EP3108789A1 - Support for surface cleaning - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates, inter alia, to a method for assisting cleaning of surfaces (1) with a cleaning device (2) by a user, the method being performed by one or more devices. The object, in the case of a cleaning of surfaces (1) by a user, to improve the efficiency and quality of cleaning, is solved by a method comprising: Determining position information of the cleaning device (2) or a part (4) thereof, Determining cleaning-related information based on the determined position information and - Providing the determined cleaning-related information about an output unit for the user to support the cleaning.

Description

The present invention, in a first aspect, relates to a method of assisting cleaning of surfaces with a cleaning device by a user, the method being performed by one or more devices. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a computer program. According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a device. According to a fourth aspect, the invention also relates to a floor cleaning appliance. According to a fifth aspect, the invention also relates to a use of an electronic, optical aid.

Methods for cleaning surfaces, such as floor coverings, are known in the prior art. For example, textile and non-textile (such as hard, stone or elastic) floor coverings can be cleaned manually by means of a vacuum cleaner. Also, wet floor cleaning equipment (such as a mop) can be used.

However, a disadvantage of such manual cleaning is that manual cleaning can be comparatively time-consuming and, moreover, cleaning can not be thorough. On the one hand, some areas of the surface to be cleaned are unintentionally cleaned several times, which leads to a corresponding increase in the duration of cleaning and thus to a reduction in efficiency. On the other hand, some areas are not cleaned, which negatively affects the quality of cleaning.

From the prior art it is known to use cleaning robots, such as vacuum robots, so that the cleaning is no longer done by a user, but autonomously by the machine. This should at least partially eliminate the above problems. However, such cleaning robots are usually comparatively compact built and battery operated and therefore usually have only a low cleaning power. Likewise, cleaning carried out by cleaning robots can take a comparatively long time. Finally, there may be surfaces which are not easily accessible to cleaning robots.

For this reason, it may further be advantageous to prefer a cleaning of surfaces by a user, that is, a manual cleaning. In this case, however, arise the problems described above, so that both the efficiency and the quality of cleaning can suffer.

Based on this, it is an object of the present invention, in the case of cleaning of surfaces by a user to improve the efficiency and quality of cleaning.

• Ermitteln von Positionsinformationen des Reinigungsgeräts oder eines Teils hiervon,
• Ermitteln reinigungsbezogener Informationen basierend auf den ermittelten Positionsinformationen und
• Bereitstellen der ermittelten reinigungsbezogenen Informationen über eine Ausgabeeinheit für den Benutzer zur Unterstützung der Reinigung.

The object is achieved according to the first aspect by a method comprising:

• Determining position information of the cleaning device or a part thereof,
• Determine cleaning-related information based on the determined position information and
• Providing the determined cleaning related information via an output device to the user for assistance in cleaning.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the object mentioned is achieved by a computer program comprising program instructions which cause a processor to execute and / or control a method according to the first aspect when the computer program is run on the processor.

According to the third aspect, the object mentioned is achieved by a device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory with computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the Computer program code are adapted to execute with the at least one processor, at least the method according to the first aspect and / or to control.

It has been found that by the aspects of the invention, both the efficiency and the quality of the cleaning of the surface by the user can be increased. By determining position information of the cleaning device or a part thereof, it can be determined, for example, where the cleaning device or the part thereof is located.

Based on the determined position information cleaning-related information can then be determined. The cleaning-bent information may include, for example, the information in which area is being cleaned. From this it can be deduced, for example, in which area has already been cleaned by the user with the cleaning device, how often has already been cleaned in this area and / or in which area has not yet been cleaned by the user with the cleaning device. To give further examples, the cleaning-related information may include, for example, information on how long it has been cleaned in one area or with which settings of the cleaning device in a region has been cleaned.

By providing the determined cleaning related information via a user dispensing unit for assisting the cleaning, the cleaning performed by the user is influenced and can thus be improved in its efficiency and quality. The output unit is insofar a user interface for the user carrying out the cleaning. The output unit can be designed, for example, for acoustic, haptic (ie for example by vibration feedback and / or sliding force feedback) and / or visual output. The thereby influenced cleaning of the user is in turn detected by determining position information of the cleaning device or the part thereof. In this respect, the method is a control method, which is the result of the technical problem is solved, the quality and efficiency to improve the cleaning. In one sense, a more efficient man-machine interface is thus achieved to achieve an improvement in the cleaning result. In particular, various aspects and embodiments thereof (for example, the use of an optical tool) in providing the identified cleaning-related information to the user to assist cleaning, take into account the physical conditions of human perception during cleaning. In other words, the perception of the identified cleaning-related information by humans can be significantly improved.

The cleaning device is, in particular in contrast to autonomous cleaning robots, a manual cleaning device, such as a hand-held cleaning device. For example, the part of the cleaning device is a part which is indicative of the area which is currently being cleaned with the cleaning device.

The determination of the position information of the cleaning device or of a part thereof may, for example, take place continuously or repeatedly, for example at regular intervals, in order to determine the current position information and to be able to determine precise cleaning-related information. The position information may include, for example, the viewpoint of the cleaning device or part thereof and / or the orientation or position of the cleaning device or part thereof.

The method may, for example, be carried out by the cleaning device itself and / or by a device other than the cleaning device, for example a portable computer, in particular a "wearable computer", that is, a computer worn on the body during use. According to a preferred embodiment of the different aspects of the invention, the determination of position information of the cleaning device or a part thereof comprises an optical detection of the cleaning device or a part thereof.

It has been found that an optical, in particular image-based detection of the cleaning device or the part thereof is reliably possible. In addition, by optical detection, not only the position of the cleaning apparatus or the part thereof, but also the position or orientation can be precisely detected in a simple manner. The optical detection takes place for example by an optical detection unit, which may be, for example, a camera, in particular a video camera. For example, the detection takes place in the visible range of the light. However, it is also conceivable that the detection takes place, for example, in the infrared range. For example, the detection takes place on the basis of individual frames ("frames") of a continuous video data stream ("video stream").

However, it is also alternatively or additionally possible that the determination of position information of the cleaning device or a part thereof comprises a non-optical detection. For example, a radio-based determination of the position information of the cleaning device or of a part thereof can be carried out, for example by means of GPS or an indoor position determination, for example by means of trilateration. It is also conceivable that the determination of position information of the cleaning device or of the part thereof is based at least partially on sensors, for example acceleration sensors of the cleaning device.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the different aspects of the invention, the provision of the ascertained cleaning-related information for the user via an output unit for assisting the cleaning comprises a visual output of the ascertained cleaning-related information by the output unit.

Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the provision of the determined cleaning-related information for the user via an output unit for assisting the cleaning comprises an acoustic output.

However, it has been shown that the efficiency and quality of the cleaning can be increased, in particular by visually outputting the determined cleaning-related information. For example, the determined cleaning-related information is displayed on a screen. For example, the determined cleaning related information is projected so that the user can perceive it.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the different aspects of the invention, the visual output is carried out on the cleaned and / or still to be cleaned surface.

By visually dispensing on the cleaned and / or still to be cleaned surface, the efficiency and quality of the cleaning can be further increased. For example, it can be displayed directly on the surface whether a region of the surface has already been cleaned. As a result, a very precise output of the cleaning-related information to the user is possible. For example, areas of the surface can be marked. For example, areas can be marked in color. For example, the visual output on the surface can be done by the cleaning device itself, for example by a (real) projection onto the surface. For this purpose, the cleaning device, for example, have appropriate means such as a controlled light source or a projector.

However, it is preferred if, according to a further preferred embodiment of the different aspects of the invention, the visual output of the determined cleaning-related information by the output unit is a virtual output for the user. A virtual output is understood to mean, in particular, that the determined cleaning-related information in the frame augmented reality. For example, the determined cleaning-related information is superimposed on the field of view of the user, who can then, for example, simultaneously perceive the reality and the virtual superimposed information. In this way, the visual output, in particular the visual output on the cleaned and / or still to be cleaned surface, can be realized particularly easily.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the different aspects of the invention, the ascertained cleaning-related information comprises information about already cleaned and / or still to be cleaned areas. This achieves a further increase in the quality and efficiency of the cleaning. On the one hand, by issuing the ascertained cleaning-related information, which includes information about areas which have already been cleaned and / or still to be cleaned, the user can recognize, for example, that no area was forgotten during the cleaning, which improves the quality of the cleaning. On the other hand, by issuing the ascertained cleaning-related information, which includes information about areas which have already been cleaned and / or yet to be cleaned, the user can recognize, for example, that an area has already been cleaned, which increases the efficiency of the cleaning, since this is new and unnecessary Cleaning already cleaned areas can be reduced or avoided.

For example, by providing the ascertained cleaning-related information about an output unit for the user to assist the cleaning, the area (s) already cleaned or not yet / still to be cleaned can be marked, for example marked in color, as part of a visual output. As already described, the marking takes place, for example, on the cleaned and / or still to be cleaned surface, for example in the context of an augmented reality, in that the marking of the cleaned and / or still to be cleaned surface is virtually overlaid.

It is also conceivable that, for example, the not yet cleaned and therefore still to be cleaned area of the surface is marked. By way of example, virtual markers, for example dirt particles, can be displayed to the user by virtue of a virtual, visual output of the ascertained cleaning-related information in the area of the surface which has not yet been cleaned and thus remains to be cleaned.

• Ermitteln zusätzlicher reinigungsbezogener Informationen basierend auf einer Erfassung, insbesondere optischen Erfassung der gereinigten und/oder noch zu reinigenden Oberfläche und
• Bereitstellen der ermittelten zusätzlichen reinigungsbezogenen Informationen für den Benutzer über die Ausgabeeinheit zur Unterstützung der Reinigung.

According to another preferred embodiment of the different aspects of the invention, the method further comprises:

• Determining additional cleaning-related information based on a detection, in particular optical detection of the cleaned and / or still to be cleaned surface and
• Providing the determined additional cleaning related information to the user via the dispensing unit to assist cleaning.

As a result, the quality and the efficiency of the cleaning can be further improved, since by providing the additional cleaning-related information, the cleaning behavior of the user can be influenced.

The provision of the determined additional cleaning-related information for the user via the output unit for assisting the cleaning can be carried out, for example, as already described in connection with the provision of the determined cleaning-related information.

By detecting the cleaned and / or still to be cleaned surface, for example, a surface property of the surfaces can be detected, for example, a surface type or contamination of the surface. The detection is preferably carried out by an optical detection of the surface, as already described above in connection with the optical detection of the cleaning device or a part thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the detection can also be effected by other sensors, for example sensors of the cleaning device.

According to another preferred embodiment of the different aspects of the invention, the additional cleaning-specific information comprises a recommended setting of the cleaning device and / or the location of local soiling.

By providing such additional cleaning-related information to the user via the output unit for assisting cleaning, the quality and efficiency of cleaning can be further enhanced. For example, the recommended setting of the cleaner is a floor-specific setting such as "soft mode" or a power level such as "level 1" or "level 2". For example, the provision of the additional cleaning related information to the user via the output unit is done visually in textual form. For example, the additional cleaning-specific information that includes the location of localized contaminants is visually provided on the surface to the user, for example, by markers (such as circles) indicative of local contamination, such as coarse material or spot contamination.

According to another preferred embodiment of the different aspects of the invention, the one or more devices comprise an electronic, optical aid, in particular a data goggles, and / or the cleaning device.

Under an electronic, optical aids in particular a portable miniature computer, which can show information in the field of view of the user and preferably also the environment can optically understand understood. The electronic, optical aids, for example, portable, in particular at least partially portable on the head. For example, the electronic, optical aids are data glasses. For example, through the data glasses, information is displayed in the user's field of vision by using a spectacle lens of the data glasses as a display surface (such as a screen). It is also conceivable that a Contact lens is used as the display surface. Also, the retina of the user's eye can be used as a display area (screen). For this purpose, the optical aid comprises, for example, the output unit for providing the determined (additional) cleaning-related information for the user to support the cleaning. The optical aid comprises, for example, an optical detection unit for determining position information of the cleaning device or a part thereof and, if appropriate, for determining the additional cleaning-related information. Thus, the method can be performed, for example, solely by the electronic optical aids. Such an optical aid has the advantage that it can be worn during cleaning by the user. In addition, the optical tool can provide the determined (additional) cleaning-related information visually in the context of augmented reality to the user precisely. In addition, this has the advantage that, for example, no or only a small adjustment of the cleaning unit is necessary.

However, it is also conceivable that individual steps are performed, for example, by the cleaning device. For example, the detection of the position information of the cleaning device or a part thereof may alternatively or additionally be performed by a detection unit of the cleaning device. Likewise, the cleaning device can have a corresponding output unit which can provide the determined (additional) cleaning-related information to the user, for example by acoustic signals or by projection onto the surface.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the different aspects of the invention, the cleaning device is a floor cleaning device, in particular a vacuum cleaner or a wet floor cleaning device.

The application in the field of floor cleaning equipment can increase the quality and efficiency of floor cleaning. The vacuum cleaner can For example, be a vacuum cleaner or a hand vacuum cleaner. If the cleaner is a vacuum cleaner, determining position information of the cleaner or a portion thereof may be, for example, determining position information of an attachment (eg, a nozzle attachment or a brush head) of the cleaner. As a result, the determination of already cleaned areas can be simplified.

In particular with regard to a device according to the third aspect of the invention, the device preferably comprises an optical detection unit for determining position information of the cleaning device or a part thereof and / or a visual output unit for providing the determined cleaning-related information to the user for assistance in cleaning.

Likewise, in particular with regard to an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the third aspect of the invention, the device is or comprises an electronic optical aid, in particular a data goggle.

Alternatively, the device may also be the cleaning device or a system comprising the cleaning device and an electronic, optical aid, such as data glasses.

With regard to further embodiments and advantages, in particular of the second and third aspects, reference is made to the comments on the first aspects.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a cleaning device, in particular a floor cleaning device, in particular for use in a method according to the first aspect, wherein the cleaning device has at least one indicator element, wherein the at least one indicator element supports optical detection the position of the cleaning device or a part thereof is formed.

By such a cleaning device, the efficiency and quality of the cleaning can be improved because the at least one indicator provided element facilitates optical detection of the cleaning device or a part thereof and / or specified. The cleaning-related information is therefore particularly reliable.

The at least one indicator element can emit (for example in the form of a highlighter) radiation of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, for example in the visible and / or infrared range. Alternatively, the indicator element may be a reflector which reflects radiation of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range.

Preferably, the at least one indicator element is arranged on the cleaning device such that it is visible during operation, in particular visible to the user.

Preferably, at least two indicator elements are provided. As a result, in particular a detection of the position or orientation of the cleaning device or a part thereof is made possible or simplified.

Particularly advantageous is a system of a cleaning device according to the fourth aspect in combination with a device according to the third aspect in the form of an electronic, optical aid, such as a data glasses.

According to a preferred embodiment of the cleaning device according to the fourth aspect, the cleaning device is a vacuum cleaner, preferably with a header and preferably, the attachment on the indicator elements. For example, the attachment has the indicator elements on its top. According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a use of an electronic, optical auxiliary device, in particular a data goggle, to assist a cleaning of surfaces with a cleaning device by a user, in particular in a method according to the first aspect.

By using an optical device (such as a data goggle) to assist in cleaning surfaces with a cleaning device, the efficiency and quality of cleaning can be increased.

By the preceding or following description of method steps according to preferred embodiments of the method, corresponding means for carrying out the method steps by preferred embodiments of the device should also be disclosed. Likewise, by the disclosure of means for carrying out a method step, the corresponding method step should be disclosed.

Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are to be taken from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in particular in conjunction with the figures.

Fig. 1

eine skizzenhafte Darstellung des Blickfeldes eines Benutzers beim Reinigen einer Bodenoberfläche mit einem Reinigungsgerät, wie es aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt ist;

Fig. 2

eine skizzenhafte Darstellung des Blickfeldes eines Benutzers beim Reinigen einer Bodenoberfläche mit einem Reinigungsgerät, wie sie ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, welche ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens durchführt, ermöglicht;

Fig. 3a-k

eine Veranschaulichung einzelner Verfahrensschritte eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;

Fig. 4a-c

weitere skizzenhafte Darstellungen des Blickfeldes eines Benutzers, wie sie ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, welche ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens durchführt, ermöglicht;

Fig. 5

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsgeräts;

Fig. 6

ein Blockdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 7

Ausführungsbeispiele von Speichermedien, auf denen ein erfindungsgemäßes Computerprogramm gespeichert sein kann.

In the drawing show

Fig. 1

a sketch of the field of view of a user when cleaning a floor surface with a cleaning device, as is known in the prior art;

Fig. 2

a sketch-like representation of the field of view of a user when cleaning a floor surface with a cleaning device, such as an embodiment of a device according to the invention, which Embodiment of a method according to the invention performs, allows;

Fig. 3a-k

an illustration of individual process steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention;

Fig. 4a-c

further sketchy representations of the field of view of a user, such as an embodiment of a device according to the invention, which performs an embodiment of a method according to the invention allows;

Fig. 5

an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention;

Fig. 6

a block diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 7

Embodiments of storage media on which a computer program according to the invention can be stored.

Fig. 1 shows first a sketch-like representation of the field of view of a user B when cleaning a floor surface 1, with a cleaning device 2, as is known from the prior art. The floor surface 1 is carpet in this case. The cleaning device 2 is a hand vacuum cleaner with a header 4. The user B performs the cleaning manually. When carrying out the cleaning, it is problematic that areas of the floor surface 1 are not cleaned on the one hand, which negatively influences the quality of the cleaning. On the other hand, areas of the soil surface 1 are cleaned several times, which adversely affects the efficiency of cleaning.

Fig. 2 now shows a sketch-like representation of the field of view of a user when cleaning the soil surface 1 with the cleaning device 2, as they are Embodiment of a device according to the invention (for example, device 100, Fig. 6 ), which performs an embodiment of a method according to the invention allows. The device is designed in this case as a data goggles. The data glasses can show information by means of an output unit in the eye of the user B, so that they appear in the field of vision of the user and are superimposed on the real world. This is also called augmented reality. The data glasses visually provide cleaning-related information about the user output unit for assisting cleaning. The determined cleaning-related information is displayed virtually on the cleaned surface 1.

The determined cleaning-related information in particular includes information about already cleaned areas. The information which area of the surface 1 has already been cleaned is provided to the user B as a color-marked area 5.

Like the in Fig. 2 shown provided information is in connection with the Fig. 3a-k explains in more detail which illustrate individual process steps of the embodiment of a method according to the invention.

For this purpose, the data glasses in the Fig. 3a visual field represented by means of an optical detection unit in the form of a video camera optically. This in Fig. 3a The visual field to be seen is converted into image information 7 by the detection unit. For this purpose, a still image is recorded, for example, or a single image is extracted from a video data stream.

In the image information 7, the cleaning device or a part thereof is identified. In this case, the attachment 4 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is identified by means of a corresponding algorithm. The identification may for example be based on the shape and / or color of the attachment 4. The determined position of the attachment 4 is indicated by the dashed line 6 in FIG Fig. 3b shown. To this Way position information of the attachment 4 could be determined as part of the vacuum cleaner 2, wherein the detection comprises an optical detection of a part 4 of the cleaning device 2.

In a further step, the image area of the floor surface 1 covered by the body 8 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is determined. The determined position of the body 8 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is in Fig. 3c represented by the dashed line 10.

As in Fig. 3c and Fig. 3d can be seen, then the body 8 and the attachment 4 of the vacuum cleaner 2 representing image areas are cut out.

Subsequently, the area 12 of the ground surface 1, which is detected by the header 4, marked, for example, colored, Fig. 3e , The area 12 is representative of an already cleaned area of the floor surface 1. Optionally, the area of the floor surface covered by the body 8 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is colored with the color of the image area adjacent to the vacuum cleaner 2. In the Fig. 3e displayed image information 7 can first be cached.

Fig. 3f shows analogously to Fig. 3a second image information 9, for example a second still image or another single image from the video data stream. The in the Fig. 3b to Fig. 3e The steps shown are now repeated for the second image information 9, so that the in Fig. 3g shown image information 9, wherein the area 14 in turn is representative of an already cleaned area of the soil surface 1.

Subsequently, the first image information 7 and the second image information 9 are aligned with each other, as in FIG Fig. 3h shown. In this case, preferably the area of the image information which contains the vacuum cleaner 2 is not used, since this is relative to the floor surface 1 and the space has moved, and may provoke a misalignment of the image information to each other.

The areas 12 and 14, which represent an already cleaned area of the ground surface, become, as in FIG Fig. 3i shown to the area 16 united. Determining area 16 is an example of determining cleaning related information that includes information about an already cleaned area of the surface based on the previously determined position information of header 4.

The area 16 may be provided as determined cleaning-related information by the output unit of the data glasses to the user for the purpose of cleaning, Fig. 3j , If the cleaning is continued for the user B, for example, the in Fig. 3k shown field of view through the data glasses. In this case, the area 5 is preferably provided to the user B, omitting the image area currently occupied by the vacuum cleaner 2, so that a field of vision as in FIG Fig. 2 shown results.

Fig. 4a-c each show further sketchy representations of the field of view of a user, as it allows an embodiment of a device according to the invention, which performs an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

In Fig. 4a For example, additional cleaning-related information determined to the user is provided visually via the data-goggles output unit for assisting cleaning. In this case, the determined additional cleaning-related information is likewise output virtually on the surface 1 to be cleaned. The surface here comprises on the one hand a carpet floor 1a and on the other hand a hard floor 1b. The additional cleaning-related information 20a, 20b in this case comprises a recommended setting of the cleaning device 2 in order to clean the corresponding areas of the surface. The Additional cleaning-related information is provided to the user in the form of a text. The information 20a, 20b has been determined, for example, based on an optical detection of the surfaces 1a, 1b by the camera of the data glasses.

As another example, additional cleaning related information may be provided to the user as described, for example, in US Pat Fig. 4b shown, the positions of local pollution 22 by position markers 24 are displayed. The information in the form of the position marker 24 of the local pollution 22 were determined, for example based on an optical detection of the surface 1 or the pollution 22, by the camera of the data glasses.

Fig. 4c shows another example of providing determined cleaning related information about a data glasses for the user to assist the cleaning. In addition to the in Fig. 3k in the form of area 5, which is representative of an already cleaned area, is shown in FIG Fig. 4c In addition, the not yet cleaned and therefore still to be cleaned area of the surface 1 marked. For this purpose, the user virtual markers 26 are displayed in the form of dirt particles in the area of not yet cleaned and thus still to be cleaned surface 1.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device 2 'according to the invention. The cleaning device 2 'differs from the cleaning device 2 in that the attachment 4' of the cleaning device 2 'has on its upper side two indicator elements 30a, 30b, wherein the indicator elements 30a, 30b support the optical detection of the position of the attachment 4' of the cleaning device 2'ausgebildet are. The indicator elements 30a, 30b are designed here as highlighters, which emit light in the optical range, for example. About the geometry and / or the distance of the indicator elements 30a, 30b can be closed, for example, to the current orientation or stroke direction of the attachment 4 '. The cleaning device 2 'may be advantageous in the above described method instead of the cleaning device 2 are used, which facilitates the optical detection of the attachment.

Fig. 6 finally shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the invention or a part thereof. The device 100 is preferably a computer, preferably a portable computer, for example a smart phone. However, it is also conceivable that the device 100 is, for example, a smartphone. It is also conceivable that the device 100 is a cleaning device. The processor 105 of the device 1 is designed in particular as a microprocessor, microcontroller such as microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The processor 105 executes program instructions stored in the program memory 120 and stores, for example, intermediate results or the like in a main memory 110. For example, the program memory 120 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an EEPROM memory ( electrically erasable programmable read only memory) and / or optical memory. The main memory 110 is, for example, a volatile or nonvolatile memory, particularly a random access memory (RAM) such as a static RAM (SRAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) ) and / or a magnetic RAM memory (MRAM).

The program memory 120 is preferably a local volume permanently connected to the device 100. Hard disks permanently connected to the device 100 are, for example, hard disks which are built into the device 100. Alternatively, the data carrier may, for example, also be a data carrier that can be connected separably to the device 100, such as a memory stick, a removable data carrier, a portable hard disk, a CD, a DVD and / or a floppy disk.

The program memory 120 contains the operating system from the device 100, which is at least partially loaded into main memory 110 when the device 100 is started and executed by the processor 105. In particular, at startup of device 100, at least a portion of the core of the operating system is loaded into main memory 110 and executed by processor 105. The operating system of the device 100 is, for example, a Windows, UNIX, Linux, Android, Apple i0S and / or MAC operating system.

For example, the operating system allows the use of the computing device 100. For example, it manages resources such as main memory 110 and program memory 120, network interface 130, input and output device 140, provides basic functions to other programs through programming interfaces, and controls the execution of programs.

The processor 105 controls the network interface 130, the control of the network interface 130 being enabled, for example, by a driver that is part of the kernel of the operating system. Network interface 130 is, for example, a network card, a network module and / or a modem and is set up to connect the data processing system 1 to a network. For example, network interface 130 may receive data over the network and forward to processor 105 and / or receive and transmit data from processor 105 over the network. Examples of a network are a local area network (LAN) such as an Ethernet network or an IEEE 802 network, a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network, a wired network, a cellular network, a telephone network, and / or the Internet.

Furthermore, processor 105 may control at least one input / output device 140. The input / output device 140 includes, for example, an optical detection unit, for example a camera, for determining position information of the cleaning device or a part thereof. The input / output device 140 comprises, for example, an output unit, for example a unit for projecting information into the field of vision of the user in the context of an augmented reality to provide the determined (additional) cleaning related information to the user to assist cleaning. Also, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a touch-sensitive display unit, a speaker, a reader and / or a drive may be provided. Input / output device 140 may, for example, pick up inputs from a user and forward them to processor 105 and / or receive and output information to the user of processor 105.

Fig. 7 shows exemplary embodiments of storage media on which a computer program according to the invention can be stored. The storage medium may be, for example, a magnetic, electrical, optical and / or different storage medium. The storage medium may be part of a processor (eg, the processor 105 of the Fig. 6 ), for example, a (non-volatile or volatile) program memory of the processor or a part thereof (such as program memory 120 in Fig. 6 ). Embodiments of a storage medium are a floppy disk 700, a CD-ROM or DVD 710, a memory stick 720 (eg a USB stick), or a memory card 730. Another embodiment of a storage medium according to the invention is a flash memory.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in this specification and the respective optional features and properties cited in this context should also be understood to be disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular, the description of a feature encompassed by an embodiment is - unless explicitly explained to the contrary - not be understood in this case as meaning that the feature is essential or essential for the function of the exemplary embodiment. The sequence of the method steps described in this specification in the individual flowcharts is not mandatory, alternative sequences of the method steps are conceivable. The method steps can be implemented in various ways, so an implementation in software (by program instructions), hardware, or a combination of both to implement the method steps is conceivable. In the

As used herein, terms such as "comprising," "having," "including," "containing," and the like, do not exclude other elements or steps. The phrase "at least partially" includes both the "partial" and "full" cases. The expression "and / or" should be understood to mean that both the alternative and the combination should be disclosed, ie "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)". The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a majority. A single device may perform the functions of a plurality of devices or devices recited in the claims. Reference signs indicated in the claims should not be regarded as limitations on the means and steps employed.

Claims (17)

A method of assisting cleaning of surfaces with a cleaning device by a user, the method being performed by one or more devices, comprising: Determining position information of the cleaning device or a part thereof, Determining cleaning-related information based on the determined position information and - Providing the determined cleaning-related information about an output unit for the user to support the cleaning. Method according to claim 1,
wherein determining position information of the cleaning device or a portion thereof comprises optically detecting the cleaning device or a portion thereof. Method according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein providing the determined cleaning-related information to the user via an output unit for assisting cleaning comprises visually outputting the determined cleaning-related information by the output unit. Method according to claim 3,
wherein the visual output is carried out on the cleaned and / or still to be cleaned surface. Method according to claim 3 or 4,
wherein the visual output of the determined cleaning-related information by the output unit is a virtual output. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein the determined cleaning-related information includes information about already cleaned and / or still to be cleaned areas. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6,
the method further comprising: Determining additional cleaning-related information based on a detection, in particular optical detection of the cleaned and / or still to be cleaned surface and Providing the determined additional cleaning related information to the user via the output unit to assist cleaning. Method according to claim 7,
wherein the additional cleaning-specific information includes a recommended setting of the cleaning device and / or the location of local soiling. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8,
wherein the one or more devices comprise an electronic, optical aid, in particular a data goggles, and / or the cleaning device. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9,
wherein the cleaning device is a floor cleaning device, in particular a vacuum cleaner or a wet floor cleaning device. A computer program comprising program instructions that cause a processor (105) to execute and / or control a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 when the computer program is run on the processor (105). Device (100) comprising at least one processor (105) and at least one memory (120) with computer program code, wherein the at least one memory (120) and the computer program code are arranged with the at least one processor (105), at least the method according to of claims 1 to 10 execute and / or to control. Device according to claim 12,
wherein the device (100) comprises an optical detection unit (140) for determining position information of the cleaning device or a part thereof and / or a visual output unit (140) for providing the determined cleaning-related information to the user (B) to assist cleaning. Device according to claim 12 or 13,
wherein the device (100) is or comprises an electronic, optical aid, in particular a data goggle. Cleaning device (2 '), in particular floor cleaning device, in particular for use in a method according to one of claims 1 to 10,
wherein the cleaning device (2 ') comprises at least one indicator element (30a, 30b), wherein the at least one indicator element (30a, 30b) is designed to assist in optically detecting the position of the cleaning device (2') or a part (4 ') thereof , Cleaning device according to claim 15,
wherein the cleaning device (2 ') is a vacuum cleaner, preferably with a front attachment (4') and preferably the attachment (4 '), the indicator elements (30a, 30b). Use of an electronic, optical aid, in particular a data goggle, to assist a cleaning of surfaces with a cleaning device by a user, in particular in a method according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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