Household appliance coupled with a mobile device

Abstract

A method comprising the steps of: a domestic appliance wirelessly coupling with a mobile device; and providing a sensor of the domestic appliance as a local device of the mobile device for a function running on the mobile device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a household appliance. More particularly, it relates to the wireless coupling of a household appliance with a mobile device. Background Technology

[0002] Household appliances include graphic displays that can show the appliance's status. For example, a display on a cooling appliance can show internal temperature, fill level, current energy absorbed, or operating mode. Operation of household appliances is typically performed using locally located input devices, such as switches or knobs. These input devices can be integrated with output devices, for example, in the form of touch-sensitive screens (touchscreens).

[0003] Graphical displays can be used to provide users with additional functions that can extend beyond the control of the household appliance. For example, recipes can be displayed on the display. However, it has been shown that providing additional functions may, in the given examples, involve the costly implementation of pre-saving recipe sets. Functionality typically requires regular updates at both the functional and data layers. Here, the lifespan of the household appliance can exceed that of a typical platform through which functions are typically provided. The household appliance will therefore no longer be able to reliably implement the additional functions in its current manner long before the end of its service life.

[0004] Home appliances equipped with high-performance processing units would be expensive; moreover, it is often unknown what specific requirements will be placed on the provision of functions in the future, so the processing units may still be under-designed in the required aspects. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide an improved technology for coupling household appliances with mobile devices. This objective can be achieved, for example, by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims may describe preferred embodiments.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a first method step includes: wirelessly coupling a household appliance to a mobile device; and providing a sensor of the household appliance as a local device of the mobile device for functions to be operated on the mobile device. The sensor may be designed as a sensor module and capable of responding to input and / or output devices. The characteristics of the sensor can be configured in particular by means of the output function. Output devices, input devices, or combinations of input and output devices may also be provided as local devices to the mobile device.

[0007] Sensors in household appliances can be used, for example, through functions running on mobile devices, such as applications (“Apps”), essentially as if the mobile device included the sensor. The physical location of the sensor can be irrelevant or uncertain to the function. By providing it in this way, the sensor can be used for other purposes. For this purpose, the sensor can be made available through the operating system of the mobile device, for example, in the form of a readable and / or writable device file. In one embodiment, the household appliance may not have the function of using the sensor other than providing it for use with a mobile device. The sensor, or the sensor values ​​it can emit, are typically combined with the function of the household appliance.

[0008] Household appliances can have primary or secondary functions. A washer's primary function might include, for example, cleaning dishes; secondary functions might include scheduling cleaning times or reordering cleaning supplies. Secondary functions are not always necessary for the primary function. If a secondary function cannot be provided, the primary function can usually still be used. Secondary functions can also often be provided in ways different from those achieved by the appliance itself. In the examples above, cleaning supplies might be obtained manually, for instance. The primary function typically represents a characteristic of the appliance; if the primary function malfunctions, the appliance usually no longer fulfills its purpose, and secondary functions become inoperable or meaningless. For example, scheduling cleaning times is meaningless if cleaning is not provided.

[0009] With the help of the present invention, a barcode reader installed on a refrigerator can be used, for example, by a function running on a mobile device that manages the storage status of food in the home.

[0010] The sensor can be set to scan an area of ​​a household appliance and provide sensor values; wherein, the sensor values ​​are transmitted to a mobile device and provided to functions. The area can be located in the surrounding environment of the household appliance, wherein the sensor can include, for example, a camera, radar sensor, or LiDAR sensor. The area can also be located inside the household appliance, wherein the sensor can include, for example, a switch or temperature sensor. The functions of the household appliance can be controlled based on the sensor values ​​provided by the sensor. The sensor can be coupled to the household appliance wired or wirelessly.

[0011] Sensors can be provided according to predetermined criteria, which can also be policies. Therefore, it can be specifically determined which function should access which household appliance or which sensor, under which user the function accessing the sensor should operate, or what kind of access to the sensor should be permitted. The criteria can be provided as simple if-so specifications, or the policies can store the criteria and determine access permissions based on one or more parameters.

[0012] The provision of the function by the sensor can be controlled by the user of the mobile device. In a first variant, the user can store preset access permissions; in a second variant, the user can interactively allow or deny access permissions. User confirmation may be sought, for example, before the function is accessed on the sensor.

[0013] The criteria can also be obtained from a central station. The central station can manage this household appliance or multiple household appliances, preferably comprising a common home. Therefore, authorizations controlling the combination of these household appliances with each other and with mobile devices can be stored at the central station. This allows for better consistency checks or changes to the criteria. If a new household appliance is to be provided, its performance can be better matched with existing household appliances.

[0014] The method may also include controlling the scanning criteria or parameters of the sensor through the function. For control, parameters may need to be transmitted from the mobile device to the household appliance. The control can be configured to determine how the sensor is used or to adjust boundary conditions during use. The parameter settings can be coordinated with predetermined conditions through the criteria. If the sensor is, for example, a camera, the parameters may relate to, for example, color, brightness, contrast, orientation, focal length, luminance, repetition rate, or trigger time.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, a second method step is included: wirelessly coupling a household appliance to a mobile device; receiving a message via the mobile device; transmitting a notification from the mobile device to the household appliance regarding the received message; and the household appliance providing the notification to a user. This aspect is not necessarily related to the foregoing first aspect of the invention, but may be implemented in conjunction with the first aspect.

[0016] The message can also be proactively sent from an external station (a push message) without being explicitly requested by the mobile device. The message can include, for example, SMS, email, WhatsApp messages, or RSS feeds. The message itself can remain at the external station or be transmitted to the mobile device. Prompts can be given, for example, indicating what type of message it is, who the sender is, how many messages exist, or when the message was sent. The message itself is preferably not initially transmitted to the household appliance. Thus, a user, for example, engaged in a task, using the household appliance, or at least remaining near the appliance during the task (e.g., cooking), can be immediately notified of the message's existence. This person, for example, while cooking, could be quickly notified that their mother has sent them a WhatsApp message.

[0017] The transmission can be performed according to predetermined criteria. These criteria can be designed similarly to those described above. For example, the criteria can be set to specify which message should be sent to which user at which household appliance.

[0018] Messages can also be delivered to home appliances. Users can control the download of messages in response to prompts, or messages can be transmitted to home appliances along with prompts.

[0019] Home appliances can be coupled to voice interfaces, such as smart speakers like Amazon Alexa Echo. Content transmitted to these appliances can be tailored according to predetermined criteria. Therefore, predetermined types of prompts (e.g., SMS or WhatsApp), predetermined data formats (e.g., PDF or MP3), or messages cannot be transmitted by predetermined senders. This protects home appliances from potentially dangerous content. The resources of the home appliances can be protected. Information that cannot be displayed should not be transmitted to the home appliances in the first place. The primary functions of the home appliances can be better maintained and made available.

[0020] In one implementation, if a notification is to be transmitted, the mobile device and the household appliance are automatically coupled. This coupling can also be automatically disconnected after the notification is transmitted.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, a household appliance includes: a sensor; a communication device for wireless communication; and a processing device. Here, the processing device is configured to wirelessly couple a mobile device to the household appliance, and the processing device is configured to provide sensor values ​​detected by means of the sensor to the mobile device.

[0022] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a mobile device includes: a communication means for wireless communication; and a processing means. Here, the processing means is configured to wirelessly couple the mobile device to a household appliance having sensors, and the processing means is configured to provide the sensors as local devices to functions operating on the mobile device.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a system includes the household appliance and the mobile device described herein. Features of the system can be adapted to the household appliance and / or the mobile device, or vice versa.

[0024] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a household appliance includes: a wireless communication device; an output device; an input device; and a processing device. Here, the processing device is configured to wirelessly couple a mobile device to the household appliance, provide output from the mobile device via the output device, and provide input to the mobile device via the input device.

[0025] It is evident that, in order to implement the additional functions that can be provided to household appliances, mobile devices may be a more suitable platform as processing devices for household appliances. Household appliances can be implemented relatively simply as "dumb terminals," which can only transmit the output of the mobile device to the user and the user's input to the mobile device.

[0026] Additional functionalities can be better maintained, updated, or synchronized with external databases on mobile devices. Mobile devices for this purpose can include, in particular, smartphones. If the power requirements of a function exceed the effective power of the mobile device, the device can be updated relatively easily. The updated mobile device can be coupled to the household appliance in the same way as the original mobile device. Therefore, the household appliance can be used for a longer period without having to tolerate significant limitations in the effectiveness of the functionality.

[0027] Home appliances can support two-way interaction with users, eliminating the need for users to directly operate mobile devices to use functions. Users can carry their mobile devices with them or place them at a charging station and use the functions on the home appliance. Here, functions can be associated with the use of the home appliance, for example, the appliance can be used to cook dishes, and the function includes displaying recipes. The association can also be indirect, for example, when the function includes a calendar, the completion of the dishes should be coordinated with a scheduled time on the calendar. In yet another embodiment, for example, when the home appliance includes a refrigerator and the function involves music playback, there is no typical function association. Nevertheless, users can use both functions at the same time and in the same place.

[0028] In one implementation, the household appliance does not predetermine the type of additional functions, thus allowing virtually any function of the mobile device to be used by means of the household appliance. Therefore, for example, a first function of the mobile device can be interrupted or replaced by a second function under event control, such as when music playback is interrupted because a phone call should be accepted.

[0029] Input devices for household appliances are typically designed for direct user operation and may include, for example, buttons, switches, knobs, or touchscreens. In another embodiment, the input device may also be designed for indirect operation and may include, for example, a barcode reader, to which the user can display, for example, a barcode from food packaging, and the barcode reader will provide input based on the detected barcode. Other exemplary input devices that can be used in conjunction with the technologies described herein include gesture recognition devices, olfactory sensors (VOCs), or accelerometers.

[0030] The output device preferably includes a visual output area, which can provide text, numbers, Arabic numerals, or graphic output. For this purpose, the output device may, in particular, include a display or projection device. However, the output device may also support additional outputs to the user, such as acoustic or haptic outputs.

[0031] The output device may include an optical display having at least two display areas. The processing device may be configured to display information about household appliances on a first display area and the output of a mobile device on a second display area.

[0032] By partitioning the output device, the functions of household appliances and mobile devices can be made available to the user side-by-side. Information can specifically relate to the operating parameters or status of the household appliances, thus allowing control of the appliances independent of the mobile device's functions. In a first variation, the display areas can be arranged side-by-side, and in a second variation, one display area can be covered by another. If multiple functions of the mobile device should be supported on the household appliances, multiple display areas can be formed on the output device accordingly. Preferably, the display area for the functions of the household appliances is always visible, while the display area for the functions of the mobile devices can be reduced, covered, or faded out on the output device. Thus, for example, three display areas can be formed, one of which can be configured with information about the household appliances, and another with functions of the mobile devices. A third display area can be configured with one or more functions of the mobile devices, wherein configuring the display area can be event-based or user-controlled.

[0033] The input device may include a first operating element and a second operating element, wherein the processing device is configured to control the function of the household appliance based on the operation of the first operating element and to provide the operation of the second operating element to the mobile device. Therefore, direct controllability of the household appliance, independent of the control of the mobile device's function, can be ensured. In particular, when the household appliance may perform potentially hazardous processes, such as heating, kneading, or chopping, the use of the mobile device's function will not negatively affect the operational or usage safety of the household appliance.

[0034] The processing device can also be configured to establish two independent wireless data connections, configuring the output of a mobile device for one wireless data connection and the input for the mobile device for the other wireless data connection. The data connections can use different standards, thereby facilitating the use of known mobile devices. During coupling with a mobile device via a home appliance as a Bluetooth input device, the output of the mobile device can be transmitted, for example, via Miracast, AirPlay, Google Cast, Screen Mirroring, VLC, or Wireless Display (WiDi). Different technologies, such as WLAN, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or infrared transmission, can also be used for different data connections. In a particularly preferred embodiment, one of the data connections uses a home connectivity protocol, which can also be used to network multiple home appliances together.

[0035] The processing device can be configured to couple with the mobile device only when the distance between the mobile device and the household appliance is below a predetermined first threshold. Coupling can occur automatically when a user carrying the mobile device approaches the household appliance. User intervention may not be required, for example, to confirm or allow the coupling process. In another embodiment, only confirmation from the household appliance may be required. In yet another embodiment, confirmation may be required, but valid for a predetermined time during which re-confirmation is not necessary for re-coupling. When a user moves through a home with multiple household appliances providing the coupling described herein, automatic coupling allows the interface of the mobile device's functions to follow the user.

[0036] The processing device can be configured to decouple from the presence of the mobile device when the distance between the mobile device and the household appliance exceeds a predetermined second threshold, where the second threshold is greater than a first threshold. Coupling can be performed with a predetermined hysteresis in a distance-controlled manner. This ensures that coupling and decoupling are not performed continuously when the distance between the mobile device and the household appliance approaches the first threshold.

[0037] It is important to note that the coupling described herein may, in one embodiment, include establishing a data connection at one or more layers, such as layers 1 to 7, in the ISO / OSI model. In another embodiment, the coupling may involve only the display of output or the transmission of input, provided that the established data connection is available. In other words, when the distance between the mobile device and the household appliance is greater than a distance predetermined by a second threshold, the established data connection between the household appliance and the mobile device may remain unchanged; however, in this case, the output of the mobile device may be suppressed or input may not be transmitted to the mobile device.

[0038] The processing device can be further configured to wirelessly couple another mobile device to the home appliance, providing output from the other mobile device via an output device and providing input from an input device to the other mobile device. Therefore, multiple mobile devices, particularly those configurable for different users, can be coupled to the home appliance simultaneously. The home appliance can support the simultaneous use of the functions of two mobile devices.

[0039] The processing device can, in particular, be configured to configure outputs to an output device and / or inputs to a mobile device. This configuration can be rule-based. Rules can take into account events, such as the current distance between the mobile device and a household appliance. The configuration or rules can be controlled by a user. Different users can propose different rules. In one embodiment, multiple functions of different mobile devices can be controlled simultaneously via a household appliance. In another embodiment, only one function can be controlled accordingly, wherein the function can be selected from multiple possible functions of the mobile device. Preferably, the mobile devices are data-technically separated from each other, so that the influence of one mobile device on another cannot be achieved through a household appliance.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, a system includes a plurality of household appliances, wherein processing devices for each household appliance are configured to determine the distance between the configured household appliance and the mobile device, wherein only the input to the mobile device is provided from the closest household appliance. Thus, a user can carry the mobile device with them, and functions operating on the mobile device are controlled by the corresponding household appliance closest to the user. The user interface for this function can be accessed from any device within the home, following the user. If coupling of household appliances with multiple mobile devices is supported, multiple users can simultaneously move around the home and comfortably and conveniently control functions individually configured for each user via the household appliances.

[0041] To determine which home appliance is closest to the mobile device, the appliances can be connected to each other using data technology. This can be done using wireless or wired variations. Home appliances can also be connected to each other via a central component, such as a router or server. Home appliances can connect to each other, particularly by means of Home Connect. In one implementation, home appliances can exchange corresponding determined distances to the mobile device. Home appliances can notify other home appliances when they want to control the functions of the mobile device or when they wish to output said control.

[0042] According to yet another aspect of the invention, another system includes a plurality of household appliances described herein, wherein processing devices of each household appliance are respectively configured to provide output from a mobile device via a configured output device. The output can be performed, for example, on all household appliances in the home or rooms of the home. In one embodiment, the output is performed on all of the household appliances, wherein the distance between the household appliances and the mobile device is below a predetermined threshold.

[0043] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a third method for controlling a household appliance includes the steps of: establishing a wireless coupling between the household appliance and a mobile device; detecting an input on an input device of the household appliance and providing the input to the mobile device; and detecting an output of the mobile device and providing the output by means of an output device of the household appliance.

[0044] The establishment and / or cancellation of wireless coupling, as well as the transmission of inputs and / or outputs between household appliances and mobile devices, can be related to other factors, as described herein, for example, with respect to household appliances and systems having at least one household appliance.

[0045] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a communication device for wireless communication of a household appliance is included; an output device; and a processing device. The processing device is configured to wirelessly couple a mobile device to the household appliance and to provide output from the mobile device on the output device based on a predetermined strategy.

[0046] Based on the strategy, it can be determined which outputs should appear on the output device and which should not. This can, for example, prevent the misuse of household appliances by unauthorized mobile devices. Furthermore, congestion of the output device can be prevented by the received content. For example, predetermined sections of the output device can be pre-defined for displaying parameters configured to control the functions of the household appliance. If the output device is a touch-sensitive screen (touchscreen), the operability of the functions can also be ensured. The household appliance can remain user-controllable regardless of the provision of received outputs. In another embodiment, controllability can be used to modify the strategy so that the content provided on the output device remains continuously controllable by the user.

[0047] The processing device is preferably configured to download or update policies from external stations. External stations may include, in particular, a central server or a service, such as one implemented in the cloud. External stations can be authenticated using encryption methods, thereby preventing the download of harmful policies. The processing device can be configured to couple other mobile devices, wherein the priority of output from the mobile devices can be determined based on the policies. In principle, any number of mobile devices can be coupled to a household appliance. The space available for displaying content on the optical output device is limited, thus the priority of outputs ensures that one or more outputs are displayed at an appropriate size, while other outputs may be displayed only partially or not at all.

[0048] In one implementation, output from the mobile device is provided if no output with higher priority is provided. In other words, only the output with the highest priority can be provided at any given time. Output with lower priority may not be displayed for an extended period until it itself is given the highest priority. Output can be removed from the output device, for example, with user confirmation.

[0049] In yet another implementation, the output of a mobile device that is given lower priority is overridden by an output that is given higher priority. This overriding can be particularly graphical. The output given higher priority can be provided, for example, in the form of a window, modal dialog box, or message that fades into the foreground.

[0050] The strategy can be defined based on predetermined data, where each piece of data can be pre-defined in the form of a list. For example, the strategy may include first data about a mobile device whose output is not permitted to be provided on an output device. This first data may also be referred to as a negative list, blacklist, or blacklist. The identification of mobile devices is typically determined when establishing coupling with household appliances and can be repeated during information transmission. Using the first data, mobile devices classified as malicious can, for example, be excluded from the output device.

[0051] The policy may include second data from a mobile device, the output of which is permitted to be provided on an output device. This second data may be in the form of a list, also known as a positive list, whitelist, or whitelist.

[0052] The strategy may include third-party data on the functionality of a mobile device, the output of which is permitted to be provided on an output device. In other words, the third-party data may include a positive list of functionality. The functionality of the mobile device may be provided by a program or application (“App”). A negative list of functionality for the mobile device may also be provided accordingly.

[0053] The strategy may include fourth data regarding the content that is permitted to be provided on the output device. Permitted content may, for example, involve text or graphics. Here, for example, range, size, resolution, color depth, or other content permitted to be provided on the output device may be determined. The fourth data may be a positive list of content in the form of a checklist. Correspondingly, a negative list of content that is not permitted to be provided on the output device may also be provided.

[0054] It is important to note that the strategy may include different data or lists. This data can be considered in a predetermined order. The data can be audited, particularly depending on the type of firewall used for the computer network, where data that can be used on received output can be optionally used directly without verifying other data. Suitable positive data can result in output being directly provided on the output device, while usable negative data can directly result in output rejection.

[0055] Just as the output of a mobile device can be transmitted to and provided to a home appliance, input from a home appliance can be transmitted to and processed there in a similar manner. In one implementation, input detected on the home appliance can also be subject to validation through a policy.

[0056] Home appliances may include input devices, wherein processing devices are configured to provide input on the input devices to mobile devices based on policies. In one embodiment, different policies are configured for inputs and outputs; in another embodiment, only one policy is defined for inputs and outputs. Denied inputs or outputs may be rejected, or the transmission of information related to the associated function or the associated mobile device may be interrupted.

[0057] Home appliances may also include storage devices for receiving input if the wireless connection or wireless coupling is temporarily interrupted. For example, the connection may be interrupted or interfered with when a person carrying a mobile device moves within the area of ​​the home appliance. The temporary interruption may be transparent to the home appliance and the mobile device, or the functions operating thereon. The wireless connection can only be cancelled if it is interrupted or interfered with for a predetermined duration. For example, the home appliance may free up space on the output device occupied by the output of the mobile device.

[0058] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a system includes the household appliance described herein and a mobile device, which are wirelessly coupled to each other. Input from the household appliance can be transmitted to and processed on the mobile device via coupling. Furthermore, output from the mobile device can be transmitted to the household appliance and provided to the user thereon. The household appliance can be implemented relatively simply as a "dumb terminal," which simply provides the user with the mobile device's output and the user's input to the mobile device. Because the functionality is implemented by the mobile device, the household appliance can handle the task with minimal processing power.

[0059] In one implementation, a first component for generating output is implemented on the mobile device, and a second component for providing output on the output device is implemented on the home appliance. The home appliance and mobile device are configured to re-establish a temporarily interrupted wireless coupling without affecting the functionality of the first or second component. In other words, the mobile device and home appliance can also maintain the wireless connection transparently in the event of temporary interference, without the read or write components on the home appliance or mobile device side being notified of only the temporary interruption or interference.

[0060] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a fourth method for providing an output of a mobile device on an output device of a household appliance wirelessly coupled to a mobile device includes the steps of: receiving the output of the mobile device; checking whether providing an output on the output device is permitted according to a predetermined strategy; and providing the output based on the check result.

[0061] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a fifth method for providing input from an input device of a household appliance wirelessly coupled to a mobile device to the mobile device includes the steps of: detecting input on the input device; verifying, according to a predetermined strategy, whether providing input to the mobile device is permitted; and providing input to the mobile device based on the verification result. The fourth and / or fifth methods may be implemented on the household appliance, respectively.

[0062] According to another aspect of the invention, a household appliance includes: a communication device for wireless communication; an output device; a device for determining a distance from a mobile device; and a processing device configured to wirelessly couple the mobile device to the household appliance and to provide an output of the mobile device on the output device according to the determined distance.

[0063] Users can carry mobile devices and move freely within the area of ​​the home appliance. The output of the mobile device on the home appliance can be provided in such a way that the perception of the output matches the user's distance from the appliance. Users can be better aware of the output and respond to it more effectively when needed. If the output includes, for example, information relating to the functions of the home appliance, the user can have better control over those functions.

[0064] The device for determining distance may include a dedicated sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, or a LiDAR sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the device for determining distance is integrated with a communication device. For example, the distance between a mobile device and a household appliance can be determined based on information already determined by a conventional communication device. This information can be generated or specifically determined, for example, when communicating via WLAN or Bluetooth.

[0065] Communication devices can be configured to determine distance based on the strength or interference-free nature of wireless signals received by mobile devices. The strength of the received signal, also known as RSS ("received signal strength"), allows for distance determination when the strength of the transmitted signal is known. Interference-free nature can be given as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The error rate when transmitting information between household appliances and mobile devices can also be considered in determining interference-free nature.

[0066] In one embodiment, the distance between the household appliance and the mobile device is determined using a technique known as a beacon. One of the household appliance and the mobile device transmits a wireless signal containing a message. The message may include information about the strength of the transmitted signal, the location of the transmitter, the identifier of the transmitter, or other data. This allows the distance to be determined within an area that may include up to approximately 20 meters. The shorter the distance, the more accurate the determination can be. The receiver can better determine its location relative to the beacon. The accuracy of the determined location can be less than approximately one meter.

[0067] The output device may include a display device, wherein the size, detail richness, or color selection of the output is controlled according to distance. The provided output may, for example, be matched to the display device's capabilities regarding the display size, orientation, or arrangement of individual pieces of information. If the display device is too small to fully display predetermined information at the desired size, the information may be provided sequentially, either as animated captions or in a predetermined order.

[0068] The output device may include a controllable sound source, wherein the volume of the output is controlled according to distance. This allows for the output of an audio data stream such that, for example, the audio data stream is always perceived as the same volume by the user, even if the user changes their position in space relative to household appliances.

[0069] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the mobile device includes a communication means for wireless coupling with a household appliance, wherein the mobile device is configured to transmit the output to be provided to the household appliance.

[0070] Mobile devices can be specifically configured to couple with household appliances according to predetermined criteria. These criteria can, for example, control which functions or applications should be configured for the predetermined household appliances, or which functions should be implemented by the household appliances. Predetermined communication pairs, i.e., communication between the household appliances and the mobile devices, can be established more easily. When the household appliances are within a predetermined distance, the functions configured for the household appliances can, for example, be automatically activated on the mobile devices.

[0071] The criteria can also control which household appliance the mobile device is coupled to. Specifically, the criteria can control that the mobile device is coupled only to a predetermined one of the plurality of household appliances. Coupling can, for example, be performed only with the nearest household appliance, i.e., the appliance having the smallest distance from the mobile device. This determination can be made on a predetermined group of household appliances, for example, those configured for a predetermined home.

[0072] Mobile devices can be configured to retrieve the criteria from the central station. Wired or wireless communication devices can be used. The central station can control or manage aspects of the configuration assigned to a user or household appliances.

[0073] The mobile device can be configured to: receive wireless signals from a household appliance, determine the distance between the mobile device and the household appliance based on the received signals, and transmit the distance to the household appliance. By determining the distance to the mobile device, available technologies can be readily used together. The household appliance or control device can be implemented, in particular, as a beacon, and the mobile device can easily determine its distance to the beacon.

[0074] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a system includes the household appliance described herein and the mobile device described herein. If the mobile device is configured to use guidelines, the system may further include a central station for providing guidelines for the mobile device.

[0075] Preferably, the mobile device is configured to determine its location based on received wireless signals and transmit that location to the household appliance; and the household appliance is configured to determine a distance based on its location and the location of the mobile device. The mobile device may determine its location based on one or more sensors, such as a satellite-supported radio navigation system or an inertial platform. The location may alternatively or additionally be determined by determining the distance to one or more beacons, one of which may include the household appliance.

[0076] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the sixth method includes the steps of: determining the distance between a household appliance and a mobile device; wirelessly coupling the household appliance and the mobile device; transmitting the output of the mobile device to the household appliance; and providing the output on the household appliance according to the determined distance.

[0077] Distance can be determined based on wireless communication signals transmitted between household appliances and mobile devices. These communication signals can include, in particular, WLAN or Bluetooth (BT or BTLE). The information transmitted via these communication signals supports distance determination.

[0078] The methods described herein can generally be combined or integrated with each other. A portion of one method may be combined with a portion of another method to form a single method. Combinations of multiple methods, either wholly or partially, are also possible. The method according to the invention can exist in the form of a computer program product having a program code medium and be implemented by means of a processing device, which in particular comprises or is designed to be a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller. The processing device may be included, in particular, by the household appliances or mobile devices described herein. In some cases, it is possible for the method to be distributed across different processing devices, which may be arranged in different devices, particularly household appliances and mobile devices.

[0079] The household appliances or systems described herein can also be combined or integrated with each other. The present invention can be implemented in different ways or in different aspects of the methods, apparatus, household appliances, mobile devices, or systems described herein. Advantages or features can be transferred or combined among the described subjects.

[0080] This invention is described with respect to multiple claims (methods, apparatus, household appliances, mobile devices, systems, computer program products, etc.). Unless otherwise specified, all features of the claims may be used similarly to all other claims. The apparatus, in particular, has corresponding components to implement the steps of the method. Within the claims, features can also be freely combined with each other to provide further embodiments not explicitly described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0081] Advantageous embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0082] Figure 1 The system is shown to include household appliances and mobile devices;

[0083] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the output to household appliances;

[0084] Figure 3 This illustrates an exemplary communication between a mobile device and a household appliance;

[0085] Figure 4 A first method for controlling household appliances is shown;

[0086] Figure 5 A second method for controlling household appliances is shown;

[0087] Figure 6 A third method for controlling household appliances is shown;

[0088] Figure 7 A fourth method for controlling household appliances is shown;

[0089] Figure 8 A fifth method for controlling household appliances is shown; and

[0090] Figure 9 A sixth method for controlling household appliances is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0091] Figure 1 A system 100 is shown, comprising at least one household appliance 105, a mobile device 110, and an optional central station 112. An exemplary first household appliance 105 is shown as an oven, and a second household appliance as a cooling appliance; however, other appliances, such as a stove, range hood, or blender, may also be used. The household appliance 105 may, in particular, include kitchen appliances configured to operate in the kitchen of a home. The household appliances 105 are preferably arranged close to each other, for example, in a shared home or a shared room, such as a kitchen.

[0092] Mobile device 110 preferably includes a smartphone, tablet, or fitness watch and is typically configured for a predetermined user 115 who carries mobile device 110 with them. Mobile device 110 may also include a smart speaker, such as an Amazon Echo Dot or Show type device. Predetermined functions may be provided on mobile device 110, particularly by a configured program or application. Exemplary functions include the management of recipe collection, acoustic or text communication with another distant user, or music output. These functions may be provided to user 115, particularly optically, acoustically, or tactilely, via local output devices on mobile device 110. Functions may also evaluate input from user 115 on local input devices of mobile device 110, such as input provided manually. Corresponding input and / or output devices may be provided on mobile device 110 for this purpose. Mobile device 110 may also be configured to evaluate additional input or environmental parameters, which may be indirectly controlled by user 115, such as position, acceleration, or ambient brightness.

[0093] Mobile device 110 is typically configured to connect to a wireless network, particularly a remote network such as the Internet. Mobile device 110 can also communicate with central station 112 via this connection. For this purpose, mobile device 110 may use, for example, WLAN or radio, such as 4G or 5G. Mobile device 110 preferably also includes a wireless communication device 120 configured to establish a wireless data connection with a local appliance, such as household appliance 105.

[0094] The household appliance 105 includes a control device 125, which is preferably configured to control the functions of the household appliance 105. In one embodiment, the control device 125 is configured to control multiple household appliances 105. The control device 125 may also be implemented independently and not as part of the household appliance 105. Communication between the control device 125 and the configured household appliances 105 is preferably wireless in this case, for example, by means of technologies known for home interconnection. Multiple control devices 125 may also be installed in the home, each configured to control at least one household appliance 105. The control devices 125 may also be interconnected with each other using data technology.

[0095] The control device 125 includes a processing device 130, an input device 135, an output device 140, and a wireless communication device 145. The input device 135 and the output device 140 are exemplarily integrated together as a touch-sensitive screen. Input from the user 115 can be provided through an area of ​​the input device 135, while an input-based optical prompt can be displayed in an area of ​​the output device 140. Thus, different inputs can be implemented in a contextual manner.

[0096] In another embodiment, control device 125 includes sensor 142, which is typically configured to scan household appliance 105 or its surrounding environment. Exemplary sensor 135 includes a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, switch, current or voltage sensor, brightness sensor, camera, or barcode reader. Sensor values ​​detected by means of sensor 142 can be used to control household appliance 105. Sensor values ​​may include, for example, information about the operating state, internal state, internal or external parameters, or input values ​​of household appliance 105. Sensor 142 may be implemented as a sensor module that allows control of the scanning process. For example, the measurement frequency or accuracy can be adjusted, or the measurement can be performed under predetermined conditions determined at the sensor module. The sensor module may provide the scanned values ​​unprocessed (“raw”) or processed (“processed”). Corresponding processing may include, for example, averaging over time, linearizing a characteristic curve, or mapping multiple parameters to a single parameter.

[0097] The proposed solution is to implement wireless coupling between the mobile device 110 and the home appliance 105. Input from the user 115 on the input device 135 of the home appliance 105 can then be transmitted to the mobile device 110 and used therefor for control functions. Similarly, the output of the functions running on the mobile device 110 can be transmitted to the home appliance 105 and provided to the user 115 via the output device 140. The input device 135 or sensor 142 or a corresponding sensor module can be provided as a local input device for the mobile device 110. The output device 140 can be provided as a local output device for the mobile device 110. Multiple simple or combined devices 135, 140, 142 of the home appliance 105 can also be provided as combined input / output devices on the mobile device 110.

[0098] In one implementation, input and output can be transmitted via a single data connection. In another implementation, a first data connection 150 may be configured to transmit the input, and a second data connection 155 may be configured to transmit the output. Data connections 150 and 155 may be independent of each other and use different protocols or technologies, or may be implemented as a single bidirectional connection.

[0099] The control device 125 can be implemented as a user interface (Ul) via the first data connection 150, which is configured to detect and provide input to the user 115. For example, WLAN or Bluetooth can be used as the protocol on which the data connection 150 is based.

[0100] The control device 125 can be implemented as an ULStreaming Server relative to the mobile device 110 via the second data connection 155, i.e., a device that receives output data streams and can send output data to the user 115. For example, Miracast or AirPlay can be used as the underlying protocol, which can itself be established based on WLAN or Bluetooth.

[0101] The distance between the household appliance 105 and the mobile device 110 can be determined based on data connections 150, one of which is one of the data connections. The communication device 145 can be configured to evaluate the distance to the mobile device based on transmission parameters, and optionally, the orientation of the mobile device 110. Signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, or error rate for distance determination can be used. If multiple antennas are available, the corresponding parameters for distance determination can be correlated. The distance can be determined by the control device 120 or by the mobile device 110. The distance determined by the mobile device 110 can be transmitted to the household appliance 105.

[0102] The mobile device 110 can also determine its geographic location, for example, based on the location determined by a receiver of a satellite-supported navigation system, an inertial system receiver, and / or its distance to one of the household appliances 105. The household appliance 105 can thus implement a beacon that provides its own location via wireless signals. This technology can be simply used, particularly based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE). The location of the mobile device 110 can then be determined based on the transmitted location and its distance to the household appliance 105, which can be determined based on the transmission parameters of the wireless signals. The determined location of the mobile device 110 can be transmitted to the household appliance 115, which can then determine its distance from the mobile device 110 based on its own location.

[0103] Processing device 130 is preferably configured to match the characteristics of output device 140 to the requirements of the received output of mobile device 110. For example, the orientation (portrait or landscape), color capability, graphics resolution, or size of the available display area of ​​output device 140 may be provided to mobile device 110 as characteristics. If mobile device 110 requires output that does not conform to the predetermined values, processing device 130 may transform the output accordingly. Display size or resolution may be converted to each other, for example, or the color palette may be reduced or otherwise occupied.

[0104] In some implementations, the display area on the output device 140 can be dynamically provided with functionality for the mobile device 110. In this case, the conversion can be performed transparently, or the modified characteristics of the output device 140 can be communicated to the mobile device 110.

[0105] In one embodiment, a storage device 160 is provided, which is connected to the processing device 130 of the control device 125. The storage device 160 is preferably configured to function as a cache and temporarily receive information that cannot be transmitted to the mobile device 110 due to interference in the data connection 150. Specifically, it can cache input detected on the input device 135 when needed until the data connection 150 is re-established. A corresponding storage device can be provided on the mobile device 110 side to cache output that cannot be transmitted to the household appliance 105 due to an interrupted data connection 155. A corresponding cache can be provided on the mobile device 110 side to store output that may not be transmitted until the data connection 155 is re-established.

[0106] Preferably, the household appliance 105 includes a first software component, and the mobile device 110 includes a second software component, the first and second software components exchanging inputs and / or outputs with each other. Here, the components may be constructed according to the functionality upon which the household appliance 105 or mobile device 110 is based, providing transmission via data connections 150, 155. If one of the data connections 150, 155 needs to be temporarily disconnected, for example because the appliance (device) 105, 110 is outside its maximum bridging range, because the antennas are poorly oriented relative to each other, or because an object, such as a person 115, is in the Fresnel zone of the antenna, the information to be transmitted can be stored in storage device 160 by the household appliance 105 and / or in the corresponding storage device by the mobile device 110. If the data connections 150, 155 become available again within a predetermined time, for example, approximately 10 seconds, approximately 5 seconds, or approximately 2 seconds, the stored content can be transmitted and the storage devices cleared. The software components will not be negatively affected by interrupted or interfered data connections 150 and 155. Therefore, it can be ensured, for example, that the continuous output of acoustic information provided by the mobile device from the household appliance 105 is maintained. If data connections 150 and 155 are interrupted or interfered with for a longer than predetermined period, both data connections 150 and 155 can be cancelled, or only the relevant data connections 150 and 155 can be cancelled. Re-establishment of data connections 150 and 155 may require new certification for appliances (devices) 105 and 110.

[0107] Output on the output device 140 of the household appliance 105 is preferably performed according to a determined distance from the mobile device. When the user 115 with the mobile device 110 moves away from the household appliance 105 where the output is being made, for example, an audio data stream with increased volume can be output. The optical display can be expanded with the increased distance.

[0108] Central station 112 is preferably configured to provide criteria to household appliance 105, which can control two functions. A possible first function is to configure household appliance 105, or a function running on that appliance, to a function running on mobile device 110. In other words, once communication is established with the predetermined household appliance 105, the configured application (“App”) can be launched on mobile device 110. Which application is used can be determined based on criteria and, if necessary, boundary conditions. Boundary conditions may relate to, for example, the functional state or capabilities of household appliance 105. The personal preferences of user 115 of mobile device 110 may also be considered. The criteria can be updated from central station 112 as needed, for example, because a new household appliance 105 is added to the same home, because a new user 115 belongs to the home, or because control device 125 is updated. Control device 125 may, for example, be replaced or updated via a software update.

[0109] A possible second function of the criteria is to select which of the plurality of household appliances 105 is coupled to the mobile device 110. Thus, for example, a first application can be pre-defined to communicate only with the household appliance 105 having a minimum distance from the mobile device 110. A second application can be limited to communication with the household appliance 110, which includes the acoustic output device 140. Other pre-defined or combined applications are also possible.

[0110] The criteria can also determine which output takes precedence over which other output. If, for example, multiple functions are active in the coupled mobile device 110, it can be predetermined which output takes precedence over which other output. Different messages or information can also be assigned different priorities. For example, a notification that cooking time has ended can take precedence over a video data stream output. This distinction can also be made when multiple mobile devices 110 can be coupled to or communicate with the household appliance 105. In a further embodiment, priorities between individual mobile devices 110 or between users 115 configured separately for each mobile device can also be considered.

[0111] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the output on the output device 140 of the control device 125 for a household appliance 105. A first display area 205 and a second display area 210 are shown here, wherein the first display area 205 is configured for controlling the household appliance 105, and the second display area 210 is configured for controlling an exemplary function of a coupled mobile device 110. The function is exemplarily employed as a recipe display. Similarly, an oven is exemplarily employed as the household appliance 105. In other embodiments, more than two display areas 205, 210 may be supported.

[0112] Figure 2a A first embodiment is shown, wherein display areas 205 and 210 are arranged side-by-side on the output device 140. The first display area 205 exemplarily displays a symbol for temperature (200°C), operating mode (air circulation), and current time (12:02). An operating element 215 is also displayed, by means of which the temperature can be adjusted up or down in the current state. The second display area 210 displays a graphical view 220 of the dish to be prepared using a recipe and multiple text areas 225, which may include descriptions or ingredient lists.

[0113] Figure 2b A second embodiment is shown, in which the second display area 210 initially occupies the entire surface of the output device 140, but is partially covered by the first display area 205. This achieves an additional spatial relationship that can be dynamically and fully utilized. Here, the output of the function is relative to... Figure 2a The implementation is expanded and arranged differently. The additional space can be used by a separate text area 225 for functionality or by additional operating elements 215, such as those for turning pages to the right or left. The output controlling the household appliance 105 is relative to... Figure 2a The implementation method has been reduced in size and scaled down. Operating element 215 and time are no longer available here, and temperature and operating mode are displayed in a smaller format.

[0114] In another embodiment, multiple mobile devices 110 (or users 115 respectively configured thereto) can be configured with display areas 205, 210. In one embodiment, display areas 205, 210 can be displayed according to index card markers. Only one of the display areas 205, 210 can be displayed at any given time, and the presence of the other display areas 205, 210 can be visible at the displayed index card markers. To display another display area 205, 210, a corresponding index card marker can be selected, thereby displaying the content configured for the corresponding index card marker on the output device 140.

[0115] The conditions under which functions are output on display areas 205 and 210 on output device 140, the size or location of display areas 205 and 210, or the arrangement of multiple display areas 205 and 210 on output device 140 can be determined by means of strategies, which may also be referred to as Policies.

[0116] Priorities can be established, for example, for user 115, function, mobile device 110, or display areas 205, 210. The parameters mentioned can also be prioritized based on a strategy, thereby determining, for example, whether a first function is ultimately allowed to access output device 140 before a second function, with the first function having a higher priority than the second function, although the mobile device 110 configured with the first function has a lower priority than the mobile device 110 configured with the second function. Priorities can also be determined or changed event-based. The priority of a function whose output is changed can, for example, be higher than that of a function whose output cannot be changed. When the output of a function is changed, the priority of that function can be temporarily increased. Preferably, priorities and strategies are designed such that the controllability of the household appliance 105 is always ensured and takes precedence in cases where the controllability of the mobile device 110's function is questioned.

[0117] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates communication between a mobile device 110 and a household appliance 105. The illustrated communication involves transmitting output from the mobile device 110 to the household appliance 105. However, input from the household appliance 105 can also be processed and transmitted to the mobile device 110 in a corresponding manner.

[0118] A first software component 305 is provided in the mobile device 110, which generates output. The output may include, for example, text or graphics. The software component 305 uses, for example, the communication layering concept proposed in the ISO-OSI model. The first software component 305 provides the output to a second software component 310, which is located on the mobile device 110 and can display the output on an output device 140.

[0119] However, the transmission of the output does not occur directly between components 305 and 310. Instead, the first software component 305 transmits the output to a first transmission layer 315 located below it, which in turn transmits the output to a second transmission layer 320 on the side of the household appliance 105. Transmission layers 315 and 320 may be configured, for example, for control, flow control, response, or retransmission in error conditions.

[0120] However, communication also occurs between transport layers 315 and 320 in a purely abstract sense. In practice, the first transport layer 315 transmits the data to be transmitted to the first physical layer 325, which then wirelessly transmits the data via data connection 155 to the second physical layer 330 of the household appliance 105. Physical layers 325 and 330 can, for example, convert bits into physical signals, such as current or frequency.

[0121] Although three layers 305, 315, 325 or 310, 320 and 330 are described herein as examples, more or fewer layers may be set as desired.

[0122] The proposed approach is to set a policy 335 on the home appliance 105 side. This policy, for example, is used based on the type of firewall control list to determine whether output received via data connection 155 should be output on output device 140. Policy 335 is exemplarily used on transport layer 320. Meta-information about mobile device 110, about first software component 305, about the user associated with mobile device 110, or about transmission parameters may exist at this layer, and this meta-information can be analyzed with respect to policy 335.

[0123] Figure 4 A flowchart is shown for a first method 400 for controlling a household appliance 105. The method 400 can be implemented distributed across the household appliance 105 and the mobile device 110.

[0124] In step 405, criteria can be determined, for example, by providing predetermined criteria, detecting input from user 115, or downloading criteria from central station 112.

[0125] In step 410, the mobile device 110 may be coupled to the household appliance 105 in a manner that is, for example, by establishing data connections 150, 155. In step 415, it may be determined which sensor 142 of the household appliance 105 will be activated. This determination may be made according to criteria, so that not every sensor 142 can be arbitrarily activated.

[0126] In step 420, mobile device 110 can form a virtual device configured to provide sensor values ​​from sensor 142 that is activated on household appliance 105. The virtual device can function for features or apps running on mobile device 110 as if the device were actually locally present on mobile device 110. In step 425, the virtual device can provide one or more functions of mobile device 110. The aforementioned guidelines should be observed for this purpose, so that not every function can obtain access to or information about sensor 142.

[0127] The function can be implemented in step 430. For this purpose, sensor 142 can be configured in step 435, and the sensor value of sensor 142 can be received via data connection 150, and if necessary, converted, filtered, or purified with respect to the criteria, and provided to the function.

[0128] Figure 5 A flowchart of a second method 500 for controlling a household appliance 105 is shown. In an exemplary selected embodiment, steps configured for a mobile device 110 are shown in the left region, and steps configured for a household appliance 105 are shown in the right region. The invention proposes that a data connection 155 from the mobile device 110 to the household appliance 105 already exists at the beginning of method 500, and the mobile device and the household appliance are coupled to each other. Coupling can be added at any point in method 500 if needed. The second method 500 can be combined, in particular, entirely or partially, with method 400.

[0129] In step 505, mobile device 110 may receive a message. In one embodiment, only notifications based on messages prepared at external station 112 are received. In step 510, a prompt or notification may be generated based on the message and transmitted to home appliance 105. In step 515, home appliance 105 may receive the prompt and provide it to user 115, for example, by means of output device 140. Optionally, home appliance 105 may control the output or display of the prompt with respect to predetermined criteria, which may be predetermined, downloaded from external station 112, or adjusted by user 115.

[0130] In a further embodiment of method 500, in step 520, input from user 115 may be detected, indicating that the user desires a message from the home appliance 105. Then, in step 525, the home appliance 105 may request the message from the mobile device 110. The mobile device 110 may receive the request in step 530 and transmit the message to the home appliance 105 in step 535. The mobile device 110 may control the message according to criteria. The message may be rejected, adjusted, or modified based on the criteria.

[0131] In step 540, the message can be provided to the user 115 via a household appliance 105, for example, by means of an output device 140. The household appliance 105 can also control the message in advance according to predetermined criteria.

[0132] Figure 6A flowchart of a third method 600 for controlling a household appliance 105 is shown. In step 605, the mobile device 105 may be detected in a predetermined area around the household appliance 105, or vice versa. This area can be predetermined by the effective range of the communication technology used. This step may be performed on either the household appliance 105 or the mobile device 110.

[0133] In step 610, a connection for inputting functions to the mobile device 110 can be established, for example, by coupling a household appliance 105 or control device 125 as an input device via Bluetooth connection 150. In step 615, a connection for outputting functions to the mobile device 110 can be established, for example, by coupling the control device 125 as a WLAN Streaming Server to the mobile device 110 via WLAN connection 155.

[0134] Data connections 150 and 155 conform to preferably established standards for remote output or input. Preferably, publicly documented standards are used, and these standards are further preferably designed to be largely unchanged or incompatiblely extended over a longer period. This period can cover the likely lifespan of the household appliance, for example, approximately 10–30 years. More preferably, a test is performed to determine that the household appliance 105 implements the selected standard in a predetermined version without error. Satisfaction with the test can be certified. Wireless data connections 150 and 155 can be separate and independent of each other, or data connections 150 and 155 can be used for both input and output.

[0135] In step 620, the distance between the household appliance 105 and the mobile device 110 can be determined, particularly based on the transmission parameters of one of the data connections 150, 155. In step 625, it can be determined whether the input and / or output of a function should be performed on the household appliance 105. For this purpose, confirmation from the user can be obtained, for example. It can be determined whether the determined distance is within a predetermined range where a transfer should be made. It can also be determined that the input or output of another user 115 happens to have higher priority, thus making a transfer for the existing user 115 unavailable. A transfer is also unavailable when the appliance status of the household appliance 105 requires direct and separate operation of the appliance via devices 135, 140, for example, due to identified overheating or other potential hazards. If a transfer should be made, the process can continue in method 600.

[0136] In step 630, input on the household appliance 105 can be detected. In step 635, if multiple mobile devices 110 can be coupled to the household appliance 105, the mobile device 110 configured for the input can be determined. In step 640, if multiple functions of the mobile device 110 can accept input from the household appliance 105, the functions configured for the mobile device 110 can be determined. In step 645, the determined input can be provided to the function.

[0137] In parallel, the output of the function of the mobile device 110 can be detected in step 650. In step 655, the output area configured for the function by the output device 140 can be determined. If no output area is currently configured for the function, the existing output area can be newly configured or a new output area can be formed for the function. In step 660, the output of the function can be provided on the configured output area.

[0138] Figure 7 A fourth method 700 for controlling a household appliance 105 is shown. The invention proposes that the household appliance 105 is coupled to a mobile device 110 via a wireless data connection 155.

[0139] In step 705, output from mobile device 110 may be received. This output may typically include user-related information, which may be provided by mobile device 110 if no coupling is present. With the aid of coupling, household appliance 105 or its included control device 125 may be used as a remote output device.

[0140] If no coupling exists between the household appliance 105 and the mobile device 110, the coupling can be established, allowing the use of data connections 150 and 155. The coupling can be cancelled, for example, when a predetermined distance between the household appliance 105 and the mobile device 110 is exceeded. In one embodiment, coupling occurs only when the distance is below a second threshold. The second threshold can be less than a first threshold, allowing the establishment and cancellation to proceed with a predetermined hysteresis. This prevents the establishment and cancellation of the coupling from skipping steps. In another embodiment, a hysteresis can be provided for transferring coupling from one household appliance 105 to another. In yet another embodiment, a control point can be predetermined, through which the mobile device 110 must pass before coupling with the household appliance 105 can be implemented. When the mobile device 110 passes another control point, the existing coupling with the configured household appliance 105 can be cancelled.

[0141] In step 710, strategy 335 can be applied to the received output. In particular, it can be verified whether the content of the output is allowed, the format of the output, or the metadata generated during the transmission of the output, and the provision of the output on the output device 140.

[0142] If it is determined that the output is not allowed, the output will be rejected in step 715. Additionally, data connection 155 may be interrupted or canceled. Inputs corresponding to the output will also be rejected.

[0143] Otherwise, if it is determined in step 710 that the output is permitted to be provided on the output device 140, the output can be output in step 720.

[0144] Figure 8 A fifth method 800 is shown, which can also be operated on a household appliance 105 coupled to a mobile device 110. The fifth method 800 can, in particular, be implemented in parallel or concurrently with one of the other methods described.

[0145] In step 805, input on the input device 135 of the household appliance 105 can be detected. In step 810, strategy 335 can be applied to the detected input. Here, the content and context of the input can be examined in particular. The input may specifically relate to the mobile device 110, software component 205, or a user associated with the mobile device 110.

[0146] If it is determined that the input is not allowed due to its aspect based on policy 335, the input will be rejected in step 815. Furthermore, the corresponding output will also be rejected as described above in conjunction with one of the other methods. The data connection 155 with the mobile device 110 will be canceled or interrupted. Otherwise, if it is determined in step 810 that the input is allowed, the input can be transmitted to the mobile device 110 in step 820.

[0147] Figure 9 A flowchart of a sixth method 900 is shown. The method 900 can be implemented distributed across different components, particularly household appliance 105 and mobile device 110. Exemplarily, steps typically configured for mobile device 110 are shown in the left area, and steps typically configured for household appliance 105 are shown in the right area.

[0148] In step 905, the household appliance 105 can transmit a wireless signal, particularly an electromagnetic signal, which can be received by the household appliance 105 in step 910. This step can also be performed in reverse, whereby the household appliance 105 transmits a signal, and the mobile device 110 receives that signal. The transmitting appliances 105 and 110 can transmit signals depending on the type of beacon, allowing the receiving appliances 105 and 110 to better determine their distance from the transmitter. The distance determination is also based on parameters of physical or bit transmission between the mobile device 110 and the household appliance 105.

[0149] In step 915, the mobile device 110 can identify the household appliance 105 and determine, according to criteria, whether the mobile device should communicate with the household appliance. The criteria can be predetermined or downloaded from an external site 112. If communication is required, the criteria can be used to determine which function or app is configured to communicate with the existing household appliance 105. The determined function or app can be activated or notified of the received information.

[0150] In step 920, coupling is performed on the mobile device 110 side with the household appliance 105, which is coupled in the corresponding step 925. This coupling may include the exchange of transmission parameters, authentication or verification of the communication pair. Following coupling, information can preferably be easily exchanged in both directions.

[0151] In step 930, the mobile device 110 can determine its distance from the household appliance 105. This determination may be based, in particular, on parameters based on communication, such as RSS or SNR. In another embodiment, the mobile device 110 may also determine its geographic location, which may or may not be related to communication parameters. In step 935, the determined distance and / or determined location may be transmitted to the household appliance 105.

[0152] In step 940, the household appliance 105 determines its distance from the mobile device 110. This can be based on a previously received distance determined on the mobile device 110 side. In one variation, the household appliance 105 can determine the distance with respect to its own location and the location of the mobile device 110, the location of which has previously been received from the mobile device 110. Alternatively, the household appliance 105 can determine the distance based on parameters that are communication-based, such as RSS or SNR, as described above. In another embodiment, a dedicated sensor setup is used to determine the distance. Multiple information sources can also be combined with each other to determine the distance.

[0153] In step 945, mobile device 105 can transmit the output to household appliance 105 via established data connections 150, 155. The household appliance can receive the output in step 950 and process it according to a determined distance. For example, the size, frequency, color, or orientation of the optical output can be determined based on the distance. The greater the distance, the clearer or more prominent the output can be. Sound output can be adjusted in volume or frequency spectrum based on distance. The processed output can then be output using output device 140.

[0154] The descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings are to be understood as purely illustrative and not limited thereto. Numerous changes can be made to the embodiments shown in the drawings without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein. The features of the embodiments can be freely combined with each other, thereby providing further embodiments optimized for their intended use.

[0155] List of reference numerals

[0156] 100 System

[0157] 105 Household Appliances

[0158] 110 Mobile Devices

[0159] 112 Central Station

[0160] 115 users

[0161] 120 Communication devices

[0162] 125 Control Device

[0163] 130 processing unit

[0164] 135 Input Device

[0165] 140 Output device

[0166] 142 sensors

[0167] 145 Wireless communication device

[0168] 150 First data connection (input)

[0169] 155 Second Data Connection (Output)

[0170] 160 storage devices

[0171] 205 First Display Area

[0172] 210 Second display area

[0173] 215 Operating elements

[0174] 220 Graphics Display

[0175] 225 Text Area

[0176] 305 First Software Component

[0177] 310 Second Software Component

[0178] 315 First Transport Layer

[0179] 320 Second Transport Layer

[0180] 325 First Physical Layer

[0181] 330 Second Physical Layer

[0182] 335 Strategy

[0183] 400 methods

[0184] 405 Determining Criteria

[0185] 410 Coupling mobile devices with household appliances

[0186] 415 Identify available sensors

[0187] 420 Forming a virtual device

[0188] 425 provides virtual devices

[0189] 430 Implementation Functions

[0190] 435 Configure the sensor and provide sensor values

[0191] 500 methods

[0192] 505 receives push notifications

[0193] 510 Generation and Transmission Prompt

[0194] 515 Receive and display prompts

[0195] 520 Confirm User Input

[0196] 525 Requirements

[0197] 530 Receiving Requirements

[0198] 535 Transmit Message

[0199] 540 provides content

[0200] 600 methods

[0201] 605 Detect Mobile Devices

[0202] 610 Establish a connection for input

[0203] 615 Establish a connection for output.

[0204] 620 Determine the distance

[0205] 625 Is the input / output local?

[0206] 630 Input Detection

[0207] 635 Determine the configured mobile device

[0208] 640 Determine the configured functions

[0209] 645 provides input

[0210] 650 detection output

[0211] 655 Determine the configured output area

[0212] 660 provides output

[0213] 700 methods

[0214] 705 Receive / Output

[0215] 710 Usage Strategy

[0216] 715 Refusal to output

[0217] 720 Output the above output

[0218] 800 methods

[0219] 805 Input Detection

[0220] 810 Usage Strategy

[0221] 815 Input Denied

[0222] 820 Transmission Input

[0223] 900 methods

[0224] 905 transmits / receives wireless signals

[0225] 910 transmits / receives wireless signals

[0226] 915 Inspection Standards, Launch App

[0227] 920 Coupling

[0228] 925 Coupling

[0229] 930 Determine location / distance

[0230] 935 Transmission Location / Distance

[0231] 940 Determine the distance

[0232] 945 Transmission Output

[0233] 950 provides output.

Claims

1. A method (400; 500), wherein, The method (400) comprises the following steps: - wirelessly coupling (410) a domestic appliance (105) with a mobile device (110); - providing (425) a sensor (142) of the domestic appliance (105) as a local device of the mobile device (110) for a function running on the mobile device (110), so that the sensor of the domestic appliance can be used by the function essentially as if the mobile device comprised the sensor, wherein the sensor scans an area of the domestic appliance and provides a sensor value, which is transmitted to the mobile device and provided to the function, characterized in that the function running on the mobile device (110) comprises a display of a recipe, the output to be provided is transmitted by the mobile device to the domestic appliance, the function running on the mobile device (110) and the function of the domestic appliance are made available to a user at the domestic appliance side by side with each other, wherein an input of the user on an input means of the domestic appliance (105) is transmitted to the mobile device (110) and used there for controlling the function running on the mobile device (110).

2. The method (400; 500) of claim 1, wherein The sensor (142) is provided according to predetermined criteria.

3. The method (400; 500) of claim 2, wherein The provision of the sensor (142) to the function can be controlled by a user (115) of the mobile device (110).

4. The method (400; 500) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The criteria are obtained from a central station (112).

5. The method (400; 500) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: The scanning criteria of the sensor (142) are controlled by the function.

6. The method (400; 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The mobile device (110) receives (505) a message; a hint about the received message is transmitted (510) by the mobile device (110) to the domestic appliance (105); and the domestic appliance (105) provides (515) the hint to a user (115).

7. The method (400; 500) of claim 6, wherein The transmission (510) is carried out according to predetermined criteria, wherein the criteria specify which message by which user at which domestic appliance should be hinted.

8. The method (400; 500) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein The transmitted content is adapted (510, 515) according to predetermined criteria, wherein the criteria specify that messages of a predetermined type, a determined data format or a predetermined sender of the hint are not transmitted.

9. The method (400; 500) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The coupling is carried out automatically if a hint is to be transmitted.

10. A domestic appliance (105), comprising: - a sensor (142); - an output means (140); - an input means (135); - a communication means (145) for wireless communication; - a processing means (130), which is set up for wirelessly coupling a mobile device (110) with the domestic appliance (105), - and which is set up for providing a sensor value detected by means of the sensor (142) to the mobile device (110), so that the sensor of the domestic appliance can be used by a function running on the mobile device (110) essentially as if the mobile device comprised the sensor, characterized in that the function running on the mobile device (110) comprises a display of a recipe, the output to be provided is transmitted by the mobile device to the domestic appliance, the function running on the mobile device (110) and the function of the domestic appliance are made available to a user at the domestic appliance side by side with each other, wherein an input of the user on an input means of the domestic appliance (105) is transmitted to the mobile device (110) and used there for controlling the function running on the mobile device (110). The communication means (145) are provided for receiving the provided output from the mobile device (110), The output means (140) are partitioned, such that functions running on the mobile device (110) and functions of the domestic appliance are used by a user (115) at the domestic appliance side by side, wherein functions running on the mobile device (110) comprise the display of a recipe; The sensor (142) is provided for scanning a region of the domestic appliance and providing sensor values, which are transmitted to the mobile device (110) and provided to the functions, wherein inputs of the user on input means of the domestic appliance (105) are transmitted to the mobile device (110) and used there for controlling functions running on the mobile device (110).

11. A mobile device (110), comprising: - communication means (120) for wireless communication; - processing means, which are provided for wirelessly coupling the mobile device (110) with a domestic appliance (105) having a sensor (142), - and which are provided for providing the sensor (142) as a local device to functions running on the mobile device (110), such that the sensor of the domestic appliance can be used by the functions essentially as if the mobile device comprises the sensor, wherein functions running on the mobile device (110) comprise the display of a recipe, characterized in that The communication means (120) are provided for transmitting the provided output from the mobile device to the domestic appliance, such that functions running on the mobile device (110) and functions of the domestic appliance can be used by a user at the domestic appliance side by side, The communication means (120) are provided for receiving sensor values and providing the functions, wherein the sensor values are scanned by the sensor in a region of the domestic appliance and provided, wherein inputs of the user on input means of the domestic appliance (105) are transmitted to the mobile device (110) and used there for controlling functions running on the mobile device (110).

12. A system (100), comprising a domestic appliance (105) according to claim 10 and a mobile device (110) according to claim 11.

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