Method for remotely controlling a cleaning cycle of a household appliance

Abstract

A method and system for remotely controlling a wash cycle of a household appliance using wireless signal transmission is provided. A signal is transmitted between a mobile dispensing device disposed in a housing of the household appliance and an electronic device. The method determines the strength of the signal received by the mobile dispensing device. The determined strength is compared with a threshold. If the determined strength is above the threshold, wireless signal transmission from the mobile dispensing device to the electronic device is initiated. If the determined strength is below the threshold, signal transmission from the mobile dispensing device to the electronic device is shut down. When signal transmission is initiated, a status wireless signal including status information about the wash cycle is sent to the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of monitoring and controlling the cleaning cycle of a household appliance when a mobile dispensing device is arranged in the housing of the household appliance. In particular, the problem solved by the invention is to gain insight into the real-time cleaning status and allow changing the program run by the mobile dispensing device and / or the household appliance. Background Art

[0002] The cleaning cycle of a household appliance is usually run according to a pre-recorded program stored in or transferred to the household appliance. The selection of the program is usually made by the user. This method of running a cleaning cycle lacks flexibility and does not ensure that the best cleaning results are achieved, as the selected program may not be suitable for the cleaning intensity required to remove all stains from the items placed in the household appliance.

[0003] In addition to the lack of operational flexibility, when the home appliance runs a cleaning cycle, little information about the status of the cleaning cycle is provided to the user, and the current conditions within the home appliance can only be indirectly understood by standing next to the appliance or looking through a viewing window if equipped.

[0004] By arranging the mobile dispensing device inside the housing of the household appliance, the operational flexibility of the washing cycle run by the household appliance can be further improved. The mobile dispensing device can more finely control the timing of the detergent contained in the mobile dispensing device and the amount and type of the detergent distributed. For example, a mobile dispensing device that provides such control for the washing cycle run by a household appliance is described in the document WO2011110246A1 and the document WO2019121295A1, wherein the document WO2011110246A1 describes a dispensing device suitable for dispensing detergent during the washing cycle of a dishwasher, and the document WO2019121295A1 describes a dispensing device suitable for dispensing detergent during the washing cycle of a washing machine.

[0005] Although the use of a mobile dosing device in a household appliance provides greater flexibility during the wash cycle run by the household appliance and enables better wash strategies to be applied, the use of a mobile dosing device in a household appliance still operates according to a pre-recorded program stored in the dosing device. The dosing device may make a decision whether to change the dosing strategy at the beginning of the wash cycle, and the current status of the wash cycle run by the household appliance is not communicated to the user in real time, but rather is communicated to the user at the end of each wash cycle.

[0006] Although the above solutions allow the user to have more sophisticated control over the parameters of the washing cycle run by the household appliance, the user is still not aware of the real-time status of the program run by the household appliance and / or the mobile dispensing device.

[0007] The fundamental problem in gaining deeper insight into the status of appliances during a wash cycle is that the environment created by appliances causes attenuation of wireless signals, and there may be interference from other devices in the general area where these appliances are placed. Real-time transmission of signals providing information about the status of the wash cycle and wireless data exchange between mobile dosing devices and nodes or sensors located in or around the appliance are generally considered inefficient.

[0008] A method and system for controlling a cleaning cycle of a household appliance during the cleaning cycle is sought. Summary of the invention

[0009] To address the above needs, the present invention provides a method for remotely controlling a cleaning cycle of a household appliance using wireless signal transmission, wherein the wireless signal is transmitted between a mobile dispensing device configured to be disposed in a housing of the household appliance and an external electronic device located outside the household appliance, the method comprising:

[0010] - determining a strength value of a wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device;

[0011] - comparing the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device with a threshold signal strength value;

[0012] - when the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is higher than a threshold signal strength value, initiating wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device;

[0013] - when wireless signal transmission is activated during the cleaning cycle, transmitting a status wireless signal including status information about the cleaning cycle, the status wireless signal being transmitted from the mobile dispensing device to the external electronic device;

[0014] - When the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is lower than a threshold signal strength value, shutting down the wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device.

[0015] Prior art methods for controlling a wash cycle operate prior to starting a wash cycle based on local information gathered by sensors on the appliance or mobile dispensing device.

[0016] The present invention provides a detailed understanding of the current wash cycle by sending reports of status information about the ongoing wash cycle at appropriate times. In practice, the design of household appliances often hinders the transmission of wireless signals, especially radio communication signals. The present invention sets criteria for enabling or disabling the transmission of status information to avoid wasting battery power in the mobile dispensing device during the wash cycle.

[0017] The information provided by the status report can be used to instruct the mobile dispensing device to adapt the dosing strategy to new needs of the user, or can be used to automatically generate a new dosing strategy for the mobile dispensing device or new parameters for the household appliance.

[0018] Examples of external electronic devices may include access nodes for sending wireless signals, mobile phones, tablet devices, smart watches, computers, servers.

[0019] The "strength of a wireless signal" is generally the measured power of electromagnetic radiation received within a specific frequency band or across multiple frequency bands. In the context of the present invention, one advantageous criterion for defining a strength metric for wireless signal strength is to measure the received signal power across all frequency bands used to exchange data between a mobile distribution device and nodes in a network or external electronic device.

[0020] It should also be noted that the wireless signals transmitted between the mobile distribution device and the external electronic device can be transmitted via direct wireless communication or via indirect transmission, such as via a node of the wireless network or any other access node. The access node itself can be part of the household appliance and located somewhere outside the household appliance.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the strength value of the wireless signal is determined by repeatedly acquiring an attenuation value of the signal received by the mobile distribution device.

[0022] Obtaining the attenuation value of the signal received by the mobile distribution device is equivalent to determining the strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device. For example, it can be done by measuring the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value, especially when receiving the signal from the network access node. It can also be achieved by measuring the amplitude of the current generated in the mobile distribution device by the reception of the signal or the amplitude of the electromagnetic radiation received by the antenna of the mobile distribution device.

[0023] The frequency of measuring the signal strength may vary. For example, a measurement may be taken every minute, every 10 minutes, or every 10 seconds.

[0024] The measurement of signal strength may also be triggered based on the value of previously measured signal strength. For example, if the last value or 2 to 10 values ​​measured all indicate a strong signal capable of fast data transmission with low battery power consumption, the next measurement of signal strength may occur at least 1 to 10 minutes later. If a drop in signal strength is observed during wireless signal transmission between the mobile distribution device and the external electronic device, the measurement of signal strength may occur more frequently, at least once per minute to once every five minutes. Different logic may be applied to the timing of signal strength measurements, in particular reverse logic, according to which the frequency of measurements is higher when the signal strength is high and the frequency of measurements is lower when the signal strength is low.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the method may further comprise:

[0026] - determining a change in the strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device;

[0027] - Determining a status of a washing cycle run by the household appliance based on the determined change.

[0028] For example, due to changes in humidity, water temperature, or activation of rotating metal parts in household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines during a wash cycle, corresponding changes in signal strength may be observed. Changes in signal strength values ​​due to operation of a household appliance may be used as a means of determining which step of a wash cycle the household appliance is running. This information may be used to adjust dosing strategies or may be stored and / or transmitted to an external electronic device to give real-time status updates.

[0029] The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising:

[0030] - determining a model of the strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device as a function of time;

[0031] - Identifying contributions to the determined model outside of a wash cycle of operation of the household appliance.

[0032] The environment in which the household appliance is located may include elements that hinder the transmission of wireless signals. Interference, noise or absorption of wireless signals may occur due to the presence of other appliances, or the presence of enclosed spaces such as basement walls, or due to improper placement of the mobile dispensing device within the household appliance.

[0033] These effects on wireless signal transmissions may be identified as unusual patterns in the strength values ​​of the wireless signals received by the mobile distribution devices.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the identification of the contribution of the determined model outside of a wash cycle in which the household appliance is operated is achieved using one of the following:

[0035] - comparing the determined model with the models stored from previous cleaning cycles run by the household appliance;

[0036] - Input from the user.

[0037] Input from the user may be collected, for example, as responses to questions regarding the room in which the home appliance is located, the presence of other appliances around the home appliance, and the location of the user and the home appliance.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the method may further comprise:

[0039] - recording the determined value of the strength of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device;

[0040] - If the recorded values ​​include at least one value below a signal strength threshold, generating a report for the external electronic device.

[0041] The generated report is sent to the external electronic device and may also form another basis for outputting recommendations on how to avoid further significant drops in signal strength in future wash cycles. The report may provide a description of the duration of time that the recorded values ​​were below the signal strength threshold, the number of times the wireless signal strength was below the signal strength threshold. These numbers may also include a timestamp that helps identify the cause of the event, such as whether the event may be related to interference or signal loss caused by excessive distance between the external electronic device and the mobile dispensing device.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the method may further comprise:

[0043] - Output one of the following suggestions:

[0044] - Changing the location of the mobile dispensing device inside the household appliance;

[0045] - Change the location of the wireless signal interference source;

[0046] - Cut off the source of wireless signal interference;

[0047] - Install signal amplifier;

[0048] - Changing the location of the access node used to forward information from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device.

[0049] A common source of wireless signal interference can be another electronic device, such as an appliance located in the kitchen, basement, or living room.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the method may further comprise:

[0051] - based on information provided in the wireless signal received by the mobile dispensing device, modifying the program to dispense cleaning agent from the mobile dispensing device into the housing during the wash cycle, wherein the mobile dispensing device contains the cleaning agent;

[0052] - Dispense cleaning agents based on modified programs.

[0053] According to one embodiment, an internal electronic device capable of establishing communication with a mobile dispensing device located inside a household appliance, the method may further include:

[0054] - receiving at the mobile dispensing device an internal wireless signal from the internal electronic device, the internal wireless signal providing information about parameters of a cleaning cycle run by the household appliance;

[0055] - Determining a change to a program for dispensing cleaning agent from the mobile dispensing device into the housing during a wash cycle based on the received internal wireless signal.

[0056] The internal electronic devices located inside the household appliance may include, for example, access nodes for forwarding wireless signals, sensors, and electronic devices that are part of the household appliance. It should also be noted that the mobile distribution device is capable of establishing wireless communication with more than one electronic device. Specifically, one or more electronic devices may be located inside the household appliance, and one or more electronic devices may be located outside the household appliance.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the method may further comprise:

[0058] - sending instructions to change the program of dispensing cleaning agent from the mobile dispensing device into the housing, the instructions being sent as wireless signals from the external electronic device to the mobile dispensing device during the cleaning cycle.

[0059] The instructions may be generated based on information provided in a status wireless signal sent from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device. The instructions may be automatically generated or based on other instructions provided by the user via the external electronic device.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the method may further comprise:

[0061] - defining at least two wireless signal strength value ranges for signal strength values ​​above the threshold, the two wireless signal strength value ranges comprising a first signal strength value range and a second signal strength value range, the signal strength values ​​belonging to the first signal strength value range being higher than the signal strength values ​​belonging to the second signal strength value range;

[0062] - when it is determined that the strength of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device falls within the first signal strength value range, allowing unrestricted data transmission; and

[0063] - when it is determined that the strength of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device belongs to the second signal strength value range, limiting the amount of data to be transmitted.

[0064] In wireless communication, data transmission is usually linked to the strength of the exchanged signal. When the transmitted signal reaches a certain attenuation level, the transmission speed is reduced. This regulation in the form of transmitted data packets occurs automatically in wireless communication. In order to avoid placing an excessive burden on the battery of the mobile distribution device, it makes sense to adapt the kind of data being transmitted based on the strength value of the received wireless signal, which is the degree of attenuation of the signal that can be transmitted. Creating several signal strength value ranges and limiting the amount of data that can be transmitted per signal strength value range reduces the burden imposed on the battery of the mobile distribution device.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device may be transmitted from an access node.

[0066] The access node may for example be a WLAN access node part of the network.When receiving a signal from an access node, known procedures for estimating signal attenuation may be used, such as measurement of an RSSI value (Received Signal Strength Indicator).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the access node is a part of one selected from: an external electronic device and a wireless communication node part of a wireless network.

[0068] The present invention also relates to a system for remotely controlling a cleaning cycle of a household appliance, the system comprising:

[0069] - a mobile dispensing device, the mobile dispensing device being configured to be arranged in the household appliance;

[0070] - external electronic devices located outside the household appliance;

[0071] - at least one data processing device provided in the mobile distribution device, the data processing device being configured to:

[0072] - determining a strength value of a wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device;

[0073] - comparing the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device with a threshold signal strength value;

[0074] - When the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is higher than a threshold signal strength value, initiating wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device.

[0075] - when wireless signal transmission is activated during the cleaning cycle, transmitting a status wireless signal including status information about the cleaning cycle, the status wireless signal being transmitted from the mobile dispensing device to the external electronic device;

[0076] - When the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is lower than a threshold signal strength value, shutting down the wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device.

[0077] The present invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions for executing a method for remotely controlling a washing cycle of a household appliance using wireless signal transmission between a mobile dispensing device configured to be arranged in a housing of the household appliance and an external electronic device, the method comprising:

[0078] - determining a strength value of a wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device;

[0079] - comparing the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device with a threshold signal strength value;

[0080] - When the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is higher than a threshold signal strength value, initiating wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device.

[0081] - when wireless signal transmission is activated during the cleaning cycle, triggering the transmission of a status wireless signal including status information about the cleaning cycle, the status wireless signal being transmitted from the mobile dispensing device to the external electronic device;

[0082] - When the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is lower than a threshold signal strength value, shutting down the wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device.

[0083] In other words, the present invention relates to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program including instructions for executing the above-mentioned method is stored. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] The present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements, and:

[0085] Figure 1 A simplified workflow of a method according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0086] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one embodiment, comprising a mobile dispensing device and an external electronic device;

[0087] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a household appliance including a mobile dispensing device located within an appliance housing in a room. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] The present invention enables a user to understand the current status of a cleaning cycle in a household appliance in real time without requiring the user to stand in front of the household appliance. In particular, the present invention is applicable to customizable control of a cleaning cycle using a mobile dispensing device configured to be disposed in a housing of a household appliance such as a dishwasher or a washing machine.

[0089] It is generally believed that wireless communication can occur between a household appliance and an external electronic device such as a computer, mobile phone, tablet device, smart watch or server when the wireless communication element of the household appliance is not located in the housing of the household appliance. During the cleaning cycle, the electromagnetic environment inside the household appliance is not optimal for its wireless communication with the device located outside the household appliance. Wireless communication with other devices such as sensors inside the household appliance is also interfered by electronic devices around the household appliance. There may be other obstacles in the cleaning process itself, such as the addition of water and detergent, the connection of mechanical parts, the rotation of the drum or spray arm, which will affect the ability to effectively transmit wireless signals.

[0090] The present invention overcomes these challenges by utilizing wireless signal transmission between a mobile dispensing device located in the housing of the household appliance and an external electronic device to remotely control the cleaning cycle of the household appliance.

[0091] Figure 1 The steps performed during the method 10 are shown by way of example.

[0092] Rather than continuously transmitting signals between the mobile distribution device 100 and the external electronic device 200 , the present invention sets a standard for the strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device 100 in order to enable or disable communication between the mobile distribution device 100 and the external electronic device 200 .

[0093] First, the method comprises determining 11 a strength value P(value) of a wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device 100. Typically, in the case of direct communication between the external electronic device 200 and the mobile distribution device 100, the received wireless signal comes from the external electronic device 200. This check of signal strength can also be performed using a signal sent from an access node, which is located outside the household appliance or anywhere inside the household appliance, but not on the mobile distribution device 100. This alternative is more suitable in particular in the case of indirect communication between the mobile distribution device 100 and the external electronic device 200.

[0094] The signal strength is determined by measuring the power value P(value) of the electromagnetic signal received at the receiver of the mobile dispensing device 100, or it is estimated based on the current state information of the cleaning cycle, which is obtained, for example, using data provided by the sensor. Such an estimation of the signal strength can also be performed by accessing previous signal strength records in similar phases of the cleaning cycle. Therefore, a database of such records can be advantageously stored and accessed by the mobile dispensing device 100.

[0095] Signal strength is typically provided to measure the signal power on the frequency band used by the mobile distribution device 100 for wireless communications.

[0096] Next, the method compares 12 the determined wireless signal strength value with a threshold signal strength value Pthr.

[0097] If the determined value is below the threshold, the wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device 100 to the external electronic device 200 is switched off 13. If the determined value is above the threshold, the wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device 100 to the external electronic device 200 is switched on 14.

[0098] It should be noted that the activation and deactivation states of the communication between the mobile dispensing device 100 and the external electronic device 200 may be unilateral or bidirectional.

[0099] In a first embodiment, the external electronic device 200 may always send data to the mobile distribution device 100, even if the reverse routing is not allowed. In another second embodiment, the mobile distribution device 100 also turns off the reception of wireless signals from the external electronic device 200. The first embodiment and the second embodiment may be used alternatively or in conjunction, especially in the case where the mobile distribution device 100 establishes communication with a plurality of external electronic devices 200.

[0100] In the case where all communications between the mobile distribution device 100 and the external electronic device 200 are closed, the strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device 100 may be further determined by performing the estimation as described above or using a signal received from an access node.

[0101] like Figure 1 As further shown in FIG. 1 , after the wireless signal transmission has been switched off or on, a further determination of the strength value of the wireless signal P(signal) may be started again and this value may be compared with the threshold value again.

[0102] It should be noted that the threshold value may change over time, for example if the wireless signal transmission is observed to remain off for a long period of time, for example for more than 15 minutes or for more than half an hour or for more than 1 hour.

[0103] A typical signal strength threshold is expressed as a signal attenuation in decibels. Since signal strength is also generally related to data transmission speed, it is advantageous to set the threshold to a value at which the data transmission speed drops significantly. For example, a significant drop may be a drop of more than half relative to the previous data transmission speed. Another physical criterion that can be used to set the threshold is the battery loss on the mobile distribution device 100 caused by the initiation of wireless signal transmission. An attenuation value that increases battery power loss by more than 20% can be set as a criterion.

[0104] Typical thresholds can be set to -65dBm, -45dBm, -35dBm or -75dBm.

[0105] Once the wireless signal transmission from the mobile dispensing device 100 to the external electronic device 200 is initiated, the mobile dispensing device 100 sends 15 a status wireless signal comprising status information about the washing cycle. This information may, for example, comprise the time remaining until the washing cycle is completed, parameters such as the current temperature inside the housing of the household appliance, the amount of detergent that has been dispensed or is scheduled to be dispensed into the housing, the name of the current phase of the washing cycle and a possible suggestion to authorize a change in the current washing cycle.

[0106] The transmission of the status wireless signal may occur multiple times during the cleaning cycle, as it is advantageous to have the determination of the signal strength and the comparison with the threshold value repeated, such as Figure 1 The flowchart is shown in FIG.

[0107] The frequency of these repetitions can vary. It can occur continuously, every 10 seconds, every minute, every 2 minutes, every 5 minutes, every 10 minutes, every 15 minutes.

[0108] This can be done, for example, by measuring RSSI (Received Signal Strength Index) values, in particular when receiving signals from a network access node, or by measuring the amplitude of the current generated by the signal reception in the mobile distribution device or the amplitude of the electromagnetic radiation received by the antenna of the mobile distribution device.

[0109] The measurement of signal strength may also be triggered based on the value of previously measured signal strength. For example, if the last value or 2 to 10 values ​​measured all indicate a strong signal capable of fast data transmission with low battery power consumption, the next measurement of signal strength may occur at least 1 to 10 minutes later. If a drop in signal strength is observed during wireless signal transmission between the mobile distribution device and the external electronic device, the measurement of signal strength may occur more frequently, at least once every minute to once every five minutes. Different logic may be used to time the signal strength measurements, particularly reverse logic, according to which the frequency of measurements is higher when the signal strength is high and the frequency of measurements is lower when the signal strength is low.

[0110] Figure 2 A system 1 capable of implementing the above method is shown. Specifically, the system comprises a mobile dispensing device 100 comprising a plurality of cartridges 102 clipped onto a base having a dispensing valve. The data processing unit 101 advantageously initiates the reception and transmission of radio signals to establish communication with at least one other device outside the household appliance in which the mobile dispensing device 100 is placed during a cleaning cycle. The external electronic device 200 can be any device capable of sending and receiving signals, such as a mobile phone, a tablet device, a smart watch, a computer or a server. Instead of a direct connection with the external electronic device 200, the mobile dispensing device can also exchange data with an access node 300. Such devices are part of a wireless network and can be located closer to the household appliance or advantageously arranged so that they can better exchange information with electronic devices outside the household appliance. The access node 300 is typically used for forwarding wireless transmissions between the mobile dispensing device 100 and the external electronic device 200.

[0111] Figure 3 A possible arrangement of a mobile dispensing device 100 within a household appliance 400 is shown. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the household appliance is a dishwasher, but other mobile dispensing devices may also be used, in particular round dispensing devices suitable for dispensing detergent and / or fragrance during the wash cycle of a washing machine.

[0112] Figure 3The dishwasher comprises two trays 403, a housing 404 in which the trays and the mobile dispensing device 100 are arranged, a door 402 and its own electronics to control the washing cycle by setting parameters, such as temperature, duration of different washing and rinsing cycles.

[0113] The environment in which the home appliance 400 is located may include other obstacles and sources of electromagnetic interference, such as other appliances 30, shielding from walls 31, or any other obstacles that prevent wireless signal transmission from being carried out quickly and effectively, such as other wireless transmissions or being located in a closed room in a basement.

[0114] During the cleaning cycle, the door 402 of the household appliance is closed, thereby reducing the strength of the signal that the mobile distribution device 100 can receive from the external electronic device 200 or the access node 300. The model measuring the signal strength variation enables the identification of possible interference in the environment of the mobile distribution device or its non-optimal location in the housing 404.

[0115] Based on previous records of changes in the strength of wireless signals received by the mobile dispensing device 100, a signal strength lower than the usual level can be identified, and a suggestion can be made to change the location of the interference source around the home appliance 400 or to change the location of the mobile dispensing device 100 within the home appliance 400, such as setting it on another pallet or at a different location on the same pallet.

[0116] Another possible suggestion output by the mobile distribution device 100 is to change the location of the access node 300 that sends the wireless signal to the mobile distribution device 100 .

[0117] Another suggestion may include, for example, shutting down electronic devices near the home appliance 400, or installing a signal amplifier to increase the efficiency of data transmission during the cleaning cycle.

[0118] Some of the information received by the mobile dispensing device 100 from the external electronic device 200 may include information provided by the user. Such information may include, for example, information about the presence of other appliances in the room where the household appliance 400 is located, the distance between the user and the household appliance, or the user's selection of the cleaning result that he or she wishes to achieve in the current cleaning cycle. The input of the desired cleaning result may be achieved, for example, by selecting the intensity of the cleaning cycle: economic, i.e., using a small amount of detergent; standard, i.e., seeking a balance between the intensity of the cleaning cycle and resource conservation; and strong, i.e., maximizing cleaning performance without considering energy consumption or detergent conservation.

[0119] During a wash cycle, receiving new instructions from the external electronic device 200 may result in a change in the program that the mobile dispensing device 100 operates during the wash cycle. For example, the program to dispense the detergent contained in the mobile dispensing device 100 may be updated if a user provides new instructions or if a different strategy for dispensing detergent is determined to be more advantageous than the strategy currently being operated by the mobile dispensing device 100.

[0120] According to an advantageous embodiment, the washing cycle can run according to a pre-recorded and selected program if the mobile dispensing device 100 does not receive any instructions from the access node 300 or the external electronic device 200. Modification of the program is possible only if internal sensors provide information about the current washing cycle status.

[0121] If the wireless signal strength value between mobile distribution device 100 and access node 300 and / or external electronic device 200 allows wireless signal transmission, mobile distribution device 100 can allow receiving instructions from the external electronic device or obtaining information provided to it by an external information source to update the current distribution strategy during the cleaning cycle.

[0122] If the transmission of information is interrupted during the cleaning cycle, the mobile dispensing device 100 continues to apply the current dispensing strategy.

[0123] like Figure 3 As shown, the household appliance 400 may also include internal electronic devices 401 such as sensors, which are arranged in the housing 404 or on the household appliance or anywhere in the household appliance. These sensors can measure some current parameters of the washing cycle, such as the turbidity of the washing water, the conductivity of the washing water, the temperature of the washing water or the air in the housing, the time remaining before the end of the washing cycle, or the time elapsed during the washing cycle. These measured values ​​are used by the household appliance 400, but the mobile dispensing device 100 can also establish communication with the sensor or the household appliance 400 in order to obtain this information.

[0124] According to an advantageous embodiment, the measurement of the variation in the strength of the wireless signal received by the mobile dispensing device 100 can be used to determine the current phase of the wash cycle being run. In practice, the vibration pattern characteristics of the wash cycle, the rinse cycle and each program run by the appliance affect the value of the signal strength. This can be used to determine or confirm the current state of the wash cycle when generating a report for the external electronic device 200.

[0125] If the wireless signal transmission is interrupted during the cleaning cycle because the strength value of the wireless signal drops below a threshold, the conditions under which this occurs can be recorded to generate a report for the user. These conditions can include, among other things, the time elapsed since the start of the cleaning cycle, the temperature, the signal strength value, and the duration of the signal strength value being below the threshold.

[0126] This can be used to further advise the user regarding placement of a node amplifier or placement of a mobile dispensing device 100 within the housing 404 of the home appliance 400 .

[0127] For signal strength values ​​above a threshold, different signal strength value ranges may be defined for signal strength value ranges that allow a specific amount of transmittable data. In wireless signal transmission, lower signal strengths are associated with lower data transfer rates. To avoid using excessive battery power, full transmission of status information is allowed only when the signal strength is within the highest strength value range. These signal strengths typically correspond to attenuations ranging between 0 dBm and -65 dBm or as low as -75 dBm.

[0128] For lower signal strengths, typically between attenuation -80d Bm to -65dBm or -75dBm, only essential information (eg, remaining time until completion) is transmitted.

[0129] Table 1 shown below illustrates different possible signal strength value ranges that may be defined, with higher signal strength attenuation allowing for a lower total amount of data to be transmitted.

[0130]

[0131]

[0132] It should also be noted that, although all the above embodiments only describe the situation where the mobile distribution device 100 exchanges information with the access node 300 and / or the external electronic device 200, the mobile distribution device 100 is also capable of exchanging (receiving and / or transmitting) information with the household appliance 400. Such information exchange may include, in particular, access to the cleaning program run by the household appliance, parameters about the current state of the cleaning cycle measured by the household appliance 400. The mobile distribution device 100 may also be configured to instruct the household appliance 400 to change the parameters in order to support a distribution strategy that is considered to be more appropriate than the distribution strategy currently run by the appliance.

[0133] The steps of the above-mentioned embodiments and implementations can be executed by a processor such as a computer. A computer program product including the steps of the above-mentioned method can be used to execute the method on a computer.

[0134] The computer program including instructions for implementing the method of the present invention can be stored on different non-transitory computer-readable storage media. These may include, for example, a processor or chip, an FPGA (field programable gate array), an electronic circuit including several processors or chips, a hard drive, a flash memory or an SD card, a USB flash drive, a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM or a Blu-ray disc or a floppy disk.

[0135] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been given in the detailed description above, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that one or more exemplary embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the various embodiments in any way. On the contrary, the detailed description above will provide a convenient guideline for implementing the exemplary embodiments as contemplated herein to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments set forth in the appended claims, various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments.

[0136] Example

[0137] In the following embodiments, a mobile dispensing device 100 with a radio frequency connection is positioned in various domestic dishwashers.

[0138] use The SE smartphone acts as an access point to the network and an application software (WiFi signal strength meter application software) for measuring signal strength and data transmission performance performs the measurement. The mobile distribution device 100 has a The communication unit is based on the QCA4010 chip and operates in the 2.4GHz band according to the IIEEE 802-.11 standard. The theoretical range of the system indoors can be 70m.

[0139] Outdoors, when the measuring device was 30cm away from the mobile distribution device, an attenuation of -25dBm was measured in all directions. This attenuation is mainly caused by the mobile distribution device and the measuring device itself. This is used as a reference value for the following measurements.

[0140] When the mobile dispensing unit is in a fixed position in the dishwasher, the following measuring points are defined:

[0141] A: The dishwasher door opens and the tray is pushed out.

[0142] B: The dishwasher door is opened and the tray is pushed in.

[0143] C: Door closed, tray pushed in.

[0144] D: Distance 4m, clear view of dishwasher, 1 countertop in transfer path.

[0145] E: 8m distance, 1 wall (13cm thick plasterboard frame with polished sides).

[0146] F: 10m distance, 2 walls (2 13cm thick plasterboard frames with polished sides).

[0147] G: 1 floor distance, 1 30cm thick reinforced concrete ceiling.

[0148] h: 2 floors, 2 reinforced concrete ceilings 30cm thick.

[0149] Example 1: The mobile dispensing device 100 is placed SHE 8PT55UC (US model)

[0150] Measuring point Attenuation(dBm) Data transfer rate (Mbps) A -35 54 B -35 54 C -46 54 D -70 16 E -80 16 F -84 5 G -89 5 H -92 5

[0151] Table 2: Attenuation measured at the different measurement points defined above

[0152] From the above measurements it can be seen that it makes sense to determine the threshold signal strength value at about -80 dBm signal strength attenuation and to allow full data transmission only for signal strengths above -46 dBm attenuation.

[0153] Example 2: The mobile dispensing device 100 is placed GS6820SC (EU model)

[0154] Measuring point Attenuation(dBm) Data transfer rate (Mbps) A -30 54 B -29 54 C -53 54 D -66 54 E -79 16 F -89 5 G -89 5 H ---- ---

[0155] Table 3: Attenuation measured at the different measurement points defined above

[0156] In this second embodiment, the signal strength threshold may be typically set to -79dBm attenuation, and for signals with signal strengths above -66dBm attenuation, data may be allowed to be fully transmitted.

[0157] Example 3: The mobile dispensing device 100 is placed F56302WO (EU model)

[0158] Measuring point Attenuation(dBm) Data transfer rate (Mbps) A -44 54 B -41 54 C -45 54 D -64 54 E -73 21 F -89 5 G -92 5 H ---- ---

[0159] Table 4: Attenuation measured at the different measurement points defined above

[0160] In this third embodiment, the signal strength threshold may be generally set to -73dBm attenuation, and for signals with signal strengths above -64dBm attenuation, data may be allowed to be fully transmitted.

[0161] Example 4: The mobile dispensing device 100 is placed S52M65X4 (EU model, installed in the kitchen).

[0162] When the mobile dispensing unit is in a fixed position in the dishwasher, the following measuring points are defined:

[0163] A: The dishwasher door opens and the tray is pushed out.

[0164] B: The dishwasher door is opened and the tray is pushed in.

[0165] C: Door closed, tray pushed in.

[0166] D: Distance 4m, clear view of dishwasher, 1 90cm high cabinet in transfer path.

[0167] E: 2m distance, 1 wall (13cm thick gypsum board frame with polished sides).

[0168] F: 9m distance, basement (1 25cm thick reinforced concrete ceiling).

[0169] G: 2m distance, basement (under the dishwasher, a 20cm thick reinforced concrete ceiling).

[0170] H: 9m distance, 1 layer (1 reinforced concrete slab 20cm thick).

[0171] I: 3m distance, 1st floor (above the dishwasher, a 20cm thick reinforced concrete ceiling).

[0172] Measuring point Attenuation(dBm) Data transfer rate (Mbps) A -42 54 B -45 54 C -56 54 D -75 54 E -71 21 F -91 5 G -69 21 H -90 5 I -80 21

[0173] In this fourth embodiment, it can be seen that the distance to the mobile distribution device 100 can be an important criterion for the signal strength. A threshold of about -75 dBm can advantageously be defined.

Claims

1. A method (10) for remotely controlling a cleaning cycle of a household appliance (400) using wireless signal transmission between a mobile dispensing device (100) configured to be disposed in a housing (404) of the household appliance and an external electronic device (200) located outside the household appliance, the method comprising: - determining (11) a strength value of a wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device; - comparing the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device with a threshold signal strength value (12); - when the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is higher than the threshold signal strength value, initiating (14) wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device; - when wireless signal transmission is activated during the cleaning cycle, transmitting (15) a status wireless signal including status information about the cleaning cycle, the status wireless signal being transmitted from the mobile dispensing device to the external electronic device; - When the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is lower than the threshold signal strength value, shutting down (13) the wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the strength value of the wireless signal is determined by repeatedly acquiring an attenuation value of a signal received by the mobile distribution device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - determining the change in the strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device over time; - determining a status of the washing cycle run by the household appliance based on the determined change.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - determining a model of how the strength values ​​of the wireless signals received by the mobile distribution device vary over time; - Identifying contributions to the determined model outside of a wash cycle of operation of the household appliance.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein identifying contributions to the determined model outside of a wash cycle of operation of the household appliance is performed using one of: - comparing the determined pattern with patterns stored from previous cleaning cycles run by the household appliance; - Input from the user.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - recording the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device; - if the recorded values ​​include at least one value below a signal strength threshold, generating a report for the external electronic device.

7. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: - Output one of the following suggestions: - changing the position of the mobile dispensing device inside the household appliance; - Change the location of the wireless signal interference source; - Cut off the source of wireless signal interference; - Install signal amplifier; - Changing the location of an access node used to forward information from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - based on information provided in the wireless signal received by the mobile dispensing device, modifying a program to dispense cleaning agent from the mobile dispensing device into a housing during the wash cycle, the cleaning agent being contained in the mobile dispensing device; - Dispensing of said cleaning agent based on the modified program.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal electronic device (401) capable of establishing communication with the mobile distribution device is located inside the household appliance, the method further comprising: - receiving at the mobile dispensing device an internal wireless signal from the internal electronic device, the internal wireless signal providing information about parameters of a cleaning cycle run by the household appliance; - Determining a change in the program of dispensing cleaning agent from the mobile dispensing device into the housing during the wash cycle based on the received internal wireless signal.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - sending instructions to change the program of dispensing cleaning agent from the mobile dispensing device into the housing, the instructions being sent in the form of wireless signals from the external electronic device to the mobile dispensing device during the cleaning cycle.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - defining at least two wireless signal strength value ranges for signal strength values ​​above the threshold, the two wireless signal strength value ranges comprising a first signal strength value range and a second signal strength value range, the signal strength values ​​belonging to the first signal strength value range being higher than the signal strength values ​​belonging to the second signal strength value range; - when it is determined that the strength of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device belongs to the first signal strength value range, allowing unrestricted data transmission; and - When it is determined that the strength of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device belongs to the second signal strength value range, limiting the amount of data transmitted.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is sent from an access node (300).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the access node is part of one of: the external electronic device and a wireless communication node part of a wireless network.

14. A system (1) for remotely controlling a cleaning cycle of a household appliance (400), the system comprising: - a mobile dispensing device (100), which is configured to be arranged in the housing of the household appliance; - an external electronic device (200) located outside the household appliance; - at least one data processing device (101) provided in the mobile distribution device, the data processing device being configured to: - determining (11) a strength value of a wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device; - comparing the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device with a threshold signal strength value (12); - when the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is higher than the threshold signal strength value, initiating (14) wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device; - when wireless signal transmission is activated during the cleaning cycle, transmitting (15) a status wireless signal including status information about the cleaning cycle, the status wireless signal being transmitted from the mobile dispensing device to the external electronic device; - When the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is lower than the threshold signal strength value, shutting down (13) the wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions for executing a method for remotely controlling a wash cycle of a household appliance using wireless signal transmission between a mobile dispensing device configured to be disposed in a housing of the household appliance and an external electronic device, the method comprising: - determining a strength value of a wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device; - comparing the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device with a threshold signal strength value; - when the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is higher than the threshold signal strength value, initiating wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device; - when wireless signal transmission is activated during the cleaning cycle, triggering the transmission of a status wireless signal including status information about the cleaning cycle, the status wireless signal being transmitted from the mobile dispensing device to the external electronic device; - When the determined strength value of the wireless signal received by the mobile distribution device is lower than the threshold signal strength value, shutting down the wireless signal transmission from the mobile distribution device to the external electronic device.

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