 for a respective dishwasher 100 have already been ensured on the test bench of the manufacturer of the dishwashers 100. In the event that, for example, in a service case a display / control unit (data input unit 120) has been swapped, but the assignment may be incorrect. The display number 510 is then corrected by input, which can also be done via the Internet portal 700.

When registering the rental machine 100, for example, on the Internet, it is checked whether machine number 610 or display number 510 are already assigned to another landlord. If this is the case, a re-registration of the lending machine is prevented, as a clear assignment between the lending machine and landlord is to be ensured.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary generation of a Spülzykylbennummer SBN. For this purpose, the landlord logs in turn, for example, in a server or an Internet portal 800 and identifies (step 810). The Internet portals 700 and 800 can be identical can be optional but also be disconnected. For example, in a next step, the landlord may retrieve a rental machine registered in his name (step 820). For this purpose, for example, the database 200 can display all the rental machines registered in its name together with the respective machine numbers 710. The landlord may then, for example, enter the number of rinse cycles to be allowed (step 830) and issue a new SBN (step 840). The output of the new SBN may, for example, comprise several parts: in a first part, the respective SBN number 410 (eg consisting of one, two or three digits) and subsequently the associated SBN, which has, for example, 10 or 12 decimal places, are output.

For example, the SBN may be consecutively numbered using the SBN numbers 410 such that the SBN number 410 has values between 0... 99, with each SBN no. each one SBN is awarded. Accordingly, the dishwasher 100 requests input of a particular SBN (e.g., using the SBN number 410). Optionally, it is also possible to generate multiple SBNs at once so that the tenant can then enter them one by one into the dishwashers 100. Optionally, it is also possible for the landlord to retrieve SBN generated in the past (for example, the last 30 or the last 100 or the last 10), so that if an SBN was lost, the tenant resumes it with the landlord can be queried. If the SBNs are always calculated only forward and not backward, then SBN generated in the past can easily be stored without the risk of misuse. This makes handling easier for the user.

As already mentioned, the SBN can be transmitted in many ways to the tenant of the dishwasher 100 (eg electronically by e-mail or SMS or also by telephone or by letter). As a rinsing cycle number SBN or as an identification number ID or as a key S, any form of data or code suitable for storing said information can be used. Therefore, this can also be an account number, personal identification number or to act on other numbers. It can also be coded data or a mixture of numbers and letters.

Optionally, it is also possible to generate so-called special codes in the database 200 and to document them there accordingly. Examples of the special codes are the deactivation code or the reset code. Documentation prevents in particular that, for example, repeated deactivation of the loan function or resetting of SBN for the same machine indicates misuse of the rental machine and can thus be prevented.

The deactivation of the lending machine, for example, as in the FIG. 9 shown, happened. For this purpose, in turn, a registration of the landlord via a login 810 on an exemplary Internet portal 900, which is optionally identical to the aforementioned Internet portals 700, 800. After that, the landlord can in turn list his rental machines (step 820). To make a dishwasher 100 from a lending machine to a standard machine, the landlord may then have a deactivation code calculated at step 930. The deactivation code causes the registration of the machines to go out, so that after entering the deactivation code in the dishwasher 100, the dishwasher rinses without having to reload rinse cycles. In this case, no blocking takes place. The deactivation code, as shown for example in step 940, may in turn comprise, for example, 10 digits (or 8 or 12 digits) which is then to be entered by the data input unit 120 on the dishwasher 100.

It is also possible to reset all SBN already created. For example, the SBNs are generated by the Internet portal in a numbered order so that the customer is prompted by the dishwasher 100 to enter a particular SBN with a particular SBN number 410. If the customer once lost his SBN and it is no longer possible with the help of an Internet portal, required by the machine SBN, it can be achieved with the help of a reset code that again a very first SBN (for example, with the number 01 or 00) can be generated. The previous SBN are then eliminated (deleted from the list) and no longer matter. Thus, the dishwasher is reset to the initial state, as it has existed, for example, before entering the first SBN. The reset code can also be used in case all SBN numbers 410 have been used up.

If a defective display / control unit 120 of a dishwasher is replaced, the landlord deposits a new display number 510 at the corresponding machine in the exemplary Internet portal 700 in the database 200. The calculation of the SBN then again depends on the new display number 510. For example, it can be checked whether the entered display number 510 exists and whether it is not assigned to another landlord. This again ensures an unambiguous assignment between display number 510 and dishwasher.

The landlord database (database 200) can be continuously maintained and monitored so that it can be intervened in case of misuse. This is facilitated by the fact that the administrator of the database 200 is able to find out, via a machine and display number, which landlord the machine is assigned to.

Depending on particular implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation may be performed using a digital storage medium, such as a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray Disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, a hard disk or other magnetic or optical storage are stored on the electronically readable control signals with a programmable Computer system can interact or cooperate such that the respective method is performed. Therefore, the digital storage medium can be computer readable. Thus, some embodiments according to the invention include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals capable of interacting with a programmable computer system such that one of the methods described herein is performed.

In general, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a computer program product having a program code, wherein the program code is operable to perform one of the methods when the computer program product runs on a computer. The program code can also be stored, for example, on a machine-readable carrier.

Other embodiments include the computer program for performing any of the methods described herein, wherein the computer program is stored on a machine-readable medium. In other words, an embodiment of the method according to the invention is thus a computer program which has a program code for performing one of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer. A further embodiment of the inventive method is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which the computer program is recorded for carrying out one of the methods described herein.

The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the claims and the drawings may be essential for the realization both individually and in any combinations.

Claims (8)

1. Dishwasher (100), comprising:

   a memory unit (110) for storing an identification number (ID) and a key (S), which permit unambiguous identification of the dishwasher (100);

   a data entry unit (120) for the entry of a washing cycle voucher number (SBN), wherein it is possible for a number of permitted washing cycles to be derived from the washing cycle voucher number (SBN); and

   an authorization unit (130) which is designed to check whether the washing cycle voucher number (SBN) is valid for the dishwasher (100) that is identified by the identification number (ID) and the key (S), and which is further designed, in the event of a positive identification, to release the dishwasher (100) for the number of washing cycles by using the washing cycle voucher number (SBN) or, in the event of a negative identification, to block the dishwasher (100),

   wherein the washing cycle voucher number (SBN) is encrypted and is only valid for dishwasher (100) that is unambiguously identified by the identification number (ID) and the key (S).
2. The dishwasher (100) according to claim 1, wherein the key (S) comprises a secret key (520) and a general key (530), wherein the general key is valid for a plurality of dishwashers (100) and the secret key is dishwasher-specific.
3. The dishwasher (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the identification number (ID) comprises a display number (510), and the display number (510) unambiguously identifies the data entry unit (120) and cannot be changed.
4. The dishwasher (100) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the memory unit (110) is designed to enable retrieving the display number (510) and to prevent retrieving the secret key (520) and the general key (530).
5. The dishwasher (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data entry unit (120) is designed to request the entry of a certain washing cycle voucher number (SBN) by using a SBN number (410), wherein the data entry unit (120) uses the SBN number (410) in consecutive order.
6. The dishwasher (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data entry unit (120) is further designed to receive a deactivation code or reset code, and the authorization unit (130) is further designed to use the deactivation code to release the dishwasher (100) permanently or to use the reset code to eliminate the previously entered washing cycle voucher number (SBN).
7. The dishwasher (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data entry unit (120) has a display unit, an entry unit, a network interface or a reading device.
8. A method for authorizing washing processes in a dishwasher (100), comprising the following steps:

   storing (310) an identification number (ID) and a key (S) in a memory unit (110) of the dishwasher (100), which permit unambiguous identification of the dishwasher (100), in the dishwasher (100);

   entering (320), by means of a data entry unit (120) of the dishwasher (100), a washing cycle voucher number (SBN) in the dishwasher (100), wherein it is possible for a number of permitted washing cycles to be derived from the washing cycle voucher number (SBN);

   checking (330) the washing cycle voucher number (SBN) by means of an authorization unit (130) of the dishwasher (100) to verify, whether the washing cycle voucher number (SBN) is valid for the dishwasher (100) that is unambiguously identified by the identification number (ID) and the key (S); and

   releasing (340), by means of the authorization unit (130), the dishwasher (100) for the number of permitted washing cycles by using the washing cycle voucher number (SBN) if the washing cycle voucher number (SBN) has been identified as being valid, or to block the dishwasher (100) if the washing cycle voucher number (SBN) has been identified as being invalid,

   wherein the washing cycle voucher number (SBN) is encrypted and is only valid for the dishwasher (100) that is unambiguously identified by the identification number (ID) and the key (S).

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