EP4065895A1

EP4065895A1 - Domestic appliance system

Info

Publication number: EP4065895A1
Application number: EP20800967.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Javier Lasobras Bernad; Teresa Del Carmen Marzo Alvarez; Esther Ondiviela Serrano; Julio Rivera Peman
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2019-11-27
Filing date: 2020-11-10
Publication date: 2022-10-05
Also published as: WO2021104852A1; US20220404023A1; CN114729753A

Abstract

In order to provide a system of the type in question with improved properties in respect of ease of use, the invention proposes a domestic appliance system (10a) comprising at least one control unit (12a), which is provided as a guide through at least one characterization process and, on conclusion of the characterization process, to enable operation of at least one domestic appliance (16a) by at least one external unit (14a).

Description

Home appliance system

The invention relates to a household appliance system according to claim 1 and a method for operating a household appliance system according to claim 15.

A household appliance system is already known from the prior art, which has a control unit, a household appliance and an external unit. The external unit is provided for operating the household appliance by means of an operating signal. In an operating state, the control unit checks, in the event that an operating signal is received from the external unit, whether the external unit is located in an operating area within which an operation of the household appliance by the external unit is permitted due to legal requirements. The operating area is predefined and independent of a layout of a room in which the household appliance is arranged. When checking whether the external unit is arranged in an operating area, the control unit takes into account an operating signal transmitted from the external unit to the domestic appliance. As a function of a signal strength of the operating signal, the control unit decides whether the external unit is arranged in an operating area, regardless of a configuration and of a type of the external unit.

The object of the invention is in particular, but not limited to, to provide a generic system with improved properties with regard to ease of use. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 15, while advantageous configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

In one aspect of the invention, which can be considered on its own or together with other aspects of the invention, a household appliance system with at least one control unit is proposed, which is used to guide you through at least one characterization process and, after the characterization process has been completed, to release an operation at least a household appliance is provided by at least one external unit. Such a configuration can in particular achieve a high level of operating convenience. In particular, precise and / or precise operation of the household appliance can be provided, since the calibration excludes inaccuracies in particular and / or operation of the household appliance by the external unit can / can only be enabled if predefined requirements are met.

In a further aspect of the invention, a household appliance system is proposed with at least one control unit, which is provided to automatically check at least in sections in an operating state whether an external unit for operating at least one household appliance is arranged in an operating area, and in the event that that the external unit is arranged within the operating area to enable the operation of the household appliance by the external unit.

Such a configuration can in particular achieve a high level of operating convenience. In particular, it can be avoided that a manual confirmation has to be made by an operator directly after a transmission of an operating signal from the external unit to the household appliance, whereby in particular a low operating effort for an operator can be achieved. In particular, convenient and / or fast and / or uncomplicated operation of the household appliance can be made possible by the external unit.

A “household appliance system” is to be understood in particular as a system which has at least one household appliance object and / or at least the household appliance and / or at least one household appliance accessory object, and which in particular could additionally have at least one kitchen object and / or at least one further structural unit that could be designed differently in particular from a household appliance object and / or from a household appliance and / or from a household appliance accessory object. A “household appliance object” is to be understood as meaning in particular at least a part, in particular a subassembly, of a household appliance, in particular a cooking device, advantageously an induction cooking device, particularly advantageously a hob and preferably an induction hob. A “household appliance accessory object” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an object which, in particular, is intended for use and / or for Use with a household appliance is provided and / or which is designed in particular as at least one accessory and / or as at least one set of accessories for a household appliance. A “kitchen object” is to be understood in particular as an object which is intended for use and / or for use and / or for arrangement in a kitchen, specifically in particular for processing and / or treatment and / or storage of at least one Food.

A “household appliance” is to be understood in particular as an electrical device which in particular has at least one household appliance control unit for controlling and / or regulating at least one household appliance function and / or at least one main household appliance function. The household appliance is particularly advantageously a white goods appliance which is provided in particular for performing household work.

For example, the household appliance could have at least one refrigeration device and advantageously be designed as a refrigeration device. The household appliance, in particular designed as a refrigeration device, could for example have at least one freezer and / or at least one freezer and / or at least one refrigerator and / or at least one freezer and / or at least one combination device and / or be designed as such. The household appliance, in particular designed as a refrigeration device, could be provided, for example, for storing and / or keeping and / or cooling food and / or items to be cooled, such as beverages and / or meat and / or fish and / or milk and / or dairy products.

For example, as an alternative or in addition, the household appliance could have at least one cleaning device and in particular be designed as a cleaning device. The household appliance, in particular designed as a cleaning device, could for example have at least one dryer and / or at least one washing machine and / or at least one dishwasher and / or be designed as such. For example, the household appliance, in particular designed as a cleaning appliance, could be provided for cleaning, for example, dishes and / or laundry and / or a room and / or a piece of furniture. The household appliance could, for example, alternatively or additionally, in particular have at least one cooking appliance and advantageously at least one induction cooking appliance and / or be designed as a cooking appliance and advantageously as an induction cooking appliance. For example, the household appliance, in particular designed as a cooking appliance, could have at least one oven and / or at least one microwave and / or at least one grill appliance and / or at least one steam cooker and / or be designed as such. The oven could for example be a stove and / or an oven. The household appliance, in particular designed as a cooking appliance, could advantageously have, in particular alternatively or additionally, in particular at least one hob and advantageously at least one induction hob and / or be designed as a hob and advantageously as an induction hob.

In particular, the household appliance has the household appliance control unit, which is designed in particular as a control unit which is at least partially and advantageously at least largely integrated in the household appliance. A “control unit” is to be understood in particular as an electrical and / or electronic unit which controls and / or regulates at least one device function and / or at least one main device function in an operating state. The control unit advantageously has at least one computing unit and advantageously in addition to the computing unit at least one memory unit in which at least one control and / or regulating program is advantageously stored, which is advantageously provided for execution by the computing unit.

In an operating state, the control unit controls and / or regulates, in particular automatically, in particular the operation of the household appliance by the external unit. In particular, for the control and / or regulation, the control unit enables the operation of the household appliance by the external unit in an operating state and / or blocks the operation of the household appliance by the external unit.

The phrase that an object is "at least partially" integrated in a further object is to be understood in particular to mean that the object has at least one object element which is integrated in the further object, and in particular has at least one further object element in addition to the object element could, which could be arranged outside of the further object and / or separately from the further object. “At least to a large extent” should be understood to mean in particular a proportion, in particular a mass proportion and / or a volume proportion, of at least 70%, in particular of at least 80%, advantageously of at least 90% and preferably of at least 95%.

“Automatically” should be understood to mean in particular automatically and / or avoiding an operator action and / or avoiding an operator input for confirmation. The operator action is, for example, operator activities in connection with a confirmation and / or in particular any type of operator activity which differs from the transmission of an operator control signal.

The expression that the control unit is provided to automatically check in an operating state "at least in sections" whether an external unit for operating at least one household appliance is arranged in an operating area is to be understood in particular as meaning that the control unit is in an operating state over a period of at least 2 min, in particular at least 3 min, advantageously at least 5 min, particularly advantageously at least 10 min, preferably at least 15 min and particularly preferably at least 20 min automatically checks whether the external unit is used to operate the household appliance is arranged in the operating area. In particular, the control unit automatically checks in an operating state a number of at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least five, particularly advantageously at least ten, preferably at least fifteen and particularly preferably at least twenty, in particular chronologically directly consecutive operating signals.

An “operating signal” is to be understood in particular as an electrical and / or electronic signal which is provided for operation, such as activation and / or deactivation and / or change, at least one household appliance function and / or at least one main household appliance function. The operating signal differs in particular from a confirmation signal for confirming the execution of a previously transmitted operating signal. An “operating area” is to be understood in particular as a spatial area within which an operation of the household appliance by the external unit is permissible and in particular complies with legal requirements. For example, the operating area could be predefined, for example independently of an existing configuration and / or of an existing layout, for example in terms of size and / or shape. The operating area, in particular in terms of size and / or shape, is advantageously dependent on an existing configuration and / or on an existing layout.

The operating area, in particular in size and / or shape, is advantageously limited to a room, in particular to the size and / or shape and / or shape of a room, in which the household appliance is arranged. The operating area could in particular be dependent on the furnishing of a room in which the household appliance is arranged. For example, extreme values and / or properties of the operating area could be predefined which, in particular in the case of a very large room, could limit and / or define the operating area.

The operating area could, for example, extend from the household appliance within at least a maximum distance from the household appliance. The maximum distance to the household appliance could, for example, be predefined by the extreme values and / or properties of the operating area. In particular, as an alternative or in addition, the maximum distance to the household appliance could be defined and / or given by a room, in particular by a present configuration and / or by a present layout of a room.

In an operating state, the control unit, in particular depending on a result of the at least partially automatic check, in particular enables the domestic appliance to be operated by the external unit in the event that the external unit is located within the operating area. In particular, the control unit blocks operation of the household appliance by the, in particular as a function of a result of the at least section-wise automatic check external unit in the event that the external unit is arranged outside the operating area.

In particular, in the case of an arrangement of the external unit outside the operating area, the control unit could, in particular depending on a result of the at least partially automatic test, in an operating state, for example, block operation of the household appliance by the external unit in the event that the external unit is outside of the operating area is arranged, and enable a control of the household appliance by the external unit in the event that the external unit is arranged within at least one control area.

A “control area” is to be understood in particular as a spatial area within which an operation of the household appliance by the external unit is not permitted and within which only a control of the household appliance by the external unit is permitted and in particular meets legal requirements. A “control” of the household appliance is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an in particular passive, advantageously optical, monitoring of the household appliance while avoiding operator action. When the domestic appliance is being checked by the external unit, in particular the transmission of operating signals and / or operating commands is impossible and / or prohibited. In particular, the control of the household appliance is limited to optical monitoring and / or to optical inspection. The control area is in particular arranged directly adjacent to the operating area and advantageously adjoins the operating area. The control area advantageously surrounds the operating area and is in particular arranged around the operating area.

The expression that the control unit is provided to “enable” the operation of the household appliance by the external unit should be understood in particular to mean that the control unit enables and / or enables and / or enables operation of the household appliance by the external unit in an operating state allows. The expression that the control unit is provided to “block” the operation of the household appliance by the external unit is to be understood in particular to mean that the control unit is able to control the operation of the Household appliance prevented and / or prevents and / or blocks by the external unit.

The expression that the control unit is intended to “guide” through at least one characterization process is to be understood in particular to mean that the control unit in an operating state, in particular by means of at least one output via at least one output unit and / or via at least one operator interface, to at least requests an action and / or outputs at least information, and / or that the control unit automatically carries out and / or initiates the characterization steps necessary to carry out the characterization process in an operating state.

The expression that the control unit automatically "initiates" the characterization steps necessary to carry out the characterization process in an operating state is to be understood in particular as meaning that the control unit automatically controls and / or regulates at least one further unit in an operating state, which is dependent on the controller and / or regulation by the control unit undertakes and / or executes the characterization steps necessary to carry out the characterization process.

A “characterization process” is to be understood in particular as a process which is provided for characterizing at least one parameter and / or at least one object which is essential and / or at least plays a role in the operation of the household appliance by the external unit. For example, the object to be characterized could be the external unit and / or the household appliance and / or the operating area and / or the control area. The parameter to be characterized could be, for example, a parameter and / or a property of the object to be characterized. For example, the parameter to be characterized could be a distance, in particular between the household appliance and the external unit, and / or a distance, in particular between the household appliance and the external unit, and / or a layout, in particular of a room, in which the household appliance is arranged, and / or a signal strength, in particular of the operating signal, and / or a relative Orientation, in particular between the household appliance and the external unit, act.

The characterization process could, for example, be provided to define at least one property for the purpose of a minimal deviation of the defined property from at least one reference value of the property. The property could, for example, be a spatial extent, for example a spatial area and advantageously the operating area. In particular, alternatively or additionally, the property could for example be a, in particular electrical and / or electronic, signal strength, in particular at least one electrical and / or electronic signal and advantageously the operating signal.

The characterization process advantageously has at least one

Signal calibration process, which is provided in particular to calibrate at least one signal of the external unit. The characterization process advantageously has at least one area definition process, which is provided in particular for defining at least the operating area.

In particular, the control unit is provided to carry out the characterization process before an operation of the household appliance and to base a subsequent operation on it. In one operating state, the control unit carries out the characterization process before the household appliance is operated and bases the characterization process in particular on subsequent operation, which in particular includes the operation of the household appliance by the external unit.

In an operating state, the control unit carries out the characterization process, especially when viewed in terms of time, before the domestic appliance is operated by the external unit. In particular, in an operating state, the control unit does not enable the domestic appliance to be operated by the external unit until the characterization process has been completed. In an operating state, the control unit advantageously only performs the automatic test at least in sections after the characterization process has been completed. For example, in an operating state, the control unit could undertake the characterization process in particular in the course of an, in particular first-time, activation of the domestic appliance and / or in the course of, in particular first-time, connection of the external unit to the domestic appliance. In an operating state, the control unit could in particular repeat at least the signal calibration process over time, in particular for a given external unit.

The household appliance system in particular has at least one operator interface, via which the control unit in particular guides through the characterization process in an operating state. The operator interface is provided in particular for an interaction between a device in which the operator interface is at least partially integrated and an operator. In particular, the operator interface is provided for inputting and / or outputting at least one operating parameter and / or at least one piece of information, specifically in particular haptically and / or acoustically and / or optically.

The operator interface could for example be at least partially, in particular at least to a large extent and advantageously completely integrated in the external unit. For example, as an alternative or in addition, the operator interface could for example be at least partially, in particular at least to a large extent and advantageously completely integrated in the household appliance.

“Provided” is to be understood in particular as specifically programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

It is further proposed that the control unit is provided to take into account at least one distance measurement from the external unit to at least one point of the household appliance during the automatic test. In particular, the control unit takes into account at least one distance measurement from the external unit to at least one point of the household appliance in an operating state during the automatic test. The control unit determines in an operating state by means of Distance measurement, in particular, a spatial distance between the external unit and the point of the household appliance. In an operating state, depending on the distance measurement, and in particular depending on a result of the characterization process, the control unit could, in particular, determine whether the external unit is arranged within the operating area, and in particular, depending on a result of the determination, the operation of the household appliance by the Enable and / or block external unit. For example, in an operating state, the control unit could, in particular exclusively, take into account at least one distance measurement from the external unit to one, in particular a single, point of the household appliance during the automatic test. In an operating state, the control unit could, for example, take into account at least one distance measurement from the external unit to at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least five, particularly advantageously at least ten, preferably at least fifteen and particularly preferably at a plurality of points on the household appliance. In this way, in particular, a precise statement about an arrangement of the external unit in the operating area can be made possible, whereby in particular a quick and / or convenient release and / or blocking of the operation of the household appliance by the external unit can be achieved.

In one operating state, the control unit could, for example, carry out the distance measurement by means of a time measurement, in which the control unit detects in particular a period of time that a light signal requires to cover the distance between the household appliance and the external unit. The control unit is preferably provided to carry out the distance measurement by means of at least one signal strength measurement. In particular, in an operating state, the control unit carries out the distance measurement by means of at least one signal strength measurement. During the signal strength measurement, the control unit determines, in particular, a signal strength of at least one signal on the external unit and a signal strength of, in particular, the signal on the household appliance. In an operating state, the control unit determines, in particular, depending on the signal strengths of the signal on the external unit and on the household appliance, a decrease in signal strength and, by means of the decrease in signal strength, in particular the distance between the external unit and the household appliance, in particular between the external unit and the point of the household appliance. This can create a gap between the external unit and the Household appliance can be determined particularly precisely, whereby in particular a low error tolerance in the automatic test can be made possible.

For example, in an operating state, the control unit could take into account at least one signal strength measurement of at least one operating signal transmitted from the household appliance to the external unit during the automatic test. The control unit is preferably provided to take into account at least one signal strength measurement of at least one operating signal transmitted from the external unit to the control unit during the automatic test. In an operating state, the control unit takes into account in particular at least one signal strength measurement during the automatic test of at least one operating signal transmitted from the external unit to the control unit. In this way, in particular, optimized operation of the household appliance can be achieved by the external unit, since the signal strength measurement can be carried out in particular under identical conditions to the operation of the household appliance by the external unit.

It is also proposed that the control unit is provided to compare the operating signal with at least one operating signal reference range and in the event that the operating signal is within the

Operating signal reference area is arranged to enable the operation of the household appliance by the external unit. In particular, in an operating state, the control unit compares the operating signal with at least one operating signal reference area and, in the event that the operating signal is arranged within the operating signal reference area, enables the domestic appliance to be operated by the external unit. The household appliance system could, for example, have at least one database in which the operating signal reference area could in particular be deposited and / or stored. For example, the control unit could obtain the operating signal reference range from the database and / or from at least one network, such as a local and / or regional and / or international network. The control unit could, for example, have at least one memory unit in which the operating signal reference area could in particular be deposited and / or stored. An “operating signal reference range” should in particular be understood to mean a value range which has a reference range and / or a Has setpoint range for the operating signal and / or specifies. In an operating state, the control unit enables the domestic appliance to be operated by the external unit exclusively in the event that the operating signal is arranged within the operating signal reference area. In this way, in particular, a particularly high security standard can be guaranteed, with which in particular legal requirements can be met and / or complied with and with which, in particular, the highest possible and / or maximum ease of use can also be achieved.

It is also proposed that the control unit is provided to automatically check, on a recurring basis, whether the external unit for operating the domestic appliance is arranged in the operating area. In an operating state, the control unit automatically checks, in particular repeatedly, whether the external unit for operating the household appliance is arranged in the operating area. “Chronologically recurring” should in particular be understood to be repeating at regular time intervals. Advantageously, the control unit automatically checks at regular intervals of a maximum of 300 s, in particular a maximum of 100 s, advantageously a maximum of 50 s, particularly advantageously a maximum of 30 s, preferably a maximum of 10 s and particularly preferably a maximum of 5 s whether the external unit is arranged for operating the household appliance in the operating area. In particular, the chronologically recurring automatic test is an automatically and / or intrinsically set trigger for the automatic test. In this way, in particular, inadvertent operation of the household appliance by the external unit, which is located outside the operating area, can be avoided, whereby in particular a safe and / or convenient configuration can be provided.

It is further proposed that the control unit is provided to automatically check, as a function of at least one movement parameter of the external unit, whether the external unit is arranged in the operating area for operating the household appliance. In particular, in an operating state, the control unit automatically checks, as a function of at least one movement parameter of the external unit, whether the external unit for operating the domestic appliance is arranged in the operating area. In particular, it is the automatic Check depending on the movement parameter of the external unit around an external and / or externally acting trigger for the automatic check. The movement parameter of the external unit could for example be a parameter which defines and / or identifies and / or characterizes a movement of the external unit and / or a change in position of the external unit and / or an acceleration of the external unit. For example, alternatively or additionally, in particular in the case in which the movement parameter is smaller than a movement parameter threshold value, the control unit could dispense with an automatic check as to whether the external unit for operating the household appliance is arranged in the operating area, and in particular because of the lack of movement handle the operation of the home appliance by the external unit as previously set. In this way, especially in the event of a movement of the external unit, a renewed check can be made as to whether the external unit for operating the household appliance is arranged in the operating area, whereby in particular an operation of the household appliance by the external unit from outside the operating area can be excluded.

The household appliance system has in particular at least one sensor unit which is provided for detecting at least the movement parameter of the external unit. In an operating state, the control unit detects the movement parameter of the external unit, in particular by means of the sensor unit. A “sensor unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit which has at least one detector for detecting at least the movement parameter and which is provided in particular to output a value characterizing the movement parameter, the movement parameter advantageously being a physical and / or chemical quantity. For example, the sensor unit could actively detect the movement parameter in an operating state, such as in particular by generating and transmitting a measurement signal, in particular an electrical and / or optical measurement signal. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit could detect the movement parameter in an operating state, in particular passively, such as in particular by detecting at least one change in properties of at least one sensor component and / or of the detector. The sensor unit could, for example, at least one acceleration sensor and / or have at least one gyroscope and / or at least one inertia sensor and / or at least one step counter and / or at least one podometer.

In particular, the control unit is provided to at least partially determine an arrangement of the external unit relative to the household appliance as a function of the movement parameter. In an operating state, the control unit determines at least partially an arrangement of the external unit relative to the household appliance as a function of the movement parameter. The phrase that the control unit in an operating state determines an arrangement of the external unit relative to the household appliance “at least partially” as a function of the movement parameter is to be understood in particular to mean that in an operating state an arrangement of the external unit relative to the household appliance is exclusively in Determined as a function of the movement parameter or both as a function of the movement parameter and as a function of at least one further parameter. The further parameter could be, for example, an original arrangement of the external unit relative to the household appliance and / or an original position of the external unit.

It is further proposed that the control unit is provided to automatically output at least one operating request to confirm an arrangement of the external unit in the operating area, in particular by means of the operator interface. In particular, in an operating state, the control unit automatically outputs at least one operating request to confirm an arrangement of the external unit in the operating area, in particular by means of the operator interface. In an operating state, the control unit issues the operating request to confirm the arrangement of the external unit in the operating area, in particular at regular time intervals of at least 5 minutes, in particular of at least 1 minute, advantageously of at least 15 minutes, particularly advantageously of at least 20 minutes, preferably of at least 25 min and particularly preferably at least 30 min, in particular by means of the operator interface. In this way, in particular, a high level of security can be guaranteed and / or legal requirements can be optimally adhered to and / or fulfilled. For example, in an operating state, the control unit could keep a period of time between two, in particular immediately consecutive, operating prompts, in particular at least substantially constant and advantageously constant, in particular independently of a time interval from the characterization process. The control unit is preferably provided to change a period of time between at least two, in particular directly following one another in time, as a function of a time interval from the characterization process, for example to reduce it and advantageously increase it. In an operating state, the control unit changes, in particular, a time period between at least two, in particular directly consecutive operating requests, depending on a time interval from the characterization process. The control unit could, for example, in an operating state, reduce a period of time between at least two, in particular immediately consecutive, operating prompts depending on a time interval from the characterization process, in order to take into account, in particular, possible aging and / or change in the parameter characterized in the characterization process. In an operating state, the control unit advantageously increases a period of time between at least two, in particular chronologically directly consecutive, operating prompts as a function of a time interval from the characterization process, in particular due to machine learning of the control unit in an operating state. “Change” is to be understood to mean, in particular, increase and / or decrease. In particular, a high degree of flexibility can be achieved in this way.

The household appliance system could, for example, have at least the external unit, which could be designed as an electrical device. For example, the external unit could be designed as a computer and / or as another household appliance. The household appliance system preferably has, in particular at least, the external unit, which is designed as a mobile device. A “mobile device” is to be understood in particular as an electrical and / or electronic device which, in particular due to its weight and / or size, is intended to be carried and / or to move, in particular during operation and / or permanently . The mobile device has, in particular, at least one mobile device control unit which is used to control and / or regulate at least a mobile device function and / or at least one mobile device main function is provided. The main mobile device function differs in particular from operating at least one further device from a remote control area arranged at a distance from the further device. The mobile device could be, for example, a cell phone and / or a cell phone and / or a smartphone and / or a laptop and / or a tablet. In particular, the mobile device differs from a remote control, the main function of which is, in particular, the operation of at least one further device from a remote control area arranged at a distance from the further device. As a result, flexible operation of the household appliance can in particular be made possible by the external unit. In particular, the domestic appliance can be operated by the external unit by means of devices that are already available to the operator, whereby in particular low costs for an operator and / or a small number of devices can / can be achieved.

It is further proposed that the external unit is provided to transmit at least one identification signal to the household appliance when the household appliance is operated, in particular together with the operating signal and / or advantageously in addition to the operating signal. In an operating state, the external unit transmits in particular at least one identification signal to the household appliance when operating the household appliance. For example, the external unit could transmit the identification signal together with the operating signal, for example as a modulated signal and / or as a signal integrated in the operating signal. In an operating state, the external unit transmits the identification signal, in particular in addition to the operating signal, for example as a signal that is independent and / or separate from the operating signal. In this way, in particular, simple identification of the external unit can be achieved, which in particular enables fast and / or error-free and / or precise operation of the household appliance by the external unit.

In addition, it is proposed that the control unit is provided to distinguish different external units from one another when operating the domestic appliance as a function of the identification signal. In particular, the Control unit in an operating state, depending on the identification signal, different external units when operating the household appliance from one another. In this way, in particular, different external units can be differentiated from one another in a simple and / or secure manner, whereby in particular a simple and / or simple and / or uncomplicated design can be achieved.

For example, the control unit could in particular be at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, and particularly advantageously completely integrated in the external unit. The household appliance system, in particular at least, preferably has the household appliance in which the control unit is integrated at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, and particularly advantageously completely. In this way, in particular, a compact design and / or a small variety of components can be achieved.

The household appliance could be designed, for example, as a cleaning appliance and / or as a refrigeration appliance. The household appliance is advantageously designed as a cooking appliance and in particular as an induction cooking appliance. The household appliance is preferably designed as a hob and in particular as an induction hob. In this way, a high level of operating convenience can be achieved in particular, in particular when cooking and / or preparing food.

It is also proposed that the characterization process have at least one signal calibration process which is provided for calibrating at least one signal from the external unit. In particular, the signal calibration process is provided for calibrating the operating signal of the external unit. The signal to be calibrated is, in particular, the operating signal. For example, as an alternative or in addition, the signal to be calibrated could in particular be the identification signal. In particular, the signal from the external unit can be calibrated by means of the signal calibration process. In an operating state, the control unit calibrates, in particular, the signal from the external unit by means of the signal calibration process. As a result, in particular, a low susceptibility to errors and / or an optimal signal strength can be made possible when the domestic appliance is operated by the external unit, which in particular provides convenient operation of the domestic appliance by the external unit can be. For example, on the basis of the signal calibration process, different arrangement areas, which in particular could define an arrangement of the external unit relative to the household appliance, could be defined, as a result of which legal requirements can in particular be optimally implemented and / or complied with. The arrangement areas could be, for example, the operating area and / or the control area.

It is further proposed that the control unit is provided to take into account at least one orientation of the external unit relative to the household appliance when guiding through the signal calibration process. In particular, in an operating state, the control unit takes into account at least one orientation of the external unit relative to the household appliance when guiding through the signal calibration process. An “orientation” of the external unit relative to the household appliance should in particular be understood to mean a position of the external unit relative to the household appliance and / or an orientation of the external unit relative to the household appliance. As a result, the household appliance can be operated precisely and / or reliably, in particular independently of an orientation of the external unit relative to the household appliance, whereby, in particular, a high level of operating convenience can be provided. In particular, regardless of the orientation of the external unit relative to the household appliance, an optimal statement can be made as to whether the external unit is arranged within the operating area, whereby a high security standard can be ensured in particular.

It is further proposed that the control unit is provided to take into account at least one distance of the external unit relative to the household appliance when guiding through the signal calibration process. In particular, in an operating state, the control unit takes into account at least one distance of the external unit relative to the household appliance when guiding through the signal calibration process. In this way, in particular, an optimized calibration of the signal of the external unit can be achieved, as a result of which precise and / or reliable operation of the household appliance can be achieved by the external unit. For example, the control unit could be provided to take into account at least one direction in which the external unit is arranged relative to the household appliance when guiding through the signal calibration process. In particular, when guiding through the signal calibration process in an operating state, the control unit takes into account at least one direction in which the external unit is arranged relative to the household appliance. A particularly high level of operating convenience can in particular be achieved in this way.

It is further proposed that the characterization process has at least one area definition process which is provided for defining at least one operating area within which the household appliance can be operated by the external unit. In particular, the operating area can be defined by means of the area definition process. In an operating state, the control unit defines in particular the operating area by means of the area definition process. As a result, operation of the household appliance can in particular be limited to an optimally defined operating area, as a result of which, in particular, a high level of security can be achieved, advantageously by fulfilling legal requirements. The operating area can in particular be calibrated and / or fixed in a safe and / or optimal and / or error-free and / or stable manner.

It is further proposed that the control unit is provided to take into account at least one layout of a room in which the household appliance is arranged when guiding through the area definition process. When guiding through the area definition process, the control unit takes into account at least one layout of a room in which the household appliance is arranged. A “layout” of a room is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a floor plan of the room and / or an arrangement of the room and / or an arrangement of an arrangement of the room. “Furnishing” of a room should be understood to mean, in particular, furniture and / or pieces of furniture and / or appliances and / or household appliances and / or decoration. As a result, the operating area can in particular be optimally adapted to the existing conditions of the room, which in particular enables a high degree of flexibility and / or a perfectly adapted operating area. The household appliance system could for example have at least one area sensor unit which could be provided for detection of at least one and advantageously at least the layout of the room and which in particular could be at least partially and advantageously at least for the most part arranged on the household appliance and / or integrated in the household appliance. In particular, the control unit could take the detected layout into account when guiding through the area definition process. The control unit is preferably provided to output at least one layout of a room and advantageously the room in which the household appliance is arranged from a catalog of layouts for a selection when guided through the area definition process, in particular by means of the operator interface. When guided through the area definition process, the control unit outputs, in particular by means of the operator interface, in particular at least one layout of a room and advantageously of the room in which the household appliance is arranged, from a catalog of layouts for a selection. The catalog of layouts could, for example, be deposited and / or stored in the database. For example, as an alternative or in addition, the catalog of layouts could in particular be stored and / or stored in the storage unit of the control unit. The catalog of layouts advantageously has a number of at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least four, particularly advantageously at least six, preferably at least ten and particularly preferably a number of different layouts, each of which has at least one property differ from each other. In this way, in particular, optimum ease of use can be provided while at the same time taking into account the majority of possible layouts. In particular, the provision and / or output of the catalog of layouts for a selection is to be regarded as useful, since in particular a number of layouts is limited and / or since most of the layouts on the market are designed similarly and / or based on the same basic principles and / or basic layouts.

The catalog of layouts could, for example, be managed centrally, for example in the case of a deposit and / or storage in the database. For example, the catalog of layouts could be expandable, in particular by the control unit, in particular by adding at least one further layout to the catalog Layouts. In particular, the control unit could store and / or store the further layout in the database and / or in the storage unit and, in particular additionally, advantageously make it available to other operators. The control unit is preferably provided to add at least one further layout of a room to the catalog as a function of at least one operator input, in particular by means of the operator interface. The control unit adds at least one further layout of a room to the catalog, in particular in an operating state as a function of at least one operator input, in particular by means of the operator interface. The operator input could, for example, comprise at least one manual input, in particular by means of the operator interface, in which an operator can define the further layout, in particular freely and / or, in particular by moving and / or inserting and / or positioning the floor plan of the room and / or furnishing the room flexible designs. For example, alternatively or additionally, the operator input could for example comprise at least one optical input, in particular by means of the operator interface, in which the control unit detects the further layout by means of the area sensor unit, in particular as a function of the operator input, and in particular adds it to the catalog of layouts. For example, alternatively or additionally, the operator input could for example comprise at least one data-based input, in particular by means of the operator interface, in which the control unit analyzes in particular at least one image and / or recording and / or photograph and / or video and in particular, depending on the analysis, determines the further layout and in particular adds it to the catalog of layouts. In this way, in particular, a high degree of flexibility can be achieved and / or an optimal area definition process can be made possible for any conceivable configuration, whereby optimal operation of the household appliance can be achieved by the external unit, in particular for any layout.

It is also proposed that the control unit is provided to output at least one operating request when guiding through the area definition process, in particular by means of the operator interface, to transmit at least one confirmation signal to the control unit from at least a partial area of the room by the external unit. In particular, when guiding through the area definition process, in particular by means of the operator interface, at least one operating request to transmit at least one confirmation signal to the control unit from at least a partial area of the room by the external unit. The partial area of the room is in particular located within the room and is in particular designed as a part and / or section of the room and is therefore in particular smaller than the room. The partial area of the room could, for example, be a position within the room and / or a close range of a position within the room. For example, a close range of an object in the room could have a distance to the object of a maximum of 25%, in particular of a maximum of 20%, advantageously of a maximum of 15%, particularly advantageously of a maximum of 10%, preferably of a maximum of 5 when viewed perpendicularly on a floor of the room % and particularly preferably of a maximum of 3% of a maximum extent of a wall delimiting the room. The partial area of the room could advantageously be a prominent area of the room. When guiding through the area definition process, the control unit takes into account in particular at least two, advantageously at least three, particularly advantageously at least four, preferably at least five and particularly preferably at least six partial areas of the room. In particular, when guiding through the area definition process, the control unit takes into account a maximum of thirty, in particular a maximum of twenty-five, advantageously a maximum of twenty, particularly advantageously a maximum of fifteen, preferably a maximum of twelve and particularly preferably a maximum of ten partial areas of the room. In this way, in particular, a precise and / or optimal definition of the operating area can be achieved, as a result of which, in particular, a high level of operating convenience and / or optimal operation of the household appliance can be provided by the external unit.

It is also proposed that the sub-area be a corner area within the room. A “corner area” of a room is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a near area of a corner of the room and / or a near area of a corner of a device arranged within the room, in particular a near area of a corner of a piece of a device arranged within the room. In this way, in particular, an operating area can be optimally defined, which in particular enables safe and / or reliable and / or convenient operation of the household appliance by the external unit. For example, when guiding through the area definition process, in particular by means of the operator interface, the control unit could output at least one operator prompt for an input of at least one size and / or at least one area of the layout of the room and / or the room. When guiding through the area definition process, the control unit advantageously determines at least one size and / or at least one area of the layout of the room and / or the room automatically, in particular as a function of the selection of the layout and / or as a function of the confirmation signal.

The control unit is provided in particular to automatically determine the sub-area as a function of a selected layout of the room.

In particular, when guided through the area definition process, the control unit automatically determines the sub-area as a function of a selected layout of the room. In this way, in particular, a high level of comfort can be provided for an operator, who can in particular relieve him of the effort involved in selecting the sub-area.

For example, in an operating state, the control unit could perform the range definition process before the signal calibration process. The control unit is preferably provided to carry out the signal calibration process before the range definition process. In an operating state, the control unit in particular carries out the signal calibration process before the range definition process. As a result, the processes can in particular be carried out in an optimized sequence, whereby the operating area can be optimally defined, in particular due to the signal calibration that has already been carried out.

A particularly high level of operating convenience can in particular be achieved by a household appliance, in particular by a hob, of a household appliance system according to the invention.

Ease of use can in particular be increased further by a method for operating a household appliance system according to the invention, in which in a Operating state is automatically checked at least in sections whether an external unit for operating at least one household appliance is arranged in an operating area, and in the event that the external unit is arranged within the operating area, the operation of the household appliance is enabled by the external unit.

Improved and / or optimized ease of use can in particular be provided by a method for operating a household appliance system according to the invention, in which at least one characterization process is guided and, after the characterization process has been completed, at least one household appliance can be operated by at least one external unit.

The household appliance system should not be restricted to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the household appliance system can have a number of individual elements, components and units that differs from a number of individual elements, components and units mentioned herein in order to fulfill a mode of operation described herein.

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

Show it:

1 shows a household appliance system with a household appliance, with a control unit, with an operator interface, with a sensor unit and with an external unit in a schematic plan view,

2 shows a diagram in which a parameter which characterizes a signal strength of a signal transmitted by the external unit is plotted against a distance of the external unit relative to the household appliance, in a schematic representation. 3 shows the operator interface in an operating state in a schematic representation,

4 shows the operator interface in a further operating state in a schematic representation,

5 shows the operator interface in a further operating state in a schematic representation,

6 shows the operator interface in a further operating state in a schematic representation,

7 shows the operator interface in a further operating state in a schematic representation,

8 shows the operator interface in a further operating state in a schematic representation,

9 shows the operator interface in a further operating state in a schematic representation and FIG

10 is a diagram of a method for operating the

Household appliance system in a schematic representation.

Figure 1 shows an example of a household appliance system 10a, which is designed in particular as an induction household appliance system. The household appliance system 10a has in particular at least one and advantageously exactly one household appliance 16a. The household appliance 16a is especially designed and / or provided and / or suitable for the household appliance system 10a.

For example, the household appliance system 10a could be designed as a cleaning appliance system and / or as a refrigeration appliance system. In particular, the household appliance 16a could be designed as a cleaning appliance, such as, for example, a dryer and / or a washing machine and / or a dishwasher. For example, as an alternative or in addition, the household appliance 16a could in particular be designed as a refrigeration appliance, such as, for example, a refrigerator and / or a freezer.

The household appliance system 10a is advantageously designed as a cooking appliance system and particularly advantageously as an induction cooking appliance system. The household appliance 16a could for example, be designed as an oven and / or as a microwave and / or as a grill and / or as a steam cooker. The oven could for example be a stove and / or an oven.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the household appliance system 10a is advantageously designed as a cooking system and particularly advantageously as an induction cooking system. The household appliance 16a is advantageously designed as a hob and particularly advantageously as an induction hob.

The household appliance 12a has in particular at least one and advantageously exactly one appliance plate 30a. In particular, the device plate 30a forms at least part of at least one device housing, in particular at least one device outer housing, advantageously of the household device 16a, in an operating state. In an operating state, the device plate 30a forms in particular at least one visible side and / or visible surface, in particular facing at least one operator. In an operating state, the device plate 30a is arranged in particular facing an operator.

In the present embodiment, the device plate 30a is designed in particular as a mounting plate. For example, the device plate 30a could be designed as a hob plate and / or as a worktop, in particular as a kitchen worktop. The appliance plate 30a is provided in particular for setting up cooking utensils 32a, in particular for the purpose of heating the cooking utensils 32a.

The appliance plate 30a defines in particular at least one and advantageously exactly one cooking surface 34a. The cooking surface 34a is designed in particular as a surface of the appliance plate 30a facing an operator, below which, in at least one operating state, in particular at least one heating unit is arranged (not shown).

The household appliance 16a has in particular at least one and advantageously at least the heating unit. In the present exemplary embodiment, the household appliance 16a has, for example, at least two, in particular at least four, advantageously at least eight, particularly advantageously at least twelve, preferably at least sixteen and particularly preferably a plurality of heating units. The heating units are advantageously arranged in the form of a matrix and, in particular, can be combined to form a flexible definition and / or formation of heating zones, in particular by means of at least one household appliance control unit 38a. In the following, only one of the heating units is described as an example.

The heating unit is designed in particular as an induction heating unit. The heating unit is arranged in an installation position, in particular below the cooking appliance plate 30a. The heating unit is provided in particular to heat cooking utensils 32a placed on the cooking device plate 30a above the heating unit.

The household appliance system 10a has in particular at least one and advantageously exactly one external unit 14a. The external unit 14a and the household appliance 16a are, in particular, objects that are different from one another. For example, the external unit 14a could be designed as a computer. In the present exemplary embodiment, the external unit 14a is designed as a mobile device. The external unit 14a is designed in particular as a cell phone and / or as a smartphone and / or as a cell phone. For example, as an alternative, the external unit 14a could be designed as a tablet and / or as a laptop.

The household appliance system 10a has in particular at least one and advantageously exactly one operator interface 36a. The operator interface 36a is provided in particular for entering and / or selecting operating parameters, such as at least one heating power and / or at least one heating power density and / or at least one heating zone and / or at least one temperature and / or at least one device parameter of at least one device function. The operator interface 36a is provided in particular for outputting, for example, a value of at least one operating parameter and / or at least one piece of information and / or at least one operating request, in particular to an operator.

The operator interface 36a could for example be at least partially, in particular at least to a large extent and advantageously completely integrated in the external unit 14a. For example, as an alternative or in addition, the operator interface could 36a can in particular be integrated at least partially in the external unit 14a and at least partially in the household appliance 16a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the operator interface 36a is advantageously at least partially, particularly advantageously at least to a large extent and preferably completely integrated in the household appliance 16a.

The household appliance 16a has in particular at least one and advantageously exactly one household appliance control unit 38a. In the operating state, the household appliance control unit 38a controls and / or regulates in particular at least one household appliance function and advantageously at least one main household appliance function. The household appliance control unit 38a is provided in particular to carry out actions and / or to change settings as a function of operating parameters entered by means of the operator interface 36a. In an operating state, the household appliance control unit 38a controls and / or regulates, in particular, an energy supply to the heating unit.

The household appliance system 10a has in particular at least one and advantageously exactly one control unit 12a. In an operating state, the control unit 12a controls and / or regulates, in particular, an operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a.

The control unit 12a could for example be at least partially, in particular at least to a large extent and advantageously completely integrated in the external unit 14a. For example, as an alternative or in addition, the control unit 12a could in particular be integrated at least partially in the external unit 14a and at least partially in the household appliance 16a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control unit 12a is advantageously at least partially, particularly advantageously at least largely and preferably completely integrated in the household appliance 16a.

The control unit 12a has in particular the household appliance control unit 38a. In particular, the control unit 12a and the household appliance control unit 38a are designed in one piece. The control unit 12a and the external unit 14a are provided in particular for, in particular wireless, communication. In particular, the external unit 14a and the household appliance 16a are provided for, in particular wireless, communication. For example, the external unit 14a and the household appliance 16a could communicate with one another in an operating state by means of ultrasound and / or by means of acoustic waves and / or by means of near-field communication and / or by means of radio technology. In particular in the case of communication by means of ultrasound and / or by means of acoustic waves, communication between the external unit 14a and the household appliance 16a could in particular be limited to an area within a room 26a, since acoustic waves in particular could experience strong attenuation by walls.

In an operating state, the control unit 12a automatically checks, at least in sections, whether the external unit 14a for operating the domestic appliance 16a is arranged in an operating area 18a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control unit 12a automatically checks over a period of at least 5 minutes, in particular at least 1 minute, advantageously at least 15 minutes, particularly advantageously at least 20 minutes, preferably at least 25 minutes and particularly preferably at least 28 minutes, whether the external unit 14a for operating the household appliance 16a is arranged in the operating area 18a.

The operating area 18a is shown as an example in FIG. In particular, the household appliance 16a is arranged within the operating area 18a. The operating area 18a extends, in particular when viewed perpendicularly, onto a main extension plane of a floor of a room 26a in which the household appliance 16a is arranged, in particular at least partially around the household appliance 16a.

In particular, the domestic appliance 16a can be operated by the external unit 14a, in particular due to legal requirements, in the event that the external unit 14a is arranged within the operating area 18a. In an operating state, the control unit 12a enables the external unit 14a to operate the domestic appliance 16a if the external unit 14a is arranged within the operating area 18a. In particular, in an operating state, the control unit 12a blocks the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a in the event that the external unit 14a is arranged outside the operating area 18a and thus in particular has a greater distance from the household appliance 16a than when the external unit is arranged Unit 14a within the operating area 18a.

In the event that the external unit 14a is arranged outside the operating area 18a and is arranged within a control area 20a, the control unit 12a blocks the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a in an operating state and controls the household appliance 16a by the external unit Unit 14a free.

The control area 20a is arranged in particular directly adjacent to the operating area 18a and advantageously adjoins the operating area 18a, in particular in a direction facing away from the household appliance 16a. The control area 20a advantageously at least partially surrounds the operating area 18a and is in particular arranged at least partially around the operating area 18a.

In the event that the external unit 14a is arranged outside the operating area 18a and is arranged outside a control area 20a, the control unit 12a blocks the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a and the control of the household appliance 16a by the external unit in an operating state 14a.

In the automatic check, the control unit 12a takes into account in particular at least one distance measurement from the external unit 14a to at least one point of the domestic appliance 16a. In particular, during the automatic test, the control unit 12a carries out, in particular, the distance measurement from the external unit 14a to the point of the domestic appliance 16a and / or at least initiates the distance measurement.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the distance measurement is designed in particular as a signal strength measurement. In particular, during the automatic test, the control unit 12a carries out the distance measurement from the external unit 14a to the point of the Household appliance 16a by means of at least one signal strength measurement. During the signal strength measurement, the control unit 12a detects and / or determines, in particular, a signal strength of at least one signal transmitted by the external unit 14a.

In particular, the control unit 12a takes into account at least one signal strength measurement of at least one operating signal transmitted from the external unit 14a to the household appliance 16a during the automatic test. In an operating state, the control unit 12a enables the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a, in particular as a function of the signal strength measurement, or blocks the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a.

The control unit 12a decides, in particular as a function of a comparison of the operating signal received, in particular from the external unit 14a, with at least one operating signal reference area, whether to enable and / or block the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a. In particular, in an operating state, the control unit 12a compares the operating signal received, in particular from the external unit 14a, with at least one operating signal reference area.

The control unit 12a has in particular at least one memory unit 40a. In particular, at least the operating signal reference area is stored and / or stored in the memory unit 40a.

In an operating state, the control unit 12a enables the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a, in particular for the case that the operating signal 18a is arranged within the operating signal reference area. In an operating state, the control unit 12a blocks the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a, in particular in the event that the operating signal 18a is arranged outside the operating signal reference area.

In particular, in an operating state, the control unit 12a automatically checks, repeatedly over time, whether the external unit 14a for operating the domestic appliance 16a is arranged in the operating area 18a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control unit 12a checks, in particular, at regular time intervals of a maximum 300 s, in particular from a maximum of 100 s, advantageously from a maximum of 50 s, particularly advantageously from a maximum of 30 s, preferably from a maximum of 10 s and particularly preferably from a maximum of 5 s automatically, whether the external unit 14a is used to operate the household appliance 16a in the operating area 18a is arranged.

In particular, in addition to the recurring automatic test, the control unit 12a automatically checks in an operating state, depending on at least one movement parameter of the external unit 14a, whether the external unit 14a is arranged in the operating area 18a for operating the household appliance 16a. In an operating state, the control unit 12a detects and / or ascertains in particular the movement parameter of the external unit 14a by means of at least one sensor unit 22a.

The household appliance system 10a has in particular at least one and advantageously precisely one sensor unit 22a, in particular at least the and advantageously precisely the sensor unit 22a. The sensor unit 22a is provided in particular for detecting the movement parameter of the external unit 14a. In an operating state, the sensor unit 22a detects, in particular as a function of an activation by the control unit 12a, in particular the movement parameter of the external unit 14a.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the sensor unit 22a is advantageously at least partially, particularly advantageously at least to a large extent and preferably completely integrated in the external unit 14a.

In an operating state, the control unit 12a at least partially determines an arrangement of the external unit 14a relative to the household appliance 16a as a function of the movement parameter. In an operating state, the control unit 12a determines an arrangement of the external unit 14a relative to the household appliance 16a both as a function of the movement parameter and as a function of an original arrangement of the external unit 14a relative to the household appliance 16a.

In particular on the basis of legal requirements and advantageously for compliance with legal requirements, the control unit 12a automatically issues at least one operating request in an operating state in a time-recurring manner, in particular by means of the Operator interface 36a, to confirm an arrangement of the external unit 14a in the operating area 18a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control unit 12a issues the operating request in an operating state at regular time intervals of at least essentially 30 minutes, in particular by means of the operator interface 36a, to confirm the arrangement of the external unit 14a in the operating area 18a.

The control unit 12a is provided in particular for guiding through at least one characterization process. In an operating state, the control unit 12a, in particular, guides an operator through the characterization process. In particular, after completion of the characterization process, the control unit 12a is provided to enable the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a. In an operating state, the control unit 12a carries out the characterization process before the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14.

In an operating state, the control unit changes a time period between at least two operating requests, in particular to confirm the arrangement of the external unit 14a in the operating area 18a, depending on a time interval from the characterization process. In the present embodiment, the control unit 12a increases the time between two operating requests, in particular to confirm the arrangement of the external unit 14a in the operating area 18a, depending on the time interval to the characterization process, in particular due to one, in particular by machine learning and / or increased efficiency, optimization and / or improvement of a decision about the blocking and / or release of the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a.

In particular at a time prior to the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14, the control unit 12a in an operating state, in particular guides an operator, in particular through the characterization process. The characterization process is provided in particular to characterize at least one parameter and / or at least one object which / which in the Operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a is essential and / or at least plays a central role.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the characterization process is provided in particular to characterize the external unit 14a, in particular at least one signal from the external unit 14a, advantageously at least one operating signal from the external unit 14a, and / or to characterize the operating area 18a.

The characterization process has, in particular per external unit 14a, in particular at least one and advantageously precisely one signal calibration process. In particular, the signal calibration process is provided for calibrating at least one signal from the external unit 14a, advantageously at least one operating signal from the external unit 14a. In an operating state, the control unit 12a calibrates the signal from the external unit 14a, advantageously the operating signal from the external unit 14a, in particular in the signal calibration process.

In particular, in an operating state, the control unit 12a executes the signal calibration process using the following formula:

Here, RSSI in particular is a received signal strength of the signal transmitted by the external unit 14a. The signal strength RSSI indicates, in particular, a signal strength of the signal transmitted by the external unit 14a in the case of a distance d of the external unit 14a relative to the household appliance 16a.

In particular, n is a dimensionless variable which, in particular in free space, could, for example, assume a value of at least essentially two. In the formula, d denotes, in particular, a distance between the external unit 14a and the household appliance 16a. In particular, do denotes a defined distance of the external unit 14a relative to the household appliance 16a, which could in particular assume a value of at least substantially 1 m. Xo is one in particular Variable which characterizes background noise and which, on average, could in particular assume a value of at least essentially zero.

The parameter A is in particular a parameter that is dependent on a configuration and / or on a type of the external unit 14a. In particular, the control unit 12a determines the parameter A in the signal calibration process in order to calibrate the external unit 14a in particular.

In the signal calibration process, the control unit 12a in particular outputs at least one operating request, in particular by means of the operator interface 36a, to arrange the external unit 14a at a distance do relative to the point of the household appliance 16a. For example, the control unit 12a, in particular by means of the operator interface 36a, could guide through the arrangement of the external unit 14a at the distance do relative to the point of the domestic appliance 16a. The control unit 12a could, for example, output at least one piece of information and / or at least one instruction, in particular by means of the operator interface 36a. For example, when guiding through the signal calibration process, the control unit 12a could output at least one direction in which the external unit 14a is to be moved and / or a position in which the external unit 14a is to be arranged, in particular by means of the operator interface 36a.

The control unit 12a could, for example alternatively or additionally, support the arrangement of the external unit 14a at the distance d ₀ relative to the point of the household appliance 16a by means of near field communication, for example by means of at least one tag 48a and / or by means of at least one identifier which, in particular, could be integrated at least to a large extent in the household appliance 16a.

For example, as an alternative or in addition, the control unit 12a could in particular support the arrangement of the external unit 14a at the distance do relative to the point of the household appliance 16a by means of at least one light signal when guiding through the signal calibration process. The household appliance system 10a could, for example, have at least one light source 50a which, for example, could be integrated at least for the most part in the household appliance 16a. The control unit 12a could be provided in particular for controlling and / or regulating the light source 50a. In particular, when guiding through the signal calibration process, the control unit 12a could output at least one, in particular bundled, light beam, for example in the color red, and in particular at least one operating request to arrange the external unit 14a in a center of the light beam, and in particular the external unit 14a as above long to move parallel to the light beam until the external unit 14a is arranged at the desired distance relative to the household appliance 16a.

When guiding through the signal calibration process, the control unit 12a takes into account, in particular, at least one distance of the external unit 14a relative to the household appliance 16a. In particular, if the external unit 14a is arranged at a distance do relative to the point of the household appliance 16a, the control unit 12a determines the parameter A characteristic of the external unit 14a and thus calibrates the external unit 14a in particular.

In an operating state, the control unit 12a in particular stores the calibration of the external unit 14a for later use, in particular when the domestic appliance 16a is operated by the external unit 14a. In particular after the characterization process, the control unit 12a sets a result of the characterization process, in particular the signal calibration process, advantageously the calibrated value of the parameter A, in particular at least one communication of the external unit 14a, for example with the control unit 12a and / or with the household appliance 16a, underlying.

In particular, in addition to taking into account the distance of the external unit 14a relative to the household appliance 16a, the control unit 12a takes into account in particular at least one orientation of the external unit 14a relative to the household appliance 16a when guiding through the signal calibration process.

For example, in an operating state, the control unit 12a could separately store a result of the signal calibration process for each orientation of the external unit 14a relative to the household appliance 16a. The control unit 12a could, in particular alternatively or additionally, at least one maximum value and / or at least one Store the minimum value and / or at least one average value of a result of the signal calibration process for each orientation of the external unit 14a relative to the household appliance 16a.

When the domestic appliance 16a is operated by the external unit 14a, the control unit 12a determines a distance, in particular referred to as d in the above formula, of the external unit 14a relative to the household appliance 16a as a function of a detection of a signal strength, in particular referred to as RSSI in the above formula, a signal transmitted by the external unit 14a and in particular as a function of a result of the signal calibration process, in particular as a function of the parameter A determined by the control unit 12a.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a diagram in which a parameter which characterizes a signal strength of a signal transmitted by the external unit 14a is plotted over a distance of the external unit 14a relative to the household appliance 16a. In particular, a parameter which characterizes a signal strength of a signal transmitted by the external unit 14a is plotted on an ordinate axis 42a in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, a distance between the external unit 14a and the household appliance 16a, in particular, is plotted on an abscissa axis 44a.

In particular, two curves are shown in FIG. 2, which are to be assigned to two external units 14a which are different from one another, which differ in particular in at least one property and, for example, could be of different types and / or different configurations. The external units 14a are in particular arranged at the same distance relative to the household appliance 16a. 2 it can be seen in particular that the control unit 12a in an operating state, in particular due to the signal calibration process, determines a distance of the external units 14a with a difference 46a of a maximum of 0.2 m, whereby in particular optimal operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a and / or a particularly high level of accuracy when determining the distance of the external units 14a relative to the household appliance 16a can be made possible. The characterization process has, in particular in addition to the signal calibration process, at least one and advantageously exactly one area definition process. In particular, the area definition process is provided for defining the operating area 18a within which the household appliance 16a can be operated by the external unit 14a. In an operating state, the control unit 12a defines the operating area 18a, in particular in the area definition process, within which the domestic appliance 16a can be operated by the external unit 14a.

When guiding through the area definition process, the control unit 12a takes into account in particular at least one layout 24a of a room 16a in which the household appliance 16a is arranged. In particular, when guided through the area definition process, the control unit 12a defines the operating area 18a as a function of a layout 24a of the room 16a in which the household appliance 16a is arranged.

The control unit 12a, in particular by means of the operator interface 36a, advantageously outputs at least one layout 24a of the room 26a in which the household appliance 16a is arranged from a catalog of layouts 24a for selection during the guidance through the area definition process (see FIG. 3). . In the present exemplary embodiment, when guiding through the area definition process, control unit 12a outputs, in particular, multiple layouts 24a of room 26a in which household appliance 16a is arranged from the catalog of layouts 24a for selection. In FIG. 3, a selection of six different layouts 24a is shown by way of example.

In particular, when guided through the area definition process, the control unit 12a outputs at least one operator prompt, in particular by means of the operator interface 36a, for a selection of a layout 24a from the output selection of layouts 24a. When guiding through the area definition process, the control unit 12a selects the selected layout 24a, in particular as a function of a selection of a layout 24a, and uses the selected layout 24a in particular from now on as the basis for the area definition process. In FIG. 4, a selected layout 24a of the layouts 24a from the catalog of layouts 24a is shown as an example. In an analogous manner, the further layouts 24a from the catalog of layouts 24a are shown by way of example in FIGS. However, a description is identical, in particular for all layouts 24a, which is why in the following only reference is made to the layout 24a shown in FIG.

When guided through the area definition process, the control unit 12a in particular outputs at least one operating request, in particular by means of the operator interface 36a, to transmit at least one confirmation signal to the control unit 12a from at least one sub-area 28a of the room 26a by the external unit 14a. In the figures, only one object of multiple existing objects is provided with a reference symbol.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when guided through the area definition process, the control unit 12a in particular outputs at least one operating request, in particular by means of the operator interface 36a, to transmit at least one confirmation signal to the control unit 12a from several sub-areas 28a of the room 26a by the external unit 14a.

In particular, when guided through the area definition process, the control unit 12a determines a number of partial areas 28a of the room 26a as a function of a layout 24a of the room 26a. In particular, only one of the subregions 28a is described below.

The sub-area 28a of the room 26a is in particular a prominent area of the room 26a. The sub-area 28a of the room 26a is advantageously a corner area within the room 26a.

When guided through the area definition process, the control unit 12a outputs in particular the selected layout 24a, in particular by means of the operator interface 36a, and in particular marks the sub-area 28a. The control unit 12a could, for example, output and / or identify the sub-area 28a with a different symbol than after the transmission of the confirmation signal when it is guided through the area definition process Transmission of the confirmation signal. For example, the control unit 12a could output and / or mark the sub-area 28a during the guidance through the area definition process with an X symbol prior to the transmission of the confirmation signal and with a tick symbol following the transmission of the confirmation signal.

For example, when guiding through the area definition process, the control unit 12a could simultaneously output both symbols at least in sections, for example in two adjacent images of the selected layout 24a, as shown in FIG. 4, for example. For example, as an alternative or in addition, the control unit 12a could, for example, output the symbols and / or layouts 24a offset in time with respect to one another.

In particular, the control unit 12a ends the area definition process with the transmission of the confirmation signal, in particular the last confirmation signal of a last partial area 28a to be confirmed.

In an operating state, the control unit 12a in particular carries out the signal calibration process before the area definition process in order to thereby enable an optimal definition of the operating area 18a in particular.

In a method for operating the domestic appliance system 10a, at least one characterization process is used, in particular in at least one guide step 52a (cf. FIG. 10). In particular, in a signal calibration step 54a, which is in particular a substep of the guide step 52a, a calibration of the signal of the external unit 14a is carried out in particular. In the method, in particular in an area definition step 56a following the signal calibration step 54a, which is in particular a sub-step of the guiding step 52a, a definition of the operating area 18a is used in particular, within which the household appliance 16a can be operated by the external unit 14a.

After completion of the characterization process, in particular in at least one operating step 58a, in particular an operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a released, in particular as a function of a check as to whether the external unit 14a is arranged within the operating area 18a.

In particular, in a test step 60a, which is in particular a substep of the operating step 58a, it is automatically checked in an operating state, in particular at least in sections, whether the external unit 14a is arranged in the operating area 18a for operating the household appliance 16a. In particular, in a release step 62a, which is in particular a substep of the operating step 58a, the operation of the household appliance 16a is enabled by the external unit 14a in the event that the external unit 14a is arranged within the operating area 18a. In particular in a blocking step 64a, which is in particular a substep of the operating step 58a, the operation of the household appliance 16a by the external unit 14a is blocked in the event that the external unit 14a is arranged outside the operating area 18a.

Reference number

10 Household appliance system 12 Control unit 14 External unit 16 Household appliance 18 Operating area 20 Control area 22 Sensor unit 24 Layout 26 Room 28 Subarea 30 Appliance plate 32 Cooking utensils 34 Cooking surface 36 User interface 38 Household appliance control unit 40 Storage unit 42 Ordinate axis 44 Abscissa axis 46 Difference 48 Day 50 Light source 52 Guide step 54 Signal calibration step 56 Area definition step 58 Operating step 60 Checking step 62 Release step 64 Blocking step

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Household appliance system with at least one control unit (12a) which is provided for guiding through at least one characterization process and, after the characterization process has been completed, for enabling operation of at least one household appliance (16a) by at least one external unit (14a).

2. Household appliance system according to claim 1, characterized in that the characterization process has at least one signal calibration process which is provided for calibrating at least one signal from the external unit (14a).

3. Household appliance system according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit (12a) is provided to take into account at least one orientation of the external unit (14a) relative to the household appliance (16a) when guiding through the signal calibration process.

4. Household appliance system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the control unit (12a) is provided to take into account at least one distance of the external unit (14a) relative to the household appliance (16a) when guiding through the signal calibration process.

5. Household appliance system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the characterization process has at least one area definition process which is provided for defining at least one operating area (18a) within which the household appliance (16a) can be operated by the external unit (14a).

6. Household appliance system according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit (12a) is provided to take into account at least one layout (24a) of a room (26a) in which the household appliance (16a) is arranged when guiding through the area definition process.

7. Household appliance system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the control unit (12a) is provided for, when guiding through the area definition process, at least one layout (24a) of a room (26a) in which the household appliance (16a) is arranged, output from a catalog of layouts (24a) for a selection.

8. Household appliance system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the control unit (12a) is provided to output at least one operating request when guided through the area definition process, from at least a partial area (28a) of the room (26a) by the external unit ( 14a) to transmit at least one confirmation signal to the control unit (12a).

9. Household appliance system according to claim 8, characterized in that the partial area (28a) is a corner area within the room (26a).

10. Household appliance system at least according to claims 2 and 5, characterized in that the control unit (12a) is provided to carry out the signal calibration process before the range definition process.

11. Household appliance system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (12a) is provided to automatically check at least in sections in an operating state whether the external unit (14a) for operating the household appliance (16a) is in an operating area ( 18a) is arranged, and in the event that the external unit (14a) is arranged within the operating area (18a) to enable the operation of the domestic appliance (16a) by the external unit (14a).

12. Household appliance system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the external unit (14a) which is designed as a mobile device.

13. Household appliance system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the household appliance (16a), in which the control unit (12a) is at least partially integrated.

14. Household appliance, in particular a hob, of a household appliance system (10a) according to at least claim 13.

15. A method for operating a domestic appliance system (10a), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which guided by at least one characterization process and after completion of the

Characterization process an operation of at least one household appliance (16a) by at least one external unit (14a) is enabled.