EP3813624A1

EP3813624A1 - Monitoring of a washing program of a dishwasher machine

Info

Publication number: EP3813624A1
Application number: EP19734745.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Arnd Kessler; Lars Zuechner; Robert RUIZ HERNANDEZ; Thomas Juckel; Wolfgang Wick
Original assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Current assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority date: 2018-06-27
Filing date: 2019-06-26
Publication date: 2021-05-05
Also published as: CN112312817A; DE102018210496A1; US20210204791A1; WO2020002400A1

Abstract

The invention relates inter alia to a method (30) comprising the following: acquiring at least one piece of acceleration information indicative of a course of measured acceleration values, wherein the at least one piece of acceleration information is acquired by at least one acceleration sensor in a treatment compartment of the dishwasher machine (300); determining a piece of status information indicative of a process step in a washing program carried out by the dishwasher machine, wherein the status information is determined on the basis of the at least one piece of acceleration information; and outputting or initiating the output of the determined status information. The invention also relates to a device for implementing and/or controlling said method, to a system comprising at least one device for implementing and/or controlling said method, and to a computer program for implementing and/or controlling said method by means of a processor.

Description

Patent application

Monitoring a cleaning program from a dishwasher

area

Exemplary embodiments relate to a method for a dishwasher and a device for use in a dishwasher, in particular for monitoring a state of a cleaning program carried out by the dishwasher.

background

Methods for operating or controlling household devices, such as dishwashers, are known from the prior art. Aim in operating such

It is typically household appliances to achieve a high level of user-friendliness and at the same time the best possible result (in the case of a dishwasher in particular the most flawless cleaning result possible).

At least partially self-sufficient dosing devices are known which can be arranged, for example, in a treatment room of a dishwasher and can dispense a plurality of different preparations into the washing process of the dishwasher.

The use of such self-sufficient dosing devices has improved the user-friendliness in particular. Dosing devices of this type typically work in combination with temperature and / or conductivity sensors. In particular conductivity sensors or

Resistance sensors rely on the liquid to be tested being forcibly guided past the sensor so that the corresponding sensor can have contact with the liquid. Furthermore, such sensors are subject to constant chemical, physical and physical stress because they are exposed to the cleaning process. Chemicals in the washing liquor in particular can change and damage the contacts of the sensors, since the sensors can be covered with substances, for example, polarization, which can lead to falsified measurement values, and / or dirt deposits from the washing liquor can make the sensors unusable, especially if for the reasons mentioned above, the sensors are accommodated in low-flow installation situations within the treatment room of the dishwasher.

The disadvantage is that, for example, temperature sensors for controlling such a metering device cannot ensure that a cleaning program is completely monitored, since

for example in the context of a so-called zeolite active drying, dishes no longer need to be heated in the rinse aid. A temperature sensor used to identify the rinse aid is used, can no longer recognize the drying process in the above example.

This can lead to non-optimal controls and / or regulation of the dosing device. Furthermore, a cleaning program regularly ends after the rinse phase, so that the end of a cleaning program cannot be reliably recognized either. Furthermore, in the drying phase, for example, there is no more water circulation within the treatment room

Dishwasher given, so that even a conductivity sensor can not deliver corresponding results.

It would be desirable for an autonomous, automatic dosing device to inform the consumer of the status or program situation of a cleaning program, in particular whether a cleaning program has ended.

General description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

Against this background, the object of the invention is a state of a

To be able to clearly determine the cleaning program of a dishwasher.

The invention relates to a method according to the subject matter of independent claim 1. Further refinements or embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

According to a first exemplary aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed which comprises:

Detection of at least one piece of acceleration information indicative of a course of measured acceleration values, the at least one piece of acceleration information from at least one acceleration sensor in a treatment room

Dishwasher is detected;

Determining status information indicative of a process step within a cleaning program carried out by a dishwasher, the

State information is determined based on the at least one acceleration information; and

Output or cause output of the specific status information.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a device is described which is set up or comprises corresponding means to carry out and / or to control a method according to the first aspect. Devices of the method according to the first aspect are or comprise in particular one or more devices according to the second aspect.

Alternatively or additionally, the means of the device according to the second aspect can further comprise one or more sensors and / or one or more communication interfaces. Under a communication interface, for example, a wireless

Communication interface and / or a wired communication interface can be understood.

A wireless communication interface is, for example, a communication interface according to a wireless communication technology. An example of a wireless

Communication technology is a local radio network technology such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and / or Near Field Communication (NFC) and / or Bluetooth (e.g. Bluetooth Version 2.1 and / or 4.0) and / or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). For example, RFID and NFC are specified according to ISO standards 18000, 11784/1 1785 and ISO / IEC standard 14443-A and 15693. For example, WLAN is specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.11 family. Another example of a wireless communication technology is a local radio network technology such as a mobile radio technology, for example Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and / or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and / or Long Term Evolution (LTE). The GSM, UMTS and LTE specifications are maintained and developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

A wired communication interface is, for example

Communication interface according to a wired communication technology. Examples of a wired communication technology are a local area network (LAN) and / or a bus system, for example a controller area network bus (CAN bus) and / or a universal serial bus (USB). For example, CAN bus is specified according to ISO standard ISO 11898. For example, LAN is specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.3 family. It goes without saying that the output module and / or the sensor module can also comprise other means not listed.

According to the second aspect of the invention, an alternative device is also described, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory with computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being set up to carry out at least one method according to the first aspect with the at least one processor and / or to control. Under a processor, for example, a control unit, a microprocessor, a microcontrol unit such as a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), should

application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) can be understood.

For example, an exemplary device further includes means for storing information such as a program memory and / or a working memory. For example, an exemplary device according to the invention further comprises means for receiving and / or sending

Information about a network like a network interface. For example, are exemplary Devices according to the invention connected and / or connectable to one another via one or more networks.

An exemplary device according to the second aspect is or comprises approximately one

Data processing system which is set up in software and / or hardware in order to be able to carry out the respective steps of an exemplary method according to the first aspect. Examples of a data processing system are a computer, a desktop computer, a server, a thin client and / or a portable computer (mobile device), such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable, a personal digital assistant or a smartphone ,

Individual method steps of the method according to the first aspect can be carried out here with a sensor device which also has at least one sensor element or sensor (s). Likewise, individual method steps which, for example, do not necessarily have to be carried out with the sensor device, can be carried out by a further device which is connected in particular via a communication system to the device which has at least one sensor element or sensor (s).

Further devices can be provided, for example a server and / or for example a part or a component of a so-called computer cloud, which

Computing resources dynamically for different users in one

Provides communication system. In particular, a computer cloud is one

Data processing infrastructure understood according to the definition of the "National Institute for Standards and Technology" (NIST) for the English term "cloud computing". An example of a computer cloud is a Microsoft Windows Azure Platform.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a computer program is also described which comprises program instructions which cause a processor to execute and / or control a method according to the first aspect when the computer program runs on the processor. An exemplary program according to the invention can be stored in or on a computer-readable storage medium which contains one or more programs.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a computer-readable storage medium is also described which contains a computer program according to the second aspect. On

computer readable storage medium can e.g. be designed as a magnetic, electrical, electro-magnetic, optical and / or other storage medium. Such a computer-readable storage medium is preferably objective (that is, “touchable”), for example it is as

Data carrier device formed. Such a data carrier device is, for example, portable or permanently installed in a device. Examples of such a data carrier device are volatile or non-volatile random access memories (RAM), such as NOR flash memories or with sequential access such as NAND flash memory and / or memory with read-only access (ROM) or read-write access. Computer readable, for example, should be understood to mean that

Storage medium can be read and / or written by a computer or a data processing system, for example by a processor.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a system is also described, comprising one or more devices which together carry out a method according to the first aspect.

In the following, exemplary features and exemplary configurations are described in more detail according to all aspects:

The course of the measured acceleration values is represented, for example, by a large number of measured acceleration values, which were recorded over a predetermined period of time. B. the respective absolute measured acceleration values

Representation of the course over a time axis.

The dishwasher usually uses a cleaning agent (e.g. so-called

Dishwasher tablets and / or rinse aid) for cleaning objects brought into the treatment room, such as. B. cutlery, dishes, pans or pots, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

According to an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, a device performing the method comprises or is a dishwasher and / or a device separate therefrom, in particular a mobile device, which can preferably be introduced into the treatment room of the dishwasher.

For example, the device performing the method is or comprises the

Dishwasher. If the dishwasher itself is designed for this purpose, the method can be carried out with a small number of devices and in particular without an additional separate device for the user.

Alternatively, however, an additional and separate device is provided for the dishwasher. This has the advantage that the method can generally also be carried out independently of the type and properties of the dishwasher, which would otherwise not be possible or would not be possible to the same extent. The separate device is, for example, a mobile (portable) device. For example, the separate device is a mobile device, which can optionally have a communication connection with the dishwasher (for example via a wireless network). However, the separate device can also be a mobile device which can be introduced into the dishwasher in particular (in operation), that is to say in the example one

Dishwasher can be placed in the interior or treatment room. Such a separate device is, for example, a metering device - also referred to as a metering device - which is designed to dispense a substance (in particular a cleaning agent) to the dishwasher or into the treatment room of the dishwasher. Such a separate device can be in communication with the

Dishwasher, a mobile device and / or a remote server (for example, to exchange the recorded information (e.g. acceleration information and sensor information)). Such a metering device includes, for example, the at least one

Acceleration sensor. Furthermore, such a metering device comprises, for example, at least one further sensor that is configured to detect the at least one sensor information.

A housing surrounding the device is set up, for example, in the

Treatment room of the dishwasher to be positioned and in particular has a corresponding size that allows to remove the housing or the device at least partially from the treatment room. In particular, the housing or the device can be positioned loosely and / or without connecting means in the treatment room. For example, the housing or the device in the dishwasher is to be introduced and / or removed from the treatment room together with the objects to be cleaned. The housing of the device in particular partially or completely encloses individual or all means of the device. In particular, the housing is designed to be watertight so that some or all of the means of the device do not come into contact with water when the device is positioned in a treatment room, for example the treatment room of a dishwasher and in particular during a treatment.

The device or the housing according to the second aspect is, in particular, a mobile and / or portable device and / or a device different from a dishwasher. A mobile and / or portable device should be understood to mean, for example, a device whose external dimensions are smaller than 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm, preferably smaller than 15 cm × 15 cm × 15 cm. A device that differs from a dishwasher is, for example, a device that has no functional connection with the dishwasher and / or does not represent a part that is permanently connected to the dishwasher. For example, a mobile and / or portable device that is different from the dishwasher is to be understood as a device that has been inserted (for example inserted) by a user into the treatment room of the dishwasher for the duration of a treatment process (for example a cleaning program). An example of such a mobile and / or portable device that is different from a dishwasher is the dosing device that is placed or introduced into the treatment room of the dishwasher before the start of the cleaning program. The housing can have at least one dispensing module which is set up to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment room of the dishwasher and / or to trigger an dispensing. Dispensing a preparation, for example comprising detergents, is to be understood, for example, to mean that the preparation is passed to the surroundings of the metering device and / or a storage container, e.g. B. includes from the dosing device for the preparation is dispensed. The output takes place, for example, by means of a corresponding output module. Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing can be effected by the dispensing module, for example the dispensing module causes the preparation to be dispensed through the storage container. For example, the preparation is through a dispensing opening of the

Dispensed module and / or the storage container to the environment of the dispensing module, dosing device and / or the storage container.

The housing also has, for example, at least one sensor module which is set up to provide the at least one acceleration information item and, optionally, the at least one

Capture sensor information. Such sensor information can be, for example, at least one parameter of a conductivity (for example a substance in the treatment room, such as water and / or a cleaning solution or liquor) and / or the temperature, for example the temperature in the treatment room and / or the temperature of an in Substance located in the treatment room, such as water, and / or the brightness (e.g. whether light enters the treatment room of the dishwasher or not), and / or the time (e.g. the elapsed time from a specific event in the cleaning program (e.g. B. start,

Water change, drying process, to name just a few non-limiting examples). Correspondingly, the sensor module can comprise one or more sensors which are set up to record at least one piece of sensor information, for example one

Conductivity sensor and / or a temperature sensor (for example a thermocouple) and / or a timer.

An acceleration sensor (also referred to as an accelerometer) is understood to mean a sensor that measures one or its acceleration. This is done, for example, by determining the inertial force acting on a mass of the acceleration sensor. Thus, e.g. B. determine whether an increase or decrease in speed is taking place. The acceleration sensor can, for example, also be comprised by the sensor module mentioned above.

An acceleration sensor can represent a motion sensor, for example. Such a motion sensor can detect a change in position, for example. For example, a movement can be detected by means of an acceleration sensor such that, for. B. Movements as integration via recorded information (e.g. measured values, e.g. the at least one

Acceleration information) of an acceleration sensor can be calculated. For example such a position determination and / or orientation determination of the device (z. B. the dosing device), z. B. in the treatment room of the dishwasher.

The acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor represents

for example an acceleration and / or movement of the device according to the second aspect, which comprises the at least one acceleration sensor. Furthermore, based on the acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor, for example a specific position and / or orientation of the at least one acceleration sensor within the

Dishwasher can be determined.

The at least one acceleration sensor detects the measured values representing the course, for example with a predefined sampling rate or frequency, e.g. B. from 0.001 Hz to 1 GHz, preferably from 0.1 to 25 MHz.

An energy source is used to operate the at least one acceleration sensor

Supply voltage of about 1 V to 6 V, preferably from about 2.5 V to 4.0 V, depending on the type of acceleration sensor used. The acceleration sensor can be operated in particular with a supply voltage of 1.9 V to 3.6 V, so that an autonomous use, for. B. with a battery as an energy source.

An acceleration sensor that also has a high temperature tolerance is particularly suitable. This includes in particular a faultless function of the acceleration sensor at high ambient temperatures (e.g. greater than 60 ° C - 65 ° C, 70 ° C - 75 ° C, 80 ° C - 85 ° C, 90 ° C - 95 ° C, or understood).

Furthermore, such an acceleration sensor has, for example, a sensitivity (resolution) which, for. B. is in the range of detectable accelerations of ± 8 g, ± 7 g, ± 6 g, ± 5 g, ± 4 g, ± 3 g, ± 2 g, ± 1 g or less. According to the invention, acceleration sensors with a detectable range of ± 2, ± 1 g or less are particularly suitable, in particular due to the occasionally small deflections or accelerations that are detected by the acceleration sensor as part of the execution of the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

The at least one acceleration sensor has a resolution (also as

Sensitivity) per LSB (Least Significant Bit) from about 0.001 to about 1.0 milli g

(gravities) per LSB, preferably from about 0.05 to about 0.25 milli g per LSB.

The resolution of milli g per LSB represents a factor (sensitivity) by which unprocessed measured values, which are recorded by the at least one acceleration sensor, are multiplied by the resolution provided by the at least one acceleration sensor as a measured value to be able to represent. Such can, for example, with the at least one

Acceleration sensor an acceleration information can be determined, which represents an acceleration of 0 g to 1000 g, preferably from 0.0001 g to 16 g.

For example, a sensitivity (resolution) of the acceleration sensor by means of an analog-digital (A / D) converter, e.g. B. with a resolution of 16, 20, or 24 bits, of about 0.06 milli g can be achieved.

The at least one acceleration sensor has, for example, a sensitivity of approximately 0.001 mg per LSB (Least Significant Bit) to approximately 1.0 mg per LSB, preferably from approximately 0.05 mg per LSB to 0.25 mg per LSB.

The acceleration sensor is, for example, a MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) multi-axis acceleration sensor. Such a MEMS sensor typically measures one

Changing a capacity when changing an acceleration value.

The determination of the status information indicative of a process step within a cleaning program carried out by a dishwasher is based at least in part on the at least one acceleration information.

The determination of the status information based at least in part on the at least one acceleration information makes it possible to unambiguously determine that process step which, for example, is currently being carried out within the scope of a cleaning program

Dishwasher is carried out. More details on each determinable

Process steps of a cleaning program and their exact determination based at least in part on the at least one acceleration information are the following

Description explained in more detail.

An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that the orientation and / or the positioning of the acceleration sensor within the treatment room

Dishwasher are predefined.

An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that the

Acceleration information relating to the predefined orientation and / or positioning of the at least one acceleration sensor in the treatment room of the dishwasher is recorded.

This is the case, for example, if the acceleration sensor is oriented and / or positioned over the duration of the execution of the method according to the first aspect of the invention Regarding the treatment room of the dishwasher does not change. For example, the device can further comprise means in order to be able to determine the orientation and / or positioning in relation to the treatment room of the dishwasher. Alternatively, for example, the device according to the second aspect, which is set up to carry out the method according to the first aspect, can comprise instructions (eg markings or the like, to name just one non-limiting example), so that, for example, a user can use the The device according to the second aspect of the invention can be introduced into the treatment room of the dishwasher in such a way that the orientation and / or positioning of the at least one acceleration sensor with respect to the treatment room of the dishwasher is predefined.

In the event that the orientation and / or positioning of the acceleration sensor within the treatment room of the dishwasher is not predefined, its orientation and / or positioning can be determined (eg estimated) based at least in part on the at least one acceleration information item. The method according to the first aspect is thus, for example, independent of the orientation and / or positioning within the treatment room of the dishwasher of the at least one

Accelerometer feasible. In the event that the orientation and / or positioning of the acceleration sensor within the treatment room of the dishwasher is not predefined, the user can, for example, make a recommendation for an exemplary, in particular advantageous orientation and / or positioning of the at least one

Acceleration sensor are given within the treatment room of the dishwasher.

In an embodiment according to all aspects of the invention, the following is also included:

Detecting at least one piece of sensor information indicative of a course of a temperature and / or a time,

wherein the status information is further determined based on the at least one sensor information.

The determination of the status information indicative of a process step within a cleaning program carried out by a dishwasher is based at least in part on the at least one acceleration information and the at least one sensor information.

Accordingly, both the acceleration information and the sensor information are taken into account for indicative purposes, for example for a temperature and / or time for determining the status information.

Determining the status information based at least in part on the at least one acceleration information and the at least one sensor information enables one unambiguous determination of the process step that is currently being carried out by the dishwasher, for example, as part of a cleaning program.

An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that at least one

Sensor information is recorded by a temperature sensor and / or a timer.

The at least one sensor information represents, for example, a temperature, a time, a brightness or light intensity, or a combination thereof. For example, at least one temperature sensor can be used to record the at least one sensor information indicative of a temperature. At least one timer can be used, for example, to record the at least one piece of sensor information indicatively. To detect sensor information indicative of a brightness, at least one brightness sensor or

Light intensity sensor can be used. One or more (e.g. all) of these sensors mentioned above (e.g. the temperature sensor and / or the timer) can, for example, by the

Device according to the second aspect of the invention may be included, or alternatively or additionally be operatively (eg electrically) connectable to it.

The determined status information is output or caused to be output. This can be done once, for example. Alternatively, e.g. B. with a continuous acquisition of the at least one acceleration information and / or a continuous acquisition of the at least one sensor information and the subsequent determination of the status information (at least based on that part of the acceleration information and / or the sensor information that has been added (i.e. new ) and for which no status information has been determined accordingly), the output or the initiation of the output of the status information can be carried out several times. The output can be given to the dishwasher, for example, in the event that the method according to the first aspect of the invention is carried out by a device separate from the dishwasher (a device according to the second aspect of the invention, for example the metering device).

As an alternative or in addition, the dispensing or causing the dispensing can take place, for example, to a device which is different from the dishwasher or from the separate device, for. B. to a server. The server can, for example, provide so-called cloud services, for example such a server can determine control information for the device according to the second aspect of the invention, to name just one non-limiting example.

In one embodiment according to all aspects of the invention, the method further comprises:

Determining control information based at least in part on the

Status information, the control information causing a dosing device to to perform the dosing of cleaning and / or care products defined according to the control information.

The dosing device is, for example, the device according to the second aspect of the invention.

The dosing device is controlled and / or regulated based on the control information. The metering device can, for example, be an autonomous or built-in metering device. The

Dosing device can also be part of the device according to the second aspect of the invention, for example, or can be included in the device according to the second aspect of the invention. In this case, the device according to the second aspect of the invention and the dosing device form a single entity. The dosing device is alternatively a device separate from the device according to the second aspect of the invention, e.g. B. the mobile device described above. The dosing device can for example at least partially automatically execute and / or control the method according to the first aspect of the invention, e.g. B. automatically after a previous input by a user to switch on the dosing device.

The control information can furthermore operate or control an operation of the

Initiate or effect dishwasher at least taking into account the specific status information. Such operation or control can consist, for example, in that a cleaning program of the dishwasher is selected or changed, that one or more process parameters are carried out by the dishwasher

Cleaning program are changed and / or that process sections of the

Cleaning program can be added or omitted.

It goes without saying that the control information can also cause or effect an operation or control of an operation of the metering device, at least taking into account the determined status information. The control information can in this case, for example, on the part of

Dishwasher are determined, so that the dishwasher enables the metering device to be operated or controlled. The control information can be determined, for example, by a server (or a server cloud) and then output (for example transmitted) to the dishwasher and / or the dosing device for operating or controlling operation. For this purpose, the dishwasher and / or the metering device can have, for example, an API (Application Programming Interface), so that the server (or the server cloud) enables or controls operation of the dishwasher and / or the metering device.

According to a further embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the control information also influences:

switching the dishwasher on and / or off; a selection, compilation and / or dosing of one for the

Detergents to be used in dishwashers; and or

a dishwasher cleaning program.

With regard to switching the dishwasher on and / or off, it can be influenced, for example, whether the dishwasher is switched on and / or off (at all) and / or at what time (time, date) the dishwasher is switched on and / or off to name just a few non-limiting examples.

Influencing the selection, compilation and / or dosing of one for the

Detergent to be used in the dishwasher can be carried out by different actions. For example, the amount to be metered (e.g. the amount of detergent and / or rinse aid), the time of metering, the product to be metered or individual ingredients or combinations thereof can be influenced. A dosing device and / or an output module, which can be included in the device according to the second aspect of the invention, can carry out a corresponding dosing of the cleaning agent.

The control information can, for example, cause delivery and / or triggering of the dispensing of a preparation on the part of the metering device and / or the dispensing module. B. from the device according to the second aspect of the invention or can be connected thereto.

For example, the control information was determined in such a way that, for example, the start of the cleaning program was recorded. B. cleaning can be carried out by an appropriate cleaning program of the dishwasher.

The cleaning program of the dishwasher can be influenced, for example, by selecting a specific (pre-programmed) program that

Additional programs are run through, that the program runtime is influenced (extended or shortened), that individual parameters of the program (for example the temperature, the

Drying time, to name just a few non-limiting examples).

In addition, it is possible that not only the operation or control of an operation of the

Dishwasher (automated) based on the control information, but also that the user is given a recommendation. For example, in addition to an automated adaptation of the dishwasher, it may also be possible for a recommendation to be displayed to the user, for example by means of an output device of a user interface (eg comprised by the dishwasher). For example, the user can be advised that e.g. B. the duration of the cleaning program is extended by intensive cleaning by means of an appropriate cleaning program. An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that the device according to the second aspect is set up to communicate with the dishwasher, in particular to communicate wirelessly with the dishwasher.

For example, communication with the dishwasher can take place by means of a communication interface included in the device according to the second aspect of the invention. The communication interface is in particular designed to be wireless with the

Communicate dishwasher.

An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that the status information represents one or more process steps i) to xi) of the cleaning program:

i) start the cleaning program;

ii) performing a water fill during the cleaning program;

iii) performing a water change during the cleaning program;

iv) performing a pre-rinse cycle during the cleaning program;

v) performing a main cleaning cycle during the cleaning program;

vi) performing a first rinse, in particular an intermediate rinse cycle, during the cleaning program;

vii) carrying out further rinsing steps, in particular further intermediate rinses,

during the cleaning program;

viii) performing a final rinse (rinse cycle) during the cleaning program;

ix) performing a drying process during the cleaning program;

x) performing an alternative (e.g. zeolite active) drying process during the

Cleaning program; and

xi) end of the cleaning program.

In an embodiment according to all aspects of the invention, the determination of the

State information further based on one or more of the following steps:

a noise level represented by the at least one acceleration information at two acquisition times;

a course represented by the at least one acceleration information in comparison with a course represented by the temperature of the sensor information; and

a course represented by the at least one acceleration information in comparison with a course represented by the time of the sensor information.

The status information represents process step i), for example, in that a noise level represented by the at least one acceleration information is compared with one another at two acquisition times. For example, a quiet noise level is compared to an active noise level, e.g. B. by determining variances of the corresponding levels. This matches with the start of the cleaning program. Furthermore, an active noise level is compared, for example, with a current noise level. This corresponds, for example, to exiting

Spray arm rotation, which identifies the start of a drying process.

It is therefore possible to unambiguously determine whether a cleaning program has been started or not by comparing the quiet noise level with a current level.

The status information represents, for example, process step ii) by comparing a course represented by the at least one acceleration information with a course represented by a temperature of the sensor information.

It is therefore based on an identification of a pumping process and / or a possibly subsequent rest based on an acceleration sensor

Acceleration information and / or one detected by a temperature sensor

Sensor information indicative of a temperature profile (alternatively: temperature information) possible to uniquely determine a water change.

It is therefore also possible to determine whether the spray arm movement has ended or not by comparing an active level with a current level. Furthermore, by combining the

Acceleration information with a time measurement a clear identification of the

Drying process (process step ii)), which is part of a cleaning program

Dishwasher is carried out, feasible.

The status information represents, for example, process step iii), in that a course represented by the at least one acceleration information is compared with sensor information detected by a temperature sensor for a temperature course.

It is therefore possible, through a combination of recorded acceleration information and temperature information, to identify zeolite-active wash cycles in the drying process of a cleaning program carried out by a dishwasher.

The status information represents, for example, process step iv) by comparing a course represented by the at least one acceleration information with a course represented by the time of the sensor information.

It is therefore through a combination of acceleration information and sensed

Time measurements, e.g. B. time information recorded with a timer, possible the end of a

Identify the cleaning program by means of the acceleration information and time information recorded in the course of a drying process of the cleaning program. An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that the at least one

Acceleration information and the at least one sensor information are recorded in parallel.

The detection of the at least one acceleration information simultaneously with the detection of the at least one sensor information enables, for example, the use of the at least one acceleration information and the at least one sensor information to determine the status information, which then comprises at least one of the process steps i) to xi) of the

Represented cleaning program.

An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that the

Acceleration information and / or the at least one sensor information are each acquired over a predefined period of time.

The predefined time period is indicative of a continuous discrete acquisition of the

Acceleration information and the at least one sensor information. The predefined time period can be defined, for example, by a certain time period, e.g. B. for a period of a few minutes, up to several days or weeks, to name just a few non-limiting examples. The acquisition of the acceleration information and of the at least one

Sensor information can trigger the detection for a period of time that is then to be determined or predetermined. For example, if the device (e.g. the dosing device) is switched on according to the second aspect of the invention, e.g. B. for a period of 1 to 10, 2 to 8, 3 to 7, 4 to 6 or 5 minutes, the acceleration information and the at least one sensor information are recorded, since it can be assumed, for example, that after the metering device is switched on

for example, the user carries out a cleaning program using the dishwasher.

An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that the at least one

Acceleration sensor is arranged within the treatment room of the dishwasher, in particular on or in a lower basket for receiving objects to be cleaned, so that the predefined positioning of the at least one acceleration sensor within the

Treatment room of the dishwasher is present.

Accordingly, the acceleration information then recorded represents a movement and / or acceleration of the at least one acceleration sensor with respect to the lower basket.

The status information is determined, for example, as a function of a predefined orientation and / or positioning of the at least one acceleration sensor. For example, amplitudes of the measured acceleration values may vary from the at least one Acceleration information is represented, based on the knowledge of the positioning of the at least one acceleration sensor within the treatment room of the dishwasher. For example, an active level noise (eg represented by an oscillation of the at least one acceleration information) can change in its amplitude, depending on whether the at least one acceleration sensor z. B. in the lower basket or in the middle basket or in a cutlery drawer of the treatment room of the dishwasher.

Acceleration information represents a signal in the direction of each of two or three degrees of freedom.

A movement of the at least one acceleration sensor is characterized, for example, by a movement of the at least one acceleration sensor comprising one or more degrees of freedom, by a movement path, or a combination thereof. For example, a distance covered by the at least one acceleration sensor can be represented on the basis of the one or more degrees of freedom and / or the movement path. For example, the further the distance covered, the greater the amplitude represented by the at least one acceleration information. For example, the at least one acceleration sensor can each record acceleration information in a direction of one of the two or three degrees of freedom. In the event that acceleration information is recorded in one direction from each of three degrees of freedom, the at least one is recorded

Acceleration sensor, for example, each an acceleration information in x-axes

Direction (e.g. the axis between the rear wall and the door of the treatment room), in the y-axis direction (e.g. the axis between the top and bottom of the treatment room), and in the z-axis direction (e.g. the axis between the side walls of the treatment room).

In a further embodiment according to all aspects of the invention, the acceleration information is at least partially indicative of a movement of the at least one acceleration sensor with respect to its orientation and / or positioning in the treatment room

Dishwasher.

An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that the determination of the

Status information for every two or three degrees of freedom is performed separately.

The at least one acceleration information is, for example, from the at least one acceleration sensor. B. in the direction of 2-axes (xy-axes) or 3-axes (xyz-axes) in relation to a Cartesian coordinate system (z. B. measured). The respective axes are perpendicular to each other so that two or three (all) spatial directions can be detected. Furthermore, the acceleration information can represent whether the acceleration is positive or negative.

The respective acceleration information, recorded in one of the two or three directions of the degrees of freedom, can be, for example, among one another when determining the

State information can be compared. Alternatively or additionally, the status information can be determined for each acceleration information in one direction of the two or three degrees of freedom.

If the at least one acceleration information represents acceleration information in the direction of each of three degrees of freedom, for example the individual ones

Acceleration information of each direction can be compared with each other. So it is possible, for example, that. B. recognized characteristic patterns by a

Acceleration information in one direction (e.g. x-direction, or along the x-axis of the coordinate system) with a signal in a further direction (e.g. y- or z-direction, or

along the y- or z-axis of the coordinate system) to verify the characteristic pattern that can be determined in the context of determining the status information.

An embodiment according to all aspects of the invention provides that the predefined orientation and / or the predefined positioning of the at least one acceleration sensor in the treatment room of the dishwasher is based on a comparison between the signals in the direction of all of the at least one acceleration information

Degrees of freedom is determined.

The orientation and / or the positioning of the acceleration sensor within the

Treatment room of the dishwasher are predefined. Based on the acquired at least one acceleration information, for example the predefined orientation and / or the predefined positioning of the at least one acceleration sensor in the treatment room of the dishwasher can be determined. For example, the following can be carried out:

As long as the rinsing process of the cleaning program is active, the course of the respective acceleration information oscillates on all axes (two or three degrees of freedom) with different amplitudes. The degree of the amplitude depends on the positioning of the at least one acceleration sensor (and optionally on the positioning of the acceleration sensor comprehensive dosing device). With a defined (ie fixed) position of the dosing device, this results in defined axis directions, which are recorded by the respective acceleration information. If stronger amplitudes are represented on one of the axes than the other axes by the respective acceleration information, it is the axis between the lid and the bottom of the treatment area of the dishwasher, since the stronger amplitudes (e.g. oscillations) from the impact of a spray jet from at least one Spray arm are caused on the side surfaces of the metering device, which in one movement of the

Accelerometer result. This means that whenever stronger signals appear on the z-axis compared to the other axes, the at least one acceleration sensor (and thus optionally also the dosing device) is installed parallel to the side wall. If the signal is strongest on the x-axis, the at least one acceleration sensor (and thus optionally also the dosing device) is set up parallel to the door of the dishwasher. The position of the at least one acceleration sensor (and thus optionally also the dosing device) in the treatment room of the dishwasher can thus be uniquely determined. This information can be used to give the user, for example, further information on the installation of the dosing device or to give advice on how to solve it in the event of occasional faults.

Creating user profile information based at least in part on the acquired one acceleration information and / or the at least one sensor information, the status information also being determined based on the user profile information.

For example, status information for each or at least a plurality of

Cleaning programs that are carried out by the dishwasher. Here, for. B. all acceleration information, sensor information and the associated specific status information are stored in a database. Optionally, these can be evaluated. The storage and / or evaluation can take place locally on the part of the device (eg the dosing device) according to the second aspect of the invention. Alternatively, a remote system (e.g. server or server cloud) can save and / or evaluate it. A user profile can be generated by means of the storage, for example, so that the acceleration information, sensor information and the associated specific information

Status information for example as historical values e.g. B. can be taken into account in a subsequent implementation of the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

The stored acceleration information, sensor information and the associated specific status information can also optionally be fed to a machine learning tool in order to, for example, B. to recognize data patterns. The data patterns can be used, for example, to provide the user with feedback on his application, to point out problems or to control a dosing device. In a further exemplary embodiment according to all aspects of the invention, the status information is determined by means of an artificial neural network.

For example, the at least one acceleration information and optionally the at least one sensor information can be communicated (for example transmitted) to a server which comprises or is connected to an artificial neural network. The status information can then be determined, for example, using the artificial neural network. Then, for example, the result can be communicated to the device according to the second aspect of the invention and / or the dishwasher.

The artificial neural network includes, for example, an evaluation algorithm, so that examples can be learned from training cases, for example, and these can be generalized as a basis after the end of the learning phase in order to determine a result (the status information). This means that examples are not simply memorized, but patterns and regularities are recognized in the learning data. Different approaches can be followed. For example, supervised learning, partially supervised learning, unsupervised learning, strengthened learning and / or active learning can be used. Supervised learning can take place, for example, using an artificial neural network (for example a recurrent neural network) or using a support vector machine. Unsupervised learning can also be carried out, for example, using an artificial neural network

(for example an auto encoder). Accelerated information and / or optionally multiple times are then used as the learning data, for example

Sensor information and / or the status information determined after a pass to the artificial neural network.

It is also possible to use the repeated acquisition of the acceleration information and the sensor information and the status information for machine learning. For example, the user profile or one or more can be included in the user profile

For example, information can be determined based at least in part on machine learning.

By means of these measures, the reliability of determining the status information of the dishwasher, and / or a control and / or regulation of the device according to the second aspect of the invention and / or the dishwasher and consequently in particular the treatment of objects to be cleaned by the dishwasher, in particular to improve the removal of contaminants. Each of the training cases can, for example, by an input vector, a

Acceleration information and sensor information and an output vector of the artificial neural network can be given.

Each training case of the training cases can be created, for example, by adding to the

Training and control of the device according to the second aspect of the invention and / or the dishwasher, as well as the determination of the corresponding status information in a predetermined status (e.g. defined execution of a

Cleaning process with prior knowledge of the parameters of the cleaning program, e.g. B. which process step is carried out at what point in time within the defined cleaning program, to name just one non-limiting example), and representative acceleration information and optional sensor information are recorded. The acceleration information then acquired and the optional sensor information are used, for example, as an input vector and the (actual) process step of the cleaning program

Dishwashers are determined as the starting vector of the training case as reference status information. The status information determined by the artificial neural network is then transferred to that of the output vector. In this way, the artificial neural network can be taught iteratively or successively and the accuracy (e.g. hit rate) of the artificial neural network can be increased.

The artificial neural network can also be designed, for example, in the manner of a so-called generative adversarial network (GAN; in German: opposing generating networks). Such a GAN comprises, for example, at least two artificial neural networks which compete against one another in such a way that their results are compared with one another. The quality of the result determined by the artificial neural network can thus be inferred. For example, a first artificial neural network of the GAN works with data that it e.g. B. from the ongoing measurements (for example acquiring at least one acceleration information and optionally acquiring at least one sensor information) receives and generates a statement (for example by means of a corresponding generator) about the result. In the present case, the status information is thus determined, for example. The GAN's second artificial neural network (also referred to as a discriminator) can, for example, now compare this statement with an ideal, predetermined result or an ideal trained result. If the second artificial neural network determines no or only a slight difference to the statement of the first artificial neural network, an optimal result is achieved, for example. In this way, the determination of the status information can be significantly improved by means of such an artificial neural network designed as a GAN.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above in this description are also to be understood as being disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular Exemplary configurations are to be understood as being disclosed in relation to the different aspects.

In particular, the previous or following description of method steps according to preferred embodiments of a method should also disclose corresponding means for carrying out the method steps by means of preferred embodiments of a device. The disclosure of means of a device for carrying out a method step is also intended to disclose the corresponding method step.

Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention can be found in the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in particular in connection with the figures. However, the figures are only intended for the purpose of

Clarification, but not used to determine the scope of the invention. The figures are not to scale and are only intended to reflect the general concept of the present invention by way of example. In particular, features which are contained in the figures should in no way be regarded as a necessary part of the present invention.

Brief description of the figures

Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the

Invention;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the

Invention for carrying out an embodiment of a method according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the

Invention;

FIG. 4 shows a first exemplary course of acceleration information and sensor information (cf. also embodiment A described below);

5 shows a second exemplary course represented by acceleration information and sensor information (cf. also embodiment A described below);

6 shows a third exemplary course represented by acceleration information and sensor information (cf. also embodiment B described below);

7 shows a fourth exemplary course represented by acceleration information and sensor information (cf. also embodiment C described below); 8 shows a fifth exemplary course represented by acceleration information and sensor information (cf. also embodiment C described below);

9 shows a sixth exemplary course represented by acceleration information and sensor information (cf. also embodiment D described below);

10 shows a seventh exemplary course represented by acceleration information and sensor information (cf. also embodiment D described below); and

11 shows an eighth exemplary course represented by acceleration information and sensor information (cf. also embodiment D described below).

Detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

1 first shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1 according to the invention comprising the devices 200, 300 and 400. The system is set up to carry out exemplary methods according to the invention. The device 200 is an exemplary mobile device 200, which in this case is in the treatment room of the

Dishwasher 300 can be introduced. Both the device 200 and the dishwasher 300 can each be a device according to the invention. Furthermore, the system 1 comprises the mobile device 400 in the form of a smartphone as a further device. The mobile device 400 can also carry out individual steps of exemplary methods according to the invention. However, device 400 may also be a computer, a desktop computer, or a portable computer, such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a wearable. Additionally or alternatively to devices 300 and 400, the system may also include a server (not shown in FIG. 1). It is also conceivable that the system 1 also comprises fewer or more than three devices. Device 400 may also represent the server. In this case, the device 400 is then, for example, operatively connected to at least one of the devices 200 or 300 via a communication network (for example the Internet).

Each of the devices 200, 300, 400 may have a communication interface to communicate with one or more of the other devices or information

exchange.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram 30 of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the first aspect of the invention. The flowchart 30 can be, for example, from the device 200 according to FIG.

1 run. The flow diagram 30 can be carried out, for example, by the device 300 according to FIG. 1. The flow diagram 30 can, for example, both from the device 200 to FIG. 1 and the device 300 according to FIG. 1 can be carried out together. The flow diagram 30 can be carried out together by the devices 200, 300 and 400 according to FIG. 1, for example.

In a first step 301, at least one acceleration information item is recorded. The detection takes place, for example, by means of an acceleration sensor (e.g.

Acceleration sensor (s) 215 according to FIG. 2), which is correspondingly encompassed by the device 200 or 300 according to FIG. 1. The acceleration sensor is in the during the detection

Treatment room of the dishwasher 300 arranged. In the event that the device 200 according to FIG. 1 comprises the acceleration sensor, it is at least temporarily arranged during the detection within the treatment room of the dishwasher 300.

In an optional second step, at least one piece of sensor information is acquired. The detection takes place, for example, by means of a sensor (for example a temperature sensor and / or a timer 216 according to FIG. 2), which is correspondingly encompassed by the device 200 or 300 according to FIG. 1. The temperature sensor and / or the timer are arranged in the treatment room of the dishwasher 300 during the detection. In the event that the device 200 according to FIG. 1 comprises the temperature sensor and / or the timer, these are at least temporarily arranged during the detection within the treatment room of the dishwasher 300.

In a third step 303, at least one status information item is determined. The determination of the status information can be carried out, for example, by the device which also carried out steps 301 and 302. Alternatively, the determination of the status information of step 303 can be carried out by a device (e.g. device 400 according to FIG. 1) by the device (e.g. device 200 according to FIG. 1) which performs steps 301 and 302 performed, deviates.

In a fourth step 304, the status information determined in step 303 is output or caused to be output. For example, the status information is sent to a

Device 200, 300 or 400 output. In the event that the status information

is output to the dishwasher 300, for example, the dishwasher 300 can, for example, carry out a cleaning of objects based on the status information, to name just one example. In the event that the status information

For example, if the device 400 is output to the device 400 (for example a user's mobile device), the user of the device 400 can be prompted to carry out an action, for example a predefined positioning and / or orientation of the device 200 according to FIG. 1 in the treatment room Dishwasher 300 according to Fig.1 make. In an optional fifth step 305, control information is determined based on the status information or on the output status information. This particular one

Control information can in turn be output. In the event that the status information has been output to the device 400 according to FIG. 1, or has been determined by the device 400 according to FIG. 1, this device 400 can also carry out step 305. The specific control information can then be output, for example, by the device 400 to the device 200 and / or 300 according to FIG. 1, so that the device 200 and / or 300 according to FIG. B. Performing a dosing or starting a cleaning program, to name just a few non-limiting examples. Alternatively, the status information determined by the device 200 can be output to the device 300 and / or 400 accordingly.

In an optional sixth step 306, user profile information is created, for example based on the at least one recorded in step 301

Acceleration information, the at least one sensor information acquired in step 302, and the status information determined in step 303. Creating the

User profile information can be carried out, for example, by the device that has carried out the steps 301 and 302 of the detection. Alternatively, the creation of the user profile information can be carried out, for example, by the device that carried out step 303 of determining the status information. These two devices mentioned above can differ from each other, for example. For example, steps 301 and 302 may be performed by device 200 or 300 of FIG. 1, and step 303 may be performed by device 400 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, for example, all of the steps 301 to 303 can be carried out by the device 200 or 300 according to FIG. 1.

The step of acquiring the at least one acceleration information 301 and / or the step 302 of acquiring the at least one sensor information can be carried out simultaneously with step 303. This means that, for example, after step 301 and step 302 have been carried out for the first time, step 303 of determining the status information is carried out, while step 301 and step 302 are carried out further by further acceleration information (step 301) and sensor information (step 302) are recorded. Subsequently, at least in part, based on this detected further

Acceleration information (step 301) and sensor information (step 302), for example step 303 or steps 303 to 304 and optionally steps 305 and / or 306 are carried out again.

FIG. 2 now shows a block diagram 20 of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the second aspect of the invention for carrying out an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the first aspect of the invention. The block diagram 20 from FIG. 2 can be an example of the device 200 shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 300 shown or the mobile device 400 shown (or a part thereof).

Processor 210 of device 20 is in particular a microprocessor, microcontroller,

Microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA).

Processor 210 executes program instructions stored in program memory 212 and, for example, stores intermediate results or the like in working or main memory 211. For example, program memory 212 is a non-volatile memory such as flash memory

Magnetic memory, an EEPROM memory (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) and / or an optical memory. Main memory 21 1 is, for example, a volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular a random access memory (RAM) such as a static RAM memory (SRAM), a dynamic RAM memory (DRAM), a ferroelectric RAM memory (FeRAM) ) and / or a magnetic RAM memory (MRAM).

Program memory 212 is preferably a local one permanently connected to device 20

Disk. Data carriers which are permanently connected to the device 20 are, for example, hard disks which are built into the device 20. Alternatively, the data carrier can, for example, also be a data carrier which can be connected to the device 20 in a separable manner.

Program memory 212 contains, for example, the operating system from device 20, which is loaded at least partially into main memory 211 when device 20 is started and is executed by processor 210. In particular, when device 20 is started, at least part of the kernel of the operating system is loaded into main memory 211 and executed by processor 210.

The operating system in particular enables the device 20 to be used for

Data processing. For example, it manages resources such as main memory 211 and

Program memory 212, communication interface 213, the optional input and output device 214, provides basic functions to other programs, among other things, through programming interfaces, and controls the execution of programs.

Processor 210 also controls communication interface 213, which can be, for example, a network interface and can be designed as a network card, network module and / or modem. The communication interface 213 is in particular set up to connect the device 20 to other devices (for example at least one of the devices 200, 300 and / or 400 according to FIG. 1), in particular via a (wireless) communication system, for example a network to manufacture and communicate with them. Communication interface 213 For example, it can receive data (via the communication system) and forward it to processor 210 and / or receive data from processor 210 and send it (via the communication system). Examples of a communication system are a local area network (LAN), a large area network (WAN), a wireless network (for example according to the IEEE-802.11 standard, the Bluetooth (LE) standard and / or the NFC standard), a wired Network, a

Cellular network, a telephone network and / or the Internet. For example, the communication interface 213 can be used to communicate with the Internet and / or other devices. In the case of devices 200, 300, 400 according to FIG. 1, the respective

Communication interface 213 can for example be communicated with the respective other devices 200, 300, 400 or the Internet.

Via such a communication interface 213, in particular the at least one

Acceleration information (cf. step 301 according to FIG. 3) which receives (at least) sensor information (cf. step 302 according to FIG. 3) and / or status information (cf. step 303 or 304 according to FIG. 3) or be output to a further device via this.

Furthermore, processor 210 can control at least one optional input / output device 214. Input / output device 214 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display unit, a microphone, a touch-sensitive display unit, a loudspeaker, a reader, a drive and / or a camera. Input / output device 214 can, for example, receive input from a user and forward it to processor 210 and / or receive and output information for the user from processor 210.

Finally, the device 20 can also comprise further components 215, 216.

For example, acceleration sensor (s) 215 may include one or more

Acquire acceleration information (cf. step 301 of FIG. 3).

Sensor (s) 216 are, for example, a temperature sensor to capture temperature information comprised by the at least one sensor information, and / or a timer to capture time information comprised by the at least one sensor information, and / or optionally one

Brightness sensor to capture brightness information from the at least one sensor information. Both the temperature information, the time information and the brightness information can be included or represented by the at least one sensor information (cf. step 302 according to FIG. 3).

The exemplary embodiments listed below should also be understood as disclosed: The solution according to the invention makes it possible to unambiguously (ie precisely or exactly) describe a process and program sequence of a dishwasher, both in domestic dishwashers and in commercial dishwashers.

For this purpose, for example, a dosing device can execute and / or control the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, which can be operated autonomously and can dispense a plurality of different preparations into the rinsing process.

A device according to the second aspect of the invention, e.g. B. a dosing device 200 according to FIG. 1, comprises at least one acceleration sensor, one in the treatment room

Dishwasher can be arranged. Such an acceleration sensor, for example mounted on an electronic board of the (self-sufficient) metering device, is capable of fully detecting vibrations, shocks and / or mechanical events during a dishwashing process or cleaning program and making them accessible for interpretation. In combination with other sensors, e.g. B. a temperature sensor, the cleaning program can be clearly described. The determined data of the sensors can, for example, be fed to applications for machine learning, with which, for example, pattern analyzes can then be created and then used to determine control data for controlling and / or regulating a device according to the second aspect of the invention, eg. B. a dosing device or a dishwasher.

The present invention enables the following advantages:

Full sensory description of one from a dishwasher

cleaning program carried out;

Unambiguous description of process events;

Machine-independent applicability;

Creating flushing profiles;

Application of machine learning and pattern recognition; and

Development of e.g. B. algorithms for controlling and / or regulating a dosing device.

Embodiment A - Conventional washing process of a cleaning program carried out by a dishwasher:

FIG. 4 shows acquired information 415 of an acceleration sensor (415x, 415y, 415z) and a temperature sensor (416) in a plot. The x-axis shows the time in minutes. The y1 axis of the courses of the acquired acceleration information (415x, 415y, 415z) shows the oscillation of the acceleration sensor. The y2 axis shows the course of the temperature (416). The

Acceleration information (415x, 415y, 415z) and the sensor information indicative of the

Temperatures (416) were recorded at a sampling rate of 10 Hz. The following

Process steps can be recognized according to the designations in FIG. 4: filling with water (“filling”), Pre-wash ("pre-wash cold (no water exchange)"), main cleaning cycle ("main wash"), water change ("water exchange"), first rinse ("Ist rinse"), final rinse ("final rinse") and Drying process ("drying").

The acceleration sensor and the temperature sensor, which were used to record the information, are comprised by a dosing device (e.g. device 200 according to FIG. 1) that is detachable in the treatment room of the dishwasher (e.g. device 300 according to FIG. 1) ) can be arranged. In the present case, the metering device was arranged upright in the lower basket of the treatment room and fixed between the part-retaining devices of the lower basket. 4 shows the course of the cleaning program on all axes of the acceleration sensor in combination with the temperature. The evaluation of the recorded (e.g. measured) acceleration information of the acceleration sensor in combination with the temperature allows a clear description of the cleaning program.

Surprisingly, despite the fixation of the dosing device in the basket, a clear vibration (to be seen as oscillation in FIG. 4) is detected on all three axes by the acceleration sensor. The vibration stems from the movement of the spray arms and the impingement of water on the dosing device, as well as from the running of the circulation pump of the dishwasher. So that's the

Accelerometer suitable to determine whether a rinsing process has started or not (marked as "start of cycle identification" in Fig. 4). "In comparison to a running

During the filling phase (marked "filling" in Fig. 4), only a clearly reduced and uniform signal (marked "silent noise" in Fig. 4; rest noise in German) can be determined in all spatial directions (see also Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).

FIG. 5 shows acquired information 515 of an acceleration sensor (515x, 515y, 515z) and a temperature sensor (516) in a plot. The x-axis shows the time in minutes. The y1 axis of the courses of the acquired acceleration information (515x, 515y, 515z) shows the oscillation of the acceleration sensor. The y2 axis shows the course of the temperature (516). The

Acceleration information (515x, 515y, 515z) and the sensor information indicative of the

Temperatures (516) were recorded at a sampling rate of 10 Hz. The following

Process steps can be recognized in accordance with the designations in FIG. 5: filling with water (“filling”), main cleaning cycle (“main wash”), water change (“water exchange”), first rinsing (“ist rinse”), final rinsing ( "Final rinse").

As long as the rinsing process of the cleaning program is active, the signal oscillates on all axes with different deflections. The degree of deflection depends on the positioning of the Dosing device and thus the acceleration sensor. In Fig. 4, the acceleration sensor is arranged upright on a circuit board included in the metering device. With a defined (ie fixed) position of the dosing device, defined axis directions result. In the example of FIG. 4, the metering device and thus also the circuit board are parallel to the side walls of the

Treatment room of the dishwasher. The x-axis points in the direction of the rear wall and door, the y-axis in the direction of the top and bottom and the z-axis in the direction of the side walls on the left and right. The strongest oscillations in comparison to the other axes can now be clearly seen on the z-axis. These oscillations result from the impingement of the spray jet on the side surfaces of the metering device and thus cause a movement of the

Acceleration sensor. This means that whenever stronger signals appear on the z-axis compared to the other axes, the dosing device is installed parallel to the side wall. If the signal is strongest on the x-axis, the device is placed parallel to the door. The position of the dosing device in the dishwasher can thus be determined unambiguously. This information can be used, for example, to provide a user with information on the installation of the dosing device or to give advice on how to solve it in the event of occasional faults.

Embodiment B - Detection of a water change as part of one

Dishwasher cleaning program:

A self-sufficient measuring and / or dosing system, e.g. B. a dosing device (e.g. device 200 according to FIG. 1) should be able to identify individual program steps during a running cleaning program, for example in order to be able to guarantee individual preparation of cleaning agents. This is particularly important for an autonomous, automatic dosing device, because, depending on the time in the washing process, dosing processes must be triggered in order to

to guarantee satisfactory performance for a user. Water changes are characteristic of every rinsing process, in which at least a part, usually the entire volume, is exchanged for fresh, usually cold water. Such water changes usually take place after a pre-rinse or pre-cleaning cycle, after a main rinse cycle or main cleaning cycle and after an intermediate rinse cycle as part of the cleaning program of the dishwasher (for example device 300 according to FIG. 1). They are characterized by a pumping process in which the water from the previous rinsing section is discharged with the aid of a sewage pump and a filling process in which the fresh water flows into the dishwasher. Spray arm rotation is stopped during the operations.

6 shows acquired information 615 of an acceleration sensor (615y) and one

Temperature sensor (616) in one plot. The x-axis shows the time in minutes. The y1 axis of the courses of the acquired acceleration information (615y) shows the oscillation of the

Acceleration sensor. The y2 axis shows the course of the temperature (616). The

Acceleration information (615y) and the sensor information indicative of the temperature (616) were recorded at a sampling rate of 10 Hz. The following process steps are according to 6: Pre-wash cold (no water exchange), main wash cycle, drain pumping, first rinsing (ist rinse) , final rinse, and drying process.

6 shows several water changes on the y-axis of a course recorded by one

Accelerometer information is represented. The y-axis is particularly sensitive to the processes because their alignment, among other things. points to the machine floor. The acceleration sensor first registers the vibration of the wastewater pump (marked “drain pump” in FIG. 6). This is followed by a break without spray arm movement, in which the water flows in. The

A combination of the two processes clearly describes the water change. The signal from the acceleration sensor is detected with a signal as from a temperature sensor

If temperature information is linked, the process can be clearly described. Because cool water flows into the machine, the interior temperature drops significantly after the circulation pump is restarted (marked "first rinse" in Fig. 6 or "final rinse" at the beginning of the section).

Acceleration information and temperature information recorded by a temperature sensor are possible to unambiguously determine a water change.

In the event that the pumping process cannot be clearly identified, e.g. B. due to the positioning of the dosing device, it is sometimes sufficient, the rest and the

Combine the drop in temperature after restarting as a clear signal and infer a water change. When the idle phase is identified, the dosing device can start a timer, for example, by means of which it can be monitored when on the axes of the

Acceleration sensor, which detects a movement of the acceleration sensor on these axes, a movement is again recognized. If this takes place in a defined time window and the temperature drops in a defined time window, the water change is also reliably recognized here.

The reliable detection of water changes is very important for the description of the entire washing process or a cleaning program carried out by the dishwasher, because it must be clearly differentiated whether the subsequent washing cycle of the cleaning program is a cleaning cycle, an intermediate rinse cycle or a rinse cycle.

Embodiment C - Detection of a drying cycle of a cleaning program carried out by a dishwasher:

After the rinse cycle has ended (“final rinse”, see exemplary embodiment B above), the dishwasher (eg device 300 according to FIG. 1) starts the drying phase. In the drying phase, the dishes dry from the stored energy previous rinse aid (according to the heat capacities of the different

Crockery materials). The drying phase is characterized by the fact that the spray arms are no longer moved. Similar to the embodiment A of filling, the drying is a pronounced “silent noise” phase, because e.g. B. no water is circulated. This means that the drying phase is clear from the previous rinse cycle on all axes of the

Differentiate acceleration sensor by comparing the oscillations (see. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7).

FIG. 7 shows acquired information 715 of an acceleration sensor (715x, 715y, 715z) and a temperature sensor (716) in a plot. The x-axis shows the time in minutes. The y1 axis of the courses of the acquired acceleration information (715x, 715y, 715z) shows the oscillation of the acceleration sensor. The y2 axis shows the course of the temperature (716). The

Acceleration information (715x, 715y, 715z) and the sensor information indicative of the temperature (716) were recorded in the present case at a sampling rate of 10 Hz. The following

Process steps can be recognized in accordance with the designations in FIG. 7: main wash (“main wash”), water change (“water exchange”), first rinse (“ist rinse”), final rinse (“final rinse”), and drying process ( "drying").

As can be clearly seen in FIG. 7, the dishwasher stops the spray arm rotation between minute 62 and minute 63. The water is pumped out and the dishes dry using their own heat. For the user, the waiting time now begins, during which the dishwasher is supposed to be inactive. A self-sufficient dosing device (e.g. device 200 according to FIG. 1) can

for example, start a timer when the waiting time begins. If the timer exceeds a specified value and no movement is detected on all axes by the acceleration sensor, it can clearly be assumed that the drying phase has started.

It is therefore possible to determine whether the spray arm movement has ended or not by comparing an active level with a current level. Furthermore, by combining the

Acceleration information with a time measurement a clear identification of the

Drying process, which is carried out as part of a cleaning program of a dishwasher, can be carried out.

8 shows acquired information 815 of an acceleration sensor (815z) and one

Temperature sensor (816) in one plot. The x-axis shows the time in minutes. The y1-axis of the courses of the acquired acceleration information (815z) shows the oscillation of the

Acceleration sensor. The y2 axis shows the course of the temperature (816). The

Acceleration information (815z) and the sensor information indicative of the temperature (816) were recorded in the present case at a sampling rate of 10 Hz. The following process steps can be recognized according to the designations in FIG. 8: filling with water (“filling”), main cleaning cycle ("Main wash"), water exchange ("water exchange"), first rinsing ("Ist rinse"), final rinsing ("final rinse"), and zeolite-active drying process ("zeolite drying") including ventilation and

Heating ("zeolite ventilation and heating").

In exemplary embodiments, the drying process is e.g. B. a thermally activated

Drying, also known as the so-called zeolite drying process. In an ideal rinsing process, the dishes are not heated in the final rinse cycle; in fact, the dishes can even cool slightly (see Fig. 8). The transition to the

Drying cycle can now be determined again by level comparison. However, the timer in combination with the motion signal would now detect oscillation on all axes again after approx. 5 minutes, because with the so-called zeolite drying process, a fan then starts up, which conveys the moist air to the zeolite adsorber. There the water contained in the air is absorbed on the zeolite. Since the adsorption is an exothermic process, the dried air flowing back into the rinsing container is heated up strongly, which leads to an increase in the

Interior temperature leads. This means that in the special case of zeolite, the temperature rises significantly again during drying. This process, in turn, can be clearly identified with the acceleration sensor in combination with a temperature sensor, and with it the special case of the zeolite drying process, because drying is not actively heated in any other dishwasher (e.g. European type).

Embodiment D - Detection of an End (“End-of-Cycle Detection”) of a cleaning program carried out by a dishwasher:

The detection of the true end of a wash cycle is not readily possible for an autonomous dosing device (e.g. device 200 according to FIG. 1). An end of the oscillation phase initially means the start of the drying phase of a cleaning program carried out by a dishwasher (e.g. device 300 according to FIG. 1) and has nothing to do with the absolute end of the wash cycle.

FIG. 9 shows acquired information 915 of an acceleration sensor (915x, 915y, 915z) and a temperature sensor (916) in a plot. The x-axis shows the time in minutes. The y1-axis of the courses of the acquired acceleration information (915x, 915y, 915z) shows the oscillation of the acceleration sensor. The y2 axis shows the course of the temperature (916). The

Acceleration information (915x, 915y, 915z) and the sensor information indicative of the temperature (916) were recorded in the present case at a sampling rate of 10 Hz. The following

Process steps can be recognized in accordance with the designations in FIG. 9: pre-wash, Dilution ("water dillution"), main cleaning ("main wash"), pumping after the main cleaning ("pumping (end of main cycle)"), water change ("water exchange"), first rinse ("Ist rinse"), final Rinsing ("final rinse"), pumping after the final rinsing ("pumping (end of final rinse cycle)"), drying process ("drying"), and final pumping ("final pumping").

10 shows acquired information 1015 of an acceleration sensor (1015x, 1015y, 1015z) and a temperature sensor (1016) in a plot. The x-axis shows the time in minutes. The y1-axis of the courses of the acquired acceleration information (1015x, 1015y, 1015z) shows the oscillation of the acceleration sensor. The y2 axis shows the course of the temperature (1016). The acceleration information (1015x, 1015y, 1015z) and the sensor information indicative of the temperature (1016) were recorded here at a sampling rate of 10 Hz. The following

Process steps can be recognized according to the designations in Fig. 10: pre-wash ("main wash"), water change ("water exchange"), first rinse ("ist rinse"), final rinse ( "Final rinse"), drying process ("drying"), and final pumping ("final pumping").

Fig. 1 1 shows acquired information 1 1 15 of an acceleration sensor (1 1 15x, 1 1 15y, 1 1 15z) and a temperature sensor (1 1 16) in a plot. The x-axis shows the time in minutes. The y1-axis of the courses of the acquired acceleration information (1 1 15x, 1 1 15y, 1 1 15z) shows the oscillation of the acceleration sensor. The y2 axis shows the course of the temperature (1 1 16). The acceleration information (1 1 15x, 1 1 15y, 1 1 15z) and the sensor information indicative of the temperature (1 1 16) were recorded in the present case at a sampling rate of 10 Hz. The following

Process steps can be recognized according to the designations in FIG. 11: filling with water (“filling”), main cleaning cycle (“main wash”), water change (“water exchange”), first rinsing (“ist rinse”), final rinsing ("Final rinse"), as well as drying process ("drying").

The end of the wash cycle is typically indicated to the consumer by an acoustic signal or an indication on the display. However, a metering device located in the treatment room of the dishwasher does not have this possibility. Many cleaning programs for dishwashers, for example, complete the drying phase with one or more pumping steps in order to e.g. B. discharge condensate and remaining liquor. The running of the waste water pump in turn causes sufficient vibrations that can be detected by an acceleration sensor (cf. FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, “final pumping”).

It is therefore through a combination of acceleration information and sensed

Identify the cleaning program by means of the acceleration information and time information recorded as part of a drying process of the cleaning program.

Embodiment E - Using the Findings: A dosing device (e.g. device 200 according to FIG. 1) with appropriate sensor equipment (in particular an acceleration sensor included by this) can be used, for example, to feed each individual washing process to a dishwasher (e.g. device 300 according to FIG. 1) investigate, monitor and communicate. All of the sensory data (in particular acceleration information, temperature information and time information) can be stored in a database, for example, and sent to an evaluation. The

Storage and evaluation can e.g. B. locally, but preferably in a remote system (e.g. server or server cloud). The data can also optionally be fed to a machine learning tool, e.g. B. to recognize data patterns. The data patterns can

used, for example, to provide the user with feedback on his application, to point out problems or to control a dosing device.

The following is an example:

A user of a (self-sufficient) dosing device (e.g. device 200 according to FIG. 1) selects a certain cleaning program on his dishwasher, but always the same (as shown in FIG. 4). The dosing device notices the course of the cleaning program. In a conventional setting, the metering device would e.g. B. when sensing a spray arm movement and a rise in temperature, dose detergent. Now the dosing device could, for. B. learn to dose earlier because the pattern of the cleaning program is recognized early. So that z. B. significantly extended the cleaning time with the presence of chemicals and thus achieved an improved cleaning result.

In a further example, a user of such a (self-sufficient) metering device uses a cleaning program with a long cleaning period during the week and always cleaning programs with short cleaning periods during the weekends. With the recorded data, a user profile can be created and, for example, the amount of detergent to be dispensed can be adapted to the respective cleaning programs during the week and at the weekend.

In principle, one or more of the following aspects apply to all aspects of the invention:

All data can be saved locally and remotely;

All data can be subjected to an additional data analysis;

All data can be processed with a machine learning tool;

Conclusions about user behavior can be drawn from the data;

User profiles can be created from the data; and

From the results of the data analysis and / or machine learning, algorithms (instructions) for the operation of an autonomous dosing device can be derived.

Terms used in the claims, such as "comprise", "have", "include", "contain" and the like, do not exclude further elements or steps. Under the wording "At least partially" fall both the case "partially" and the case "complete". The wording “and / or” should be understood to mean that both the alternative and the

Combination should be disclosed, so "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)". The use of the indefinite article does not preclude a majority. A single device can perform the functions of several units or devices mentioned in the patent claims. Reference symbols given in the patent claims are not to be regarded as restrictions on the means and steps used.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in this specification and the optional features and properties listed in each case should also be understood as being disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular, the description of a feature included in an exemplary embodiment - unless explicitly stated to the contrary - should not be understood in the present case to mean that the feature is essential or essential for the function of the exemplary embodiment. The sequence of those described in this specification

Process steps in the individual flowcharts are not mandatory, alternative sequences of the process steps are conceivable. The method steps can be implemented in different ways, so an implementation in software (through program instructions), hardware or a combination of both is conceivable for the implementation of the method steps.

Claims

claims

1. A method (30) comprising:

Detection of at least one piece of acceleration information indicative of a course of measured acceleration values, the at least one piece of acceleration information from at least one acceleration sensor in a treatment room of the

Dishwasher (300) is detected;

Determining status information indicative of a process step within a cleaning program carried out by the dishwasher, the

State information is determined based on the at least one acceleration information;

Output or cause output of the specific status information.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

Detecting at least one piece of sensor information indicative of a temperature and / or a time profile,

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one

Acceleration information in relation to a predefined orientation and / or

Positioning of the at least one acceleration sensor in the treatment room of the dishwasher is detected.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

Determining control information based at least in part on the

Status information, the control information causing a dosing device to carry out a dosing of cleaning and / or care agent defined according to the control information.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the status information represents one or more process steps i) to xi) of the cleaning program:

i) start the cleaning program;

ii) performing a water fill during the cleaning program;

iii) performing a water change during the cleaning program;

iv) performing a pre-rinse cycle during the cleaning program;

v) performing a main cleaning cycle during the cleaning program;

vi) performing a first rinse, in particular an intermediate rinse cycle, during the cleaning program; vii) carrying out further rinsing steps, in particular further intermediate rinsing cycles, during the cleaning program;

viii) performing a final rinse during the cleaning program;

ix) performing a drying process during the cleaning program;

x) carrying out an alternative, in particular zeolite-active drying process during the cleaning program; and

xi) end of the cleaning program.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the at least one sensor information is detected by a temperature sensor and / or a timer.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the at least one

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the acceleration information and / or the at least one sensor information are each acquired over a predefined period of time.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one

Acceleration sensor is arranged within the treatment room of the dishwasher, in particular on or in a lower basket for receiving objects to be cleaned, so that the predefined positioning of the at least one

Acceleration sensor is present within the treatment room of the dishwasher.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one

Acceleration information is a signal towards each of two or three

Degrees of freedom represented.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the determination of the status information is carried out separately for every two or three degrees of freedom.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the predefined orientation and / or

predefined positioning of the at least one acceleration sensor in the

Treatment room of the dishwasher is determined based on a comparison between the signals in the direction of all degrees of freedom represented by the at least one acceleration information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the determination of the status information is further based on one or more of the following steps:

14. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 13, further comprising:

Creation of user profile information based at least in part on the acquired at least one acceleration information and / or the at least one

Sensor information, wherein the status information is further based on the

User profile information is determined.

15. Device set up for executing and / or controlling the method according to one of claims 1 to 14 or comprising respective means for executing and / or controlling the steps of the method (30) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

16. System comprising one or more devices which are set up to execute and / or control the method according to one of claims 1 to 14 or have means for executing and / or controlling the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A computer program comprising program instructions that cause a processor to execute and / or control the method according to one of claims 1 to 14 when the computer program runs on the processor.