Household appliance

Abstract

A household appliance (100) comprises: a display device (110) operable to display first content comprising one or more content items; a controller (310); and a sensor arrangement (120) configured to generate sensor data indicative of a position of the user relative to the household appliance. The sensor data is received from the sensor equipment (120). Second content displayed by the display device (110) is determined based on the position of the user relative to the household appliance (100) indicated by the sensor data. Determining the second content includes adding a content item to and / or removing a content item from one or more content items of the first content. And causing the display device to display the second content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a household appliance. In particular, but not exclusively, this disclosure relates to measures for operating the household appliance, including devices, systems, methods, and computer programs. Background Technology

[0002] Household appliances (also known as home appliances or household appliances) are used to perform household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and food storage. Examples of such household appliances include ovens, refrigerators, freezers, cooktops, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, air conditioning units, and vacuum cleaners.

[0003] These home appliances can be monitored by the user via their display devices (e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCDs)). The display devices can show various information related to the operation of the home appliance for the user to understand, such as timer values, the current operating procedures, or operating settings. Additionally, some home appliances can be monitored remotely. For example, the home appliance can be equipped with a communication unit, such as a Wi-Fi transceiver. This allows monitoring of the appliance based on data transmitted via a wireless communication network. The user can then monitor the home appliance using a personal device (such as a mobile phone or smartwatch). The home appliance can communicate with the personal device via a server.

[0004] It is desired to provide an improved household appliance and / or an improved method of operating the household appliance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a household appliance is provided, the household appliance comprising: a display device operable to display first content including one or more content items; a sensor device configured to generate sensor data indicating the position of a user relative to the household appliance; and a controller configured to: receive the sensor data from the sensor device; determine second content to be displayed by the display device based on the position of the user relative to the household appliance indicated by the sensor data, wherein determining the second content includes adding content items to one or more content items of the first content and / or removing content items from one or more content items of the first content; and causing the display device to display the second content.

[0006] In one embodiment, sensor data indicates a change in the user's position relative to a household appliance, and the controller is configured to determine a second content in response to receiving sensor data indicating a change in the user's position relative to a household appliance.

[0007] In one embodiment, sensor data indicates that the user is located at a distance greater than a predetermined threshold from the household appliance, and determining the second content includes removing content items from one or more content items of the first content.

[0008] In one embodiment, sensor data indicates that the user is located at a distance less than a predetermined threshold from the household appliance, and the second content is determined to include one or more content items to be added to the first content.

[0009] In one embodiment, determining the second content includes removing a first content item from one or more content items of the first content and adding a different second content item to one or more content items of the first content.

[0010] In an embodiment, each of one or more content items of the first content includes at least a portion of the following: words, graphics, phrases, numbers, letters, and / or alphanumeric characters. In an embodiment, the first content includes one or more alphanumeric characters, and determining the second content includes removing one or more alphanumeric characters from the first content and adding graphics to the first content.

[0011] In one embodiment, the display device is operable to display first content according to a first value of display parameters, and the controller is configured to cause the display device to display second content according to different second values ​​of the display parameters. In another embodiment, the display parameters include the height, width, and / or spacing of the displayed content.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second content consists of multiple content items, and the controller is configured to cause the display device to display multiple content items of the second content simultaneously.

[0013] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to determine the second content based on the operating state of the household appliance.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sensor device includes a proximity sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor device includes an infrared sensor.

[0015] In one embodiment, the sensor apparatus is configured to sense the proximity of the user equipment by receiving wireless signals from the user equipment. In another embodiment, the controller is configured to determine the user's position relative to the household appliance based on the sensed proximity of the user equipment.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a household appliance is provided, comprising: a display device operable to display first content including one or more content items; and a controller configured to: receive sensor data from a sensor apparatus indicating the position of a user relative to the household appliance; determine second content to be displayed by the display device based on the position of the user relative to the household appliance indicated by the sensor data, wherein determining the second content includes adding content items to one or more content items of the first content and / or removing content items from one or more content items of the first content; and causing the display device to display the second content.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system is provided, comprising: a household appliance; a display device operable to display first content including one or more content items; a sensor apparatus configured to generate sensor data indicating the position of a user relative to the household appliance; and a controller configured to: receive the sensor data from the sensor apparatus; determine second content to be displayed by the display device based on the position of the user relative to the household appliance indicated by the sensor data, wherein determining the second content includes adding content items to one or more content items of the first content and / or removing content items from one or more content items of the first content; and causing the display device to display the second content.

[0018] In an embodiment, the household appliance includes one or more of the following: the display device, the sensor assembly, and the controller.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method of operating a household appliance is provided, the appliance including a display device operable to display first content comprising one or more content items, the method comprising: receiving sensor data from a sensor apparatus indicating a user's position relative to the household appliance; determining second content to be displayed by the display device based on the user's position relative to the household appliance indicated by the sensor data, wherein determining the second content includes adding content items to and / or removing content items from one or more content items of the first content; and causing the display device to display the second content.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program including an instruction set is provided that, when executed by a computerized device, causes the computerized device to perform a method of operating a household appliance, the household appliance including a display device operable to display first content comprising one or more content items, the method comprising: receiving sensor data from a sensor apparatus indicating a user's position relative to the household appliance; determining second content to be displayed by the display device based on the user's position relative to the household appliance indicated by the sensor data, wherein determining the second content includes adding content items to and / or removing content items from one or more content items of the first content; and causing the display device to display the second content.

[0021] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a household appliance is provided, comprising: a communication unit operable to transmit signals via a network to monitor the household appliance via a user output interface of a user equipment; a sensor device configured to generate sensor data indicating the position of a user relative to the household appliance; and a controller configured to: receive the sensor data from the sensor device; and cause the communication unit to transmit signals via the network, the signals operable to trigger control of output to the user output interface based on the position of the user relative to the household appliance indicated by the sensor data.

[0022] In one embodiment, the household appliance includes a display device operable to display content for a user to view, and sensor data indicating that the user cannot view and / or cannot understand the content displayed via the display device.

[0023] In one embodiment, sensor data indicates that the user is located at a distance greater than a predetermined threshold from the household appliance.

[0024] In one embodiment, sensor data indicates that an obstacle is located between the user and the household appliance.

[0025] In one embodiment, sensor data indicates that the user is located at a distance less than a predetermined threshold from the household appliance.

[0026] In an embodiment, the signal is operable to cause the user output interface of the user equipment to provide a predetermined output.

[0027] In one embodiment, the signal is operable to cause the user output interface of the user equipment to stop providing a predetermined output.

[0028] In one embodiment, the predetermined output is associated with monitoring household appliances via a user output interface.

[0029] In this embodiment, the system is designed to output instructions on the operation of household appliances.

[0030] In this embodiment, the operation information includes one or more of the following: the status of the household appliance, one or more operating parameters of the household appliance, the operating procedure of the household appliance, one or more settings of the household appliance, and the value of the timer of the household appliance.

[0031] In this embodiment, the predetermined output depends on the operating state of the household appliance.

[0032] In one embodiment, the user output interface includes a display device operable to display content, and signals operable to control the content displayed by the display device.

[0033] In one embodiment, the communication unit includes a wireless communication unit operable to transmit signals via a wireless communication network.

[0034] In this embodiment, the communication unit is configured to transmit signals to the server.

[0035] In one embodiment, the sensor device includes a proximity sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor device includes an infrared sensor.

[0036] In one embodiment, the sensor apparatus is configured to sense the proximity of the user equipment based on wireless signals received from the user equipment.

[0037] In one embodiment, sensor data indicates the presence or absence of a user device within a predefined area of ​​the home appliance's environment. In another embodiment, a signal is operable to trigger control of the output of a user output interface in response to sensor data indicating the absence of a user device within the predefined area.

[0038] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a household appliance is provided, comprising: a communication unit operable to transmit signals via a network to monitor the household appliance via a user output interface of a user device; and a controller configured to: receive sensor data from a sensor device indicating the position of a user relative to the household appliance; and cause the communication unit to transmit signals via the network operable to trigger control of an output to the user output interface based on the position of the user relative to the household appliance indicated by the sensor data.

[0039] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system is provided that includes a household appliance according to any of the foregoing aspects. The system further includes a user equipment that includes a user output interface. The user equipment is configured to: receive a signal generated based on a sensed position of a user relative to the household appliance; and, in response to receiving the signal, control the output of the user output interface.

[0040] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system is provided, comprising: a household appliance; a communication unit operable to transmit signals via a network to monitor the household appliance via a user output interface of a user equipment; a sensor device configured to generate sensor data indicating the position of a user relative to the household appliance; and a controller configured to: receive the sensor data from the sensor device; and cause the communication unit to transmit signals via the network, the signals operable to trigger control of output to the user output interface based on the position of the user relative to the household appliance indicated by the sensor data.

[0041] In an embodiment, the household appliance includes one or more of the following: the communication unit, the sensor equipment, and the controller.

[0042] In one embodiment, the system includes additional household appliances, which include sensor equipment and / or controllers.

[0043] In one embodiment, the system includes a server configured to receive signals and control the output of a user output interface based on the user's position relative to the household appliance.

[0044] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for operating a household appliance is provided, the appliance including a communication unit operable to transmit signals via a network to monitor the household appliance via a user output interface of a user device, the method comprising: receiving sensor data from a sensor device indicating the position of a user relative to the household appliance; and causing the communication unit to transmit signals via the network operable to trigger control of an output to the user output interface based on the position of the user relative to the household appliance indicated by the sensors.

[0045] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program including an instruction set is provided that, when executed by a computerized device, causes the computerized device to perform a method of operating a household appliance, the household appliance including a communication unit operable to transmit signals via a network to monitor the household appliance via a user output interface of a user device, the method comprising: receiving sensor data from a sensor device indicating the position of a user relative to the household appliance; and causing the communication unit to transmit signals via the network operable to trigger control of an output to the user output interface based on the position of the user relative to the household appliance indicated by the sensor data.

[0046] It should be understood, of course, that features described with respect to one aspect of the invention can be incorporated into other aspects of the invention. For example, the method of the invention can be combined with any features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a household appliance according to an embodiment;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a system including household appliances according to an embodiment;

[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a household appliance according to an embodiment;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for operating a household appliance according to an embodiment;

[0052] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for operating a household appliance according to an embodiment;

[0053] Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of a display device operating in a first state according to an embodiment;

[0054] Figure 6b This is a schematic diagram of a display device operating in a second state according to an embodiment; and

[0055] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a household appliance according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Figure 1 A perspective view of a household appliance according to an embodiment is shown. Household appliance 100 and / or its components can be used to implement the methods described herein. Household (or “home”) appliances can be configured to perform one or more household tasks or functions, such as cooking, cleaning, or food storage. Thus, household appliance 100 may include cooking appliances, cleaning appliances, food storage appliances, etc. Figure 1 In the example shown, household appliance 100 includes an oven. Other examples of household appliances (which can be used to implement the methods described herein) include, but are not limited to, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning appliances, heating appliances, washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, cooktops, microwave ovens, and toasters.

[0057] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the household appliance 100 includes a door 140. Opening the door 140 allows access to an internal cavity (not shown) of the household appliance 100. The door 140 can be opened and closed using an opening mechanism 145 (e.g., a handle). In alternative embodiments, such as when the household appliance 100 includes a cooktop or air conditioning unit, the household appliance 100 does not include a door or opening mechanism.

[0058] Household appliance 100 includes a display device 110. The display device 110 is an example of a user output device. The display device 110 is operable to provide output to a user, for example, in the form of one or more displayed content items, as described below. In an embodiment, the display device 110 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, such as a thin-film transistor LCD (TFT LCD). In an alternative embodiment, household appliance 100 does not include a display device 110. In embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to the display device 110, household appliance 100 includes other user output devices, such as speakers, haptic output devices, etc.

[0059] The household appliance 100 includes a sensor assembly 120. The sensor assembly 120 is configured to generate sensor data indicating the position of a user relative to the household appliance 100. The sensor assembly 120 includes one or more sensors. In an embodiment, the sensor assembly 120 includes one or more image sensors. For example, the sensor assembly 120 may include or be composed of a camera. In an embodiment, the sensor assembly 120 includes a proximity sensor. For example, the sensor assembly 120 may include an infrared (IR) sensor configured to sense the proximity of the user to the household appliance 100. In an embodiment, the sensor assembly 120 includes a microphone.

[0060] In one embodiment, sensor assembly 120 includes a Bluetooth sensor or other sensors based on detecting short-range wireless communication signals. Sensor assembly 120 may be configured to sense the proximity of a user device by receiving wireless signals from the user device, for example, via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals. This sensed proximity of the user device can be used to infer the user's position relative to the household appliance 100. In one embodiment, sensor assembly 120 includes a door sensor configured to sense the opening and / or closing of a door 140. Similarly, sensor assembly 120 may be configured to sense control of one or more components of the household appliance 100 through user interaction with the appliance. For example, sensor assembly 120 may be configured to sense user control of a timer or heating element of the appliance 100. This sensed action can be used to infer the user's position relative to the appliance 100, for example, the user being close to and in front of the appliance 100. In one embodiment, sensor assembly 120 includes one or more processors. In another embodiment, sensor assembly 120 includes multiple sensors. In one embodiment, the data generated by the sensor assembly 120 can be combined with data from one or more sensors in another household appliance (not shown). This allows for a more accurate determination of the user's location based on signals from more than one sensor and / or from sensors in more than one appliance.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the household appliance 100 does not include sensor equipment 120. For example, sensor equipment 120 may be included in another household appliance (not shown) or other device. In this embodiment, the household appliance 100 may receive sensor data from sensor equipment 120 (e.g., from another household appliance). For example, this data may be received wirelessly. Alternatively, the household appliance 100 may receive instructions from another household appliance or server to cause its display device to display content. These instructions may have already been generated in the controller of the other household appliance or server (as applicable).

[0062] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of system 200 according to an embodiment. System 200 includes the above-referenced... Figure 1 The described household appliance 100 is operable to send and receive data via a communication network 210, which may include one or more different communication networks. The communication network 210 may include, for example, a wireless communication network (such as a wireless local area network (WLAN)) and one or more other networks (such as the Internet). The communication network may additionally or alternatively include a wireless personal area network (WPAN), such as a Bluetooth network. Specifically, the communication network may include a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network.

[0063] exist Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the household appliance 100 includes a communication unit 205. In this embodiment, the communication unit 205 includes a wireless communication unit, such as a wireless transceiver. The transceiver may include a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising both a transmitter and a receiver, or the transceiver may include separate transmitter and receiver PCBs. The household appliance 100 can transmit and / or receive data via a communication network 210 using the communication unit 205. That is, the household appliance 100 may be able to transmit data, receive data, or both. In this embodiment, the household appliance 100 can be monitored based on monitoring data transmitted via the communication unit 205.

[0064] In one embodiment, communication unit 205 includes a Wi-Fi unit operable to send data for remote monitoring of home appliance 100 to a server via the Internet. For example, communication unit 205 may be configured to communicate with a gateway (e.g., a Wi-Fi router). As described above, network 210 may include the Internet and / or a home network. In another embodiment, communication unit may alternatively or additionally include a short-range wireless communication unit, such as a BLE communication unit. In this embodiment, the appliance may be operable to communicate directly with a user device via a WPAN using the short-range communication unit. In embodiments where sensor equipment 120 includes a BLE sensor, the sensor equipment may then be provided by short-range communication unit 205. In an alternative embodiment, home appliance 100 includes a communication unit not configured to perform wireless communication. For example, such a communication unit may be configured to allow monitoring of home appliance 100 via an Ethernet connection or other wired communication mechanism. The methods described herein may also be implemented using such a communication unit.

[0065] System 200 also includes a server 220. Server 220 is located remotely from the household appliance 100. Server 220 is operable to send and / or receive data via communication network 210. Thus, server 220 is operable to receive monitoring data from household appliance 100 to monitor household appliance 100. Additionally or alternatively, server 220 may be operable to send remote control data to household appliance 100 to remotely control household appliance 100.

[0066] In one embodiment, system 200 further includes user equipment 230. User equipment 230 may be located remotely from household appliance 100. User equipment 230 may be referred to as a user's "personal device." User equipment 230 may include a mobile phone, personal computer, smartwatch, tablet computer, etc. User equipment 230 is operable to send and / or receive data via communication network 210. For example, user equipment 230 may be operable to receive data from server 220 and / or directly or indirectly from household appliance 100. In one embodiment, user equipment 230 may be used to monitor (e.g., remotely monitor) household appliance 100.

[0067] User equipment 230 includes a user output interface 235. The user output interface 235 is operable to provide output to a user. For example, the user output interface 235 may include a display device configured to provide visual output to a user, a speaker configured to provide audio output to a user, etc.

[0068] In an embodiment, when monitoring household appliance 100 via user equipment 230, communication unit 205 is operable to send messages to server 220 via communication network 210 to monitor household appliance 100. These messages indicate operational information of household appliance 100. Operational information may include, for example, the status of household appliance 100, one or more operating parameters of household appliance 100, operating procedures of household appliance 100, values ​​of timers associated with household appliance 100, etc. In response to receiving these messages, server 220 is configured to send data indicating operational information of household appliance 100 to user equipment 230. User equipment 230 can then provide output based on the operational information via user output interface 235. For example, user equipment 230 can display the operational information on its visual display. This allows a user to monitor household appliance 100 via user equipment 230, which may (in some embodiments, in some cases and / or during some time periods) be located away from household appliance 100.

[0069] In this embodiment, the household appliance 100 is configured to communicate directly with the user equipment 230, and additionally or alternatively via the server 220. For example, the household appliance may be configured to communicate with the user equipment 230 via Bluetooth. Alternatively, the household appliance may communicate directly with the user equipment using WLAN or WPAN technology, and may also communicate with the server via WLAN technology and the Internet, and indirectly with the user equipment.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment, the home appliance 100 is monitored directly, i.e., without using the user equipment 230 or the server 220. For example, the home appliance 100 may include a display device (such as those referenced above). Figure 1In the case of the described display device 110, the user can monitor the home appliance 100 via the display device 110, either in place of the user output interface 235 of the user equipment 230 or in addition to that user output interface. Thus, in some embodiments, the server 220, user equipment 230, communication network 210, and / or communication unit 205 of the home appliance 100 can be omitted. In some embodiments, the home appliance 100 can be monitored directly and indirectly using the user equipment 230.

[0071] In one embodiment, server 220 includes a controller (not shown) capable of controlling household appliance 100 and / or user equipment 230. For example, the controller of server 220 may be configured to control user output interface 235 of user equipment 230, enabling monitoring of household appliance 100 via user equipment 230.

[0072] In one embodiment, system 200 includes additional household appliances (not shown). These additional appliances may be configured to communicate with appliance 100 via network 210. This communication may be provided via server 220, or it may be performed directly, without server 220. Appliance 100 and the additional appliances may include different types of appliances. For example, appliance 100 may include an oven, and the additional appliances may include a stove. In one embodiment, the additional appliances include a controller (not shown) operable to control appliance 100. In another embodiment, appliance 100 is configured to control the additional appliances. In an alternative embodiment, system 200 does not include the additional appliances.

[0073] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of a household appliance 100 according to an embodiment.

[0074] Household appliance 100 includes a controller 310. According to embodiments, the controller 310 is operable to perform various data processing and / or control functions, as will be described in more detail below. The controller 310 may include one or more components. These components may be implemented in hardware and / or software. These components may be located in the same location within the household appliance 100 or may be located remotely from each other. The controller 310 may be embodied as one or more software functions and / or hardware modules. In embodiments, the controller 310 includes one or more processors configured to process instructions and / or data. Operations performed by the one or more processors may be performed by hardware and / or software. The controller 310 may be configured to implement the methods described herein. In embodiments, the controller 310 is operable to output control signals for controlling one or more components of the household appliance 100. In embodiments, the controller 310 is operable to receive signals from one or more components of the household appliance 100 and control one or more components of the household appliance 100 based on these received signals.

[0075] Household appliance 100 also includes sensor equipment 120, as referenced above. Figure 1 As described, sensor equipment 120 is configured to generate sensor data indicating the position of a user relative to household appliance 100. In an embodiment, sensor equipment 120 is configured to output sensor data to controller 310, enabling controller 310 to control household appliance 100 based on the sensor data. Thus, controller 310 is operable to receive sensor data (e.g., signals including sensor data) from sensor equipment 120. In an embodiment, controller 310 is operable to control sensor equipment 120, for example, via one or more control signals generated by controller 310. In addition to sensor equipment 120, household appliance 100 may also include one or more other sensors. For example, one or more other sensors may be arranged to sense the performance and / or operation of household appliance 100.

[0076] In one embodiment, the household appliance 100 includes a communication unit 205, as referenced above. Figure 2 As described, controller 310 is operable to control communication unit 205. Specifically, controller 310 is operable to cause communication unit 205 to transmit signals via a network. For example, controller 310 may be operable to send signals to communication unit 205 to enable remote monitoring of household appliance 100.

[0077] In one embodiment, the household appliance 100 includes a display device 110, as referenced above. Figure 1As described, controller 310 is operable to control display device 110, for example, to cause display device 110 to display output to a user. In embodiments, controller 310 is operable to control the content displayed by display device 110. For example, controller 310 may be operable to cause display device 110 to display or not display predetermined content, and / or adjust the content displayed by display device 110.

[0078] In one embodiment, the household appliance 100 includes a door 140, as referenced above. Figure 1 As described. In an embodiment, controller 310 is operable to receive signals generated in response to a user opening and / or closing door 120 (e.g., such operation is sensed by sensor equipment 120). Controller 310 may be operable to control household appliance 100 in response to receiving such signals.

[0079] In one embodiment, the household appliance 100 includes a heating element 330. The heating element 330 may be operable, for example, to convert electrical energy into heat. The heating element 330 may be controlled by a user of the household appliance, for example, by activating the heating element 330 and / or setting a desired operating temperature for the household appliance 100. In one embodiment, a controller 310 is operable to receive a signal generated in response to a user attempting to control the heating element 330 (e.g., by sensing such an operation via sensor equipment 120). The controller 310 may be operable to control the household appliance 100 in response to receiving such a signal. In one embodiment, the controller 310 is operable to control the heating element. For example, the controller 310 may be operable to apply energy (e.g., electrical energy) to the heating element 330, for example, via one or more control signals generated by the controller 310.

[0080] In one embodiment, the household appliance 100 includes a timer 340. The timer 340 can be controlled by a user of the household appliance 100, for example, to set a desired time after which an alarm can be sounded and / or operation of the household appliance 100 can be started or stopped. In one embodiment, a controller 310 is operable to receive a signal generated in response to a user attempting to control the timer 340 (e.g., by sensing such operation via sensor equipment 120). The controller 310 is operable to control the household appliance 100 in response to receiving such a signal. In one embodiment, the controller 310 is operable to control the timer 340.

[0081] The household appliance 100 also includes a memory 360. According to an embodiment, the memory 360 is operable to store various types of data. The memory may include at least one volatile memory, at least one non-volatile memory, and / or at least one data storage unit. The volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or data storage unit may be configured to store computer-readable information and / or instructions for use / execution by the controller 310.

[0082] In alternative embodiments, the household appliance 100 may include more, fewer, and / or different components. In particular, in some embodiments, Figure 1 , Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 At least some of the components of the illustrated household appliance 100 may be omitted (e.g., may not be necessary). For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the following may be omitted: display device 110, sensor assembly 120, door 140, door opening mechanism 145, communication unit 205, heating element 330, timer 340, and memory 360. In some embodiments, the household appliance 100 does not include a controller 310. For example, the controller 310 may be included in another entity (e.g., a server or another household appliance) capable of communicating with and controlling the household appliance 100. In addition to or in place of the heating element, the household appliance 100 may also include other components for implementing the functions of the household appliance 100, such as one or more of the following: pump arrangement, drum drive arrangement, heat pump arrangement, condenser, compressor, fan, and / or ionizer.

[0083] Figure 4 A method 400 for operating a household appliance according to an embodiment is shown. Method 400 can be used to operate the appliance described above. Figures 1 to 3 The described household appliance 100 includes a display device 110. The display device 110 is operable to display first content including one or more content items. The household appliance 100 includes a sensor assembly 120. The sensor assembly 120 is configured to generate sensor data indicating the position of a user relative to the household appliance 100. In an embodiment, method 400 is performed at least in part by a controller 310. That is, the controller 310 is configured to perform at least some of the steps of method 400.

[0084] In step 410, sensor data is received from sensor equipment 120. The sensor data indicates the user's position relative to household appliance 100.

[0085] In step 420, a second content to be displayed by the display device 110 is determined based on the user's position relative to the household appliance 100, as indicated by sensor data. Determining the second content includes adding content items to one or more content items of the first content and / or removing content items from one or more content items of the first content.

[0086] In step 430, the display device 110 displays the second content.

[0087] In this way, the content displayed by the display device 110 of the household appliance 100 depends on the user's position relative to the household appliance 100. This enhances the functionality and / or versatility of the household appliance 100 and provides an improved user experience. In particular, content can be provided to the user that is appropriate for (and customized for) the user's position relative to the household appliance 100.

[0088] It should be understood that displaying the second content instead of the first content on the display device 110 is different from simply changing the display of the content, such as by changing the size of the content or the spacing between content items. Instead, the second content includes more, fewer, or different content items compared to the first content. In some embodiments, optionally, the display device 110 may also change the size and / or spacing of the displayed content based on the user's position relative to the household appliance 100. However, in other embodiments, the first content and the second content will be displayed at the same size and / or spacing.

[0089] In some embodiments, sensor data indicates a change in the user's position relative to the household appliance 100. In some such embodiments, second content is determined in response to receiving sensor data indicating a change in the user's position relative to the household appliance 100. That is, the display device 110 may transition from a first state displaying first content to a second state displaying second content based on a sensed change in the user's position relative to the household appliance 100. For example, the sensor data may indicate that the user has moved from a first position relatively close to the household appliance 100 to a second position relatively far from the household appliance 100, or vice versa. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor data may indicate that the user has moved from a position where the display device 110 is easily visible to the user to a position where the display device 110 is not easily visible to the user. In alternative embodiments, although the display device 110 is capable of displaying the first content, the display device 110 may not display the first content.

[0090] In one embodiment, sensor data indicates that the user is located at a distance greater than a predetermined threshold distance from the household appliance 100. In some such embodiments, determining the second content includes removing content items from one or more content items of the first content. For example, the predetermined threshold distance could be 1 meter. As other examples, depending on the circumstances, the predetermined threshold distance could be 2 meters, 3 meters, 4 meters, 5 meters, or other suitable distances. Content items removed from the first content may be those determined to be less important and / or less easily seen and / or understood compared to other unremoved content items of the first content. Therefore, when it is determined that the user is at a relatively far distance from the household appliance 100, certain content items of the first content may take precedence over other content items of the first content, and unprioritized content items may be removed. Such unprioritized content items may include those less useful to the user than prioritized content items, for example, because the user may be less able to see and / or understand such content items. The removed content items may include text, for example, text that the user may be less able to see and / or understand from a distance compared to graphics.

[0091] In one embodiment, sensor data indicates that the user is located at a distance less than a predetermined threshold from the household appliance 100. In some such embodiments, determining the second content includes adding content items to one or more content items of the first content. Thus, if it is determined that the user is relatively close to the household appliance 100, the additional content can be displayed to the user. The user may be able to see and / or understand this additional content because they are close to the household appliance 100, whereas if the user were located further away from the household appliance 100, this additional content might not be easily seen or understood. Displaying additional content to the user when they are relatively close to the household appliance 100 can provide the user with richer and / or more detailed information related to the operation of the household appliance 100.

[0092] In embodiments, determining the second content includes removing a first content item from one or more content items of the first content and adding a different second content item to one or more content items of the first content. For example, the first content item may include more detail and / or be more difficult to see and / or understand from a distance, or vice versa, compared to the second content item. In embodiments, the first content and the second content include the same number of content items, but at least one of these content items is different between the first content and the second content. In alternative embodiments, the first content and the second content include different numbers of content items. In embodiments, the first content and the second content include different numbers of content items, and the first content and the second content also include different content items.

[0093] In an embodiment, each of one or more content items of the first content includes at least a portion of the following: words, graphics, phrases, numbers, letters, and / or alphanumeric characters. Additionally or alternatively, each of one or more content items of the first content may include a combination of these content items. In an embodiment, a content item of the first content includes, for example, a timer displayed in the form of numbers or a clock graphic.

[0094] In one embodiment, the first content includes one or more alphanumeric characters, and determining the second content includes removing one or more alphanumeric characters from the first content and adding graphics to the first content. Graphics are easier for a user to see and / or understand than text or numbers, especially from a relatively far distance. Therefore, replacing one or more alphanumeric characters with graphics (which may optionally display information semantically similar to that shown with alphanumeric characters, such as a timer) allows the user to see and / or understand the content even when the user is located relatively far from the household appliance (100 units away). In an alternative embodiment, the first content includes graphics, and determining the second content includes removing the graphics and adding one or more alphanumeric characters. In yet another alternative embodiment, the first content includes a first graphic, and determining the second content includes removing the first graphic and adding a different second graphic.

[0095] In an embodiment, the display device 110 is operable to display first content according to a first value of the display parameters, and to display second content according to different second values ​​of the display parameters. In an embodiment, the display parameters include the height, width, and / or spacing of the displayed content. In an alternative embodiment, the display parameters include the position (e.g., absolute or relative position) of the content displayed on the display device 110. The values ​​of the display parameters can be determined based on the user's position relative to the household appliance 100. Thus, the content to be displayed and how the content is displayed can depend on the user's position relative to the household appliance 100. For example, if the user is located at a distance greater than a predetermined threshold distance from the household appliance 100, one or more content items can be removed from the first content, and the remaining content items can be displayed at a larger size and / or spacing. This allows the user to more easily view and / or understand the remaining content. Similarly, if the user is located at a distance less than a predetermined threshold distance from the household appliance 100, one or more content items can be added to the first content, and the content (including the new content items) can be displayed at a smaller size and / or spacing.

[0096] In this embodiment, the second content is determined based on the operating state of the household appliance 100. For example, if the household appliance 100 includes an oven, the oven temperature can be displayed when the oven is in a 'preheating' state, while when the oven has been heated and is in a 'cooking' state, the oven temperature is not displayed, and instead, the time until the cooking operation is completed is displayed. In this way, the displayed content can be adapted to different operating states of the household appliance 100.

[0097] In this embodiment, the values ​​of the displayed parameters are determined based on the operating state of the household appliance 100. For example, in the case where the household appliance 100 includes an oven, when the oven is in a 'preheating' state, the oven temperature can be displayed in a prominent position and / or in a relatively large size, while the time until the oven is fully heated can be displayed in a less prominent position and / or in a relatively small size. However, when the oven is in a 'cooking' state, the time until the cooking operation is completed can be displayed in a more prominent position and / or in a relatively large size, while the oven temperature can be displayed in a less prominent position and / or in a relatively small size.

[0098] In one embodiment, the second content comprises multiple content items, and the display device 110 displays multiple content items of the second content simultaneously. That is, all content items of the multiple content items of the second content can be displayed at once (i.e., simultaneously), rather than sequentially in a scrolling manner, which only displays a portion of the multiple content items at a given time. In other words, in this embodiment, the multiple content items of the second content are displayed in a non-scrolling manner. This allows the household appliance 100 to display content to the user more efficiently and provides an improved user experience because the user does not have to wait for specific content to appear on the display device 110. Similarly, the display device 110 can be configured to display multiple content items of the first content simultaneously (e.g., in a non-scrolling manner). In alternative embodiments, the second content and / or multiple content items of the first content are displayed sequentially or in a scrolling manner.

[0099] In one embodiment, sensor equipment 120 is configured to sense the proximity of a user device by receiving wireless signals from the user device. For example, such wireless signals may include BLE signals. In some such embodiments, the user's position relative to the household appliance 100 is determined based on the sensed proximity of the user device. This allows the user's position relative to the household appliance 100 to be inferred without directly detecting the user. This may be less complex and / or less expensive to implement compared to some other embodiments, particularly for household appliances that already have the capability to wirelessly communicate with the user device. In particular, existing sensor equipment can be used for this purpose, rather than requiring new sensors. For example, the appliance can measure the signal strength of received short-range wireless communication signals (such as BLE signals) and infer the relative position of the user device based on the signal strength. For example, the appliance or a server communicating with the appliance can identify identification information transmitted in BLE signals from one or more user devices and measure the signal strength of the identified one or more user devices. If more than one user device is present near the appliance, or if more than one identified user device is present near the appliance, the appliance (or server, as appropriate) can determine the display of second content based on the location of the nearest user device. In an alternative embodiment, sensor equipment 120 is configured to sense the user's location directly, rather than sensing the user's location via user equipment. If there is more than one user near the device, the device (or server, as appropriate) can determine to display second content based on the location of the nearest user that the equipment can sense.

[0100] Figure 5 A method 500 for operating a household appliance according to an embodiment is shown. Method 500 can be used to operate the appliance described above. Figures 1 to 3 The described household appliance 100 includes a communication unit 205. The communication unit 205 is operable to transmit signals via a network to monitor the household appliance 100 via a user output interface 235 of a user equipment 230. The household appliance 100 includes a sensor assembly 120. The sensor assembly 120 is configured to generate sensor data indicating the position of a user relative to the household appliance 100. In an embodiment, method 500 is performed at least in part by a controller 310. That is, the controller 310 is configured to perform at least some of the steps of method 500.

[0101] In step 510, sensor data is received from sensor equipment 120. The sensor data indicates the user's position relative to household appliance 100.

[0102] In step 520, the communication unit 205 transmits a signal via the network. This signal is operable to trigger control of the output of the user output interface 235 of the user equipment 230 based on the user's position relative to the household appliance 100.

[0103] In this way, the output of the user output interface 235 of the user device 230 can be controlled based on the user's position relative to the household appliance 100. This provides an improved user experience, for example, by enabling the user to monitor the household appliance 100 via the user device 230 when the user is in a location where they cannot directly monitor the household appliance 100. Therefore, the user does not need to remain near the household appliance 100 to monitor it. Instead, the user can move away from the household appliance 100, for example, to a location where the user does not easily (or even cannot) see the household appliance 100, and the user can continue to monitor the household appliance 100 via their user device 230. This also provides improved operation of the household appliance 100, for example, in terms of reliability, performance, and / or security, because the user can continue to monitor the household appliance 100 regardless of their position relative to the household appliance 100.

[0104] In one embodiment, the communication unit 205 transmits signals based on the user's position relative to the home appliance 100. For example, the communication unit 205 may transmit a signal in response to determining that the user is outside a predetermined area of ​​the environment of the home appliance 100 (e.g., determining that the user is not near the home appliance 100). Such a signal, received by the server or directly by the user device 230, can then trigger control of the output of the user output interface 235 of the user device 230. In an alternative embodiment, the communication unit 205 can transmit signals regardless of the user's position relative to the home appliance 100. For example, the communication unit 205 may continuously or periodically transmit a signal to the server indicating the user's position relative to the home appliance 100. The server can then determine whether and / or how to control the user output interface 235 of the user device 230 based on the user's position relative to the home appliance 100 indicated by the signal. The server can then send instructions to the user device 230 to control the output of the user output interface 235 accordingly.

[0105] In one embodiment, the household appliance 100 includes a display device 110 operable to display content for a user to view. In some such embodiments, sensor data indicates that the user cannot view and / or understand the content displayed via the display device 110. Therefore, when it is determined that the user cannot view and / or understand the content displayed via the display device 110 of the household appliance 100, the output of the user output interface 235 of the user device 230 is controlled to allow the user to monitor the household appliance 100 via their user device 230. This improves the user experience and / or enhances the functionality of the household appliance 100 by allowing the user to monitor the household appliance 100 via the user device 230 when the user cannot view and / or understand the content displayed via the display device 110 of the household appliance 100.

[0106] In one embodiment, the user output interface 235 of the user equipment 230 includes a display device operable to display content. In some such embodiments, signals are operable to control the content displayed by the display device. The displayed content may be related to monitoring the home appliance 100. For example, the displayed content may include a timer associated with the home appliance 100. In an alternative embodiment, the user output interface 235 includes a speaker operable to output audio content, such as audio content related to monitoring the home appliance 100.

[0107] In this embodiment, sensor data indicates that the user is located at a distance greater than a predetermined threshold distance from the household appliance 100. For example, the predetermined threshold distance could be 5 meters. As other examples, depending on the circumstances, the predetermined threshold could be 4 meters, 6 meters, or other suitable distances. Thus, when it is determined that the user is located relatively far from the household appliance 100, control of the output of the user output interface 235 of the user device 230 can be triggered. If the user is located at a distance greater than the predetermined threshold distance from the household appliance 100, the user may not be able to clearly see the household appliance 100, and / or may not be able to see and / or understand the content displayed on the household appliance 100 itself. Therefore, control of the output of the user output interface 235 of the user device 230 can be triggered so that the user can monitor the household appliance 100 even when the user is located relatively far from the household appliance 100.

[0108] In one embodiment, sensor data indicates that an obstacle is located between the user and the household appliance 100. If an obstacle is located between the user and the household appliance 100, the user may be less able to see the household appliance 100 and / or less able to see and / or understand the content displayed on the household appliance 100. Therefore, control of the output of the user output interface 235 of the user device 230 may be triggered so that the user can monitor the household appliance 100 even when an obstacle is located between the user and the household appliance 100. In an alternative embodiment, sensor data indicates that the user is located behind the household appliance 100 and therefore may not be able to see the display device positioned in front of the household appliance 100. In an alternative embodiment, sensor data indicates that the user is not located in the same environment (e.g., a room) as the household appliance 100.

[0109] In one embodiment, sensor data indicates that the user is located at a distance less than a predetermined threshold from the home appliance 100. Thus, when it is determined that the user is relatively close to the home appliance 100, control of the output of the user output interface 235 of the user device 230 can be triggered. In some such embodiments, control of the output of the user output interface 235 of the user device 230 may include turning off the display of the user device 230 or causing the user device 230 to stop providing specific user outputs. Therefore, the user output interface 235 of the user device 230 can only provide outputs related to monitoring the home appliance 100 when it is determined that the user is relatively far from the home appliance 100 or otherwise cannot easily see all or part of the home appliance 100. When the user is located near the home appliance 100 and can easily view, for example, the display device 110 of the home appliance 100, monitoring via the user device 230 is no longer necessary, and the user output interface 235 of the user device 230 can be controlled accordingly, for example, to turn off the display of the user device 230, thereby saving energy.

[0110] In one embodiment, the signal is operable to cause the user output interface 235 of the user equipment 230 to provide a predetermined output. In another embodiment, the predetermined output is associated with monitoring the home appliance 100 via the user output interface 235. This allows the user to monitor the home appliance 100 based on the user's position relative to the home appliance 100 via the user output interface 235 of the user equipment 230. In another embodiment, the predetermined output indicates operational information for the home appliance 100. In another embodiment, the operational information includes one or more of the following: the status of the home appliance 100, one or more operating parameters of the home appliance 100, the operating procedure of the home appliance 100, one or more settings of the home appliance 100, and the value of a timer of the home appliance 100. In another embodiment, the predetermined output depends on the operating state of the home appliance 100. For example, the user output interface 235 may provide a first output when the home appliance 100 is in a 'preheating' state and a second output when the home appliance 100 is in a 'cooking' state.

[0111] In an embodiment, the signal is operable to cause the user output interface 235 of the user equipment 230 to stop providing a predetermined output. For example, if the user output interface 235 includes a display device, the display device can be 'turned off,' for example, to stop providing the displayed output, thereby saving energy of the user equipment 230.

[0112] In one embodiment, communication unit 205 is configured to transmit signals to a server. The server may be configured to control the user output interface 235 of user equipment 230 based on the received signals, for example, to instruct user equipment 230 to provide specific outputs via user output interface 235. In an alternative embodiment, communication unit 205 is configured to transmit signals directly to user equipment 230, for example, via Bluetooth.

[0113] In one embodiment, sensor equipment 120 is configured to sense the proximity of user equipment 230 based on wireless signals (e.g., Bluetooth signals) received from user equipment 230. In some such embodiments, the user's position relative to the household appliance 100 is determined based on the sensed proximity of the user equipment 230. This allows the user's position relative to the household appliance 100 to be inferred without directly detecting the user. This may be less complex and / or less expensive to implement compared to some other embodiments, particularly for household appliances that already have the capability to communicate wirelessly with the user equipment. In particular, existing sensor equipment can be used for this purpose, rather than requiring new sensors. For example, the appliance can measure the signal strength of BLE signals received from the identified user equipment and infer the relative position of the known user equipment based on the signal strength. Identification data included in the BLE signals from nearby devices can be matched with known identification data stored in the appliance or a server to identify known devices, such as those registered in the server as belonging to the owner or user of the appliance. The identification data can be, for example, the device's MAC address or other suitable ID. The appliance can then directly transmit signals that trigger control of outputs to the user output interface to the identified device. Alternatively, the appliance may transmit a signal that triggers control over the output of a user interface along with identification data of the identified device to a server, allowing the server to control the output of the correct user device. If more than one identified user device is present in the vicinity of the appliance, the appliance may transmit a signal to trigger control over the output of the user output interface of each of the known user devices. For example, the signal strength and corresponding identification data of each of the known user devices may be sent to the server, which may then determine how to control the user output interface of each of the known user devices. In other embodiments, different signals may be sent to the server or one or more of the different user devices based on the inferred location of the different user devices relative to the appliance. For example, a signal may be transmitted to the server or the associated known user device in response to determining that a user device has moved outside a predetermined area, or if the user device was previously outside the predetermined area, has moved inside the predetermined area. In yet another embodiment, the appliance may only measure the signal strength of signals from user devices (that are registered as primary or preferred user devices of a user associated with the appliance) and only transmit signals to trigger control over the output of the user output interface of that user device. In an alternative embodiment, sensor equipment 120 is configured to sense the user's location directly, rather than sensing the user's location via a user device. If the sensor equipment directly senses the user's location, the server and / or appliance may decide to trigger control of the output of the user output interface of the user device (which is registered to be associated with a user registered with the appliance).For example, a server and / or appliance can trigger control of the user output interface of the last user device used to interact with the appliance or a known user device located near the appliance, based on location data received from the user device.

[0114] If the device also includes a short-range wireless communication unit, then in addition to sensor equipment that directly senses the user's location, the device or server can combine data from the sensors and the wireless communication unit to determine which user device to trigger the output.

[0115] In one embodiment, sensor data indicates the presence or absence of user device 230 within a predefined area of ​​the environment of home appliance 100. The predefined area may include, for example, an area in front of home appliance 100 and within a predetermined distance of home appliance 100. In an alternative embodiment, the predefined area includes an area within a predetermined distance of home appliance 100 but extending in every direction around home appliance 100. If user device 230 is present in the predefined area, it can be determined that a user can directly monitor home appliance 100, for example, via display device 110 of home appliance 100. Therefore, it is not necessary to enable a user to monitor home appliance 100 via user device 230. However, if user device 230 is not present in the predefined area, it can be determined that a user cannot (or cannot easily) directly monitor home appliance 100. In one embodiment, a signal is operable to trigger control of the output of user output interface 235 in response to sensor data indicating the absence of user device 230 in the predefined area. This allows a user to monitor home appliance 100 via user device 230 when it is unlikely that the user can directly monitor home appliance 100.

[0116] In one embodiment, the communication unit 205 transmits signals based on the operating state of the household appliance 100. For example, the communication unit 205 may transmit signals when the household appliance 100 is in a 'cooking' state, but not when the household appliance 100 is in a 'preheating' state. Therefore, the remote monitoring process can be adapted to different operating states of the household appliance 100. For example, in the 'cooking' state, the user can monitor the household appliance 100 via the user device 230, for example, to avoid overcooking food, which may be considered more important and / or more useful. On the other hand, in the 'preheating' state, the user can monitor the household appliance 100 via the user device 230, which may be considered less important and / or less useful, and therefore monitoring via the user device 230 can be selectively disabled to save energy and / or processing resources. In an alternative embodiment, the communication unit 205 can transmit signals regardless of the operating state of the household appliance 100, but the output of the user output interface 235 of the user device 230 is controlled based on the operating state of the household appliance 100 (e.g., by a server). In another alternative embodiment, the output of the user output interface 235 is controlled independently of the operating state of the household appliance 100.

[0117] Figure 6a and Figure 6b A display device 110 of a household appliance 100 according to an embodiment is illustrated schematically. For example, the display device 110 may include an LCD screen. Figure 6a In the first state, the display device 110 operates, and... Figure 6b In the second state, the display device 110 operates.

[0118] The display device 110 can transition from a first state to a second state and / or from a second state to a first state based on the sensed position of the user relative to the household appliance 100, as referenced above. Figure 4 As described. For example, display device 110 may transition from a first state to a second state in response to determining that a user is located at a distance greater than a predetermined threshold distance from home appliance 100. Similarly, display device 110 may transition from a second state to a first state in response to determining that a user is located at a distance less than a predetermined threshold distance from home appliance 100. In embodiments, display device 110 transitions from a first state to a second state and / or from a second state to a first state based on control signals received from controller 310 of home appliance 100.

[0119] exist( Figure 6aIn the first state (as shown), the display device 110 displays first content 610. The first content 610 consists of a plurality of first content items 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, and 616. Each item in the first content 610 may include at least a portion of graphics, text, animation, alphanumeric characters, words, phrases, etc. Although Figure 6a Six content items are shown, but it should be understood that the first content 610 may include any number of content items (including only a single content item).

[0120] exist( Figure 6b In the second state (as shown), the display device 110 displays second content 620. The second content 620 is displayed at the location of the first content 610 (i.e., replacing the first content). The second content 620 consists of a plurality of second content items 611, 612, and 622. Thus, in this example, when transitioning from the first state to the second state, some content items 613, 614, 615, and 616 are removed from the first content 610, and a new content item 622 is added. In this embodiment, one or more of the removed content items 613, 614, 615, and 616 include text, and the added content item 622 includes graphics. Compared to text, graphics are easier for a user to see and / or understand from a distance. In other examples, when transitioning from the first state to the second state, some content items of the first content 610 may be removed without adding any new content items. Similarly, when transitioning from the second state to the first state, content item 622 is removed from the second content 620, and content items 613, 614, 615, and 616 are added.

[0121] exist Figure 6a and Figure 6b In the illustrated embodiment, the second content 620 includes fewer content items compared to the first content 610. Additionally, the content items of the second content 620 are displayed with increased height, width, and / or spacing compared to the content items of the first content 610. This makes the second content 620 easier for a user to see and / or understand (e.g., from a relatively greater distance) compared to the first content 610. Furthermore, displaying the second content 620 with increased height, width, and / or spacing can be enabled because the second content 620 includes fewer content items compared to the first content 610. That is, removing some content items from the first content 610 increases the available space on the display device 110 for displaying the remaining content items. In an alternative embodiment, the content items of the second content 620 and the content items of the first content 610 are displayed with the same height, width, and / or spacing. Although Figure 6bThree content items are shown, but it should be understood that the second content 620 may include any number of content items compared to the first content 610, and / or the second content 620 may include the same number or different number of content items.

[0122] Figure 7 A method 700 for operating a household appliance according to an embodiment is shown. Method 700 can be used to operate the appliance described above. Figures 1 to 3 The described household appliance 100 includes a display device 110. In an embodiment, method 700 is performed at least in part by controller 310. That is, controller 310 is configured to perform at least some of the steps of method 700.

[0123] At item 710, the distance between the user and the household appliance 100 is determined. This distance can be determined based on sensor data generated, for example, by one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may be located on the household appliance 100 or at a location separate from the household appliance 100. In response to determining that the user is less than 40 centimeters (cm) from the household appliance 100, at item 720, the display device 110 displays a 'close-up view'. The 'close-up view' includes multiple first content items, such as graphics, text, numbers, etc. In response to determining that the user is between 40 cm and 100 cm from the household appliance 100, at item 730, the display device 110 displays an 'intermediate view'. Compared to the 'close-up view', the 'intermediate view' includes fewer content items and / or different content items. In response to determining that the user is greater than 100 cm from the household appliance, at item 740, the display device 110 displays a 'far-view view'. Compared to the 'intermediate view', the 'far-view view' includes fewer content items and / or different content items. For example, a 'distant view' may include only a single content item. Therefore, the content displayed by the display device 110 can be adjusted based on the user's position relative to the appliance 100. For instance, as the user moves further away from the appliance 100, content items with relatively lower priority and / or that might be more difficult for the user to see and / or understand from a distance can be removed from the displayed content, while content items with relatively higher priority and / or that are easier to see and / or understand from a distance can be retained. In this way, the displayed content is tailored to the user's position relative to the appliance 100.

[0124] It should be understood that in other embodiments, different distances can be used as thresholds for controlling the display device 110. Furthermore, in Figure 7In the example shown, although display device 110 is operable to display three distance-related 'views', it should be understood that in other embodiments, display device 110 may be operable to display more or fewer than three 'views'. For example, in some embodiments, a single threshold distance (e.g., 100 cm) is used, and display device 110 is operable to display a 'close-up view' or a 'distant view', depending on whether it is determined that the user is located at a distance greater than or less than the threshold distance from the household appliance 100. The 'close-up view' and 'distant view' may, for example, correspond to... Figure 6a and Figure 6b The first and second states of the display device 110 are shown. In other embodiments, two or more different thresholds are used.

[0125] It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any embodiment and / or aspect may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment and / or aspect or any combination of any other embodiment and / or aspect.

[0126] In embodiments of this disclosure, household appliance 100 includes a controller 310. The controller 310 is configured to perform the various methods described herein. In embodiments, the controller includes a processing system. Such a processing system may include one or more processors and / or memory. Each device, component, or function described with respect to any example described herein (e.g., server 220, user equipment 230, sensor assembly 120, display device 110, and communication unit 205) may similarly include a processor or may be included in a device including a processor. One or more aspects of the embodiments described herein include processes performed by the device. In some examples, the device includes one or more processors configured to perform these processes. In this respect, embodiments may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored in (non-transitory) memory and executable by a processor, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware). Embodiments also extend to computer programs suitable for putting the above embodiments into practice, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier.

[0127] The processing system may include one or more processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU). The processors may include a graphics processing unit (GPU). The processors may include one or more of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processors may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Those skilled in the art will understand that many other types of devices besides the examples provided can be used to provide one or more processors. The processors may include multiple processors located in the same location or multiple processors located in different locations. Operations performed by the processors may be performed by one or more of hardware, firmware, and software. It should be understood that the processing system may include more, fewer, and / or different components than those described.

[0128] The techniques described herein can be implemented in software or hardware, or using a combination of software and hardware. They can include devices configured to perform and / or support any or all of the techniques described herein. Although at least some aspects of the examples described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings include computer processes executed in a processing system or processor, the examples described herein also extend to computer programs suitable for putting the foregoing examples into practice (e.g., computer programs on or in a carrier). A carrier can be any entity or device capable of carrying a program. A carrier can include computer-readable storage media. Examples of tangible computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, optical media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or Blu-ray discs), flash memory cards, floppy disks, or hard disks, or any other medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions (such as firmware or microcode) in at least one ROM or RAM or programmable ROM (PROM) chip.

[0129] In the foregoing description, any integers or elements mentioned that have known, obvious, or foreseeable equivalents are also included herein as if they had been listed separately. The true scope of this disclosure should be determined with reference to the claims, which should be construed as covering any such equivalents. The reader will also understand that integers or features described in this disclosure as preferred, advantageous, convenient, or otherwise similarly expressed are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that while such optional integers or features may be beneficial in some embodiments of this disclosure, they may not be ideal or therefore may not be present in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A household appliance, comprising: A display device, operable to display first content including one or more content items; A sensor device configured to generate sensor data indicating the user's position relative to the household appliance; as well as The controller is configured as follows: Receive sensor data from the sensor equipment; Based on the user's position relative to the household appliance as indicated by the sensor data, a second content to be displayed by the display device is determined, wherein determining the second content includes adding content items to one or more content items of the first content and / or removing content items from one or more content items of the first content; as well as To cause the display device to display the second content.

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, in, The sensor data indicates the change in the user's position relative to the household appliance, and The controller is configured to determine the second content in response to receiving sensor data indicating a change in the user's position relative to the household appliance.

3. The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, in, The sensor data indicates that the user is located at a distance greater than a predetermined threshold from the household appliance, and Determining the second content includes removing content items from one or more content items of the first content.

4. The household appliance according to claim 1 or claim 2, in, The sensor data indicates that the user is located at a distance less than a predetermined threshold from the household appliance, and Determining the second content includes adding content items to one or more content items of the first content.

5. The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, Determining the second content includes removing a first content item from one or more content items of the first content and adding a different second content item to one or more content items of the first content.

6. The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of one or more content items of the first content includes at least a portion of the following: words, graphics, phrases, numbers, letters and / or alphanumeric characters.

7. The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, in, The first content includes one or more alphanumeric characters, and The determination of the second content includes removing one or more alphanumeric characters from the first content and adding graphics to the first content.

8. The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, in, The display device is operable to display the first content according to a first value of the display parameters, and The controller is configured to cause the display device to display the second content based on different second values ​​of the display parameter.

9. The household appliance according to claim 8, wherein, These display parameters include the height, width, and / or spacing of the displayed content.

10. The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, in, The second content consists of multiple content items, and The controller is configured to enable the display device to simultaneously display multiple content items of the second content.

11. The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The controller is configured to determine the second content based on the operating status of the household appliance.

12. The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor equipment includes a proximity sensor.

13. The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor equipment includes an infrared sensor.

14. The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, in, The sensor is configured to sense the proximity of the user equipment by receiving wireless signals from the user equipment, and The controller is configured to determine the user's position relative to the household appliance based on the sensed proximity of the user's device.

15. A household appliance, comprising: A display device, operable to display first content including one or more content items; as well as The controller is configured as follows: Receive sensor data from the sensor equipment, which indicates the user's position relative to the household appliance; Based on the user's position relative to the household appliance as indicated by the sensor data, a second content to be displayed by the display device is determined, wherein determining the second content includes adding content items to one or more content items of the first content and / or removing content items from one or more content items of the first content; as well as To cause the display device to display the second content.

16. A system comprising: Household appliances; A display device, operable to display first content including one or more content items; A sensor device configured to generate sensor data indicating the user's position relative to the household appliance; as well as The controller is configured as follows: Receive sensor data from the sensor equipment; Based on the user's position relative to the household appliance as indicated by the sensor data, a second content to be displayed by the display device is determined, wherein determining the second content includes adding content items to one or more content items of the first content and / or removing content items from one or more content items of the first content; as well as To cause the display device to display the second content.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein, The household appliance includes one or more of the following: the display device, the sensor assembly, and the controller.

18. A method of operating a household appliance, the household appliance including a display device operable to display first content comprising one or more content items, the method comprising: Receive sensor data from the sensor equipment, which indicates the user's position relative to the household appliance; Based on the user's position relative to the household appliance as indicated by the sensor data, a second content to be displayed by the display device is determined, wherein determining the second content includes adding content items to one or more content items of the first content and / or removing content items from one or more content items of the first content; as well as To cause the display device to display the second content.

19. A computer program including an instruction set, which, when executed by a computerized device, causes the computerized device to perform a method of operating a household appliance, the household appliance including a display device operable to display first content comprising one or more content items, the method comprising: Receive sensor data from the sensor equipment, which indicates the user's position relative to the household appliance; Based on the user's position relative to the household appliance as indicated by the sensor data, a second content to be displayed by the display device is determined, wherein determining the second content includes adding content items to one or more content items of the first content and / or removing content items from one or more content items of the first content; as well as To cause the display device to display the second content.

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