Method and system for achieving target cleaning performance with a household appliance
By establishing benchmarks and basic models and adjusting the configuration parameters of household appliances, the problem of inconsistent cleaning performance between different brands of appliances was solved, achieving the target cleaning performance on existing appliances and improving cleaning effect and energy efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HENKEL KGAA
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
The cleaning performance of existing household appliances is affected by differences in manufacturers and models, resulting in inconsistent cleaning effects between different brands of appliances. It is difficult for users to achieve the target cleaning performance without replacing the appliances.
By establishing benchmark and basic models, and based on the functional relationships of multiple parameters, the configuration parameters of household appliances are adjusted to achieve the same cleaning performance as the reference appliance, including the optimization of the items to be treated, appliance settings, and treatment agent parameters.
It enables the adjustment of parameters on different brands of appliances to achieve the same cleaning performance, overcoming hardware limitations, improving cleaning effect and energy efficiency, and reducing CO2 emissions.
Smart Images
Figure CN122396980A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of methods for improving the cleaning performance of household appliances, and in particular to ensuring that a target cleaning performance is achieved using household appliances, and that the cleaning performance is comparable to that achievable using household appliances from other brands. Background Technology
[0002] Home appliances (such as washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, and irons) typically include several preset programs. Users can select the most suitable program to perform a processing cycle on the items to be cleaned, dried, or ironed. Although the number of available programs or preset settings has increased, users are provided with fixed parameter values based on the appliance manufacturer's assumptions about the results of the processing cycle, or they need to set all parameters individually without the technical expertise required to understand whether their selection is correct.
[0003] The applicant describes a method for optimizing the selection of cleaning parameters to achieve target cleaning performance in its patent publication WO2021 / 078941 A1. According to this document, cleaning performance can be mathematically modeled using a function (typically a polynomial function of multiple variables) that considers multiple parameters affecting the cleaning process (to name a few, such as washing temperature, cleaning duration, amount of detergent, and washing load).
[0004] This modeling allows users to adjust cleaning parameters to achieve desired cleaning performance and also provides in-depth understanding of the cleaning performance achievable with a given set of cleaning parameters.
[0005] Despite the advantages of this approach, there remains a strong dependency between the achievable cleaning performance and the type of household appliance used to perform the cleaning task.
[0006] For example, in the case of washing machines, differences in the technology used in appliances from different manufacturers result in varying stain removal performance. This is influenced by factors such as the water supply system, circulation, drum geometry and design, sensors within the appliance used to monitor and regulate the cleaning process, and available pre-stored cleaning programs. For cheaper models, when using the same amount of detergent and performing a cleaning program comparable to other brands, the appliance's mechanical limitations can lead to residue and less satisfactory cleaning performance during stain removal.
[0007] Similar observations emerge in the case of dishwashers. Technological differences between models and manufacturers of these appliances lead to variations in achievable performance. These technological differences include: different pump dynamics, spray arm geometry and design, basket structure, sensors used in the appliance, and pre-stored programs.
[0008] The solution provided by the applicant in WO2021 / 078941 A1 does not teach how to enable any user to achieve a certain level of cleaning performance, regardless of the model / brand of the appliance used to perform the cleaning process.
[0009] For the reasons mentioned above, we are seeking methods to achieve the desired cleaning performance using household appliances. Summary of the Invention
[0010] To address the aforementioned needs, this invention provides a method for achieving target processing performance using household appliances, the method comprising: - Obtain at least one master model for at least one reference appliance, the at least one master model establishing a relationship between different sets of reference configuration parameter values for a processing cycle and achievable processing performance values, wherein the different sets of reference configuration parameters include at least one parameter related to the setting of the processing cycle of the reference appliance, at least one parameter related to the item to be processed, and at least one parameter related to the processing agent allocated during the processing cycle in the at least one reference appliance; - A basic model is obtained for a household appliance, which establishes a relationship between different sets of configuration parameter values for a processing cycle and achievable processing performance values, wherein the different sets of configuration parameters include at least one parameter related to the setting of the processing cycle of the household appliance, at least one parameter related to the item to be processed, and at least one parameter related to the processing agent allocated during the processing cycle in the household appliance. - Obtain the value of at least one parameter related to the item to be processed; - To achieve the first target processing performance to be achieved by the processing cycle operated by the household appliance; - Identify at least one set of suitable reference configuration parameter values using a benchmark model, the at least one set of suitable reference configuration parameter values including the value of at least one parameter obtained in relation to the item to be processed, and suitable for achieving a first target processing performance value that differs from the highest achievable first target processing performance value by less than a first preset amount; - Identify at least one set of acceptable configuration parameter values using a base model, the at least one set of acceptable configuration parameter values including the value of at least one parameter obtained in relation to the item to be processed, and suitable for achieving one of the following: a first target processing performance value, a processing performance value higher than the first target processing performance value, and a target processing performance value that differs from the first target processing performance value by less than a second preset amount; - Compare suitable reference configuration parameter values with acceptable configuration parameter values; and - Based on the comparison, a set of recommended configuration parameter values is determined from the acceptable configuration parameter values. The recommended configuration parameter values include at least one parameter value that matches a suitable reference configuration parameter value, or a parameter value that differs from a suitable reference configuration parameter value by less than a predetermined amount.
[0011] This invention provides a means of adjusting the performance of a processing cycle without being constrained by the brand / model type and specific limitations of a given appliance. The principle of this invention relies on observations of how many different parameters affect the performance of a processing cycle: some parameters are related to the appliance itself, such as the pre-stored program run by the appliance, the applied temperature, drum rotation, the duration of the processing cycle, the nature of the drum, and the technique used to perform the processing cycle. Other parameters are related to the items to be processed. In the case of a washing machine, these may include, for example, the type of stain, fabric type, wash load, item size, and item color. Other parameters are related to the processing agent used, such as the detergent, detergent type, dispensing time, and dispensing amount. Variations in all these parameters result in different processing performance. The term "processing performance" can generally include ratings indicating the cleanliness of the items to be processed, the energy efficiency of the processing cycle, the CO2 emissions of the appliance during the processing cycle, and the cost of energy used during the processing cycle.
[0012] The interdependencies of all these parameters that achieve different processing performance values can be modeled as a function of the different input parameters and the output processing performance value. Multi-dimensional graphical representations can be obtained based on different tested and measured data points. The function can be derived from experimental data points using known interpolation methods.
[0013] This invention includes the step of establishing at least one reference model. For example, this can be based on a thoroughly documented household appliance model, or a household appliance model that includes the highest number of different options and can span a wide range of processing performance values. More than one reference model may also be obtained. No selection criteria are required for the reference appliance used to establish / obtain at least one reference model.
[0014] A model of a household appliance used by a user implementing the method of the present invention was also obtained.
[0015] The processing performance is selected based on the running processing cycle and the desired results. Fixed inputs are provided, particularly information related to the items to be processed, such as the washing load in an instance of a washing machine performing a cleaning cycle, and any other information optionally present related to the items to be cleaned. In the prior art, these parameters are typically selected by the user on the user interface of the home appliance. Such information can also be similarly collected in this invention, or provided by the user in another manner on another data processing device (such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet).
[0016] Using a first model associated with a reference appliance, for example by determining a set of parameters including a fixed input (which is typically related to the item to be processed) and examining combinations of parameter values that allow for the achievement of the maximum achievable processing performance value, a suitable set of parameter values that can be used to achieve the desired processing performance can be determined. Alternatively, combinations of parameter values that allow for the achievement of a processing performance value higher than a certain value, less than a certain percentage difference from the maximum achievable value, or greater than a certain percentage difference from the minimum achievable value can be sought.
[0017] The same process is performed using a model related to the user's appliances to determine the set of acceptable parameter values. This then generates more than one set of parameter value combinations. Finally, based on the similarity between suitable and acceptable parameter values, the selection of the most suitable combination is determined.
[0018] In order to find the most suitable configuration parameters for a user's home appliances so that the user can expect the same type of processing performance as using a reference appliance (which may be, for example, the best model on the market, but too expensive for the user to replace his current appliance), the method of the present invention provides a means of bridging the differences between home appliance models using the above method.
[0019] According to the implementation plan, the method further includes: - Select the recommended configuration parameters for the processing cycle operated by the household appliance.
[0020] According to the implementation plan, the method further includes: - Obtain information to identify home appliances; - A base model is obtained by selecting a base model from the model database using the information obtained from identifying household appliances.
[0021] It should be noted that a reference model may also be selected, for example, so that users of the method of the present invention can select their preferred type of appliance and try to modify the parameters of their currently owned appliances and / or the parameters related to the cleaning agents used during the treatment cycle in order to achieve similar treatment performance values with their currently owned appliances as with the selected reference appliance.
[0022] According to the implementation plan, the method further includes: - When comparing suitable reference configuration parameter values with acceptable configuration parameter values, select an acceptable set of configuration parameter values that includes one or more parameter values related to the setting of the processing cycle of the appliance, said one or more parameter values matching the corresponding parameter values related to the setting of the processing cycle of the reference appliance among the suitable reference configuration parameter values; - Determine the set of remaining acceptable configuration parameter values within the acceptable configuration parameter values so that the recommended configuration parameter values are associated with processing performance values that are higher than or equal to the first target processing performance value.
[0023] In this method, the present invention attempts to set the parameters of the appliance to values equivalent to those of a reference appliance. Then, other adjustable variables are selected to achieve the desired treatment performance, particularly those related to the treatment agent, such as by changing the amount of detergent dispensed or adjusting the dispensing strategy. Settings (values) of parameters related to the treatment cycle of the household appliance, such as the duration of the treatment cycle, drum rotation, and maximum temperature, can also be adjusted. Combinations of two types of parameter values (values related to the treatment agent and values related to the appliance's treatment cycle) can also be adjusted to achieve the desired treatment performance value.
[0024] According to the implementation plan, the method further includes: - Achieve secondary target processing performance; - Determine the set of remaining acceptable configuration parameter values within the acceptable configuration parameter values, so that the recommended configuration parameter values are associated with a second target processing performance value, the second target processing performance value being less than a third preset amount from the highest achievable second target processing performance value.
[0025] To select a recommended set of configuration parameter values, especially when choosing from multiple acceptable sets of parameter values, the method may also consider a second objective performance criterion to select the set of recommended values. If the first objective processing performance is, for example, a score related to the cleanliness of the items to be processed, the second objective processing performance may be related to CO2 emissions during the processing cycle. Then, advantageously, a set of values that maximizes cleanliness and minimizes CO2 emissions is selected.
[0026] Of course, you can combine more than one and more than two target processing performances to select the set of recommended configuration parameter values.
[0027] According to the implementation plan, the method further includes: - When comparing suitable reference configuration parameter values with acceptable configuration parameter values, select the set of acceptable configuration parameter values that includes the highest number of parameter values that match at least one of the following: - The matching value between the processing cycle setting of the reference appliance in the appropriate reference configuration parameter values and the processing cycle setting of the appliance in the acceptable configuration parameter values. - A matching value between at least one parameter in the appropriate reference configuration parameter values related to the processing agent allocated during the processing cycle in at least one reference appliance and at least one parameter in the acceptable configuration parameter values related to the processing agent allocated during the processing cycle in at least one appliance.
[0028] According to the implementation plan, the different sets of reference configuration parameters and the different sets of configuration parameters include at least two of the following: - Introducing the load of items inside household appliances; - The temperature inside the processing chamber of the household appliance during a processing cycle operated by the household appliance; - The highest temperature inside the processing chamber of the household appliance during a processing cycle operated by the household appliance; - The number of revolutions per second of rotating components in household appliances; - The water hardness value of the water used by household appliances during the treatment cycle; - The degree of dirtiness of the dirt on the item to be treated; - Duration of the processing cycle; - The amount of a type of treatment agent allocated during the treatment cycle.
[0029] According to the implementation plan, the first achievable processing performance and the second achievable processing performance include at least one of the following: - Cleanliness value during the processing cycle; - The amount of residual dirt on the item to be treated; - Indicates the amount of water used during the treatment cycle; - A value indicating the amount of energy consumed during a processing cycle; - Indicates the value of greenhouse gas emissions generated during the treatment cycle; - Duration of the processing cycle; - Indicates the noise level generated by household appliances during the processing cycle; - The temperature reached in the processing chamber of the household appliance during the processing cycle; - The number of revolutions per minute of the drum of the household appliance during the processing cycle.
[0030] The present invention also relates to a system for achieving target processing performance using household appliances, the system comprising: - Home appliances; - A data processing device, the data processing device being able to communicate with a storage medium and being configured to: - get For at least one reference model of at least one reference appliance, the at least one reference model establishes a relationship between different sets of reference configuration parameter values for a processing cycle and achievable processing performance values, wherein the different sets of reference configuration parameters include at least one parameter related to the setting of the processing cycle of the reference appliance, at least one parameter related to the item to be processed, and at least one parameter related to the processing agent allocated during the processing cycle in the at least one reference appliance; and For a basic model of a household appliance, the basic model establishes a relationship between different sets of configuration parameter values for the processing cycle and achievable processing performance values, wherein the different sets of configuration parameters include at least one parameter related to the setting of the processing cycle of the household appliance, at least one parameter related to the item to be processed, and at least one parameter related to the processing agent allocated during the processing cycle in the household appliance. - Obtain the value of at least one parameter related to the item to be processed; - To achieve the first target processing performance to be achieved by the processing cycle operated by the household appliance; - Identify at least one set of suitable reference configuration parameter values using a benchmark model, the at least one set of suitable reference configuration parameter values including the value of at least one parameter obtained in relation to the item to be processed, and suitable for achieving a first target processing performance value that differs from the highest achievable first target processing performance value by less than a first preset amount; - Identify at least one set of acceptable configuration parameter values using a base model, the at least one set of acceptable configuration parameter values including the value of at least one parameter obtained in relation to the item to be processed, and suitable for achieving one of the following: a first target processing performance value, a processing performance value higher than the first target processing performance value, and a target processing performance value that differs from the first target processing performance value by less than a second preset amount; - Compare suitable reference configuration parameter values with acceptable configuration parameter values; and - Based on the comparison, a set of recommended configuration parameter values is determined from the acceptable configuration parameter values. The recommended configuration parameter values include at least one parameter value that matches a suitable reference configuration parameter value, or a parameter value that differs from a suitable reference configuration parameter value by less than a predetermined amount.
[0031] In other words, the system is configured to implement the method described above.
[0032] According to the implementation plan, the system also includes: - At least one sensor used to determine at least one configuration parameter value.
[0033] The sensor can be any type of sensor suitable for determining information related to the item being cleaned or the cleaning agent. For example, any known type of camera or optical sensor can be used to determine the quantity of the item to be cleaned, the type of stain, the size and shape of the item, and the type of fabric. Other sensors (such as gas sensors, microphones, accelerometers, and vibration sensors) can also be used to determine patterns that can be associated with the characteristics of the item to be cleaned placed inside the appliance. The type of cleaning agent used and its available quantity are also parameters that can be determined using a sensor.
[0034] According to the implementation plan, the system also includes: - A metering and feeding device configured to be placed inside the processing chamber of a household appliance and to dispense at least one cleaning agent into the processing chamber.
[0035] The metering and feeding device is advantageously not fixed inside the appliance, but operates as a stand-alone unit, typically placed in the rack in the case of a dishwasher, or inside the drum in the case of a washing machine. The metering and feeding device typically includes a hopper for holding detergent, a dispensing mechanism, and some electronic components for controlling the dispensing. The metering and feeding device may also include means for communicating with an external data processing device, or include a data processing device already incorporated therein.
[0036] According to the implementation scheme, the metering and feeding device is configured to dispense an adjustable amount of at least one cleaning agent at an adjustable time during the processing cycle, wherein the adjustable amount and the adjustable time are additional parameter components of at least one parameter relating to the processing agent dispensed during the processing cycle in the household appliance. Attached Figure Description
[0037] The present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the following figures, wherein similar numerals denote similar elements, and: Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 The following is an illustrative representation: a reference appliance and three types of configuration parameters, which can be considered to determine the target processing performance achievable using the reference appliance; and a user appliance and corresponding recommended configuration parameters, which can be determined using models related to the reference appliance and models related to the user appliance. Figure 3 It is a two-dimensional contour plot that shows the achievable target treatment performance (cleanliness) of a reference appliance as a function of detergent weight (in grams) and washing load (in percentage). Figure 4It is a two-dimensional contour plot that shows the achievable target treatment performance (cleanliness) of an appliance (which is not a reference appliance) as a function of detergent weight (in grams) and washing load (in percentage). Figure 5 It is a schematic representation of a system according to an exemplary implementation. Detailed Implementation
[0038] This invention provides a method for achieving processing performance that overcomes any hardware limitations of a user-owned appliance on which processing cycles are performed. The invention typically uses algorithms derived from a database of measurements taken on the appliance to extract the interdependencies between different parameters affecting the performance achievable during a processing cycle.
[0039] This invention can be applied to different types of appliances. It can be particularly applied to dishwashers or washing machines. The following description and related figures focus more specifically on embodiments relating to washing machines, but the methods and related systems of this invention can also be understood to be applicable to other appliances that offer similar parameter adjustment possibilities. The terms "treating cycle," "treatment cycle," and "treatment agent" generally refer to cleaning cycles and cleaning agents.
[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart that highlights some steps of an exemplary method 100 for achieving target processing performance 24 using household appliances.
[0041] This invention identifies three main parameter types that can affect processing performance: - Parameter values 12 related to the item to be treated, which may include information related to the item to be treated, in particular: stain type, item type, item size, dirt load, washing load, item damage condition, textile color, textile type, etc. - Parameter values 11 related to the settings of the processing cycle performed by the appliance, such as processing cycle duration, drum rotation, maximum temperature, number of rinsing cycles, etc. - Parameter values 13 related to the treatment agent allocated during the treatment cycle. These may include the type of treatment agent (and may include more than one treatment agent), the amount of treatment agent allocated, and the allocation time and combination of treatment agents allocated during the treatment cycle.
[0042] The set of these parameter values affects processing performance in complex ways.14 The applicant has described in a previously published text a method for modeling the interactions between parameters that affect processing performance using measurements and by interpolating them with polynomial equations.
[0043] This invention clusters the parameters affecting processing performance into the three categories mentioned above, and compares the achievable performance using a reference appliance with the achievable performance using, for example, a user-owned appliance. This comparison can identify the set of parameters that can be kept the same between the two appliances, as well as the set of parameters that need to be adjusted, so that users of different appliance models, types, or brands can all expect a certain level of processing performance quality.
[0044] This invention uses a reference model 1 that obtains 101 for at least one reference appliance, which, in the context of this invention, is considered capable of achieving treatment performance values that are perceived by the user as high quality. "Quality" may be a rather subjective term, but a value for the quality of the treatment / treating cycle's performance can be given based on user feedback or by measuring the amount of stains or dirt remaining on the cleaned item. Treatment performance may include, for example, any of the following parameters: - Cleanliness value during the processing cycle; - The amount of residual dirt on the item to be treated; - Indicates the amount of water used during the treatment cycle; - A value indicating the amount of energy consumed during a processing cycle; - Indicates the value of greenhouse gas emissions generated during the treatment cycle; - Duration of the processing cycle; - Indicates the noise level generated by household appliances during the processing cycle; - The temperature reached in the processing chamber of the household appliance during the processing cycle; - The number of revolutions per minute of the drum of the household appliance during the processing cycle.
[0045] Reference Model 1 typically establishes a relationship between at least three parameter values (one parameter from each of the three categories outlined above) and the processing performance value 14.
[0046] For the user's owned home appliances, a base model 2 is further obtained. Similar to reference model 1, base model 2 also establishes a relationship between at least three parameter values (one parameter from each of the three categories outlined above) and the processing performance value 14.
[0047] Then, information 22 related to the items to be processed and a first target processing performance 24 are obtained. Information 22 related to the items to be processed corresponds to fixed parameters, at least because some of the parameter values within information 22 are inherent to the processing task set by the user: at least some or all of the items to be processed need to be processed / cleaned. For example, in a washing machine, the washing load can be a fixed parameter. However, it is also conceivable that the method 100 of the present invention may result in intermediate recommendations to remove some clothing to reduce the washing load, or to remove some items that would be considered incompatible with the expected cleaning performance due to, for example, color mismatch or textile type mismatch.
[0048] The first target processing performance 24 can typically be related to the level of cleanliness of the item that the user expects at the end of the processing / cleaning cycle. For example, this can be selected from a range of achievable processing performance values 14 of a reference appliance. The value of the first target processing performance 24 is advantageously a value that utilizes the maximum level of cleanliness achievable by the reference appliance, or a value that differs from that maximum level of cleanliness (e.g., the highest value) by less than a first preset amount (e.g., a relative difference of less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%, or less than 1%).
[0049] The method further includes the following step: using reference model 1 to identify a set of 104 suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) such that they are associated with an achievable processing performance value 14, which is equal to a first target processing performance 24 or differs from that value by less than a first preset amount. Of course, more than one set of suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) can be identified.
[0050] Similarly, the base model 2 is used to identify a set of 105 acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43). This set (or these sets) corresponds to a combination of parameter values associated with an achievable processing performance value 14, which is equal to or differs from a first target processing performance value 24 by a second preset amount, which may advantageously be equal to or selected from the range indicated above for the first preset amount.
[0051] Based on a comparison of a suitable set of reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) with an acceptable set of configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43), method 100 then determines 106 a recommended set of configuration parameter values (51, 22, 53). The recommended set of configuration parameter values (51, 22, 53) corresponds to an acceptable set of configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43) including at least one parameter value that coincides with a value in the suitable set of reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33), particularly a value 13, 31 related to the setting of the processing cycle of the reference appliance or a value 13, 33 related to information about the processing agent distributed during a processing cycle operated by the reference appliance.
[0052] For example, some parameters set on the reference appliance (e.g., parameters of the selected program run by that appliance: maximum temperature, cycle duration, number of rinsing cycles) can be selected to be the same for both the reference appliance and the user's appliance. Then, other adjustable parameter values can be selectively chosen for the user's appliance to compensate for any loss in performance compared to that achieved using the reference appliance. For instance, if the user's appliance is less efficient at removing stains using the same program run on the reference appliance, more treatment agents or different combinations of treatment agents can be selected for that user's appliance.
[0053] Figure 2 A schematic illustration of the method 100 described above is provided. It is assumed that the reference appliance 10 is well-known, and that reference model 1 can be used with respect to the reference appliance 10. The reference model 1 establishes a relationship between a set of configuration parameter values and associated processing performance values 14, the set of configuration parameter values including at least one parameter 11 related to the setting of the processing cycle of the reference appliance 10, at least one parameter 12 related to the item to be processed, and at least one parameter 13 related to the processing agent dispensed during the processing cycle in at least one reference appliance.
[0054] Using fixed washing load information (which corresponds to one or more parameter values 22 related to the items to be treated) and a first target processing performance value 24, reference model 1 is used to determine a set of suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) that allow reference appliance 10 to achieve or at least approach the first target processing performance value 24. The set of suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) specifically includes parameter values 31 that allow the setting of the processing cycle of reference appliance 10 to achieve the first target processing performance value 24, and parameter values 33 related to the processing agent dispensed during the processing cycle.
[0055] Similarly, base model 2 is used to determine acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43), and these are used, based on comparisons with suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33), to determine a set of recommended configuration parameter values (51, 22, 53). The recommended configuration parameter values (51, 22, 53) ideally include the maximum number of configuration parameter values that are identical to the suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33). Any number of identical or substantially identical values still allow method 100 to be used to determine the criteria for utilizing the appliance to perform processing cycles in order to achieve the desired first target processing performance 24.
[0056] Acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43) specifically include parameter value 41, which allows setting the processing cycle of the appliance 20 to achieve the first target processing performance value 24, and parameter value 43, which relates to the processing agent dispensed during the processing cycle. Similarly, recommended configuration parameter values (51, 22, 53) specifically include parameter value 51, which allows setting the processing cycle of the appliance 20 to achieve the first target processing performance value 24, and parameter value 53, which relates to the processing agent dispensed during the processing cycle. Figure 2 As shown, the recommended configuration parameter values (51, 22, 53) typically form a subgroup of the acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43).
[0057] Recommended configuration parameter values (51, 22, 53) can also be selected to maximize the second target processing performance value in the user's appliance 20. For example, remaining parameter values from the determined set of recommended configuration parameter values (51, 22, 53) that do not match the parameter values of the reference appliance 10 can be selected to reduce energy consumption, reduce the carbon footprint of the processing cycle, or reduce the cost associated with operating the processing cycle. Alternatively, different combinations of processing performance values can be selected to choose the optimal set of recommended configuration parameter values (51, 22, 53).
[0058] It should be noted that, in order to determine the optimal recommended configuration parameter values (51, 22, 53), Reference Model 1 and Base Model 2 establish relationships between the groups of the above different configuration parameters and more than one processing performance parameter.
[0059] Figure 3Contour plot 300 provides the achievable processing performance values 241, 242, 243, 244 of the Siemens WM16W540 washing machine as a function of the wash load on the horizontal axis 320 and the amount of detergent (in grams) distributed during the cleaning cycle on the vertical axis 310. As expected, the achievable processing performance value 241 at low load and high distributed detergent dosage is higher than the achievable processing performance 244 at high wash load and lower distributed detergent dosage.
[0060] Will be Figure 3 Contour map 300 and Figure 4 Further comparisons were made using the contour map 400. Figure 4 The contour plot 400 provides a view of the achievable processing performance values 242, 243, 244 of the Bauknecht WA Soft 7F4 washing machine as a function of the washing load on the horizontal axis 320 and the detergent dosage (in grams) distributed during the cleaning cycle on the vertical axis 310. When compared with... Figure 3 When comparing the achievable processing performance values of 241-244 for washing machines, it can be noted that... Figure 4 Contour maps 400 are not allowed. Figure 3 The highest performance value seen is 241. To achieve the same performance value with Bauknecht WA Soft 7F4 as with Siemens WM16W540 for a given washing load, the amount of detergent dispensed must be increased.
[0061] It can also be adjusted to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Other parameters not visible in the simplified two-dimensional image. For example, the maximum temperature reached during the cleaning cycle can be increased, the number of rinsing cycles can be increased, or the washing load can be changed by removing some items to be washed. In practice, Reference Model 1 and Basic Model 2 are generally more... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The simplified contour plot is more complex and represents the dependencies between different configuration parameters across many dimensions and associated processing performance values.
[0062] To generate reference model 1 and base model 2, multiple processing cycles are performed on reference appliances 10 and 20 to generate a graph of data points. Then, models are generated based on these data points using interpolation techniques and, advantageously, predictive analytics tools based on machine learning or deep learning techniques known in the art.
[0063] It can be achieved by means of, for example Figure 5The system 500 is illustrated to implement the method 100 of the present invention. The home appliance 20 can typically be configured by a user selecting settings / parameter values on the user interface of the appliance 20 (e.g., by activating different touchpads or buttons / knobs), or by remotely controlling the appliance 20, for example, using a remote control, smartphone, or any other form of data processing device 530. The data processing device 530 can typically be configured to implement the steps of the method 100 described above, particularly by accessing the reference model 1 and the base model 2 via an external database or a network in the internal memory associated with the data processing device 530. The determination of a suitable set of reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33), an acceptable set of configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43), and a recommended set of configuration parameter values (51, 52, 53) can also be performed using the data processing device 530.
[0064] A portion of the parameter values (in particular, parameter values related to the condition of the item to be processed: washing load, textile type, stain type, item type, item wear condition, pattern on the item, item color) can be determined, for example, using sensors arranged on the data processing device 530, on or in the appliance 20, or as a separate sensor device that transmits the measured values to the data processing device 530.
[0065] Method 100 can also be implemented with increased flexibility because the dispensing of the treatment agent occurs from an independent dispensing device 520 (e.g., such as...). Figure 5 (The washing ball shown). The dispensing device 520 can receive dispensing instructions from the appliance 20 and / or from the data processing device 530. It can also be manually programmed by the user before startup based on recommended configuration parameter values determined by the method 100 described above.
[0066] The method 100 and system 500 described above enable users to achieve treatment performance comparable to that expected on other brands / models of appliances by adjusting specific parameters of the treatment cycle on their appliance 20. Adjustment may involve removing items to be cleaned to reduce the washing load, or removing items that are more suitable for a particular treatment cycle due to incompatibility with other items present in the load (e.g., color difference, stain nature, required treatment intensity, textile type, size). More specifically, adjustment involves the nature of the treatment agent dispensed during the treatment cycle, such as increasing the amount of detergent dispensed or using more than one treatment agent. Alternatively, or in combination with the above adjustments, different choices may occur regarding the settings of the program operated by the appliance, such as increasing the maximum temperature of the treatment cycle, adding one or more rinsing cycles, or increasing the duration of the treatment cycle.
[0067] The aforementioned adjustment is predicted by using the above method 100 of reference model 1 and base model 2.
[0068] The steps of the above embodiments and implementation schemes can be implemented by a processor (such as a computer). A computer program product including the steps of the above methods can be used to implement the method on a computer.
[0069] Computer programs including instructions for implementing the methods of the present invention can be stored on various non-transitory computer-readable storage media. These may include, for example, processors or chips, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), electronic circuits including several processors or chips, hard disk drives, flash memory or SD cards, USB memory sticks, CD-ROMs or DVD-ROMs or Blu-ray discs, or floppy disks.
[0070] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been given in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that one or more exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the various embodiments in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments contemplated herein. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the various embodiments set forth in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method (100) for achieving a target processing performance (24) using a household appliance (20), the method (100) comprising: - For at least one reference appliance (10), at least one benchmark model (1) is obtained (101), the at least one benchmark model (1) establishing a relationship between different sets of reference configuration parameter values for a processing cycle and achievable processing performance values, wherein the different sets of reference configuration parameters include at least one parameter (11) related to the setting of the processing cycle of the reference appliance, at least one parameter (12) related to the item to be processed, and at least one parameter (13) related to the processing agent distributed during the processing cycle in the at least one reference appliance (10); - A basic model (2) is obtained for the household appliance (20), the basic model (2) establishing a relationship between different sets of configuration parameter values for the processing cycle and achievable processing performance values (14), wherein the different sets of configuration parameters include at least one parameter (11) related to the setting of the processing cycle of the household appliance, at least one parameter (12) related to the item to be processed, and at least one parameter (13) related to the processing agent allocated during the processing cycle in the household appliance (20); - Obtain the value (22) of at least one parameter related to the item to be processed as described in (103); - Obtain (103) the first target processing performance (24) to be achieved by the processing cycle to be run by the household appliance (20); - Using the benchmark model (1), at least one set of suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) is identified (104), the at least one set of suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) including the value (22) of at least one parameter related to the item to be processed, and suitable for achieving a value of the first target processing performance (24) that differs from the highest achievable first target processing performance value by less than a first preset amount; - Using the base model (2), at least one set of acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43) is identified (105), the at least one set of acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43) including the value (22) of at least one parameter related to the item to be processed, and is suitable for achieving one of the following: a first target processing performance (24) value, a processing performance higher than the first target processing performance value, and a target processing performance value that differs from the first target processing performance value by less than a second preset amount; - Compare the suitable reference configuration parameter value with the acceptable configuration parameter value; as well as - Based on the comparison, a set of recommended configuration parameter values (51, 52, 53) is determined (106) from the acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43), the recommended configuration parameter values (51, 52, 53) including at least one parameter value that matches the parameter value of the suitable reference configuration parameter value (31, 22, 33), or differs from the suitable reference configuration parameter value (31, 22, 33) by less than a predetermined amount.
2. The method (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: - Select the recommended configuration parameter values (51, 52, 53) for the processing cycle operated by the household appliance (20).
3. The method (100) as described in any of the preceding claims further includes: - Obtain information to identify the household appliance (20); - The base model (2) is obtained by selecting the base model (2) from the model database using the information obtained to identify the household appliance (20).
4. The method (100) as described in any of the preceding claims further includes: - When comparing the suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) with the acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43), select an acceptable set of configuration parameter values that includes one or more parameter values related to the setting of the processing cycle of the appliance, the one or more parameter values matching the corresponding parameter values in the suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) related to the setting of the processing cycle of the reference appliance (10); - Determine a set of remaining acceptable configuration parameter values within the acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43) such that the recommended configuration parameter values (51, 52, 53) are associated with a processing performance value (14) that is higher than or equal to the first target processing performance value (24).
5. The method (100) of claim 4, further comprising: - Achieve secondary target processing performance; - Determine a set of remaining acceptable configuration parameter values within the acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43) such that the recommended configuration parameter values (51, 52, 53) are associated with a second target processing performance value, the second target processing performance value being less than a third preset amount from the highest achievable second target processing performance value.
6. The method (100) as described in any one of claims 4 or 5, further comprising: - When comparing the suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) with the acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43), select the set of acceptable configuration parameter values that includes the highest number of parameter values matching at least one of the following: - The matching value between the processing cycle setting (31) of the reference appliance in the suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) and the processing cycle setting (41) of the appliance in the acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43). - The matching value between at least one parameter (33) of the suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) related to the processing agent allocated during the processing cycle in the at least one reference appliance (10) and at least one parameter (43) of the acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43) related to the processing agent allocated during the processing cycle in the at least one appliance.
7. The method (100) as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the different sets of reference configuration parameters and the different sets of configuration parameters include at least two of the following: - Introduce the load of items inside the said household appliance; - The temperature inside the processing chamber of the household appliance during a processing cycle operated by the household appliance; - The highest temperature inside the processing chamber of the household appliance during a processing cycle operated by the household appliance; - The number of revolutions per second of the rotating element of the household appliance; - The water hardness value of the water used by the household appliance during the processing cycle; - The degree of dirtiness of the dirt on the item to be treated; - The duration of the processing cycle; - The amount of a type of treatment agent allocated during the treatment cycle.
8. The method (100) as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first achievable processing performance and the second achievable processing performance include at least one of the following: - The cleanliness value of the processing cycle; - The amount of residual dirt on the item to be treated; - A value indicating the amount of water used during the treatment cycle; - A value indicating the amount of energy consumed during the processing cycle; - Indicates the value of greenhouse gas emissions generated during the said treatment cycle; - The duration of the processing cycle; - Indicates the value of the noise generated by the household appliance during the processing cycle; - The temperature reached in the processing chamber of the household appliance during the processing cycle; - The number of revolutions per minute of the drum of the household appliance during the processing cycle.
9. A system (500) for achieving a target processing performance (14) using a household appliance (20), the system (500) comprising: - Home appliances (20); - A data processing device (530) capable of communicating with a storage medium and configured to: - get For at least one reference model (1) of at least one reference appliance (10), the at least one reference model (1) establishes a relationship between different sets of reference configuration parameter values for a processing cycle and achievable processing performance values (14), wherein the different sets of reference configuration parameters include at least one parameter (11) related to the setting of the processing cycle of the reference appliance, at least one parameter (12) related to the item to be processed, and at least one parameter (13) related to the processing agent distributed during the processing cycle in the at least one reference appliance (10); and For the basic model (2) of the household appliance (20), the basic model (2) establishes a relationship between different sets of configuration parameter values for the processing cycle and achievable processing performance values (14), wherein the different sets of configuration parameters include at least one parameter (11) related to the setting of the processing cycle of the household appliance, at least one parameter (12) related to the item to be processed, and at least one parameter (13) related to the processing agent allocated during the processing cycle in the household appliance (20); - Obtain the value of at least one parameter related to the item to be processed (22); - To obtain the first target processing performance (24) to be achieved by the processing cycle to be operated by the household appliance (20); - Using the benchmark model (1), at least one set of suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) is identified, the at least one set of suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) including the value (22) of at least one parameter related to the item to be processed, and suitable for achieving a first target processing performance value that differs from the highest achievable first target processing performance value by less than a first preset amount; - Using the base model (2), at least one set of acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43) is identified, the at least one set of acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43) including the value (22) of the obtained at least one parameter related to the item to be processed, and is suitable for achieving one of the following: the first target processing performance value, processing performance higher than the first target processing performance value, and target processing performance value that differs from the first target processing performance value by less than the first preset amount; - Compare the suitable reference configuration parameter values (31, 22, 33) with the acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43); as well as - Based on the comparison, a set of recommended configuration parameter values (51, 52, 53) is determined from the acceptable configuration parameter values (41, 22, 43), wherein the recommended configuration parameter values (51, 52, 53) include at least one parameter value that matches the parameter value of the suitable reference configuration parameter value (31, 22, 33), or differs from the suitable reference configuration parameter value by less than a predetermined amount.
10. The system (500) of claim 9, further comprising: - At least one sensor used to determine at least one configuration parameter value.
11. The system (500) as claimed in any one of claims 9 or 10, further comprising: - A metering feeder (520) configured to be placed inside the processing chamber of the household appliance (20) and to dispense at least one cleaning agent into the processing chamber.
12. The system (500) of claim 11, wherein the metering feeder (520) is configured to dispense an adjustable amount of the at least one cleaning agent at an adjustable time during the processing cycle, the adjustable amount and the adjustable time being additional parameter components of at least one parameter relating to the processing agent dispensed during the processing cycle in the household appliance (20).